Cassandra survives a sizzling Vegas heatwave and finally sees her first Elvis impersonator. Meanwhile, Meredith has a moment: she thought she saw a woman with no arms… but it was just a cold-shoulder shirt. Laugh with us this week! It's a good one! All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support 👕 Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042...
Jun 23, 2025•42 min•Ep. 205
We chat about how much time we actually spend in our cars, from sitting at red lights and waiting to turn left, to crawling through construction traffic and waiting in drive-thru lines. We also talk about how those minutes add up to days each year. We discuss coffee creamers and how we plan to make millions real soon. $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! PLUS, you receive early episode releases and fun gifts! https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Do Not Engage Bu...
Jun 11, 2025•43 min•Ep. 204
One of us now knows the danger of Dry Ice in a closed vehicle. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) . When it “melts,” it doesn’t become a liquid; it sublimates directly into a gas. That means it turns into carbon dioxide gas, which displaces oxygen in the air. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support 👕 Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-2...
Jun 04, 2025•37 min•Ep. 203
What the heck is a WigglyBush!? We dug into America’s $176B landscaping obsession, wild HOA rules (no red mulch?!), and Cass’s yard glow-up thanks to Johnny. From mulch math to HOA drama, we laughed, learned, and maybe judged a lawn or two. Cass even aced the landscaping quiz, and Meredith learned about helicopter seeds. 🌱🎙️ All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support 👕 Buy ...
May 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 202
Can Cassandra guess all the grocery words before time runs out? PLUS, we dish on Costco culture and share some real talk about surgery recovery (yes, even the parts no one warns you about). All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support 👕 Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop:...
May 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 201
Happy 200th Episode to The Clopen Effect! Let's talk about mattresses. Helpful Links: All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the Show & Keep Us Recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: Available wherever you listen! 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresil...
May 16, 2025•42 min•Ep. 200
In this episode, Meredith and Julia talk pizza, pasta, and the Pope while traveling in Italy. Cassandra brings the sunny (and sometimes chaotic) energy of Florida. No deep dives here, just funny moments, quirky details, and the little differences we noticed between these two worlds. It’s all about enjoying the stories, sharing some smiles, and maybe leaving you craving a slice of pizza or a beach chair by the end. 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/b...
May 03, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 199
Kristen, owner of Aeon Gallery in Richmond, IL. joined us for laughs and a sneak peek into her Absinthe Lounge’s incredible upcoming vendor event, Spring Awakening, on April 27th! We chatted about her haunted photo book and the mysterious forces that knocked Moscow Mule mugs off the hooks. Good vibes, great art, and maybe a ghost or two - just how we like it. (Well, Cass is really only a fan of drinking spirits, not talking to them!) 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://ww...
Apr 04, 2025•58 min•Ep. 198
Many choose Retail as a fast-paced, people-driven career for the energy, flexibility, and growth opportunities (sort of). It’s not always easy, but it builds strong skills, opens doors, and can even lead to big money at the top . We’ve also got some hilarious retail-themed movie quotes and titles to share because if you’ve worked retail, you know it’s basically a comedy show! 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?refer...
Mar 29, 2025•32 min•Ep. 197
Ever wonder how credit cards went from old-school charge plates (cha-ching!) to the tap-to-pay magic we use today? In this episode, we take a fun look at the history of credit cards , their quirks, and how they’ve been hilariously portrayed in cartoons . From the first Diners Club card to Marge Simpson maxing out her limit, we cover the good, the bad, and the overdrawn. No finance degree is required. Just laughs and swipes! 🔹 Who invented the credit card? 🔹 What did people use before plastic? ...
Mar 22, 2025•40 min•Ep. 196
Let’s be honest: We’ve all been on some questionable virtual calls. From camera etiquette to knowing when (and when not ) to unmute, we’re breaking down the dos and don’ts that make meetings smoother, more productive, and way less awkward. Whether you’re guilty of talking on mute, multitasking a little too hard, or enduring never-ending silences, this one’s for you! Listen in, take notes (or don’t, we won’t know), and let’s make virtual meetings suck a little less! All the Clopen links: https://...
Mar 15, 2025•35 min•Ep. 195
In this episode, we explore the history of cheese , including how it's been around for 7,000 years and how the largest cheese wheel ever made weighed 57,000 pounds ! We also touched on fun cheese facts like the cheese cave in Missouri and the (gross) world of maggot cheese. Plus, we celebrated 10 and 25-year wedding anniversaries! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it'...
Mar 05, 2025•47 min•Ep. 194
Here's a quick recap of the history of chocolate. And correct, Meredith never knows how to pronounce anything. It's all good: Ancient Origins Chocolate’s history dates back over 3,000 years to Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico and Central America). The Olmecs (1500-400 BCE) were likely the first to cultivate cacao and use it for ceremonial drinks. Later, the Mayans and Aztecs adopted cacao, turning it into a bitter, spiced beverage called “xocoatl,” often mixed with chili, vanilla, and honey. The A...
Feb 28, 2025•46 min•Ep. 193
The five stages of grief... we mean, a retail work day. Also, pork shoulder butts, bad drivers and winter weather. Building Resilience at Work - the certified course! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 All material, unless otherwise stated, written and performed by The Clopen Effect...
Feb 14, 2025•44 min•Ep. 192
Let's talk third shift! We’re talking about the realities of overnight work with Hannah - she knows the ins and outs of the night shift grind. Download this episode for insights, a fun chat, and a quiz about living the late-night schedule! #ThirdShift #NightShiftLife #AClopenEffect #podcast Building Resilience in the workplace - new course from Meredith! Use code YOUR30DAYJOURNEY to save money! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://...
Feb 09, 2025•52 min•Ep. 191
This week's episode is so fun! Here's a recap: Funny Billboards – We've seen some of the wildest and cheesiest billboards, including lawyer ads and the infamous Brian Urlacher hair restoration billboards. Hulk Hogan & Bret Michaels’ Bandana Hair Mystery – Why these guys love their headwear and how Bret Michaels keeps his rockstar look intact. Every Rose Has Its Thorn – We had a mini rock nostalgia moment talking about Poison’s classic ballad. How Much Does a Billboard Cost? – We discuss the ...
Jan 31, 2025•37 min•Ep. 190
Cassandra's sister is here! "Win for Life" and what we dream of having forever, like free coffee, concert tickets, or no more bills. We also laugh about funny TikToks, with Meredith admitting she'll miss the jewelry reveal videos that brought her so much entertainment. Along the way, we poke fun at ourselves for aging into phrases like “reels” and “books on tape.” Jenn reads off great responses from our followers about what they’d love to win for life, from free gas, crab legs, and steak to endl...
Jan 21, 2025•33 min•Ep. 189
This is, without a doubt, the FUNNIEST episode we’ve ever recorded! Meredith got a Roomba for Christmas and finally settled on the perfect name: Obi-Wan Cleanobi. But that’s not all - download the episode to hear the hilarious list of other name options . From clever puns to pop culture gold to Star Wars-themed, this episode will have you laughing out loud! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support...
Jan 07, 2025•46 min•Ep. 188
Meredith quizzes Cassandra on streaming services' taglines, and we uncover a couple of modern trends that people may regret in the next decade. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 All material, unless otherwise stated, written and performed by The Clopen Effect From our other podcast, the boo...
Dec 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 187
Surviving retail during the holidays can feel like navigating a battlefield of long lines, stressed-out customers, and the relentless demand for cheer. And a cheesy list of funny retail sayings to bring 'humor' to the holiday madness. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 All material, unless o...
Dec 19, 2024•44 min•Ep. 186
"Captain Obvious" moments are when someone points out the glaringly obvious, hilariously unnecessary, or overly stated facts of a situation. They’re funny because they take something so basic and spell it out, making everyone stop and think, “Well, duh!” In this episode, we chat about painfully clear observations, including Meredith’s classic moment when she told a pricing team member just how busy the baking aisle was — because it’s the baking aisle during the holidays! Duh! All the Clopen link...
Dec 14, 2024•39 min•Ep. 185
The besties are here! We talk about the history of Santa and take a quiz. The Origins Santa's story starts with St. Nicholas , a 4th-century Christian bishop from Myra (modern-day Turkey). Known for his generosity to children and the poor, St. Nicholas inspired legends that were passed down through generations. From St. Nicholas to Sinterklaas to Santa The Dutch brought their version of St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas , to America, where the name morphed into Santa Claus . By the 1800s, Santa began ev...
Dec 06, 2024•55 min•Ep. 184
Jen from Jenuine Coffee joined Meredith and Cassandra for this episode, adding her unique perspective to this funny discussion! In this episode of Chewing the Fat, we take listeners on a journey into the origins of (mostly) food-related phrases, exploring their history, meanings, and cultural significance. The episode is filled with fascinating tidbits and plenty of laughs as the trio brews up lively discussions over a virtual "Cup O' Joe." And as always, Meredith accidentally mixes up her words...
Nov 26, 2024•46 min•Ep. 183
It's DEER week! One of our husbands hit a deer last week, and a couple of our friends have too! We talk deer statistics, top road kill, and driving stories. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 All material, unless otherwise stated, written and performed by The Clopen Effect From our other pod...
Nov 21, 2024•39 min•Ep. 182
Get ready for some pie talk! Top selling pies, what we think about everyone’s choice in pies, and Cass has a fantastic conversation with a customer! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 All material, unless otherwise stated, written and performed by The Clopen Effect From our other podcast, th...
Nov 15, 2024•34 min•Ep. 181
Why is it dark out already? We are already listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies on Hallmark. Also, from A&W to McDonald's, we explore the oldest franchises, clever branding, and secrets to staying relevant for generations. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 All mate...
Nov 08, 2024•38 min•Ep. 180
It's meat reset time! Also - the most popular sandwiches and balancing fun and professionalism are important when choosing a costume for a work event. We talk about some costumes that might be considered inappropriate and some that might be perfect. Happy Halloween! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010...
Oct 25, 2024•44 min•Ep. 179
Cassandra bought a new coffee pot, and Meredith thought she’d enjoy the Smoked Butterscotch coffee. We also discussed the most popular days for call-offs and the top Halloween costumes for 2024, as reported by USA Today and Time online, Cassandra's yearly tradition, we share videos we love and laugh at, including pinky toes getting painted, ASMR cleaning products, and 'sizzle sizzle.' All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen...
Oct 18, 2024•48 min•Ep. 178
Is there a National Retail Day? Yes, the third Wednesday of October is National Retail Day. How do we celebrate a National Day of Retail? We discuss a few ideas: employee appreciation, an appreciation event, a team-building activity, recognition programs, rewards, or PIZZA. Donating your time and money, school fundraisers, Petit Fours taste like hand soap, and Happy Birthday Boop! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-eff...
Oct 11, 2024•31 min•Ep. 177
Some of the most saturated businesses and what makes some more popular than others. Also, The 23 Most Profitable Businesses in 2024 from Nerd Wallet All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 All material, unless otherwise stated, written and performed by The Clopen Effect From our other podcast, th...
Oct 04, 2024•49 min•Ep. 176
