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 transactional
  • The art of following through on favors and commitments
  • Why “we should” is the most overused phrase in connection
  • The beauty of being inclusive at events — and how to be the person who invites others in
  • Simple scripts for repairing connection missteps (and why an authentic apology still matters)

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  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