The Naked Truth About College Transition: Insights from Harlan Cohen

September 27, 2025



Harlan Cohen

Harlan Cohen is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and speaker who has visited over 500 college campuses. He is the author of 7 books with over 1 million copies in print. His titles include, Win or Learn: The Naked Truth About Turning Every Rejection Into Your Ultimate Success, The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into In College, and The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only. Harlan is a frequent guest on television, radio, and podcasts. He is the founder of Best First Year (bestfirstyear.com), an online college readiness program and BeforeCollege.TV. He has a large following on TikTok @helpmeharlan and Instagram @harlancohen, where he posts college and life tips. Harlan is based in Chicago, IL and lives with his wife, three children, and two dogs.


Show Notes

Harlan Cohen offers resources for counselors, parents and students. You can follow Harlan on social media:

  • Instagram: @harlancohen
  • TikTok: @helpmeharlan


More Resources


Publications

Books authored by Harlan Cohen. Watch for future publications, including a book on careers, and an updated edition of The Naked Roommate.

  • The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run into
  • Win or Learn: The Naked Truth aBout Turning Every Rejection Into Your Ultimate Success


Books on related topics.

  • Hacking College: Why the Major Doesn't Matter-- and What Really Does, by Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson
  • Mindset: Carol Sweck.
  • Grit: Harvard Business (Review Emotional Intelligence Series), by Harvard Business Review, Angela L Duckworth, Misty Copeland, Shannon Huffman Polson, Tomas Chamorro-Prezuzic.


Other Interviews

Like this interview with Harlan?  See more on my youtube channel @CyndyMcDonaldsChannel


Webinar Recording