The Clopen Effect

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...

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...

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://l...

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 otherwis...

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:...

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 lo...

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_shi...

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:...

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 wh...

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.f...

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,...

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.ca...

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...

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 an...