In this special mini-episode of 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt,' hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine discuss Chapter 4, 'Show You Care,' from Harry’s book. We’ll explore the deeper aspects of genuine and authentic caring, emphasizing the importance of expressing love and appreciation in meaningful ways. Connie and Harry stress that caring is a learnable skill, and share the ways they’ve personalized their expressions of care for the people in their lives. They also touch on the challenges and t...
Dec 04, 2024•9 min•Ep. 23
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rachel Hollis, who opens up about her remarkable journey from lifestyle blogger to best-selling author. Rachel's candid stories reveal how life's twists and turns have shaped her into the motivational powerhouse she is today. Rachel's infectious energy shines through as she discusses her upcoming book, 'What If YOU Are the Answer?' a hard-won guide for self discovery that guides readers on a journey through thought-provoking questions. Her passion for ...
Nov 26, 2024•58 min•Ep. 22
Today we have a new "Gentle Nudge" mini-episode, where we take a deep dive into each chapter, breaking down each tip into actionable examples so that we can each practice being our best selves in new ways. In this episode of 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt,' co-hosts Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore the vital importance of respecting others and their feelings. From the famous Maya Angelou quote about the lasting impact of how we make others feel, through personal anecdotes and practical adv...
Nov 20, 2024•11 min•Ep. 21
Today we have a new "Gentle Nudge" mini-episode, where we take a deep dive into each chapter, breaking down each tip into actionable examples so that we can each practice being our best selves in new ways. Co-hosts Connie Fontaine and Dr. Harry Cohen explore Chapter 2 from the "Be the Sun, Not the Salt" book: “Be Helpful.” We chat about what that really means and how to determine what help is genuinely wanted by others, why giving unsolicited advice might not be the best move, and we’ll explore ...
Nov 13, 2024•8 min•Ep. 20
Today's episode is the first of our "Gentle Nudge" series of mini-episodes, where we take a deep dive into each chapter, breaking down each tip into actionable examples so that we can each practice being our best selves in new ways. Co-hosts Connie Fontaine and Dr. Harry Cohen explore Chapter 1 from the "Be the Sun, Not the Salt" book, entitled "Do All the Good You Can." The discussion delves into the importance of small acts of kindness inspired by a famous John Wesley quote, emphasizing immedi...
Nov 07, 2024•6 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of the 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' podcast, we dive deep into the life and wisdom of Laura Morton, a prolific author and filmmaker, known for her work on the documentary 'Anxious Nation.' With over 22 New York Times bestselling books to her name, Laura shares invaluable insights from her journey as a storyteller, a breast cancer survivor, and a single parent. The discussion unpacks Laura's advocacy for mental health, especially through her documentary, which addresses the rising a...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Commander Adam Kahnke, a highly accomplished (yet incredibly humble) naval officer, shares his 30-year journey in the U.S. Navy and the teams he’s built along the way. Currently serving at the Pentagon, Kahnke discusses his unique experience in developing the command of the USS Arkansas from scratch while applying the principles of 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' to create a positive and high-performing culture. Kahnke emphasizes how focusing on interpersonal skills and mental health...
Aug 07, 2024•52 min•Ep. 17
Step into the ring with Tim Storey, the legendary 'Comeback Coach,' as he unveils the secret weapons for life's toughest battles. In this episode, Storey shares his remarkable journey from a childhood in Compton to working with some of the world's most influential figures, including Barry Gordy and Oprah Winfrey. In this insightful conversation, Storey offers a unique perspective on life's challenges and triumphs: How to choose your ultimate 'corner man' and build an inner circle that propels yo...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 16
In this heartfelt episode, hosts Connie Fontaine and Dr. Harry Cohen delve into the profound lessons learned from Joan Lunden and her daughter, Jamie Hess. Joan reflects on her journey as a national morning show anchor of Good Morning America for nearly 20 years, navigating motherhood and demonstrating the power of embracing one's vulnerabilities while maintaining a positive, authentic presence. Jamie shares her past struggles with addiction, her path to recovery, and how gratitude reshaped her ...
Jul 02, 2024•59 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, Harry, Connie, and their guest Ira Rosen, a 24-time Emmy-winning investigative journalist formerly with 60 Minutes, discuss the importance of positive influences, making conscious choices, and the profound impacts of role models, both good and bad. Ira shares his family's history of survival during World War II, offering a poignant lesson on the choices between good and evil. He also talks about his career challenges, stresses around high-stakes journalism, and how he found joy ...
Jun 18, 2024•46 min•Ep. 14
In this engaging episode, Will Guidara, a pioneering figure in the world of fine dining and hospitality, and the author of “Unreasonable Hospitality,” joins hosts Connie Fontaine and Harry Cohen. Will delves into the philosophy and practical applications of 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' sharing impactful stories from his career, including the origins of his concept and how it can be applied beyond the restaurant industry. The conversation also covers the importance of hospitality in creating meani...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 13
Dr. Rana Awdish shares her profound journey from being a critical care physician to a patient fighting for her life, and how this experience revolutionized her perspective on patient care. After losing an unborn child and nearly losing her own life due to a burst tumor, Rana witnessed firsthand the gaps in the healthcare system, particularly in how medical professionals handle emotional care and communicate with patients. Her experience led her to advocate for a healthcare approach that emphasiz...
May 22, 2024•43 min•Ep. 12
Trinea Gonczar, a former gymnast and survivor of the Larry Nassar sexual assault case, shares her ongoing journey from trauma to healing and how she helps others find light in their darkest times. We discuss the importance of offering grace to oneself and others, and Trinea’s impactful work at the Avalon Healing Center , and the need for survivors to have support systems and plans in place to navigate their healing journeys. The episode highlights the significance of every individual's courageou...
May 16, 2024•40 min•Ep. 11
Mindy Holman is the Chair of Holman, a privately owned 100 year old automotive services company with over 7000 employees in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, and Germany. As the third generation leader of a company whose stated mission is to provide a rewarding career and a better life for their employees and their families, she takes that mission to heart. Mindy, in fact, is as much responsible for "Be the Sun, Not the Salt" as anyone. She wrote the forward to the book and embodies the principles art...
Jan 15, 2024•47 min•Ep. 10
Farzin Shadpour started a venture capital fund which has invested in over 58 start up companies from countries all over the world. Two of those startups now have a valuation of over one billion dollars - a “unicorn“ in investment terms. Identifying as a high functioning neuro-diverse autistic person, Farzin articulates the points he practices from "Be the Sun, Not the Salt," which he describes as a concise “hand book” for how to relate to all people at home and at work. He shares the ways he bri...
Jan 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 9
Kathy White is not only remarkable in her lifelong accomplishments - Princeton graduate, Rhodes Scholar, Law Professor, Brigadier General, University of Michigan Regent - she is equally committed to being a better person. In this episode, Kathy shares why the metaphor and the book, 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt,' has been such a helpful tool for her and her colleagues. Listen to how her team of leaders from the different branches of the US Armed Forces remind themselves - daily - to be their best se...
Jan 01, 2024•39 min•Ep. 8
Marion Harris, CEO of Ford Motor Credit, is a successful captain of industry and a serious practitioner of heliotropic leadership. He shares his tips for success in the corporate world, as someone who’s learned from leaders both good and not-so-good. As you’ll hear from him, the most important leadership trait is to care enough to want to be a better leader. Our nickname for this podcast is, “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.” Useful links from this episode: About "Be the Sun,...
Dec 25, 2023•43 min•Ep. 7
Kristi VandenBosch is the President of the Oliver advertising agency in NYC. Having grown up in the advertising industry and achieving top-tier success, her advice to young professionals in the field is to never compromise your values or your voice. Through compelling examples, she illustrates how she has effectively stepped in to assist others, encouraging all of us to follow suit—if we possess the courage and confidence to do so in our unique ways. This episode is affectionately dubbed "Be the...
Dec 18, 2023•35 min•Ep. 6
Corey Fried, who has taught second grade, third grade, and fifth grade, has transitioned into an educator for fellow teachers. She transformed the insights from the book "Be the Sun, Not the Salt" into daily lesson plans for her students, leading to remarkable results. This podcast is affectionately named "I Want to Be THAT Teacher." As you listen to her story, we hope it inspires you to strive for the best version of yourself. Useful Links from the Episode: About "Be the Sun, Not the Salt": htt...
Dec 11, 2023•37 min•Ep. 5
Kim Cameron is the William Russell Kelly Professor of Management and Organizations at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He is the godfather of the term "heliotropic leadership." His research proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that being a heliotropic person can transform our lives, and the lives of the people around us. As you listen to the studies he cites, we hope that you are forever changed, knowing that the moment-to-moment decisions we make have profound implicati...
Nov 27, 2023•51 min•Ep. 4
Valorie Kondos Field is the retired UCLA women's gymnastics coach and PAC 12 Coach of the Century. In this episode, she reflects on the realization that she was inadvertently hindering her players' growth instead of fostering their potential - salting their roots instead of pouring sun onto their leaves. Valorie's story serves as a powerful reminder that change is possible when we are open to listening. Whether in the role of a parent or a coach, she emphasizes that our mission remains consisten...
Nov 20, 2023•56 min•Ep. 2
Duncan Campbell, a retired entrepreneur turned philanthropist, is the visionary behind the national non-profit organization, Friends of the Children. While some folks merely talk about doing things and making a difference, Duncan is a true action-taker. A doer. Duncan's work has reshaped the futures of thousands of children born into poverty. This podcast, aptly nicknamed "Just Fricken Do It," introduces Duncan's remarkable journey. We hope it will inspire you to take meaningful action for the g...
Nov 20, 2023•33 min•Ep. 3
Kevin Shaughnessy is a world-class human being and remarkable leader of a 1200-person automotive dealership organization. We chose him as our first Be the Sun podcast guest because he embodies the principles of what it means to be a heliotropic leader as well as anyone we’ve met. We call this "the bagel and schmear" episode, and you'll soon understand why. When you hear Kevin's story, we hope it stays with you and inspires, reminds, and helps you just like it has done for us. Reference Links fro...
Nov 20, 2023•40 min•Ep. 1
"Be the Sun, Not the Salt" is a podcast about Heliotropic Living, an idea based on the science of why we are drawn to some behaviors and recoiled by others. To spread the message, we did a Tedx talk, then wrote a short book, and now we’re doing a podcast. Here we’ll interview a range of famous and not so famous guests whose personal stories bring to life how they (and we) can put these simple ideas into daily practice. Anyone who listens will be infected in a good way, to be and spread what it m...
Oct 20, 2023•3 min
