The Connection Code with Rachel and Jeana

Jeana Anderson Cohen and Rachel Gillman Rischall
  • 5.0 (32)
  • CAREERS

The Connection Code is a show about the relationships that make your life and work just a little bit better.

  1. 2D AGO

    Hospitality Is Connection: Jason Hammel on the Soul of a Restaurant, Community, and Care

    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: Lula Cafe — the Logan Square institution. https://www.lulacafe.com/2024 James Beard Award (Outstanding Hospitality) — Lula Cafe’s national winThe Lula Cafe Cookbook: Collected Recipes and Stories — Jason’s debut (Phaidon). Pilot Light — the chef-founded nonprofit bringing food education into classrooms.Jason’s Welcome Conference talk (“Showing Up First for Yourself”) — on hospitality, emotional labor, and empathy. LouLou by Lula — the new arts/salon venue around the corner Find Jason on social: Jason Hammel (site & IG) — more writing, speeches, and kitchen life. @jasonhammelLula Cafe on Instagram — menus, collabs, and event drops. @lulacafe

    1h 2m

  2. OCT 1

    Friendship, Food, and Finding Your People with Chef Joe Flamm

    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: Rose Mary Restaurant Il CarciofoBLVDTop Chef (Bravo) Season 15No Kid Hungry (Joe’s advocacy work mentioned in the episode)Between Bites (the storytelling dinner series referenced in the conversation)New York Times piece by Samin Nosrat on dinner rituals The New York Times piece reacting to the weekly dinner ritual by Melissa Kirsch Follow us: Follow Joe Flamm on Instagram

    1h 6m

  3. SEP 24

    The Joy Nutrient: Building Friendships, Food Memories, and Fun with DJ Blatner

    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: Why joy is a nutrient—and how to “dose” yourself daily with play, gratitude, and self-careHow DJ’s “Joy GPS” system keeps her grounded and energizedThe role of food as connection—from pizza croutons to family recipes that keep loved ones closeWhy being interested instead of interesting is the secret to effortless friendshipsHow flexible eating (and living!) lets us say yes to joy and connection without rigid rules 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: DJ’s Website: djblatner.comThe Flexitarian Diet by DJ Blatner (top-rated every year on U.S. News)The Superfood Swap by DJ BlatnerBurnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily & Amelia NagoskiPlay: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart BrownLaura Vanderkam’s work on time and memoryChef @donaldduckconfit who was the chef at the @savorwe dinner Rachel mentioned

    1h 17m

  4. SEP 17

    From 20 Years at SNL to Creating Connection Magic with Lindsay Shookus

    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: How vulnerability, humor, and listening create instant chemistryWhy curating “heart-forward” people is the secret to meaningful eventsThe “help notebook” practice Lindsay uses to turn every meeting into an opportunity to giveHer take on teasing, therapy, and boundaries in building authentic relationships This one is equal parts starstruck and soul-striking—you’ll leave with tools to connect faster and more deeply in your own life. Women Work Fucking Hard (organization co-founded by Lindsay)Lindsay’s Instagram: @shookusshookusGirls5eva (Paula Pell’s show, referenced in the episode)30 Rock (where Lindsay was an associate producer, mentioned in the SNL discussion)New York Times article on the role of playful small talk in connection NYT article on belated thank-you notes and the power of gratitude

    1h 3m

  5. SEP 3

    Back to School, Back to Friendship Basics with The Connection Code

    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: Bowling Alone by Robert PutnamFriends by Robin DunbarBelong by Radha AgrawalUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraBraving the Wilderness by Brené BrownThe Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerOther references: Meople – custom conversation cards Jeana collaborated with for Petite Acres couplesNew York Times article on belated thank-you notes Follow us: Jeana on LinkedIn and on InstagramRachel on LinkedIn and on Instagram

    37 min

  6. AUG 28

    Lessons from Failed Connections with Rachel's sister, Laura Engelbret

    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: "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin"Bowling Alone" by Robert PutnamRaj Chetty’s study on cross-class friendshipsThe Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Follow us! Rachel on Instagram and LinkedInJeana on Instagram and LinkedInLaura on Instagram and LinkedIn

    1h 13m

  7. AUG 13

    Tim Huelskamp on Building a Professional Life Around Connection

    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: Subscribe to 1440’s daily newsletter Connect with Tim Huelskamp on LinkedIn Learn more about Fifth Star Funds — supporting underrepresented founders with critical early-stage funding Read The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker⁠Follow Jeana on LinkedIn⁠Follow Rachel on LinkedIn

    1h 4m

  8. AUG 6

    From Ambition to Authenticity: Rebecca Jarvis on Building a Career, Network, and Life You Love

    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.

    1h 5m
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5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The Connection Code is a show about the relationships that make your life and work just a little bit better.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeana Anderson Cohen and Rachel Gillman Rischall
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeana Anderson Cohen and Rachel Gillman Rischall
  • Show Website
    The Connection Code with Rachel and Jeana

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