#53 Our Origin Story: "Be the Sun, Not the Salt"

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 book grew out of Harry’s desire to leave behind a collection of simple, science-based, sticky reminders that anyone could use to live and lead better.
• Connie reveals how their paths crossed, why she instantly saw “billion dollar brand” potential, and how her marketing mind helped Harry’s vision become a movement.
• Discover the intentional choice behind short chapters, memorable phrases, and a focus on practical wisdom you’ll actually remember (and use).
• Harry and Connie reflect on why their different backgrounds—psychology and marketing, science and storytelling, life experience and curiosity—make the message more relatable, real, and fun for everyone.

You’ll hear the real, sometimes messy, always honest conversations that shaped the book and podcast. From debates about the title, to the moments they almost lost their cool (and how they turned it around), this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and a whole lot of heart.

Why listen?

If you’ve ever wanted to know what “heliotropic living” really means, why “not the salt” is just as important as “be the sun,” or how two friends turned a simple idea into a global movement—this is your invitation to join the story.

To explore the book, or for more episodes, information, tips and tools to live a more heliotropic life, visit us at bethesunnotthesalt.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.