

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

Jan 28, 2026 • 26min
The Essence of Leadership and Why Donald Trump Is Not a Role Model
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 it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of #ComplianceintotheWeeds, Tom Fox, and Matt Kelly look at the leadership failures from Donald Trump and his administration after the killing of Alex Pretti last weekend. This episode has significant editorial commentary.
Matt and Tom critically examine the behavior and leadership failings of Donald Trump and his Administration in the wake of the shooting of Alex Pretti and argue that his approach is far from exemplary for CEOs or business leaders. The discussion highlights the essence of effective leadership as the ability to instill trust and direction, contrasting this with Trump's history of questionable business acumen and the allegations of his disastrous lying to the American people. The takeaway is that true leadership involves integrity, trustworthiness, and the ability to inspire and guide employees toward a common goal, traits that Trump is argued to lack.
Key highlights:
Comparing CEOs to Donald Trump
Crisis of hyper-transparency
Corporate responses. Were they enough or a first step?
Leadership and Trust
Resources:
Matt in 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 conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 24min
Addressing Retaliation Against Compliance Officers: Strategies and Insights
A deep dive into retaliation risks faced by compliance officers and real-world patterns that raise personal exposure. They explore why ongoing communication with senior leaders can defuse conflicts. Practical tactics for building executive relationships, preemptive remediation, and scenario-based training are discussed. The conversation frames compliance drills like cybersecurity exercises to win board buy-in.

Jan 14, 2026 • 22min
The Department of Retribution
The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. 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 look at the new DOJ AAG position which will report directly to the White House.
In this episode, Tom and Matt discuss the recent developments in the Department of Justice, particularly the establishment of a new Assistant Attorney General for fraud reporting directly to the White House. They explore the implications of this move, the regulatory chaos it may create, and the potential for politically motivated enforcement actions. The conversation emphasizes the uncertainty facing compliance professionals and the need for robust risk management strategies in light of these changes as well as the chaos capitalism the Administration has introduced into American business.
Key Highlights
· Introduction to the Department of Retribution
· The New Assistant Attorney General for Fraud
· Political Implications of Fraud Enforcement
· Potential Targets of Enforcement
· Navigating Chaos Capitalism
· Risk Management Strategies for Compliance Professionals
Resources
Matt 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 a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and 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 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7, 2026 • 32min
Matt’s Key Compliance Issues and Trends to Watch in 2026
Anticipated FCPA enforcement against telecom giant ZTE raises questions about the impact of political influence on corporate prosecutions. They discuss the controversial indictment of SmartMatic and the risks of self-disclosure in a politicized Department of Justice. Additionally, there's concern over potential changes to Qui Tam lawsuits under the False Claims Act and ongoing conflicts between federal and state AI regulations. The financial landscape for AI funding deals is also examined, with fears of a crisis reminiscent of 2008.

6 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 22min
Special Holiday Episode: MGI’s Compliance Triumph in DOJ Tariff Evasion Case
Delve into the fascinating world of compliance with a gripping case of tariff evasion at MGI International. Explore how self-disclosure and robust internal investigations earned them a declination from the DOJ. The discussion includes insights on the importance of cooperation and the implications for future compliance policies. Hear about the COO's guilty plea and the evolving DOJ landscape that encourages voluntary disclosures. It's a roadmap for navigating the complexities of compliance, wrapped in an engaging holiday context!

Dec 17, 2025 • 23min
The DOJ's Inconsistent Stance on White Collar Crime and FCPA Enforcement
The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. 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 look at the mixed and muddled messages coming out of the DOJ on FCPA and white collar enforcement.
We discuss recent signals from the DOJ suggesting a reinvigorated stance on corporate malfeasance, juxtaposed with actions like the pardoning of convicted offenders which muddle the overall message. The conversation covers Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's inflammatory speech on the seriousness of FCPA actions, the controversial pardons by President Trump, and the apparent selective enforcement against foreign versus U.S. companies. The episode examines the ramifications of these mixed signals for compliance professionals, companies, and whistleblowers, emphasizing the need for clearer guidance and consistency from the DOJ.
Key Highlights
· Mixed Messages from the Justice Department on FCPA and White Collar Enforcement
· Deputy Attorney General's Angry Speech
· Controversial Pardons and Their Implications
· ZTE and FCPA Charges
· Inconsistencies and Compliance Challenges
· The Impact of Presidential Pardons on Compliance
Resources
Matt 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 a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and 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 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 2025 • 20min
Live from the Floor of ACI
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 it 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 their initial reflections on the first day of the recently concluded ACI-FCPA and Global Anti-Corruption Conference.
Key points include the current state of FCPA enforcement, the impact of reduced DOJ manpower, and the continued importance of robust compliance. Despite claims about ramping up enforcement, the number of staff dedicated to FCPA cases has been significantly reduced. They also touch on the DOJ’s focus on comprehensive white-collar crime enforcement, including healthcare fraud and cartel-related activities. Additionally, they discuss Severin Wirz’s new book, Bribery Beyond Borders, on the historical context of FCPA enforcement.
Key highlights:
FCPA Enforcement Realities
White Collar Crime and DOJ Priorities
Cartels and Corruption
Whistleblower Program Insights
Book Signing and Historical Context
Resources:
Matt 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, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2025 • 20min
Understanding SFO Guidance and Compliance Program Assessments
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 it 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 recently released Serious Fraud Office (SFO) guidance on compliance programs.
Tom and Matt highlight the SFO's lack of specific directives and contrast them with more detailed guidance from the United States. The conversation focuses on the ambiguity organizations face in understanding what the SFO looks for in assessing compliance programs and underscores the need for a more holistic, tailored approach to individual circumstances.
Key highlights:
Introduction to SFO Guidance
Comparing SFO Guidance with US Standards
Uncertainty in SFO's Expectations
Holistic Assessment by SFO
Resources:
Matt in Radical Compliance
Tom in the FCPA Compliance and Ethics Blog
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, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 24min
Uncovering FCPA Violations: Millicom's Complex Case Involving Drug Cartel Funds
Dive into the complex case of Millicom Cellular, where duffel bags stuffed with drug cartel cash were used to bribe Guatemalan officials. Discover how this intricate FCPA enforcement action unfolded, revealing a lack of operational control within the joint venture. The episode explores the critical implications for compliance in high-risk regions and the importance of robust due diligence. With insights on narco-trafficking connections and lessons for joint-venture compliance, this discussion is both compelling and educational.

Nov 12, 2025 • 26min
The Atlanta Hawks Scandal: Lessons in Financial Misconduct
The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. 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 basics of fraud prevention with headlines torn from the NBA and a FinServ enforcement action.
The embezzlement scandal at the Atlanta Hawks has drawn attention to critical weaknesses in corporate governance and internal control systems, serving as a cautionary tale for organizations everywhere. They view the scandal as a glaring example of the consequences of neglecting internal controls and the segregation of duties, where an executive, Leslie Jones, exploited their finance role to embezzle funds for personal indulgences. His experience underscores the value of routine audits, which, despite their perceived monotony, are essential for uncovering fraud. Meanwhile, Matt is equally concerned, focusing on the need for robust internal controls and the principle of least privilege, warning against granting excessive access to employees to prevent misuse of power and safeguard organizational integrity.
Key Highlights
· Lessons from Atlanta Hawks Fraud Case
· Least Privilege Access for Preventing Financial Fraud
· Financial Data Examination for Fraud Detection
· Executives' Lavish Misconduct: Lessons in Ethics
Resources
Matt 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 a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and 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 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


