The Clopen Effect

We first chatted with Dana back in 2022 when her book Spent came out, and now she’s known across the country for her incredible books. But get this… she’s back working in retail! She works at Indigo, Canada's largest bookstore, and yes, her books are sold there!

We catch up with Dana and all the hard work she has put in being an author, and then she shares some great retail stories with us!

Find Dana's work here: https://danagoldstein.ca/books/ and on Amazon!

Spent: https://danagoldstein.ca/book/spent-my-accidental-career-in-retail/

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.

Melinda, Andie, Karin, and Kristin are here to talk about Salon Mackk in Crystal Lake, IL!

We talk about good and bad reviews, being a super friendly salon, Refuge for Women, having great eyebrows, styles and trends right now, mullets are in, teenage boy perms that look like broccoli, how they find their talent, and so much more!

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.

Today’s episode starts with a new member joining the podcast: Cass’s glucose monitor. It’s helpful, it’s important and it has the impeccable timing of a smoke alarm detecting burnt toast at 2:07 a.m.

Naturally, we did what any responsible hosts would do - we named it.

1. Beepy McSleepy
2. The Snooze Snitch
3. 3AM Screamy
4. The Pillow Police

Because apparently the only crime Cass committed was sleeping on her side, and this tiny electronic narc refuses to let that slide.

Then we chat through snacks that won’t send blood sugar to the sky.

The good news? The snacks that are great for Cass are actually great for everyone:

Workday Snack MVPs

1. Nuts like almonds or pistachios
2. String cheese or cottage cheese
3. Apples with peanut butter
4. Hummus with carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers
5. Roasted chickpeas or edamame

Basically the rule is: protein, fiber, and real food - things that keep you full instead.

So today we learned two important things:

1. Cass’s glucose monitor is extremely dramatic.
2. And the snacks that help keep her healthy are actually the same snacks that make everyone’s workday better.

Also, we’re still accepting name submissions for the monitor because Beepy McSleepy currently has a suspicious lead!

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.

Don shares his background in the pet treat industry and how he helped a company bring its products to market. Along the way, he connected with others in the holistic pet space and decided to take the leap. One product that especially caught his attention was freeze-dried food.

Cass shares how one of her puppies was struggling with severe allergies and how many of those issues improved through healthier pet food choices.

Don encourages pet owners to shop with intention — not just by the brand name or flashy packaging on the front of the bag. Most of us were never taught how to read ingredient labels properly, and Don is passionate about explaining what each ingredient actually does for our pets.

We also chat about his store in Woodstock and the many of his fun customers (both two- and four-legged!) who stop in to visit.

Visit this link, then visit the store! https://www.pawstock.pet or you can have your items shipped!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 1987: Home of the Sparrow officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, cementing its role as a key community resource.

This isn’t a static charity — it’s a community ecosystem that has grown, adapted, and expanded its reach:

1990s

1. 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

1. 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

1. Around 2012–2014, Home of the Sparrow began acquiring scattered affordable housing units and launched outreach & prevention programs — tackling homelessness before people lost housing.

Recent Years

1. The organization embraced technology and community support innovations:
2. 2016: Moved headquarters, won “Nonprofit of the Year,” and expanded services.
3. 2019: Merged in Community Threads store and launched online thrift and loyalty programs.
4. 2021 & beyond: Virtual fundraising, new housing units, and a new Headquarters purchased in Woodstock(2023).

This isn’t just a timeline — it’s a community coming together to address a problem that has been too long ignored. The work at Home of the Sparrow evolved from answering a phone call to building systems that create stability and opportunity for women, children, families, and individuals facing homelessness.

It’s a reminder: helping one person uplifts all of us. 💫

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.