Let’s talk pumpkins and recipes! Also, Meredith's Halloween children's book is here: https://a.co/d/eImQWXg Did you know pumpkins are more than just a Halloween decoration? Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, and over 1.5 billion pounds are produced each year in the U.S. alone! From soups to pies, pumpkins add a delicious twist to fall recipes. Thanks to @FoodNetwork for the amazing pumpkin recipe ideas! Check them out and get inspired for your next kitchen creation! #PumpkinSeason #FallFlavors ...
Sep 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 175
Spooky season music is back! Kaitlyn attended the CIA in New York and tried to learn as much as possible every semester. We all seem to love sweets. Meredith often visits Stan's, and Kaitlyn answers all our questions, including wine pairing with desserts. The dream? Getting her cupcakes in the hands of a Bears player! 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...
Sep 09, 2024•54 min•Ep. 174
A quick 21 minutes of fun because we lost power! Say no to flannel sheets, the hottest day of the year is here, the lights kept flickering, Meredith had the wrong info about Liquid Death water, some facts about Halloween candy from World Metrics, 'six pack single serve chocolates', lights out and we didn't quite make it full circle 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...
Aug 30, 2024•24 min•Ep. 173
Drew and his mom, Judy, are here! Judy has lost over 200 pounds, and she shares her day-to-day life now after surgery. Drew visited the Philippines and talks about his adventures there. 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 Clo...
Aug 22, 2024•58 min•Ep. 172
Uniforms worn in retail, music in stores and why they play them, Meredith ages herself a couple of times, songs that make you think of retail, we were today years old when we learned that OJ was not driving the Bronco, what happened to the baby!? Music by By Paul Simon ©Paul Simon Music, You Can Call Me Al 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.zazzl...
Aug 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 171
Cass was in an accident, Meredith was in an accident when she was 16, demand-driven retail products in 2024 influenced by various factors, technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global trends. We talk through some of the notable demand-driven products for this year; everything pumpkin, Stanley Cups, meat alternatives, sparkling water, hybrids All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.f...
Aug 09, 2024•40 min•Ep. 170
Reviews and ratings have become one of the biggest trends due to several key factors, and we discuss them! Also, Julia is here! 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 book: Anxiety Makes...
Aug 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 169
OPEN for business! Let's talk pizza and the secret recipe (which really wasn't a secret)! Fox Hole Pizza and Pub in Mchenry, IL: 3308 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050 Phone: (779) 704-2158 Menu: foxholepizzaandpub.com 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, writt...
Jul 26, 2024•41 min•Ep. 168
Managing with fear is a leadership style where leaders use fear as a primary tool to motivate employees and achieve organizational goals. This approach often involves threats, intimidation, and a strict, punitive environment. Here are some key points to consider about managing with fear: Characteristics of Fear-Based Management Intimidation and Threats : Managers may threaten employees with job loss, demotion, or other punitive actions to compel them to meet targets or follow orders. Micromanage...
Jul 19, 2024•41 min•Ep. 167
Flat tires, rude tow truck techs, why are people waiting for so long to GO at a green light, pedestrians really need to look, motorcycle safety, the bike that was hit by the lady 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 Eff...
Jul 12, 2024•41 min•Ep. 166
Jess, Owner at @thepiecefulproject , and Amy, Director of Chamber Outreach & Economic Growth and McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes @mchenryareachamber are here! River Walk Shoppes are located at 1202 Riverside Dr, McHenry, IL 60050 The Pieceful Project in Cary, IL: 27 Jandus Rd, Unit A, Cary, IL, 60013 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/th...
Jul 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 165
Meredith had an anxiety attack at a store, Cassandra was irritated and maybe a little crabby, questioning life choices when working retail, when did we start working so hard?, we get personal for a moment about shaving, Happy Birthday week to Cassandra, the bad storm in WI, we work at the same place so we can't really call off together, Rockstar of Retail is a beast, please don't waste our time when we are working for you in stores, what is the worst tasting food out there?, what useless fact ha...
Jun 29, 2024•35 min•Ep. 164
Droogle visited Drewmany, and we got to hear all about it! Drew, thank you so much for bringing wine and chocolates and for sharing your incredible experience of Germany with us! 9 Luftballons · Nena, Die Band ℗ 1983 BMG Rights Management GmbH, Released on: 1991-09-09 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-2560380...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 163
C'mon, corporate, add a little more time to the tasks we complete in stores! Also, we had to hang signs this week. Why are we having conversations on the sales floor? Store directors don't have offices for private conversations. Management is always walking the floor. People need to mind their own business and let others do their work! It's cherry-eating season; watch out for pits! Happy Birthday, Johnny! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recordin...
Jun 14, 2024•39 min•Ep. 162
Nikki took a mental health day and joined us for the third time on the podcast! She shares tips on avoiding website scammers and protecting yourself from online fraud. Also, Meredith used the word defrosted when she should have used the word thaw, and Wes has fantastic calves. 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_shir...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 161
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, training everyone as if they are your replacement, ants keep crawling on Cassandra (or was it just her microphone cord?), it's OK to stay in the same role, Meredith goes into a 20-minute conversation about one salad dressing, resetting the resets, there are so many SKUs in one 4ft section, Hi Gail!, take the time to train team members, Meredith's car is way too automatic, visit Fernando at Gregory Hyundai in Hi...
May 31, 2024•28 min•Ep. 160
It's been a long week, Meredith doesn't sleep, Cassandra is a great sleeper, some couples are super loud at the store, loud laughs, SAL-MON, gas prices are high again (gross), how do people do it with RVs, the not-so-great chicken picture, light-hearted and funny ways to close an email from Chatgpt, thank you to Mandy from Old Navy "May your coffee be strong and your Monday be short," "Don't do anything I wouldn't do...which isn't much," "Keep on keeping on!" "Over and out," "Stay classy," "To i...
May 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 159
Meredith just woke up from a nap two minutes before recording and keeps yawning, air fresheners, we talk about everyone’s side hustle and some random ideas from ChatGPT, we talk about budgeting, you have to think you're craft is the best to sell it at a craft show, Meredith no longer plays scratch-offs, and Cassandra no longer has credit cards, Congratulations to Brianna and Rob! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effe...
May 17, 2024•48 min•Ep. 158
Tuesday was rough, we need a vacation, the lady who spoke too much, Cass and Meredith are getting tattoos from JCDurtArt, https://www.facebook.com/jcdurtart , go to the concert, what the word RETAIL means according to ChatGPT 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 ...
May 02, 2024•41 min•Ep. 157
The anonymous salon owner and talented hair stylist friend share fun stories about the 'whatever' lady who wants only 7 highlights, the lady with the tic on her ear, learning how to do hair on a cadaver, perms are definitely back, and mustaches are fire! Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH 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.co...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 156
We are back after 2 weeks! Cassandra had a couple ER visits (yikes!), Meredith wears her eyeshadow up to her eyebrows, and shopping cart colors have a meaning Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH 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 an...
Apr 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 155
Let's talk BBQ, grilling, smoking, and brisket! Dan and Erin own Midwest Smoke BBQ, LLC, and they share a couple of secrets on how to achieve one of the best briskets and burnt ends around! Join us for a fun conversation, then visit their website to see where they will be next and contact them about catering your next event! https://midwestsmokebbq.com/ Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: h...
Mar 29, 2024•49 min•Ep. 154
Keep a joint on you as an alibi, we are so professional on the Anxiety podcast and then have to get funny on the Clopen, Meredith is worried about Kate Middletown, there are a whole bunch of conspiracy theorists, super weird news, movie mentioned was 1991 Cape Fear Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH 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://ww...
Mar 21, 2024•32 min•Ep. 153
What a fun interview! Fresh from Spring Training, Patrick and Barb ( Noote Partners ) are here to talk all things baseball! Baseballmapper.com bio: "Over 20 years ago, Cory and Patrick first met at a pizza shop, working up a sweat during busy nights in the northern Chicago suburbs. In the years that followed, the two long-time friends would always spend time discussing ways they could possibly alter their career paths on a joint business venture. Ironically, it would turn out to be one of their ...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 152
Cassandra and Meredith are back together at work, Cassandra called off on Meredith's first day, it's 'prebiotics', it's 'Gilmer', Cass is watching Gilmore Girls, there are no normal hours in retail, Meredith doesn't miss driving, the woman with the eyebrows, common phrases for retail (eh, they weren't great), Meredith can't find Shamrock Shakes, Cass got a tattoo, enter The Clopen Effect Awards' Show sponsored by the below businesses: https://edsplantshop.com/ https://nootepartners.com/upcoming-...
Mar 07, 2024•48 min•Ep. 151
Cassandra is on her way to Florida, Meredith's son sounded like her, you just have to find your person, work anniversaries, receiving points to buy stuff, didn't miss a day in 20 years, give us more paid time off instead of gifts Music by Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting, released on June 29, 1989 Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch ...
Feb 29, 2024•40 min•Ep. 150
Cassandra offended someone on the TTok, Meredith accepted a new job, Cassandra has a pigeon at her house because her cell phone service was off, the lady that talks about "Who TF did I Marry," the old lady choking on peanuts, Cassandra gets shin cramps after drinking wine, Baby B is so cute! Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH 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 be...
Feb 24, 2024•39 min•Ep. 149
Courtney is here! We talk roofs, windows, siding, doors, and gutters! We also talk fundraising, bacon on the Blackstone, free quotes, and Kevin. Find Courtney and the team here: https://innovativehomeconcepts.com/ Meredith's new book here All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording Buy merch here because it's cool All material, unless otherwise stated, written and performed by The Clopen Effect...
Feb 16, 2024•34 min•Ep. 148
"Passion"! We are inspired by Jon's dedication to his craft and the vibrant skateboarding community he has cultivated at Fixion Skateboard Skate Shop! With laughter and a renewed appreciation for the thrill of the ride, this episode celebrates the cool spirit of skateboarding, owner Jon Harvey and Fixion Skateboard. Fixion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FixionSkateboards Meredith's new book: https://a.co/d/i4e8z8D All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to kee...
Feb 08, 2024•39 min•Ep. 147
We buy fancy soup crackers now because we have jobs! Cassandra has been going through some sh*t so we check in with her. She is also on 8ft mushroom resets, forgot about the important meeting, and had to see the dentist for a sore tooth. Also - we talk about bread and butter. Meredith's new book: https://a.co/d/i4e8z8D 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: http...
Feb 02, 2024•30 min•Ep. 146
