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
James Beard Award–winner Jason Hammel, chef/owner of Chicago’s beloved Lula Cafe, joins us to unpack what hospitality really is (“empathy in action”), how a restaurant keeps its soul for 26+ years. We also touch on why showing up for staff, guests, and himself matters more than ever. We talk about teaching “service grammar” vs. cultivating a culture of generosity, the forest-like networks that sustain teams, and the art of building connection beyond the table - from Pilot Light’s food-education mission to LouLou, Lula’s intimate salon space for dinners, talks, and art.
We also get personal: Jason’s sliding-doors path from MFA writer to chef, his Italian roots (and a magical Naples wine-bar connection sparked by a handwritten note), and his honest take on rekindling long-time friendships in a busy season of life. If you care about food, community, or the craft of welcoming people well, this one will refill your “care water.”
Show Notes & Links:
Find Jason on social:
In this episode of The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel sit down with Chef Joe Flamm,Top Chef winner, restaurateur, and lifelong South Sider, whose career and character are defined by one word: authenticity.
Joe shares his journey from dropping out of college to culinary school, grinding in Chicago’s toughest kitchens, and ultimately winning Top Chef and opening acclaimed restaurants like Rose Mary and il Carciofo. He opens up about the friendships forged on the line, the mentors who shaped him (Stephanie Izard, Tony Mantuano, Art Smit, and Bill Kim), and the bold choices that built his career.
We explore how authenticity shows up in friendships, leadership, and in the kitchen. He also shares why every chef (and every human) needs a friend like Joe’s lifelong hype man, Matt.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stay true to yourself while building something big, this conversation is for you.
In the episode:
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In this episode of The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel sit down with the incomparable DJ Blatner, registered dietitian, sports nutritionist, bestselling author, and self-described joy evangelist.
DJ shares how she hit rock bottom despite outward success, and how reframing joy as a skill set, not a mindset transformed her life, work, and relationships.
Together, we explore:
If you’ve ever felt burnt out by chasing outcomes or struggled to infuse more fun into everyday life, this conversation will leave you energized, smiling, and ready to add more sparkle to your week.
Mentioned in this conversation:
What does it take to build trust in just six days? Lindsay Shookus knows. After two decades producing Saturday Night Live, she’s mastered the art of forging deep bonds quickly with some of the most high-profile guests in entertainment. In this episode of The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel sit down with Lindsay to talk about the “camp counselor” side of SNL, her evolution into executive coaching and public speaking, and the powerhouse community she co-founded—Women Work F#cking Hard.
You’ll hear:
This one is equal parts starstruck and soul-striking—you’ll leave with tools to connect faster and more deeply in your own life.
In this episode of The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel lean into a back-to-school mindset to explore the lessons we’ve learned about friendship over the years. From middle school buttons that reminded us of “the friends we’ve yet to meet” to the adult reality of friendship seasons, group dynamics, and the roles we play in our circles, this conversation gets candid about belonging, wayfinding, and why it often takes a leader to bring people together.
We also share stories of A+ friends who showed up in memorable ways, reflect on how friendships evolve in adulthood, and talk about the homework we’d give anyone looking to deepen their connections.
Stay tuned until the end for our “show and tell” — a card deck Jeana is creating for couples at Petite Acres and a gratitude practice Rachel discovered that might inspire your own rituals.
Books mentioned:
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What happens when a connection fails—and what do we learn from it? In this special episode, Rachel and Jeana welcome Rachel’s sister, Laura Engelbret, a fluent Spanish speaker and longtime English Language (EL) teacher, who shares her powerful story of moving to Oaxaca, Mexico after college.
What began as a dream of adventure turned into one of Laura’s hardest moments of rejection—but also a turning point that shaped her career, her resilience, and her philosophy on connection. Laura takes us from that difficult experience to her 13+ years as an educator, where she now helps immigrant students and their families feel safe, welcomed, and at home in new communities.
Along the way, Jeana and Rachel reflect on their own “connection fails” and the lessons they learned from being fish out of water. Together, the conversation explores resilience, empathy, and the practical and emotional work it takes to build bridges in life, work, and school.
If you’ve ever felt out of place—or wondered how to help others feel like they belong—this episode will inspire and encourage you to rethink what real connection means.
Other media we discussed:
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In this episode of The Connection Code, we sit down with Tim Huelskamp. He's the CEO and co-founder of 1440, creator of a thriving Jeffersonian dinner series, and one of the most generous connectors we know.
Tim shares how his upbringing shaped his curiosity, why “closing the loop” is one of the most powerful (and underused) networking habits, and the intentional ways he curates gatherings to spark meaningful relationships across industries.
From his company’s vision to blend knowledge with in-person experiences, to his Saturday ritual of making thoughtful introductions, Tim offers both big-picture inspiration and practical tactics for anyone looking to deepen their connections. We also swap stories about the magic that happens when you bring the right people together, the role of specificity in asking for help, and why generosity is a winning long-term strategy in both life and business.
Whether you’re a natural connector or looking to strengthen your networking skills, this episode will inspire you to lead with curiosity, quality, and a willingness to help first.
Show Notes Links to Include:
Connect with Tim Huelskamp on LinkedIn
Learn more about Fifth Star Funds — supporting underrepresented founders with critical early-stage funding
In this episode of The Connection Code, Rachel and Jeana sit down with the brilliant and refreshingly candid Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business Correspondent for ABC News, host of The Dropout, and executive producer of the Emmy-winning Hulu series of the same name.
From her roots in Minnesota to the national stage, Rebecca shares the winding path that led her to where she is today — including a tough first job in investment banking, a bold career pivot into journalism, and the behind-the-scenes grind that preceded her “overnight success.” She opens up about the power of following your curiosity, the importance of small side projects that spark joy, and the lessons she's learned about trust, friendship, and resilience along the way.
You’ll also hear:
How Rebecca built real connections in an industry often marked by competition
Her advice to anyone impatiently waiting to “build a network”
A vulnerable, honest conversation about fertility and redefining ambition
The creative side hustle that unexpectedly changed her career
Why calling a friend midday might be the ritual your friendships need
It’s a conversation full of insight, warmth, and wisdom — and a reminder that your most meaningful momentum often begins with a genuine connection.
This week on The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel explore a topic that hits close to home—literally. With Jeana now living in Michigan and Rachel still in Chicago, the duo dives into what it really takes to maintain a long-distance friendship. From intentionality and communication cadences to low-lift check-ins (hello, memes and voice notes) and meaningful milestones, they unpack how to keep friendships thriving across miles.
Along the way, they share stories about pandemic reconnections, vacation friends who become real friends, and even whether or not it’s helpful—or just a little sorority-core—to keep a “friendship spreadsheet.” You’ll walk away with practical tips and some laugh-out-loud metaphors (including a bathtub, Jacuzzi, and pool classification system for your inner circle).
Plus: A dreamy dinner party recommendation in Chicago, an ode to snail mail, and a shoutout to Danielle Robay’s interview with Scooter Braun.
Whether you’re maintaining a lifelong bond or rekindling a faded connection, this episode is your guide to hugging your people—even if it’s just via text.
Rachel and Jeana sit down with author, journalist, and MSNBC anchor Alicia Menendez to unpack the deeply relatable tension explored in her book The Likability Trap.
Together, they explore what it means to be both respected and liked at work and why women are so often forced to choose.
Alicia shares personal experiences, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from her journey through journalism, publishing, and producing a Broadway show.
The conversation spans everything from the power of early support in someone’s journey, to the art of making and keeping friendships through life’s busiest seasons. Alicia also drops real-world advice on building authentic (and sometimes transactional) relationships, why specificity matters when networking, and how to ask for help (even when it feels hard).
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to thread the needle between warmth and ambition, or wondered how to maintain connection through life’s chaos, this one’s for you.
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In this special episode, Rachel and Jeana welcome Rebecca Rosen—renowned spiritual medium, best-selling author, and host of the Small Medium at Large podcast. A dream guest for Rachel (and longtime source of spiritual inspiration), Rebecca shares how she first discovered her gift, what it means to be a medium, and how anyone can start tuning into their own intuition.
They talk about listening to “life’s whispers,” the comfort and clarity that can come from connecting with the other side, and how Rebecca views mortality and purpose through a spiritual lens. You’ll hear practical tips for recognizing signs, insights into what “heaven” might feel like, and stories that may just change the way you see the world around you.
Plus, don’t miss the full-circle moment of Rachel’s manifestation journey that brought this conversation to life.
Follow Rebecca on Instagram at @mediumrebeccarosen
Thank you for listening to The Connection Code with Rachel and Jeana. This production is edited by Ben Kliever.
In this deeply moving episode, Rachel and Jeana sit down with Sarrah Bentley, former Broadway showgirl, yoga entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor, mom, and founder of A Chance for Life, a nonprofit funding surrogacy journeys for breast cancer survivors.
Together, they explore what it truly means to show up for people during life’s hardest seasons and how to accept help when you’re the one in need. Sarrah opens up about her own experience navigating an aggressive cancer diagnosis during COVID, her unexpected village of support, her radical approach to staying embodied through movement, and the miraculous journey to her son, Chance.
Along the way, the conversation touches on vulnerability, spirituality, finding joy in the messiest moments (a practice Sarrah calls joy mining) and how connections, both online and IRL, have shaped her survival and purpose.
If you need a dose of perspective, hope, or permission to slow down and savor the sweetness that exists alongside struggle, this episode will stay with you long after you listen.
Listen in for stories about:
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In this very special 10th episode of The Connection Code, the microphones are flipped as Rachel’s twin daughters, Kayla and Shira, take the lead. What follows is a candid, funny, and deeply heartfelt conversation about what it means to connect—with yourself, with friends, and with the world around you.
Before the twins step in, Jeana and Rachel open up about what it’s like trying to show up fully in relationships while navigating overwhelm. They talk about mental health, the myth of multitasking, and the emotional cost of doing too much. Rachel shares a moving story about how her friendship radar was wrong at first impressions, and Jeana brings in insights from Reddit on rejection and connection.
Then the twins join, and we’re treated to some surprisingly thoughtful (and adorably unfiltered) questions and insights. The girls ask what makes a connection meaningful, how to know if it’s a good one, and whether their moms have really taught them anything about friendship. The result? A cross-generational conversation that reminds us connection can start anywhere—at school, camp, or even a bowling alley.
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel sit down with Kevin Boehm - restaurateur, storyteller, and author of forthcoming book "The Bottomless Cup." They open the show reflecting on their own bold life moves—Jeana quitting a job after one day, Rachel moving to Chicago without a job—and then dive into Kevin’s extraordinary journey: from his early restaurant hustle to co-founding the award-winning Boka Restaurant Group.
Kevin shares how ambition once filled a void in his life, the emotional toll of connection in hospitality, and how he’s learning to live more authentically in his second act. With vulnerability, laughter, and one unforgettable bobcat story, this episode is a masterclass in personal reinvention, friendship, and the power of dropping the mask.
References:
This week on The Connection Code, it’s just Jeana and Rachel—and they’re diving into everything from cold emails to wedding thank-you notes to the group trip that never was.
Rachel unveils her “Compliment Theory”—a simple but powerful method for building meaningful connections with people you admire. Spoiler: Mark Cuban, Kara Swisher, and Tom Costello have all written back. Jeana asks how this applies to starting fresh in a new town, and together they brainstorm a game plan for creating community from scratch.
In Show & Tell, Jeana shares why “conspicuous creation” (aka creating in public) helped make Petite Acres a reality, while Rachel brings the most jaw-dropping Wall Street Journal group chat drama you’ve ever heard. They break down why group trips fail, why someone must be in charge, and why “we should” isn’t a plan.
Plus: how to build rituals to keep friendships strong, what to do when your thank-you notes get critiqued, and a tear-worthy Connection Conversation spotlighting astronaut and IVF advocate Kellie Gerardi.
In this lively, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud episode, Jeana and Rachel sit down with award-winning sports journalist, podcast host, and soon-to-be author Sarah Spain to talk about the surprising ways movement, friendship, and connection intersect.
The episode kicks off with a personal exploration of how team sports—and even just trying something new—can help us build relationships, confidence, and community. That theme flows seamlessly into Sarah's story, from being a college athlete to becoming what she calls the "social chair" of her life, building a network that’s equal parts powerful and deeply personal.
They discuss:
You’ll also hear what Jeana learned about sports from Sarah, what Rachel’s twins are up to, and why every episode should end with a compliment.
Whether you’re a sports fan or just a fan of friendship, this one will make you want to text someone just to say hi. And make sure to pre-order the book at https://tinyurl.com/RITFbook.
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel sit down with Mosh Oinounou, the founder of Mo News, to explore how one person—and one push—can change everything.
Mosh shares the origin story of Mo News, from a private Instagram feed created during the pandemic to a 500k+ strong multimedia news platform.
Along the way, we hear how his wife Alex nudged him out of his comfort zone and into the spotlight, and how the community he built continues to shape the future of independent media.
The trio dives into the vulnerability of reinvention, the impact of childhood experiences, the challenges of being always-on in a 24/7 news cycle, and how to balance ambition with being present. Plus, they solve (maybe?) Mosh’s community platform dilemma live on the pod.
If you’ve ever felt like the odd one out or dreamed of building something meaningful, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.
0:00 – 5:20 | The Year of Intros & the Etiquette of Declined Connections
Jeana and Rachel tally up their introduction counts and explore the social nuance of when someone says “no thanks” to a connection.
5:21 – 10:00 | The Power of One Person’s Encouragement
Rachel and Jeana reflect on pivotal moments when someone’s words changed their paths—and why those small nudges matter.
10:01 – 17:20 | Meet Mosh: The Man Behind Mo News
They welcome Mosh and unpack the role of names, introductions, and super connectors—including his wife, Alex.
17:21 – 23:30 | Mo News Origin Story
Mosh shares how a pandemic project turned into a news empire, all thanks to a little push (and some fights) with Alex.
23:31 – 27:30 | From News-Obsessed Kid to Newsroom Disruptor
A young Mosh trades ice cream for the Chicago Tribune, gets kicked out of class for asking too many questions, and dreams big.
27:31 – 30:25 | Navigating Belonging and the Long Echo of High School
The group explores how early feelings of otherness shape adult identity—and how parenting today demands balance between protection and resilience.
30:26 – 33:30 | Investing in the Future of Mo News
Should Mosh take on outside investors or crowdsource from the community? Rachel and Jeana weigh in with passion and pragmatism.
33:31 – 38:15 | The New Media Model: Listening to Your Audience
Mosh explains how audience questions and DMs help shape Mo News coverage—and why that’s changing how journalism is done.
38:16 – 43:00 | Real-Time Reporting & the Pressure of 24/7 Coverage
What it’s like to report during life’s big (and little) moments, from birthday parties to breaking news.
43:01 – 48:00 | The Future of the Mo News Community
Slack? Circle? WhatsApp? Mosh talks about the challenge of building a connected community—and maybe lands on a solution live.
48:01 – 54:00 | Burnout, Boundaries, and Being Present
Mosh opens up about the tension between growing a brand and showing up for the people who matter most.
54:01 – End | Closing Gratitude + Where to Find Mo News
Rachel and Jeana reflect on the conversation, and Mosh shares where to follow along (plus a teaser for what’s next at Mo News).
This week on The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel dive into a big, heartfelt question: What does it take to maintain friendships when you're in different family situations than your friends?
They explore how milestones like marriage and parenthood can shift friendships—sometimes causing hurt feelings on both sides—and share their own vulnerable stories of navigating these changes. From Rachel’s reflections on being one of the last in her friend group to have kids, to Jeana’s experience supporting friends with children while growing her own family, they reveal how easy it is to misinterpret distance as disinterest.
Along the way, they offer advice from friends and listeners: keep inviting each other, be patient, don't take declined invites personally, and—importantly—offer tangible help without waiting to be asked. Whether you're in the thick of new parenthood, child-free, or somewhere in between, this episode reminds us that connection through life’s big transitions takes empathy, communication, and sometimes just showing up to hold a baby.
Plus, in Show & Tell, Rachel shares a text from space (seriously!) and Jeana introduces a brilliant UK program designed to build parenting friendships, inspiring dreams of a grown-up version here.
Big themes:
Show notes:
00:00 – 01:10 | Welcome + The Big Question
Jeana introduces the episode's central topic: "What does it take to maintain friendships when you're in a different family situation than your friends?"
01:11 – 03:20 | Early Signs of Friendship Drift
Both sides—parents and non-parents—feel left out when life stages differ, even though the hurt is often unintentional.
03:21 – 06:30 | Rachel’s Story: Learning from Both Sides
Rachel reflects on being single while friends became parents, and how becoming a mom herself reshaped her perspective on friendship.
06:31 – 08:55 | Identity Shifts and Friendship Evolution
Jeana and Rachel discuss how big life changes (like parenthood) require friendships to adapt, much like romantic relationships do.
08:56 – 13:00 | Vulnerability: Mourning the Old Friendship Era
Rachel shares her honest emotions about feeling grief when friends’ lives changed, and Jeana shares her experiences as a non-parent navigating these shifts.
13:01 – 19:25 | Advice for Bridging the Gap Between Life Stages
They discuss real ways to stay connected across different family situations, including offering specific help, patience, and proactive communication.
19:26 – 26:45 | Wisdom from Friends: What Parents and Non-Parents Wish Each Other Knew
Jeana shares advice collected from friends with kids and without—including what helps most (and what unintentionally hurts).
26:46 – 27:22 | Quick Takeaway: Clear, Heartfelt Communication
The hosts summarize the key to sustaining friendships through big life changes: honest, affirming communication—and always offering to "hold a baby" when you can.
27:23 – 35:42 | Show and Tell
Rachel shares a touching connection story involving a text from Gail King before going to space! Jeana shares a fascinating UK program The National Childhood Trust (NCT) that helps new parents build local community friendships.
35:43 – 37:31 | Dreaming Up an "Adult Life Class" for New Chapters
They riff on how amazing it would be to have friendship-focused life classes for adults navigating major life transitions.
37:32 – 38:13 | Connection Highlight: Closing the Loop
Jeana and Rachel celebrate a recent "closed loop" moment, highlighting the importance of following up after introductions.
38:14 – End | Wrap-Up and Farewell
Encouragement to share, rate, and review the podcast—and reminders on how to connect with Jeana and Rachel on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Ready to get better at making friends, asking deeper questions, and maybe even sending a bamboo plant or two? We’re joined by Danielle Robay — media host, master question-asker, and connection enthusiast — to talk about how curiosity, generosity, and a little bit of chutzpah can change your life (and your friendships). Plus, a few stories that will have you laughing and taking notes.
In this episode, we feature our guest Danielle Robay. She is a media personality, content creator, moderator and host of my favorite weekly listen - the Question Everything podcast. She also created a Question Everything card game with 52 prompts for deeper discussions.
Notes:
0:00 — Welcome to The Connection Code
1:08 — Asking for Help and Finding Friendship Leaders
5:00 — The Power of One Contact
9:02 — Introducing Danielle Robay
10:34 — Soulful Friendships and First Impressions
12:27 — The Gift of Listening
18:26 — Danielle's Story: Starting From Scratch in LA
24:16 — Maintaining and Growing Relationships
29:38 — Moments You Want to Give Up
36:15 — Cardinal Rules of Connection
42:15 — Bonus Banter: Dream Podcast Co-Hosts
47:00 — Cold Connections That Changed Everything
54:15 — Wrapping Up with Gratitude
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