Be the Sun, Not the Salt

After years of recording together, “Be the Sun, Not the Salt” is now a complete series of 80 episodes that form a timeless toolkit for living more heliotropically. What does it mean to be heliotropic? Human beings, like plants, naturally turn toward what sustains life. We are energized by kindness, gratitude, compassion, vulnerability, and authenticity, and drained by pessimism, cynicism, disrespe...

Ever catch yourself thinking, “They should really listen to this podcast” or “If only they would read the book”? In this “whole shebang” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine cut straight to the heart of the practice: this work is about you (or me), not fixing everyone else. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why focusing on other people’s saltiness pulls you right into ju...

What if the biggest difference you make today comes from something so small and simple that you usually skip it? In this Gentle Nudge episode, It’s so easy to do, it’s easy NOT to do, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore how tiny choices - kind or salty - shape your day, your relationships, and your impact far more than you think.  Here’s what you’ll hear: The “chapter 31” idea Harry wishes...

What if becoming more trustworthy started with something as small as keeping one tiny promise today? In this final guest episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine sit down with trust expert David Horsager to explore why trust is the ultimate competitive advantage and how “little things, done consistently over time” can transform teams, relationships, and entire organ...

What if the most powerful thing you did today was simply not say the snarky comment in your head? In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine zoom in on the often-overlooked half of the heliotropic equation: learning how not to be the salt in big moments and tiny, everyday interactions.  Here’s what you’ll hear: Why even one sarcastic eye-roll or ex...

Ever wish you could feel less awkward, nervous, or unsure when you step into something new? In this “How Do I…” episode of *Be the Sun, Not the Salt*, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine talk about what it really takes to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable, so you can stretch, grow, and still feel like yourself along the way.  Here’s what you’ll hear:   Why discomfort is often a sign...

Ever replay something you did and think, “Wow, I am the absolute worst”? In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine get real about what it means to practice self-compassion when you mess up, from small everyday slip-ups to the big, public, ego-bruising kind.  Here’s what you’ll hear: Why beating yourself up is usually just a bad habit in disguise,...

Ever feel like life’s curveballs are just waiting to knock you sideways? In this empowering “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine explore the art of “prehab” over rehab: getting your mind, body, and spirit ready for whatever challenges come your way, so you bounce back stronger instead of just surviving. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why swapping worry for...

Is gratitude journaling just woo-woo nonsense or can you really rewire your brain by writing it all down? In this practical “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine get real about gratitude habits that actually work, even for skeptics and self-improvement dropouts. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why you do not need to win a gratitude competition to benefit fro...

Ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you just inhaled a face full of secondhand negativity? In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine tackle the all-too-common challenge of keeping your own energy bright when the people around you are stuck in a raincloud. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why negativity really is like secondhand smoke (and how to avoid g...

Ever wonder why some people get grumpier, judgier, and more insufferable as they age and vow never to become that person? In this hilariously honest "How Do I…" episode of *Be the Sun, Not the Salt*, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine get real about the aging process and their mission to become wise, not just old (and cranky). Here's what you'll hear:   Harry's confession...

What does it take to thrive under pressure in the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting… and beyond? In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine sit down with Curt Menefee, award-winning sports anchor and commentator, to explore resilience, authenticity, and staying true to your values no matter the spotlight. Here’s what you’ll hear:   Curt’s perspective on...

Ever feel like everything’s coming at you a mile a minute—and you’re about to lose your cool? In this relatable “How Do I…” episode of *Be the Sun, Not the Salt*, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine break down how to stay heliotropic (and human) when life gets fast, furious, and just a little overwhelming. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why your breath might be your secret weapon for holding it all toge...

When someone you care about is facing illness or loss, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to say or do. In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine open up about the small, thoughtful ways we can support people during life’s hardest chapters—without overthinking or making it about us. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why “just being there” often means more...

Ever feel that sting when someone gives you criticism, even when you know it’s supposed to help? In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine take on the surprisingly tough (and super common) challenge of handling feedback without letting defensiveness take over. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why even the kindest of us can get prickly when criticism comes...

Ever wonder how to help the children in your life grow into positive, compassionate, and resilient individuals… the kind of people who naturally bring light to those around them? In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine dig into what it really takes to teach kids to be heliotropic. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why modeling positivity and practicing i...

Ever feel stuck holding onto a grudge and know it’s zapping your energy? In this “How Do I…” episode of “Be the Sun, Not the Salt,” Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine get real about the challenge of letting go - why so many of us find it hard, how resentment keeps us stuck, and what it actually takes to move on. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why holding a grudge is like clutching a hot coal: you’re th...

Ever wonder how to bring your best self to work or home… even when life is just not going your way? In this heartfelt “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine dig into the messy, honest art of showing up well when you’re going through a difficult time. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why naming what you’re going through (even if it feels uncomfortable) can stre...

What’s the *real* secret to thriving at work… and in life? In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine sit down with Erin Hatzikostas, former corporate CEO, award-winning author, and globally recognized expert on authenticity in the workplace. If you’ve ever wished for more meaning, originality, or joy in your career, Erin’s wisdom is the breath of fresh air yo...

Ever get stuck in a conversation where you know you’re absolutely right, and the other person is just completely missing the mark? In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine get honest about what it takes to actually listen when you’re sure you’ve got the right answer… and someone else doesn’t. Here’s what you’ll hear: What real curiosity sounds li...

Ever wondered how to stay confident when life—and work—keep handing you rejection? In episode 61 of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine answer the tough question: “How Do I… Keep My Confidence Despite Rejection?” Here’s what you’ll hear: Relatable strategies for bouncing back after setbacks (even when the numbers feel stacked against you) The “three P’s” mindset trick tha...

Ever feel a little anxious giving feedback, and worry it won’t land the way you intended? In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine dig into the art of offering feedback that truly lifts people up and helps them grow. Here’s what you’ll hear: Why feedback is more than just pointing out what went wrong—and how to make it a gift people actually appr...

Ever wonder how to support your partner when life takes a tough turn? In this short “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine get honest about the art of showing up for someone you love… especially when you’re both going through it. Here’s what you’ll hear: Real-world approaches for recognizing what your partner needs (even when their style is way differe...

Ever wish meetings didn’t feel so… meh? In this mini “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine tackle the art of being a positive energizer in meetings, whether you’re on Zoom or in the room. Here’s what you’ll hear: The simple choices that set the tone in any meeting How to make an impression before the agenda even starts Subtle ways to shift group energ...

Ever wonder how to really light someone up—not just with a passing compliment, but in a way that sticks? In this “How Do I…” episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt , Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine roll up their sleeves to share practical ways to intentionally uplift the people around you. Here’s what you’ll hear: The magic of specifics: Why “great job” isn’t enough, and how pointing out exactly...