Episode 232

full
Published on:

13th Feb 2026

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.

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About the Podcast

The Clopen Effect
A Funny Retail Podcast
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 FamousÂŽ!

“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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About your hosts

Meredith Poczkalski

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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. 🎙️✨

Cassandra Cassandra

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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. 🎤💛🐶✈️