Ever wonder how Be the Sun, Not the Salt came to life? In this special origin story episode, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine pull back the curtain on the journey from a single TED Talk to a bestselling book and a podcast that’s sparking positive change around the world. What’s the story behind the sun and the salt? Harry shares how the phrase “lead people with an afterglow, not an aftertaste—be the sun, not the salt” first landed, and why it stuck with so many. Forget the “aha!” moment—this ...
Jul 03, 2025•12 min•Ep. 53
Ever find yourself nodding along to good advice… but not actually putting it into action? You’re not alone! In this final episode of our Gentle Nudge series, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine go all in on Chapter 30: “Frickin Do It” —the ultimate rally cry for turning knowledge into action and making positive habits stick. Why should you tune in? Get a burst of motivation to move from “knowing” to “doing”—because real change happens when you take that first step, no matter how small. Hear how ...
Jun 26, 2025•6 min•Ep. 52
Ever wish people really heard you—or that you could be the kind of listener everyone trusts? In this episode of “Be the Sun, Not the Salt,” Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine continue their Gentle Nudge series with Chapter 29: “Be an Olympic Listener” —your invitation to level up from “just hearing” to truly connecting. Why tune in? Listening is an everyday superpower: Discover why being an “Olympic listener” isn’t just for therapists or leaders—it’s for anyone who wants stronger relationships,...
Jun 19, 2025•7 min•Ep. 51
Ever feel like there’s a daily battle between your best self and… well, the other one? What if winning was as simple as choosing which one to feed? 🤔 In this powerful episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine unpack Chapter 28: “Practice, Practice, Practice” —a transformative look at the one habit that changes everything. Why should you tune in? Discover the ancient parable of the two wolves and what it reveals about mastering your inner world. Learn the crucial d...
Jun 12, 2025•6 min•Ep. 50
Ever feel like giving up when things get tough or when others don’t play fair? What if the most powerful choice is to shine your light anyway? 🌟 In this Gentle Nudge episode of “Be the Sun, Not the Salt,” Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine dive into Chapter 27: “Do It Anyway”—your ultimate anthem for resilience, perseverance, and choosing to be heliotropic no matter what. Why should you tune in? Discover a timeless, powerful message (inspired by Mother Teresa’s wisdom) that will reframe how yo...
Jun 05, 2025•5 min•Ep. 49
Ever wondered what it means to make a difference—even when no one’s watching? 🌟 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine guide you through Chapter 26: Fill in the Potholes—a thought-provoking conversation about small acts, big impact, and the quiet magic of doing good. Why tune in? Discover how tiny, anonymous gestures can ripple out and change your world—and maybe even someone else’s. Get inspired to spot everyday opportunities to help, uplift, or simpl...
May 29, 2025•6 min•Ep. 48
What really matters—and what’s just noise? In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine invite you to hit pause and reflect with Chapter 25: “Decide What Matters Most.” If you’ve ever felt torn between speaking up or letting something go, this gentle nudge is for you. What’s the Big Idea? Discover how to spot the difference between life’s real priorities and those little annoyances that try to steal your peace. Hear how Harry and Connie navigate tricky moment...
May 22, 2025•9 min•Ep. 47
Ever catch yourself feeling a little off your game? 🤔 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore Chapter 24: “Remember Who You Are” - your gentle nudge to reconnect with your best self, live authentically, and shine a little brighter every day. Why does remembering who you are matter? 🌟 Identity shapes action: As James Clear puts it in Atomic Habits , every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become. When you act in line with your...
May 15, 2025•10 min•Ep. 46
Ever feel like your emotions are running the show instead of you? 😵💫 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Ethan Kross, world-renowned expert on emotional regulation and bestselling author of Chatter and Shift . Together with Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine, Ethan dives deep into the science and practical tools for managing your inner voice, controlling emotional chatter, and harnessing your feelings instead of being overwhelmed by them. What you’ll l...
May 08, 2025•58 min•Ep. 45
Ever lost your cool over something tiny-like spilled coffee or a snarky email-and then realized it set the tone for your whole day? 😬 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine break down Chapter 23: “Keep Your Cool”-your go-to guide for stress management, emotional regulation, and staying calm under pressure. Why does keeping your cool matter? 🧠 Practice makes peaceful: The more you handle life’s little annoyances with grace, the easier it gets when real...
May 01, 2025•8 min•Ep. 44
Ever found yourself knee-deep in an argument about chocolate vs. vanilla—or something way more personal, like politics or identity? 🍦🗳️ In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine shine a light on Chapter 22: “Smile and Move On.” Here’s the real talk: 😁 Smile first, react later: Whether it’s a silly debate about ice cream or a deeply held belief, arguing rarely changes minds—especially when emotions or identities are involved. Instead, genuine conversatio...
Apr 24, 2025•6 min•Ep. 43
Ever find yourself stewing over little things—like someone being late or leaving the cupboard open (again)? 🙃 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine dig into Chapter 21: “Release Your Pet Peeves” —your gentle nudge to let go of those everyday annoyances that just aren’t worth your peace. What’s the big idea? 🧘♂️ Let it go, let it go: Holding onto pet peeves only keeps you mildly irritated and robs you of your own peace of mind. 🕵️♀️ Assume positive...
Apr 17, 2025•8 min•Ep. 42
Ever felt like you deserved to stay mad? 😡 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine unpack Chapter 20: “Take the High Road”—a powerful reminder that holding onto anger only salts your own roots. Key takeaways: 🌟 The high road is for YOU : Letting go of petty negativity isn’t about the other person—it’s about freeing yourself. ⏳ Work through it : Whether it takes two hours or two weeks, give yourself grace as you move toward letting go. 🧠 Don’t “feed th...
Apr 10, 2025•7 min•Ep. 41
Ever had someone say one thing but mean something totally different? 🙃 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine dive into Chapter 19: “Make Your Motive Clear and Clean”—a gentle nudge to check your intentions before you speak or act. Key takeaways: 💡 Say what you mean, mean what you say—but don’t say it mean: The golden rule of clear communication. 🧹 Check your motives: Are you being passive-aggressive or trying to “win”? Time for a little self-reflect...
Apr 03, 2025•6 min•Ep. 40
Ever had one of those "Oops, I messed up!" moments? In this mini-episode, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine are back with a game-changing mantra in Chapter 18: "Do the Next Right Thing"! Spoiler alert: We're all gonna be salty sometimes, but it's what you do next that counts! Harry's hot takes: 🧼 Clean-up on aisle "Me": Why your screw-ups are actually your best teachers 🏃♂️ Speed is key: The magic of fixing things ASAP (but it's never too late to make it right) 🧠 Trust your gut: If somethi...
Mar 27, 2025•7 min•Ep. 39
Ever tried cheering up a friend… only to accidentally make things worse? Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine are back with a Gentle Nudge from Chapter 17: “Help Others Keep Perspective”—and they’re dishing out gentle wisdom for those “I just want to fix it!” moments. Hot takes from today’s toolkit: 🩹 Scars, not wounds: Borrowing Rachel Hollis’ genius line, learn why timing matters when offering perspective (hint: wait till the bleeding stops). 🧠 Swap “get over it” for “let’s move your lens”: H...
Mar 20, 2025•11 min•Ep. 38
Ready to supercharge your relationships with a little gratitude magic? 🌟 In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine dive into Chapter 16: “Speak Fluent Gratitude.” The magic trick? Expressing thanks isn’t just about saying “thanks” – it’s about speaking from the heart with specificity. Harry shares a heartfelt text from a friend that brightened his day, while Connie reveals how a daily gratitude experiment brought unexpected joy to old friends. Your takeaw...
Mar 13, 2025•7 min•Ep. 37
Ever caught yourself rambling through a story or dropping verbal grenades that backfire? Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine—your Be the Sun, Not the Salt super-smart duo—are back with Chapter 15: “Make Your Words Count.” Spoiler alert: Less really is more when it comes to communication! Harry spills the tea on why cutting extra or inflammatory words turbocharges your clarity, while Connie shares examples of unhelpful self-talk she’s totally never said to herself. 😉 With some tiny tweaks, we ge...
Mar 06, 2025•6 min•Ep. 36
Have you ever turned a simple task into a full-blown project? We’ve all been there! In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine tackle Chapter 14, “Don’t Be a Complexifier,” from Harry’s book. Together, they unpack why simplicity is not only powerful but also essential for improving our lives and relationships. We’ll explore how overthinking and complicating things can weigh us down—and how keeping it simple can be a game-changer, everywhere from military st...
Feb 27, 2025•6 min•Ep. 35
Have you ever called yourself a friggin idiot? Most of us have, but would you ever say that to your best friend? Nope! In today’s tip to make your life a little better, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore Chapter 13, 'Be Your Own Best Friend,' from Harry's book, Be the Sun, Not the Salt. Today we’ll delve into how to recognize and STOP the negative self-talk. While it’s true that we’re evolutionarily wired to focus on negativity for survival, it's crucial to disrupt this tendency for a h...
Feb 20, 2025•11 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore the key concepts of Chapter 12, 'Hold the Salt,' from Harry's book. We’ll discuss the metaphorical significance of salt and how toxic behaviors can negatively impact others. We know that by refraining from expressing negative emotions and behaviors, we create a more positive and supportive environment. Here we’ll provide practical insights and real-life examples to illustrate the profound...
Feb 13, 2025•9 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore the concept of walking away from toxic environments, as described in Chapter 11, 'Learn to Walk Away' from Harry's book. Our discussion drills into the importance of gracefully extricating oneself from negative situations, whether they be physical, emotional, or conversational. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, the episode offers insights on maintaining composure, avoiding con...
Feb 06, 2025•7 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore Chapter 10, 'Don't Hang with Cilantro,' from Harry's book. (Did you know cilantro tastes like soap to some people?) This chapter highlights the importance of being and surrounding oneself with good company. We’ll discuss maintaining healthy boundaries to protect ourselves from negative influences, and share practical advice on limiting contact with toxic individuals and finding common gro...
Jan 30, 2025•8 min•Ep. 31
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine delve into Chapter 9, 'Win Win Always Wins,' from Harry's book. We discuss how to keep a win-win mindset in various scenarios, and the importance of ensuring positive outcomes for all parties involved. Through real-life examples and insights, we’ll dig into how this approach can lead to more harmonious and effective interactions. By integrating this mindset into our daily lives, we can foster fai...
Jan 23, 2025•7 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine delve into Chapter 8, 'Assume Positive Intent,' from Harry's book. We discuss the profound impact of interpreting others' actions positively rather than jumping to negative conclusions. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, we’ll explore how shifting one's perspective can improve overall life experience and interpersonal relationships. Try practicing this mindset to foster a more pos...
Jan 16, 2025•8 min•Ep. 29
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jill Martin to explore her inspiring journey from a renowned lifestyle expert and TV personality to a resilient cancer warrior. Jill shares personal anecdotes about her battle with breast cancer, the lessons she’s learned, and how she strives to live by the philosophy of 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt.' We delve into Jill's professional accomplishments, including her successful ventures on QVC and the Today Show, as well as her deeply personal mission to he...
Jan 09, 2025•58 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore Chapter 7, 'Apologize Well,' from Harry's book. They discuss the importance of making heartfelt apologies without justifications or excuses. By sharing personal experiences and practical insights, they highlight the key elements of a genuine apology — acknowledging the hurt caused and expressing honest regret. Listeners are encouraged to practice and refine their apologizing skills to fos...
Jan 01, 2025•9 min•Ep. 27
In today’s episode, Dr. Harry Cohen and co-host Connie Fontaine explore Chapter 6, 'Light Someone Up,' from the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' book. They delve into the concept of heliotropic people, discussing the science behind heliotropism and the characteristics that make someone a positive energizer. They emphasize the importance of being intentionally uplifting, kind, and compassionate in everyday interactions. By sharing tips and personal stories, they encourage listeners to consciously make ...
Dec 25, 2024•10 min•Ep. 26
Join us for an inspiring discussion with Brad Aronson, author of 'Humankind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time.' Brad shares his journey of discovering the profound impact of small gestures of kindness, especially during difficult times. He emphasizes the importance of being seen (and what that really means) and the power of simple actions to make a huge difference in the lives of others, and for ourselves, in return. Brad also talks to us about his impressive background in digital mark...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, co-hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine delve into Chapter 5, 'Be Your Best Self,' from Harry's book. They discuss the power and simplicity of showing up in our own uniquely heliotropic ways, to authentically bring our best to any situation. We don’t have to pretend to be anybody else; we just have to bring out our best traits more often. By sharing personal stories and empirical insights, they emphasize the importance of self-aware...
Dec 11, 2024•8 min•Ep. 24
