The Clopen Effect

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...

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! L...

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 Clope...

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 caca...

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-256038010...

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! Al...

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...

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 fr...

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 l...

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,...

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 i...

"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 bus...

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....

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...

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...

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 mate...

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...

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/...

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 Clop...

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 l...

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 mate...

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...

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...

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...

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_effec...