What happens when connection goes wrong? In this episode of The Connection Code, Jeana Anderson Cohen and Rachel Gillman Rischall swap stories about their biggest connection pet peeves — from transactional networking emails and unfulfilled promises to the dreaded “we should grab coffee” that never happens.

But this isn’t just a vent session. Together, Jeana and Rachel explore what these missteps can teach us about being better friends, colleagues, and connectors. Expect laughter, self-awareness, and even a few cringe-worthy personal stories (like the time Rachel asked a near-stranger for a celebrity birthday video … and lived to regret it).

They’ll unpack:

And stay tuned for Show & Tell, where Jeana shares the Washington Post article that proves almost everything is better with friends, and Rachel spotlights a Chicago restaurant’s inspiring story of community support after tragedy struck.

Media:

• 🗞️ Washington Post: “Doing almost anything is better with friends” — the article Jeana references in Show & Tell.

• 📚 Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering — the book that inspired Rachel’s “No Small Talk” event format.

• 💌 GoFundMe for Dear Margaret Restaurant — the fundraiser Rachel started to help support a beloved neighborhood spot after a fire.

• 🎧 Related episode: “Condensed Connections: Building Bonds on a Deadline” with Lindsay Shookus