Best Connie Fontaine Podcasts (2025)

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#47 Gentle Nudge: Decide What Matters Most 9:28

6d ago9:28

9:28

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…

1
#46 Gentle Nudge: Remember Who You Are 9:49

13d ago9:49

9:49

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 …

1
#45 Mastering Your Mind: Ethan Kross on Emotional Regulation & Resilience 57:59

20d ago57:59

57:59

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 to…

1
#44 Gentle Nudge: Keep Your Cool 7:38

27d ago7:38

7:38

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. …

1
#43 Gentle Nudge: Smile and Move On 6:20

1M ago6:20

6:20

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…

1
#42 Gentle Nudge: Release Your Pet Peeves 8:14

1M ago8:14

8:14

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?…

1
#41 Gentle Nudge: Take the High Road 6:36

2M ago6:36

6:36

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 f…

1
#40 Gentle Nudge: Make Your Motive Clear & Clean 6:03

2M ago6:03

6:03

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:…

1
#39. Gentle Nudge: Do the Next Right Thing 6:39

2M ago6:39

6:39

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 act…

1
#38 Gentle Nudge: Help Others Keep Perspective 11:25

2M ago11:25

11:25

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’ geni…

1
#37 Gentle Nudge: Speak Fluent Gratitude 6:38

3M ago6:38

6:38

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 …

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#36 Gentle Nudge: Make Your Words Count 6:10

3M ago6:10

6:10

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 wor…

1
#35 Gentle Nudge: Don't Be A Complexifier 5:59

3M ago5:59

5:59

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. …

1
#34 Gentle Nudge: Be Your Own Best Friend 10:40

3M ago10:40

10:40

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 …

1
#33 Gentle Nudge: Hold the Salt 9:05

3M ago9:05

9:05

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 be…

1
#32 Gentle Nudge: Learn to Walk Away 7:01

4M ago7:01

7:01

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 ph…

1
#31 Gentle Nudge: Don't Hang with Cilantro 7:38

4M ago7:38

7:38

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 …

1
#30 Gentle Nudge: Win-Win Always Wins 7:02

4M ago7:02

7:02

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 …

1
#29 Gentle Nudge: Assume Positive Intent 7:57

4M ago7:57

7:57

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 explor…

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#28 Radiant Resilience: Jill Martin's Journey Through Life's Challenges 57:35

5M ago57:35

57:35

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 del…

1
#27 Gentle Nudge: Apologize Well 8:38

5M ago8:38

8:38

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…

1
#26 Gentle Nudge: Light Someone Up 9:49

5M ago9:49

9:49

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 intentio…

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#25 Creating Big Change through Small Acts with Brad Aronson 1:01:04

5M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

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…

1
#24 Gentle Nudge: Be Your Best Self 7:47

6M ago7:47

7:47

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;…

1
#23 Gentle Nudge: Show You Care 8:57

6M ago8:57

8:57

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 lea…

1
#22 The Empowered Life: Cultivating Strength & Kindness with Rachel Hollis 57:33

6M ago57:33

57:33

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, 'W…

1
#21 Gentle Nudge: Respect People's Feelings 10:30

6M ago10:30

10:30

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 an…

1
#20 Gentle Nudge: Be Helpful 7:55

7M ago7:55

7:55

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 r…

1
#19 Gentle Nudge: Do All the Good You Can 6:00

7M ago6:00

6:00

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…

1
#18 Harnessing Anxious Energy: Life Lessons from Laura Morton 1:01:30

8M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

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 surv…

1
#17 The Wise Warrior: Commanding a Resilient Team with Adam Kahnke 52:02

10M ago52:02

52:02

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…

1
#16 Miracle Mentality: Using Your Gifts with Tim Storey 1:00:32

10M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

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, St…

1
#15 Gratitude in Action: From Morning TV to Motherhood with Joan Lunden & Jamie Hess 59:23

11M ago59:23

59:23

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 w…

1
#14 The Company We Keep: Choosing Role Models with Ira Rosen 46:14

11M ago46:14

46:14

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…

1
#13 "Unreasonable" Hospitality: Being Nice and Cozy with Will Guidara 1:03:39

12M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

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…

1
#12 Good Medicine: Rethinking Patient Care with Dr. Rana Awdish 43:18

1y ago43:18

43:18

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…

1
#11 Stay in the Light: Surviving Trauma with Trinea Gonczar 39:42

1y ago39:42

39:42

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 t…

1
#10 Mindy Holman 47:16

1+ y ago47:16

47:16

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 hea…

1
#9 Farzin Shadpour 42:44

1+ y ago42:44

42:44

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 …

1
#8 Kathy White 39:19

1+ y ago39:19

39:19

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 an…

1
#7 Marion Harris 42:37

1+ y ago42:37

42:37

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 bett…

1
#6 Kristi VandenBosch 35:07

1+ y ago35:07

35:07

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, en…

1
#5 Corey Fried 37:23

1+ y ago37:23

37:23

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 …

1
#4 Kim Cameron 51:02

1+ y ago51:02

51:02

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…

1
#1 Kevin Shaughnessy 40:28

1+ y ago40:28

40:28

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 underst…

1
#2 Duncan Campbell 33:15

1+ y ago33:15

33:15

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 …

1
#3 Valorie Kondos Field 55:56

1+ y ago55:56

55:56

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 reminde…

1
Be the Sun, Not the Salt trailer 2:45

1+ y ago2:45

2:45

"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 t…

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