Episode 218

Don't Take Candy From Strangers

Hey friends! Before we share this week's episode, a quick note:

Every week, The Clopen Effect is full of jokes, absurd retail stories, and general chaos. You know, our usual nonsense.

Today, since it’s spooky season, we’re taking a small detour. We’re covering two very serious events: the disappearances of Adam Walsh from a Sears in 1981 and Ann Gotlib from Bashford Manor Mall in 1983. Not all the details are provided here, so please conduct your own online research if you'd like to learn more about these cases.

These cases are tragic, heartbreaking, and real. We’ll share some key facts, provide some history, and reflect on the impact, while also sprinkling in our usual commentary here and there.

Please know it’s all meant to contextualize, not make light of what happened!

With that being said, and if you’re ready… take a breath, maybe hug your kids or pets, and let’s get into these true retail horrors.

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💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop:

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All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

About the Podcast

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The Clopen Effect
A Funny Retail Podcast

About your hosts

Profile picture for Meredith Poczkalski

Meredith Poczkalski

Hey there! I’m Meredith - podcast host, storyteller, and professional over-thinker.
If you love retail chaos, workplace absurdities, and stories that make you laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, The Clopen Effect is for you. It’s the podcast that proves working in retail is basically a social experiment, and we’re all just trying to figure it out, one day at time.
And then there’s Anxiety Makes Me Poop - the podcast where we say the quiet part out loud. Life is messy, anxiety is real, and sometimes the best way to heal is through laughter, real talk, and knowing you’re not alone.
Between the two, we cover everything from Captain Obvious workplace moments to why your brain decides to spiral at 2 AM - all with a mix of humor, honesty, and the occasional TMI moment (because let’s be honest, we’ve all been there).
My goal is simple: to make you laugh, think, and feel a little lighter. So whether you’re tuning in for retail rants or deep talks wrapped in humor, welcome, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get into it. 🎙️✨
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Cassandra Cassandra

Meet Cassandra – The Heart and Hilarity Behind the Mic 🎙️✨
Cassandra might say she “just shows up,” but let’s be honest - she’s the true entertainment of The Clopen Effect and Anxiety Makes Me Poop Podcasts. With a knack for storytelling, a sharp wit, and the perfect mix of sincerity and humor, she keeps us all laughing while dropping some amazing insights along the way.
She loves her husband, adores her pup Nicky, cherishes her friends, and is always ready for the next adventure. Whether cracking us up with a wild driving story or keeping it real with heartfelt moments, Cassandra brings the magic that makes these podcasts what they are.
Tune in and let her take you on a 'ride' - you never know where the conversation will go, but you know it’ll be worth it. 🎤💛🐶✈️