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 grabbing a “cigarette”)
• The hidden traps of commiseration and why “ain’t it awful?” can pull you into the gloom
• Smart ways to empathize, listen, and validate… without accidentally joining the Negativity Olympics
• Body language hacks to keep your posture upbeat even when the mood is not
• How to “pour sun on the leaves” of someone struggling, and when a smile might not be the right move
• Honesty about the fine line between uplifting and toxic positivity, plus the art of gentle redirection
• Their practical “word tracks” for shifting the convo from what’s wrong to what’s possible
• Why the world will never run out of negatoids, and strategies to protect your boundaries without adding to the salt

If you want to show up as a positive force, but without denying reality or making anyone feel steamrolled, this episode offers validation, sharp advice, and a reminder that you don’t have to “catch” someone else’s gloomy mood.

This mini “How Do I…” episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating family dynamics, workplace drama, or moments when the energy in the room desperately needs a dose of sunshine.

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.