Podcast Summary: Unlocking A Better You (feat. Dr. Harry Cohen)
Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley | Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley," Savannah welcomes renowned self-help author and family therapist Dr. Harry Cohen. The conversation centers around personal growth, effective communication, and the profound impact of kindness and boundaries in our lives. Dr. Cohen brings his insightful perspectives from his book, "Be the Sun not the Salt," fostering a deep and engaging dialogue aimed at inspiring listeners to unlock a better version of themselves.

Personal Inspirations and the Power of Positivity [01:03 - 02:34]

Dr. Harry Cohen begins by sharing an inspiring email from a co-leader of his book, emphasizing the significance of focusing on the good in every situation:

Dr. Harry Cohen [01:17]:
"Our eyes only see and our ears only hear what our brain is looking for. Looking for the good. This morning and always. You are going to help spread this to the world."

Savannah acknowledges her initial frustration with the book's overly positive messages during a personal slump but appreciates the continued value it brings:

Savannah [02:32]:
"I continued listening and then I got a really awesome phone call. So I was like, maybe so."

Embracing Challenges and Maintaining Positivity [02:34 - 04:58]

Dr. Cohen delves into the inevitability of facing challenges and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. He shares a personal anecdote about handling a difficult phone call with grace, illustrating his philosophy of showing up as one's best self despite hardships:

Dr. Harry Cohen [04:30]:
"You have to show up even when it's hard."

Savannah reinforces this notion, highlighting the impact of small positive actions:

Savannah [04:58]:
"And you don't ever know how one little thing could save someone."

The Impact of Kindness and Negative Actions [05:05 - 07:17]

The conversation shifts to the lasting effects of our actions, both positive and negative. Dr. Cohen uses a powerful metaphor to describe how words can leave lasting scars:

Dr. Harry Cohen [05:05]:
"There's a scar on someone in the exact shape of someone's words."

He advocates for consistently choosing kindness and minimizing negative interactions to foster better relationships and personal well-being.

Healthy Boundaries in Relationships [15:11 - 20:08]

Dr. Cohen and Savannah explore the concept of setting healthy boundaries, especially within family dynamics. Dr. Cohen explains that boundaries are not about cutting off relationships but managing them with respect and care:

Dr. Harry Cohen [16:38]:
"Healthy boundaries means like a door in a bathroom. It can be closed, it can be locked, it can be left ajar."

Savannah shares her experiences with maintaining boundaries with her sister, emphasizing that boundaries are essential for self-respect and positive interactions.

Self-Improvement and Corporate Impact [22:50 - 25:28]

Dr. Cohen discusses the broader impact of his book "Be the Sun not the Salt" on individuals and corporate environments. He highlights how simple, actionable self-help practices can transform workplace dynamics and personal relationships alike:

Dr. Harry Cohen [23:14]:
"If you make it complicated, people aren't going to do it. If you make it hard, people aren't going to do it."

Savannah adds that modern generations excel in mental health awareness, aligning with the book’s messages of self-growth and kindness.

Practical Tips for Better Listening and Communication [39:06 - 40:17]

Towards the end of the episode, Savannah and Dr. Cohen discuss practical listening tips from the book’s final chapter. Savannah summarizes key practices that promote authentic and meaningful communication:

Savannah [39:15]:
"If you practice Olympic listening, you will never lose."

Key tips include:

• Maintain Eye Contact: Foster connection by looking people in the eye.
• Minimize Distractions: Put away cell phones and other distractions to stay present.
• Speak Less: Listen more than you speak to understand others better.
• Ask Short Questions: Encourage dialogue and show genuine curiosity.
• Be Respectful: Value the other person’s perspective without interrupting.
• Manage Emotions: Stay calm and composed to enhance communication effectiveness.

Conclusion and Call to Action [37:30 - 39:14]

Dr. Cohen encourages listeners to purchase his book to enhance their personal and professional lives, emphasizing its transformative potential. Savannah expresses gratitude for his insights and highlights how his teachings can be integrated into daily life for meaningful change.

Dr. Harry Cohen [38:17]:
"And don't just read it, use it. Open up any page and go, oh, yeah, that's a good reminder."

Savannah urges listeners to embrace the principles of kindness, effective communication, and personal growth to unlock their best selves.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Harry Cohen [01:17]:
  "Our eyes only see and our ears only hear what our brain is looking for. Looking for the good. This morning and always. You are going to help spread this to the world."

• Dr. Harry Cohen [04:30]:
  "You have to show up even when it's hard."

• Dr. Harry Cohen [05:05]:
  "There's a scar on someone in the exact shape of someone's words."

• Savannah [14:43]:
  "That's a big thing, is being very mindful. And also you talk about creating boundaries and that was the one that."

• Dr. Harry Cohen [20:16]:
  "But you will learn over many decades."

• Dr. Harry Cohen [29:25]:
  "Parenting and leadership is the same. Loving and demanding of equal measures."

• Savannah [29:40]:
  "Two things can be true at one time."

• Savannah [32:17]:
  "What you're doing is putting it all on the table. You're being vulnerable and authentic."

• Savannah [38:35]:
  "Listen to you. And you know what?"

• Savannah [40:17]:
  "That's amazing."

Final Thoughts

"Unlocking A Better You" featuring Dr. Harry Cohen is a deeply enriching episode that navigates the complexities of personal growth, effective communication, and the power of kindness. Dr. Cohen’s insights, paired with Savannah’s relatable approach, provide listeners with actionable strategies to enhance their relationships and overall well-being. This episode serves as an inspiring guide for anyone seeking to unlock their best self through mindful living and authentic connections.

Where to Find Dr. Harry Cohen’s Book:

• Website: BethesdaNotTheSalt.com
• Amazon: Be the Sun not the Salt
• Audiobook: Available on major audiobook platforms for convenient listening.

Thank you for tuning into "Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley." Be sure to subscribe for more insightful conversations and transformative stories.