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. 5D AGO

    Connection as a Superpower: Jolene Rodriguez on Purpose and Persistence

    In the Season 1 finale of The Connection Code, Jeana Anderson Cohen and Rachel Rischall sit down with film producer Jolene Rodriguez, CEO of Broken English Productions and one of Variety’s “10 Producers to Watch.” Jolene’s story is a testament to what happens when connection meets courage, from keeping her intern badge and showing up at Sony Pictures until she earned a job, to building a career anchored in generosity, inclusion, and heart. She opens up about the loss of her twin sister Julie and the creation of her nonprofit Friends of Julie, which helps young storytellers discover confidence and purpose. The conversation spans motherhood, mentorship, Hollywood hustle, and the quiet power of staying true to yourself. In Jolene’s world, connection isn’t just networking—it’s fuel for persistence, healing, and impact. In this episode: Broken English ProductionsFriends of Julie@jolene_rodriguez_ on InstagramBorder Hunter Trailer (Sony)Variety: 10 Producers to Watch – Jolene Rodriguez

    1h 9m

  2. NOV 5

    How Recovered Tech Exec Carla Piñeyro Sublett Found Herself by Logging Off and Tuning In

    This week on The Connection Code, Jeana and Rachel sit down with Carla Piñeyro Sublett — former CMO of IBM, recovering tech executive, and founder of Co-Effect, where she helps people and organizations find more human-centered ways to work. Carla shares her remarkable story of walking away from a high-powered tech career, taking her family offline for a year to reconnect, and rediscovering her purpose, “to be in service of humanity.” She opens up about her “100 first dates” experiment that helped her realign her professional values, what it means to work with an open heart, and why vulnerability is a leadership superpower. The conversation covers: The year Carla’s family went device-free and how it changed everythingThe hidden cost of technology on attention and connectionHow she rebuilt her identity after burnoutThe importance of following joy — not just successThis one’s for anyone rethinking what a holistic approach to life and work really looks like. Resources and links: Let's Go There (Carla's podcast)Carla's company, The CoEffectCarla Piñeyro Sublett on LinkedInHenry Crown Fellowship — the leadership program she references“Dances with Whales” expeditions — from her transformative trip experienceThursday Murder Club book series — Jeana’s “Show & Tell” pick

    1h 3m

  3. OCT 29

    Connection Pet Peeves (and How to Fix Them)

    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: How to ask for introductions without making it transactionalThe art of following through on favors and commitmentsWhy “we should” is the most overused phrase in connectionThe beauty of being inclusive at events — and how to be the person who invites others inSimple scripts for repairing connection missteps (and why an authentic apology still matters) 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

    42 min

  4. OCT 8

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeana Anderson Cohen and Rachel Gillman Rischall
  • Show Website
    The Connection Code with Rachel and Jeana

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