Compliance into the Weeds

Tom Fox

What happens when two compliance aficionados get together to talk all things compliance, risk management and ERM? You get Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance and Matt Kelly, the Coolest Guy in Compliance, going into the weeds of a topic each week. Each week, you can take a deep dive with two of the top writers, thinkers and prognosticators in compliance. 

  1. The Reality of AI Adoption in Corporate Compliance

    4D AGO

    The Reality of AI Adoption in Corporate Compliance

    The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly examine three recent surveys that examine the real-world impact of AI adoption in corporate environments. Recording from Alexandria, Virginia, where Matt is attending a conference on ethical governance of AI, Matt and Tom discuss the differing perceptions of AI’s benefits between senior executives and other employees. They explore findings from PWC, Section, and Workday surveys, uncovering a significant gap in AI’s perceived value. The discussion highlights the challenges of integrating AI, the significant rework required by employees, and the struggle to build trust in AI tools. They also debate whether enterprise-scale AI deployment or incremental, point-specific adoption is the best path forward. Key highlights: Conference on Ethical AI Governance Reality Checks on AI Adoption AI Rework and Employee Training Concerns Trust Issues with AI Resources: Matt in Radical Compliance Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  2. The Essence of Leadership and Why Donald Trump Is Not a Role Model

    JAN 28

    The Essence of Leadership and Why Donald Trump Is Not a Role Model

    The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of #ComplianceintotheWeeds, Tom Fox, and Matt Kelly look at the leadership failures from Donald Trump and his administration after the killing of Alex Pretti last weekend. This episode has significant editorial commentary. Matt and Tom critically examine the behavior and leadership failings of Donald Trump and his Administration in the wake of the shooting of Alex Pretti and argue that his approach is far from exemplary for CEOs or business leaders. The discussion highlights the essence of effective leadership as the ability to instill trust and direction, contrasting this with Trump's history of questionable business acumen and the allegations of his disastrous lying to the American people. The takeaway is that true leadership involves integrity, trustworthiness, and the ability to inspire and guide employees toward a common goal, traits that Trump is argued to lack.  Key highlights: Comparing CEOs to Donald Trump Crisis of hyper-transparency Corporate responses. Were they enough or a first step? Leadership and Trust Resources: Matt in Radical Compliance Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min
  3. Addressing Retaliation Against Compliance Officers: Strategies and Insights

    JAN 21

    Addressing Retaliation Against Compliance Officers: Strategies and Insights

    The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at the challenges of retaliation against Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs). They highlight the need for ongoing communication between compliance officers and senior management, and share strategies for CCOs to mitigate personal risk. The discussion includes real-world examples, the role of senior management in fostering a compliant culture, and the importance of scenario planning and training to prepare for potential issues. The episode emphasizes proactive measures such as charm offensives and preemptive remediation plans to navigate and defuse potential retaliatory scenarios. Key highlights: Real-Life Examples of Retaliation Management’s Perception and Compliance Challenges Building Relationships with Senior Management Proactive Compliance Strategies to Prevent Retaliation Framing Compliance Training Like Cybersecurity Drills Resources: Matt in Radical Compliance Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min
  4. The Department of Retribution

    JAN 14

    The Department of Retribution

    The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at the new DOJ AAG position which will report directly to the White House.    In this episode, Tom and Matt discuss the recent developments in the Department of Justice, particularly the establishment of a new Assistant Attorney General for fraud reporting directly to the White House. They explore the implications of this move, the regulatory chaos it may create, and the potential for politically motivated enforcement actions. The conversation emphasizes the uncertainty facing compliance professionals and the need for robust risk management strategies in light of these changes as well as the chaos capitalism the Administration has introduced into American business.  Key Highlights  ·      Introduction to the Department of Retribution ·      The New Assistant Attorney General for Fraud ·      Political Implications of Fraud Enforcement ·      Potential Targets of Enforcement ·      Navigating Chaos Capitalism ·      Risk Management Strategies for Compliance Professionals  Resources Matt in Radical Compliance Tom   Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn   A multi-award winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, Communicator and w3 Award, all for podcast excellence.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  5. Matt’s Key Compliance Issues and Trends to Watch in 2026

    JAN 7

    Matt’s Key Compliance Issues and Trends to Watch in 2026

    The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss key issues Matt is following in 2026. They look into anticipated FCPA enforcement actions against Chinese telecom giant ZTE and the controversial indictment of SmartMatic, raising concerns about possible politicization of compliance enforcement. The conversation also covers the potential impact on whistleblower cases if key Qui Tam lawsuits under the False Claims Act are invalidated, as well as the ongoing federal-state conflict over AI regulations. Additionally, they touch on the financial complexities and risks associated with AI funding deals, drawing parallels to past financial crises. Compliance officers are advised to prepare for an uncertain and challenging regulatory landscape in the year ahead. Key highlights: FCPA Enforcement in 2026 The Future of Qui Tam Lawsuits Federal Preemption of State AI Laws AI Accounting and Financial Risks Resources: Matt in Radical Compliance Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  6. Special Holiday Episode: MGI’s Compliance Triumph in DOJ Tariff Evasion Case

    12/31/2025

    Special Holiday Episode: MGI’s Compliance Triumph in DOJ Tariff Evasion Case

    The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this final episode of Compliance into the Weeds for 2025, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss an enforcement action by the Justice Department involving MGI International, a plastics manufacturer caught in a tariff evasion scheme orchestrated by its COO. The company avoided criminal prosecution by self-disclosing the misconduct, fully cooperating, and implementing compliance reforms, leading to a declination by the DOJ. We explore the case’s details, the role of independent internal investigations, and the implications for compliance policies under different administrations. Listeners are encouraged to consider the case as a roadmap for achieving favorable enforcement outcomes. Key highlights: Case Overview: MGI International’s Tariff Evasion Detailed Background of the Case Legal and Compliance Insights Analysis of DOJ’s Actions and Policies Resources: Matt in Radical Compliance Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  7. The DOJ's Inconsistent Stance on White Collar Crime and FCPA Enforcement

    12/17/2025

    The DOJ's Inconsistent Stance on White Collar Crime and FCPA Enforcement

    The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at the mixed and muddled messages coming out of the DOJ on FCPA and white collar enforcement.    We discuss recent signals from the DOJ suggesting a reinvigorated stance on corporate malfeasance, juxtaposed with actions like the pardoning of convicted offenders which muddle the overall message. The conversation covers Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's inflammatory speech on the seriousness of FCPA actions, the controversial pardons by President Trump, and the apparent selective enforcement against foreign versus U.S. companies. The episode examines the ramifications of these mixed signals for compliance professionals, companies, and whistleblowers, emphasizing the need for clearer guidance and consistency from the DOJ.  Key Highlights  ·      Mixed Messages from the Justice Department on FCPA and White Collar Enforcement ·      Deputy Attorney General's Angry Speech ·      Controversial Pardons and Their Implications ·      ZTE and FCPA Charges ·      Inconsistencies and Compliance Challenges ·      The Impact of Presidential Pardons on Compliance  Resources Matt in Radical Compliance  Tom   Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn  A multi-award winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, Communicator and w3 Award, all for podcast excellence.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    23 min
  8. Live from the Floor of ACI

    12/10/2025

    Live from the Floor of ACI

    The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss their initial reflections on the first day of the recently concluded ACI-FCPA and Global Anti-Corruption Conference. Key points include the current state of FCPA enforcement, the impact of reduced DOJ manpower, and the continued importance of robust compliance. Despite claims about ramping up enforcement, the number of staff dedicated to FCPA cases has been significantly reduced. They also touch on the DOJ’s focus on comprehensive white-collar crime enforcement, including healthcare fraud and cartel-related activities. Additionally, they discuss Severin Wirz’s new book, Bribery Beyond Borders, on the historical context of FCPA enforcement. Key highlights: FCPA Enforcement Realities White Collar Crime and DOJ Priorities Cartels and Corruption Whistleblower Program Insights Book Signing and Historical Context Resources: Matt in Radical Compliance Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

What happens when two compliance aficionados get together to talk all things compliance, risk management and ERM? You get Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance and Matt Kelly, the Coolest Guy in Compliance, going into the weeds of a topic each week. Each week, you can take a deep dive with two of the top writers, thinkers and prognosticators in compliance. 

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