

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 21min
Chatbots and Interplay of Multiple Compliance Systems
Join compliance expert Matt Kelly, author of Radical Compliance, as he dives into the complexities of AI in compliance from Vilnius. Discover the ethical dilemmas surrounding chatbots, particularly concerning employee confidentiality and whistleblower protections. Matt reveals how these innovative tools can lead to unintended risks if not properly managed. They also explore the challenges of multiple compliance systems working together and the importance of corporate culture and robust IT controls in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Oct 1, 2025 • 24min
Amplified Risks: Navigating Corporate Challenges in the Age of Social Media
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 a subject 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 the bot attack on Cracker Barrel during its abortive name change imbroglio.
They explore the notion that social media risk is not a new concept, but rather an amplifier of existing risks for companies. It discusses the heightened potential for misinformation about a company’s values and how social media platforms have magnified this risk. Regulatory measures and accountability issues are addressed, with a nod to the role of prominent figures like Elon Musk. The episode underscores the inevitable, albeit unfair, reality of managing these amplified risks in today’s digital landscape.
Key highlights:
Introduction to Social Media Risks
Amplification of Existing Risks
Challenges in Managing Misconceptions
The Unavoidable Reality of Social Media Accountability
Resources:
Matt on Radical Compliance
Tom
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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 honored with a Davey, Communicator, and W3 Award for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2025 • 20min
Navigating H-1B Visa Reforms & Corporate Compliance Challenges
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 a subject 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 the Trump administration’s recent H-1B visa reforms and their implications for corporate compliance officers.
Highlighting the sudden and arbitrary policy changes, they discuss the potential chaos and confusion that businesses reliant on H-1B visas may face. They explore the economic ramifications, the threat of increased corporate costs, and the embedded risks of corruption. The episode highlights the broader issue of regulatory unpredictability under the Trump administration and offers compliance professionals guidance on coping strategies in this volatile environment.
Key highlights:
H-1B Visas: Current Headlines
Understanding H-1B Visas
Trump Administration’s New H-1B Visa Policy
Policy Clarifications and Implications
Potential for Corruption
Resources:
Matt on 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 the Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 18min
SCCE Compliance and Ethics Institute Report
Over 1,300 participants found a sense of community at the SCCE conference. Notable absences from the Trump administration highlighted the shifting dynamics in compliance. Innovative session formats provided fresh insights on compliance program elements. Discussion on AI tools revealed exciting use cases, such as TD Synex's Ethos chatbot. Leadership changes, particularly with the arrival of new CEO Garth Jordan, hint at a transformative direction for the organization.

9 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 22min
Checking in on Codes of Conduct
Tom and Matt dive into a recent report on Codes of Conduct, revealing its dual role as a shield and sword in corporate dealings. They discuss why senior managers often mention the code more than middle managers and the importance of constant updates to keep it relevant. The duo also debates whether traditional codes are still necessary in an age where AI could integrate policies and training. With insights on user-friendly designs, they advocate for deeper engagement with codes to strengthen corporate culture.

Sep 10, 2025 • 25min
Fracht - The Bonkers Sanctions 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 a subject more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss a recent OFAC enforcement action against a Swiss-domiciled freight forwarding company, Fracht.
The case stands out for its complexity, involving a single, high-value transaction that exposed the company to significant sanctions risk through dealings with both Venezuelan and Iranian entities. Tom and Matt break down the compliance failures, the role of senior management, and the extensive remediation steps taken post-incident. This episode offers actionable lessons for compliance professionals on supply chain due diligence, the importance of compliance involvement in urgent deals, and the consequences of sidelining compliance functions.
Key highlights:
OFAC Enforcement Details
Anatomy of the Transaction
Third- and Fourth-Party Risks
Senior Management Involvement
Compliance Failures & Supply Chain Visibility
Remediation & Consequence Management
Key Takeaways for Compliance Professionals:
Always involve compliance in high-value, urgent transactions.
Ensure robust due diligence for all counterparties, including third- and fourth-party risks.
Senior management must be accountable for compliance failures.
Remediation should include policy updates, staff training, and ongoing oversight.
Resources:
Matt on 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 the Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 24min
Examining the Impact of Reducing Middle Management on Corporate Culture
Explore the wave of reducing middle management in corporate America and its substantial impact on corporate culture. Discover how this trend affects communication and employee dynamics while raising concerns over institutional knowledge loss. The discussion highlights the role of AI and enhanced training as solutions to compliance challenges in a streamlined structure. Ultimately, learn about the delicate balance between agility and effective oversight, drawing insightful parallels to the world of sports.

Aug 27, 2025 • 27min
Unpacking the University of Michigan Football Scandal: Compliance and Consequences
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 a subject more fully. Seeking insightful perspectives on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss the recent University of Michigan football scandal.
They draw parallels to the infamous 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing incident and examine the numerous compliance failures within Michigan’s football program. Highlighted issues include impermissible scouting, leadership failures by Jim Harbaugh, marginalization of the compliance function, and the NCAA’s ineffective enforcement. The conversation highlights crucial lessons for corporate compliance, emphasizing the importance of documentation, intern training, cooperation in investigations, and maintaining robust enforcement actions.
Key highlights:
Michigan Football Scandal Overview
Impermissible Scouting and Violations
Leadership Failures and Compliance Issues
NCAA’s Toothless Enforcement
Comparisons to Corporate Compliance
Lessons for Compliance Officers
Ed. Note: Tom Fox has written a 5-part blog post series on the UM Cheating Scandal. It will be posted each day this week. You can view the full series on his blog, the FCPA Compliance and Ethics Blog.
Resources :
Tom
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Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 2025 • 27min
The Dark Side of AI in Employee Training
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 a subject 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 emerging concerns surrounding AI, particularly ChatGPT, in the realm of employee training.
Their discussion centers on the potential use of AI, specifically ChatGPT’s newest ‘Agent Mode’, to administer compliance training courses on behalf of employees, which could potentially enable them to cheat. They debate the implications of this capability, touching on the historical context of cheating, the effectiveness of current training methods, and the need for new internal controls and strategies to adapt to these technological advancements. They also contemplate the future of training, potentially evolving into AI-driven bots that provide on-the-spot, micro-learning modules. The episode encourages compliance officers to thoroughly vet their training vendors to ensure measures are in place to prevent AI-enabled cheating.
Key highlights:
The Dark Side of AI in Compliance Training
AI’s Impact on Employee Training
AI’s Role in Training and Compliance
Future of AI in Corporate Training
Challenges and Considerations
Resources:
Matt Kelly 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, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13, 2025 • 28min
Two Cyber Security Cases for the Compliance Professional
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 a subject 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 recent enforcement actions under the False Claims Act (FCA) related to cybersecurity failures by government contractors.
They analyze two significant cases: Illumina, a medical device maker, and Aero Turbine, a contractor for the US Air Force. The conversation highlights the importance of ‘security by design’ in product development and the growing scrutiny on compliance practices, especially for smaller companies. The discussion emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures and the challenges faced by organizations in meeting regulatory requirements.
Key highlights:
False Claims Act Cases Overview
Illumina Case Analysis
Aero Turbine Case Insights
Compliance Challenges for Smaller Companies
Resources:
Matt Kelly 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, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices