Spooky Stories and Murder.. sort of

Birthdays, traditions, cake, candles, and a whole lot of celebrating! We explored how people around the world celebrate getting older, from unusual customs to milestone birthdays.Ever wonder why September has so many birthdays or why some people celebrate half birthdays? We did!Whether you're a birthday-week person, a birthday-month person, or someone who would rather skip the whole thing, there's something in this episode for you.If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

Quiz time! How well does Cassandra know the main ingredients of popular candy bars? Also, we talk about impulse buys! Cassandra has a pasta sauce story, too.If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

We're talking baseball beyond the diamond! From the average cost of beer and hot dogs at MLB stadiums to the surprisingly expensive experience of attending a Chicago Cubs game. We'll compare ticket prices, stadium food costs, and, of course, mix in some one-off conversations along the way!If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

This episode is full of unexpected questions, random comments, and the conversations that happen when Meredith has a lot to ask Cassandra!Cassandra is recovering from a cold, while Meredith suspects she’s on approximately COVID episode number 15. We talk about the careers we might have pursued (Cassandra as a teacher and Meredith in the medical field), what we’d grab if our houses were on fire (spoiler: our answers were surprisingly similar!), and which celebrities we think are our twins.We also talk about giving it our all when training new team members.If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

Meredith’s Halloween book is #10, and she has free copies available, but they won’t arrive until 10/22. Meredith traveled for training this week and stayed at a friend’s perfectly organized home. Cassandra shares her thoughts on the McHenry Murder Mystery event. We also talk about the movies we’re looking forward to seeing in theaters. And Meredith’s birthday is coming up, so it’s time to celebrate!McHenry Murder Mystery info here: Mchenry Murder Mystery and Facebook link here Join us next year!If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

Disclaimer: This episode is for general informational and entertainment purposes and discusses Illinois accessible parking rules as we understand them at the time of recording. Laws and regulations can change, so please check official sources for the most current information.In this episode of The Clopen Effect, we discussed Illinois laws and regulations concerning parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.We covered who may legally use designated accessible parking spaces, how disability parking placards and license plates must be displayed, and the requirement that the authorized person be present and enter or exit the vehicle when using the parking privileges.We also discussed access aisles, the striped areas next to accessible parking spaces. Illinois law prohibits parking in these access aisles, including for vehicles displaying disability parking placards or license plates.The episode also covers the difference between standard disability parking placards and Illinois' meter-exempt placards. A blue permanent placard does not provide an exemption from parking meter fees or time limits; the yellow-and-gray meter-exempt placard provides those exemptions subject to the applicable restrictions.Finally, we discuss misuse of disability parking placards and license plates, applicable penalties, and how to report alleged abuse of Illinois' disability parking program. The Illinois Secretary of State specifically notes that not all disabilities are apparent and advises people not to confront someone they suspect of misuse.If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

We took a lighter look at some of history’s most bizarre and brutal medieval torture devices. We talked about what these devices were supposedly used for while also questioning how much of the stories surrounding them are actually true. Thankfully, nobody had to test any of them out because retail already has enough ways to torture you. It was a darkly funny trip through history, proving once again that people have been coming up with questionable ideas for a very, very long time.If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

What items that you use in retail could make you a suspect in a murder? Cass said it's kind of like the game Clue.What everyday retail items could possibly end up connected to a murder investigation? In this funny and slightly dark episode, we look at box cutters, meat slicers, forklifts, ladders, pallet jacks, shopping carts, and other ordinary retail equipment. We take a lighthearted look at how innocent workplace tools can sound completely different outside their normal retail context. If you work in grocery, retail, deli, bakery, or a warehouse, you’ll recognize plenty of these everyday items. It’s another hilarious look at the strange, unexpected, and sometimes ridiculous world of retail.If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Simply paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all of your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

We started talking about the HUGE changes coming to retail over the next five years, and now we're continuing the conversation.In Part Two, we tackle the next five:• The online and in-store shopping experience becoming one• Cashiers becoming a much smaller part of the store• The changing definition of the retail employee• Retail becoming even more focused on productivity• And the future of value, where the cheapest option isn't always the winnerTechnology is changing retail fast. But what does that actually mean for the people working in retail?Will AI and automation make our jobs easier, or will fewer employees simply be expected to accomplish more?The Artificial Takeover isn't just about technology. It's about people.If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Simply paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all of your members-only episodes.All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

Dolly Parton's story is a masterclass in turning humble beginnings into a massive brand without losing touch with where you came from. And given today's heartbreaking news, it's worth noting that Dolly Parton died today, August 25, 2026, at age 80, according to her family and major news organizations. A quick remembrance of Dolly. May she RIP.A beautiful tribute from her website here: https://www.dollyparton.comAlso mentioned: Jeff Bezos donated $100 million to Dolly Parton in November 2022 through the Bezos Courage and Civility Award. - Forbes and GeekWireIf you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes.All the Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect$2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supportOur Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_shareBuy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalskiAll material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.