The JTrain Podcast
Episode: How to Throw the Best Dinner Party with Jake Cohen
Host: Jared Freid
Guest: Jake Cohen
Date: September 3, 2025
Episode Overview
On this Chit Chat Wednesday, comedian Jared Freid welcomes chef, cookbook author, and dinner party enthusiast Jake Cohen for a lively discussion about throwing unforgettable dinner parties. They explore Jake's new cookbook, "Dinner Party Animal," dive into the art of hosting, the joy of connecting over food, and even delve into dating, breakups, and the post-breakup party lifestyle. The episode is equal parts practical advice, personal storytelling, and comedic banter, perfect for anyone looking to up their hosting game or just looking for some laughs and life lessons.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jake Cohen’s New Book: “Dinner Party Animal”
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[02:41–07:47]
- Jake’s upcoming (or just-released) cookbook is designed to help anyone become the dinner party host they aspire to be.
- The book includes recipes, grocery lists, detailed timelines, and themed menus ranging from Thanksgiving to Bagel Brunch, Steakhouse, Mediterranean, classic pasta nights, and more.
- Jared enthuses about how the book “holds your hand” through every step of hosting, emphasizing how crucial organization and planning are for a successful party.
- Best way to support Jake and the cookbook? Pre-order or buy from local bookstores.
Key Quote:
“It’s gonna hold your hand. Jake is gonna hold your hand. And he's got great hands... to make sure that you know what time to start cooking, what time to start prepping.” — Jared [05:02] -
[06:40–07:47]
- Jake describes his book tour plans, featuring events moderated by friends and family who helped shape the cookbook.
2. The Joy and Value of Hosting
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[07:47–12:14]
- Jake shares his deep passion for hosting:
“The reason that I work is to be able to support a life of hosting.” — Jake [07:55] - To him, food is a conduit for connection and conversation, even when those conversations get heated or emotional—usually around a comforting meal.
- Jared and Jake discuss the unique, lively energy of debates among friends and family, highlighting how disagreements at the table are often just spirited discussion, not the end of friendships.
Memorable Moment:
Jake describes a dinner party that turned into a “heated debate.” Afterwards, non-Jewish guests were worried it marked the end of friendships, but Jake assures, “No, no, it’s fine. This is just like part of dinner with us.” [08:49] - Jake shares his deep passion for hosting:
3. Party Hosting Tips and Judgment
- [12:14–13:28]
- Jared and Jake reflect on the “judginess” that comes with being hosted—what was served, the state of someone's home, etc.
- Jake compares dinner party hosting to a yoga journey:
“The act of throwing the dinner party is what’s getting you on this journey towards [connection].” — Jake [13:07] - Jake’s number one tip for would-be hosts:
“Don’t invite people you hate. Invite people you love. If you make good food and invite people you like, you’re gonna have a great time.” — Jake [13:28]
4. Jake’s Personal Life Update: Single Life, Self-Growth & Modern Dating
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[15:57–23:54]
- Jared brings up Jake’s recent transition into singlehood after a long-term relationship and marriage, setting the stage for a candid, thoughtful discussion on moving forward.
- Jake shares his journey with self-help, referencing Mel Robbins, the law of attraction, Abraham Hicks, “The Artist’s Way,” and more.
- He recounts stories from his year of single post-marriage life, which was filled with new adventures, self-discovery, and even clubbing trips to the famous—and infamous—Berghain in Berlin.
- On attracting new partners:
“You attract what you want at that moment, whether you’re aware of it or not … As you start to want depth and intimacy … is when you start to attract characters that are more representative of a potential future partner.” — Jake [23:09]
Notable Quote:
“There is nothing more unattractive in a man than not being obsessed with me.” — Jake [26:06]- This mantra, developed in his single life, became a hit with podcast audiences.
5. The “Friend-Luck” Dinner Party Concept
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[26:52–30:34]
- Jared pitches his idea for “friend-luck”: similar to a potluck, but guests must bring a friend, regardless of relationship status, to expand everyone's social circle.
- Jake reveals this concept is already in his cookbook’s introduction and one of his favorite hosting moves. Reserving a few seats for “plus-ones” or new friends brings fresh energy, new connections, and can even make you reevaluate old friendships if someone brings a terrible guest!
- Jake describes his ideal “winner-winner chicken dinner” menu for these gatherings: roast chicken, wedge salad, roasted broccoli with buffalo beurre blanc, smashed potatoes, and an upside-down apple tart.
Memorable Moment:
“If someone you love is bringing someone they love into your life, then A, you’re most likely gonna love them, and B, if you hate them, it actually makes me rethink the first relationship.” — Jake [28:16]
6. Game Segment: Peaks & Pits of Dinner Parties
- [31:13–38:20]
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Jared and Jake play “Peaks and Pits,” sharing highs and lows for various dinner party elements:
Barbecues:
- Peak: Seeing people in swimsuits; casual daytime vibes.
- Pit: Never enough seating; food can get messy.
- Memorable Exchange:
Jared: “Never seating at a barbecue. Never.” — [32:09]
Jake: “But everyone looks better standing.” — [32:13]
Playlists:
- Peak: Using the Radio app to set a cool international vibe (“1950s Brazil” recommended); playlists displayed on TV.
- Pit: Volume too loud, music shifting to personal preference (Jake’s hyperpop tendencies).
Chips & Dips:
- Peak: Great dips—a specialty in Jake’s book, including an au poivre onion dip and a vegan pea & white bean dip.
- Pit: Messiness potential, memories from Berlin’s wild parties (with a scandalous anecdote about club ice cream and public sex).
Sides:
- Peak: Must have variety—starch, veg, something extra. Smashed or roasted potatoes, a good mashed potato, or even shepherd’s pie for heartiness.
- Pit: French fries at parties (“Never do French fries. There should never be French fries at a party ever, ever, ever.” – Jake [36:47]); potatoes often served lukewarm outside of proper setups.
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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On hosting:
“Food becomes this conduit for conversation. If you make good food and invite people you like, you’re gonna have a great time.” — Jake [07:57 & 13:28] -
On dating after a breakup:
“I think I might start a cult. I might be the next Mel Robbins. Like, anything is possible.” — Jake [17:30]
“There is nothing more unattractive in a man than not being obsessed with me.” — Jake [26:06] -
On “Friend-Luck” dinners:
“If someone you love is bringing someone they love into your life … you’re most likely going to love them. And if you hate them … it makes me rethink the first relationship.” — Jake [28:16] -
On party food:
“I love slop. I think a lot of my favorite food group is slop.” — Jake [37:54]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Intro & Book Release/Support: [00:00–07:47]
- Why Jake loves hosting: [07:47–12:14]
- Judgment, party standards, & what matters: [12:14–13:28]
- Jake’s single & self-help journey: [15:57–24:58]
- The “friend-luck” dinner party concept: [26:52–30:34]
- Peaks and Pits game (Barbecues, Playlists, Chips, Sides): [31:13–38:20]
Tone & Style
The episode is light, fast-paced, and honest, blending Jared’s characteristic humor and self-deprecation with Jake’s warmth, wit, and openness—especially when discussing vulnerability in both hosting and relationships. The mood is fun, supportive, and a little irreverent, making party planning and personal growth equally entertaining.
Final Note
Go follow Jake Cohen and get his gorgeous new book Dinner Party Animal, whether you’re looking to upgrade your hosting skills, find new recipes and timelines to reduce stress, or just want a little more joy and connection in your life. As Jake and Jared remind us, the best parties aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection, comfort food, and the people you genuinely enjoy.