The Clopen Effect

©The Clopen Effect
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Welcome to The Clopen Effect, a Funny Retail Podcast! Join us every week as we share our lives working in retail. Our lineup features fantastic guests, including local business owners, seasoned retail professionals, and the occasional surprise musician and artist. We're Basically Famous®! “By far the most relatable, humbling, and funniest podcast I’ve ever listened to! It keeps me busy at work, laughing, shaking my head in agreement, and remembering my own wild work stories. And it’s not always just about those crazy shifts—these hilarious women bring so much more. Give them a listen; you won’t be wasting your time!”

  1. قبل ٦ أيام

    Hometown Hug(s) with Alex

    In this episode, we sat down with Alex, owner of Hometown Hug, the heart behind those unforgettable welcome baskets for new homeowners in McHenry County. 💛 They’re best known for their HomeTown Hug baskets — thoughtfully curated gifts that personally introduce over 700 new homeowners each year to the incredible local businesses and nonprofits that make this community thrive. We talked about what it really means to support local — not just shopping small during the holidays, but building genuine connections, creating referrals that matter, and helping new residents feel instantly at home. Hometown Hug isn’t just dropping off baskets… they’re building bridges between neighbors and business owners. If you’ve ever moved somewhere new and wished someone would hand you a “start here” guide with a warm smile, this is that — just way better. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the show and advertising opportunity: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy 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=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

    ٥٥ من الدقائق

  2. ٣٠ يناير

    Kishwaukee Brewing Take Over

    Alyssa joined us from The Fiber Fellowship, an organization that supports several local charities, including Animal Outreach and oncology centers in the area. They also create fidget squares for emergency responders - very impressive. And Kishwaukee Brewing Company is here! Listen in to this week’s episode as Cara and Heather chat about all the fun events happening at the brewery this year. Plus, hear about their newest awards (because yes… they’re absolutely crushing it ). Grab a drink, hit play, and get the inside scoop. Cheers! All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the show and advertising opportunity: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy 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=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

    ٣٨ من الدقائق

  3. ٢٣ يناير

    Smokin' Jenuine Coffee

    Jen is back, and the coffee vibes are strong! We dive into another lively chat about all things coffee, play a hilarious game of coffee brand phrases, and Jen treats us to a sneak peek at four of her newer rockstar flavors. Her coffee comes in 12oz bags (and 12oz bags). It’s caffeinated fun you won’t want to miss. BONUS: Go to our Facebook page for a chance to win a basket from Jenuine Coffee All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the show and advertising opportunity: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy 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=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

    ٥٢ من الدقائق

  4. ١٥ يناير

    Blind Date with a Book - Lexie is here!

    Welcome to the Clopen Book Club! Let's talk about books and reading a book before seeing the movie! All of Lexie's info is here and on Facebook: "Luna and Koi" All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the show and advertising opportunity: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy 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=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

    ١ س ١٦ د

  5. ٩ يناير

    Hardworking Hobbies

    We do so much more than work retail! Let's talk about it. Hobbies and extracurricular activities. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the show and advertising opportunity: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy 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=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

    ٥٥ من الدقائق

  6. ١٩‏/١٢‏/٢٠٢٥

    Home of the Sparrow - Judy and Holly

    Judy and Holly are here from Home of the Sparrow! Here is their mission and some insights from their website: "Home of the Sparrow’s mission is to provide Hope, Opportunity and Support that empowers women and children as they journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Home of the Sparrow opened its doors as a registered 501(c)3 non-profit homeless shelter in 1987. Today, Home of the Sparrow not only provides Transitional Shelter, but also Affordable Housing and Rapid Re-Housing combined with Supportive Services that address the core issues of homelessness. Home of the Sparrow serves single women, pregnant women and women with children. Approximately 70+ percent of the women we serve have experienced domestic violence at some point on their journey. Other reasons for homelessness include unforeseen housing or financial crisis, a death in the family, or a medical emergency. The economy and rising cost of living contribute to unstable housing situations. On average Home of the Sparrow receives over 1,700+ calls a year from women in crisis and helps an average of 400+ women each year. Tax ID 36-3494491" Need assistance? Visit https://hosparrow.org/intake/ Origins & Why It Matters The journey began in 1984, when McHenry County recognized that homelessness wasn’t just a city issue - neighbors right here were struggling. A church survey revealed a growing need, and the community began discussing real solutions rather than just sympathy. First Steps into Action In 1985, community members (yes, regular people like you and me) met over pancakes, recognized the problem was real, and decided to take action. Initially, folks weren’t sure how to help, but that spark launched a movement. Shelter Opens December 15, 1986: The first shelter opened — not fancy, but real, offering refuge to those most in need. It became clear very quickly that the majority of people they were helping were women and children—people often left out of the conversation, but never left behind at HOS. Becoming an Organization 1987: Home of the Sparrow officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, cementing its role as a key community resource. 📈 Growth & Impact Over the YearsThis isn’t a static charity — it’s a community ecosystem that has grown, adapted, and expanded its reach: 1990s They bought their current McHenry shelter site (1991) and launched the first Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Store* in 1992, both milestones in sustainability and community engagement. Expansion of Services Over the next decade, they opened more thrift locations, expanded shelter capacity, and started affordable housing programs — turning temporary shelter into pathways to lasting stability. 2000s–2010s Around 2012–2014, Home of the Sparrow began acquiring scattered affordable housing units and launched outreach & prevention programs — tackling homelessness before people lost...

    ١ س ٢ د

  7. ١١‏/١٢‏/٢٠٢٥

    Wild Hunny Boutique - Eat, Shop, Love, Local

    Laura, owner of Wild Hunny Boutique, is here this week! We chat about her boutique and surprise her with the game: 'Finish the Christmas lyric'. It's a great listen! Wild Hunny Boutique is a woman-owned local shop specializing in affordable, stylish, and giftable items — perfect for holiday shopping, everyday wear, and supporting local makers. 📍 Located at 1213 Riverside Drive, near the Riverwalk Shops in McHenry. Here’s what you’ll find inside: 👗 Women’s ClothingA constantly refreshed selection of boutique-style apparel that’s fashionable without the boutique price tag — nothing is priced above about $33. Shaw Local Trendy topsDresses & casual wearSeasonal fashion piecesComfortable everyday outfits These pieces are handpicked to suit a wide range of styles and sizes, making it easy to find something for yourself or as a gift. ✨ AccessoriesWild Hunny carries a variety of accessories from local designers and makers, including: Jewelry from brands like Windy Prairie Jewelry, Jenny Shlemon, Natalie ClareScarves, hats, and style boostersHand-crafted or boutique jewelry pieces These wardrobe add-ons help elevate any outfit and make perfect stocking stuffers. 🎁 Gifts & Local ArtisansThis is one of the boutique’s strongest strengths — a curated gift selection that supports small makers: Gift items and home pieces from local creatorsFeatured artisan products like Gunny&Co., Caritino’s Old Fashioned Mix, Wisconsin Bee Company, Dead Smooth, The Dusty Coop HomesteadGift cards for the store (great for holiday presents)Items that feel local, thoughtful, and unique This makes Wild Hunny Boutique more than just a clothing store — it’s a spot where shoppers can find meaningful, small-business gifts alongside fashion. 🗓️ Community & Local FocusLaura intentionally stocks items from women-owned and local artists whenever possible, making the store a community hub for supporting local makers. Shaw Local Additionally, the boutique participates in local events and pop-ups, building community connections beyond merchandise.  All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the show and advertising opportunity: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy 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=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

    ٤٨ من الدقائق

  8. ٠٤‏/١٢‏/٢٠٢٥

    Stay Warm, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

    This week, Meredith and Cassandra chat about the winter inventions that helped us survive the cold - from the classic hand muff to heaters, ice scrapers, remote starts, and shovels. It’s a quick, fun look at how these cold-weather creations came to be. omehow bed bugs made their way into the conversation, too. We give a shout-out to one of our #1 fans, Shannon, and Meredith love Lauren Conrad clothes at Kohl's. Info from this episode: 🔥 Fireplace (a.k.a. Early Heating System)~500,000 BCEInventor: Early humans (Homo erectus)Fireplaces became structured “hearths” in ancient Greece & Rome. ☕ Thermos (Vacuum Flask)1892Inventor: Sir James Dewar (Scottish chemist) 🧶 Wool Clothing (Mittens/Scarves/Socks)~3000 BCE (first wool garments in Mesopotamia)Inventors: Ancient Mesopotamians 🔧 Snow ShovelDated back to ~1000 BCE, first used by indigenous Arctic peoplesModern aluminum snow shovel patented in 1889 by Joseph Flanders 🚗 Remote Car Starter1980sInventor: First commercialized by M. Frank Verducci, founder of Autostart ❄️ Ice Scraper1910–1920s (early automobile era)Inventor: Unknown — evolved as cars became popular in snowy regions 📦 Insulated Delivery Bags (Pizza Bags)1983Inventor: Ingrid Kosar (founder of Thermal Bags by Ingrid) 👢 Waterproof Winter Boots1950s modern rubber-and-insulation designInventor: The boot company Sorel (founded by Kaufman Footwear) popularized them 🧥 Heated Jackets2001Inventor: Milwaukee Tool’s heated gear division eventually commercialized the tech 🔌 Space Heater (Electric Heater)1890sInventor: Albert Leroy Marsh pioneered the high-resistance alloy “nichrome” in 1905, leading to modern heaters 🧣 Infinity Scarf1970s–80s, became mainstream in the early 2010sInventor: No single inventor — fashion industry evolution 🌬️ Snowblower (Snow Thrower)1925Inventor: Arthur Sicard, a Canadian dairy farmer ⛽ Heated Gas Pump Handles2000sInventor: First implemented by certain Midwest gas station chains — not patented by a single inventor 🧊 Windshield Wiper De-Icers1936 first patent for heated wipersInventor: Joseph Karasik 🚪 Heated Store Entrances (Air Curtains)1910sInventor: Olaf Bergh (Norwegian engineer) patented early air-curtain systems All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the show and advertising opportunities: a href="https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support"...

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Welcome to The Clopen Effect, a Funny Retail Podcast! Join us every week as we share our lives working in retail. Our lineup features fantastic guests, including local business owners, seasoned retail professionals, and the occasional surprise musician and artist. We're Basically Famous®! “By far the most relatable, humbling, and funniest podcast I’ve ever listened to! It keeps me busy at work, laughing, shaking my head in agreement, and remembering my own wild work stories. And it’s not always just about those crazy shifts—these hilarious women bring so much more. Give them a listen; you won’t be wasting your time!”

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  • صناع العمل
    ©The Clopen Effect
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠٢١ - ٢٠٢٦
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    Copyright 2026 ©The Clopen Effect
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    The Clopen Effect