Join psychologist and author, Dr. Alison Cook, as she guides you through some of your toughest challenges with wisdom, humor, and grace. Together with friends and experts we'll unpack the best of psychology from a faith-based perspective. You’ll discover how to break free from painful patterns, mend your past, and discover what brings out the best of you.
The Best of You podcast has become an essential part of my healing journey and transformation. Dr. Alison's words speak directly to the pain and trauma I have carried from my childhood, and her insight is incredibly comforting. The presence of the Holy Spirit can be felt through her teachings, as they bring comfort and healing to the wounded child within me. I am immensely grateful for Dr. Alison's wisdom and her role in facilitating my healing process. Thank you, Jesus!
One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it provides bite-sized nuggets of truth, encouragement, and valuable content. I was able to listen to all four episodes in one afternoon, and I have revisited some of them for reference. The biblical definitions and explanations of psychological terms make sense and are relatable, leading to several moments of revelation, validation, and curiosity. Each new episode brings further clarification and insightful education that I eagerly anticipate.
Dr. Alison's brilliance shines through in her ability to present complex concepts in an easily understandable and applicable manner. Her teachings have not only helped me understand myself better but have also equipped me with tools for meaningful conversations with others. This podcast has empowered me to show empathy and offer hope to those around me who may be struggling as well. I am deeply grateful for Dr. Alison's contributions towards empowering listeners like myself with truth.
I have been a follower of Dr. Alison for quite some time, eagerly awaiting the release of this podcast so that her positive faith-based messages could reach even more people. The episode on narcissism resonated deeply with me as it provided a thorough understanding of a term I had frequently heard but never truly grasped before. It shed light on a somewhat toxic relationship I am currently navigating, enabling me to gain greater clarity and understanding about the dynamics at play. This podcast feels like uncharted territory as it breaks down complex psychological terms while emphasizing the importance of leaning into God's healing grace, making it an invaluable resource that feels like free therapy.
Thank you, Dr. Alison, for sharing your God-given wisdom so generously. Your podcast has been a tremendous blessing in my life.
In conclusion, The Best of You podcast is a game-changer. Dr. Alison's kind and welcoming voice guide listeners towards self-love, enabling them to love others better as well. The episodes are informative and easy to digest, providing real guidance that brings about tangible change. The combination of psychological knowledge and biblical truth creates a powerful listening experience that I highly recommend. This podcast is a beacon of light in today's world, offering an integration of faith and psychology that makes it both enlightening and enjoyable. I am thrilled to continue listening and learning from Dr. Alison on this holistic journey towards mental health and self-discovery.

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Isaiah 41:10 Topics covered: There's no shame in fear What God promises Strength that doesn't come from striving Go Deeper: Episode 41: Boundaries with Fear & Anxiety Episode 156: Why Fear Shows Up When You're About to Grow & How to Break Free from Self-Sabotage with Mary Marantz Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Luke 17:1-5 Topics covered: Why Jesus starts with the reality of harm How to forgive without minimizing The relationship between forgiveness & boundaries Go Deeper: Episode 79: Surviving Trauma & A Path to Forgiveness with Esau McCaullay Episode 78: The Mental Health Benefits of Forgiveness & Thoughts on Grace with Max Lucado Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Psalm 25:1-7 Topics covered: Why shame makes you want to hide A prayer to steady you through shame How to return to connection & trust Go Deeper: See The Soul of Shame, by Curt Thompson Episode 74: The Neurobiology of Hope and How to Find Hope in Hard Times with Dr. Curt Thompson Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Phillipians 2:1-11 Topics covered: Humility that isn't self-erasure How to cultivate true inner strength A daily reset for uncovering confident humility Go Deeper: Episode 18: Selfhood vs. Selfishness Episode 56: Am I Really Supposed to Die to Myself? Misconstrued Messages and How to Disentangle From Them Be sure to share this episode with a friend! And don't forget to leave your 5-star review—it helps get the word out to others. Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered if there's something spiritual happening beneath what you're carrying? You're doing the work.You're praying.You're going to therapy.You're trying to take responsibility. And still… something feels off. In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with Theologian Joel Muddamalle to explore spiritual warfare — not through fear or sensationalism, but through clarity and discernment. Together, they examine: How the enemy works through systems, structures, and misaligned desires The difference between personal responsibility and spiritual opposition Why obsession with darkness is just as unhelpful as dismissing it How to stay grounded in Christ's victory rather than panic This conversation reframes spiritual warfare as something far more ordinary — and far more hopeful — than we often imagine. Not demon hunting.Not blame shifting.But cultivating wholeness. Because the center of the Christian story is not darkness.It's restoration. If you've ever felt confused about this topic — or unsure how to integrate faith, mental health, and spiritual reality — this episode offers grounded wisdom for everyday life. More Resources: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook Join the 80,000+ soul menders in our email community and receive weekly reflections and gentle practices here. Learn more about Joel Muddamalle's work. Order The Unseen Battle. If you liked this episode, then you'll love: Episode 144: Healing the Soul Through Encounters with Jesus Featuring John Eldredge Episode 122: Navigating Anxiety, Therapy, and Spiritual Formation—Balancing Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual Health with John Mark Comer

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Genesis 3:12–13 Go Deeper: Episode 178: How to Recognize Toxic Tactics & Stop Taking the Bait Episode 149: 5 Toxic Behaviors & How to Protect Your Soul Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Luke 15:11–32 Go Deeper: Episode 78: Thoughts on Grace with Max Lucado Episode 136: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love with Michael John Cusick Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Psalm 23 Go Deeper: Episode 176: Intimacy with God in a Noisy World Episode 191: The 5 Most Important Things I've Learned About Faith, Attachment, & The Inner Life Find rest for your soul through a guided audio reflection here or check out my book with Kimberly Miller, Boundaries For Your Soul. Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Romans 12:9–18 Go Deeper: Episode 194: Discernment in Relationships: How to Stay Connected Without Losing Yourself Read more about becoming your true self & healthy boundary setting here. Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“A joyful heart is good medicine.” But not the kind of joy you fake. In this episode, Dr. Alison explores the difference between healthy humor and harmful humor — and why that distinction matters for your nervous system, your relationships, and your spiritual formation. Humor can soothe. It can bond. It can bring relief. But it can also deflect. Minimize. Or quietly wound. You'll learn: Why humor can feel safe for one person and threatening for another How teasing can create intimacy… or erode it What it looks like to practice discernment without shaming yourself Why “getting your joy back” is often a sign of real healing This conversation is part of Pillar Three in Dr. Cook's Four Pillars series: Joy & Delight — not as a personality trait or a passing mood, but as a practice of inner formation. Because joy is not just an emotional expression. It's a signal. When your nervous system begins to feel safe enough to soften, laughter shifts. Delight becomes accessible. Connection deepens. And sometimes the kind of humor you practice reveals more about your healing than you realize. More Resources: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook Join the 80,000+ soul menders in our email community and receive weekly reflections and gentle practices here. If you liked this episode, then you'll love: Episode 191: The 5 Most Important Things I've Learned About Faith, Attachment, & The Inner Life Episode 194: When Relationships Start to Drain You—Using Discernment to Stay Connected Without Losing Yourself Episode 111: How to Transforms Parenting Triggers & Blind Spots Into Growth & Connection With Beth McCord

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Lamentations 3:19–26 Go Deeper: Episode 190: Self-Brain Surgery, Overcoming Trauma, and the Courage to Change How You Think with Dr. Lee Warren Episode 158: Your Pain Has a Name: The Deeper Hurt Behind Distressing Thoughts with Monica DiCristina Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: John 20:24–29 Go Deeper: Episode 159: Spiritual Drowning, Honest Questions, and a God Who Doesn't Let Go with Heather Thompson Day Episode 74: The Neurobiology of Hope and How to Find Hope in Hard Times with Dr. Curt Thompson Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Psalm 146 1:-10 Go Deeper: Episode 119: Drawing Strength From the Past—The Spirit of Justice with Dr. Jemar Tisby Check our more topical deep-dive episodes at https://www.dralisoncook.com/podcast Join over 80,000 in my email community for more weekly wisdom. Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: 2 Corinthians 4:7–10 Go Deeper: Learn more about strength through fragility through inner parts work here or check out my book with Kimberly Miller, Boundaries For Your Soul. Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt exhausted — not because you don't care, but because you're carrying more than you can name? Dr. Alison is joined by therapist and New York Times bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab to reflect on why caring deeply can sometimes leave us depleted — and why the answer isn't trying harder or pulling away. This conversation doesn't offer quick fixes. Instead, it invites you to pause and consider a different question—one that has less to do with effort and more to do with mutuality. If you've been feeling tired, responsible, or overwhelmed while trying to do the right thing, this episode offers perspective and hope—without pressure or oversimplification.

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Proverbs 26:4–5 Go Deeper: Episode 1: What is Narcissism Really? Read: Gaslighting & the Bible: How to Respond When Someone is Manipulating You When Narcissism Comes to Church, by Chuck Degroat Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Luke 8:43–48 Go Deeper: Episode 4: What do I need to know about trauma? Episode 114: Healing Trauma with Kobe Campbell Try Softer, by Aundi Kolber Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Psalm 16:5–11 Go Deeper: Episode 172: Daring Joy & Breaking Free From Toxic Positivity with Nicole Zasowski Episode 188: Tiny Joys, Big Healing : Retraining the Brain for Hope with Dr. MaryCatherine Mcdonald Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 Go Deeper: Read more on my blog here: Gaslighting & the Bible: How to Respond When Someone is Manipulating You Learn how to set wise boundaries with free resources here. Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connection matters deeply — and yet for many of us, it's never felt more confusing. In this solo episode, Dr. Alison explores the tension many people are navigating right now: how to stay open and loving toward others without losing clarity, discernment, or yourself. Many of us were taught that love means endless accommodation, that boundaries are unkind, or that distance equals failure. Others, weary of being hurt, find themselves pulling back — unsure how to stay connected without feeling drained or unsafe. This episode sits right in the middle of that tension. Rather than offering formulas or quick fixes, Dr. Alison invites listeners to slow down and notice what's happening beneath the surface of relationships — especially the ones that feel confusing, heavy, or hard to interpret. If you've found yourself asking: How do I stay loving without losing myself? How do I know when to lean in — and when to pause? What does discernment look like in real, imperfect relationships? This conversation creates space to reflect without pressure to decide everything right away. More Resources:

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Genesis 32:22–30 Go Deeper: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Luke 17:11–19 Go Deeper: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Psalm 116:5-7 Go Deeper: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Galatians 5:22–25 Go Deeper: Episode 96: Signs of Emotional Immaturity & How to Bring More Emotional Health to Your Relationships Episode 70: Mastering the Art of Emotional IntelligenceFollow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever left a conversation thinking, That's not what I meant — and still felt the distance linger? Do you ever wonder why relationships feel exhausting, confusing, or fragile… even when you genuinely try to do the right thing? Dr. Alison is joined by counselor and author Debra Fileta for a conversation that names a quiet tension many people live with but rarely articulate. Sometimes the hardest part of relationships isn't a lack of love—it's the gap between what we intend and what others experience. Together, you'll explore: Why do the same relational patterns keep repeating? Why does communication break down so quickly under stress? Why do good intentions sometimes land as hurt or distant? Why does love feel like it should be enough… but often isn't? If you've ever thought, Why does this still feel so hard when I care so much? — this episode creates space to ask better questions, without pressure to already have the answers.

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Exodus 31:1–6 Go Deeper: Episode 192: The Work Only Humans Can Do—Why Connection, Vocation, and Meaning Still Matter in a World of AI Episode 53: How to Claim Your Strengths & Thrive at Home & Work Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Matthew 7:15–20 Go Deeper: Episode 178: How to Recognize Toxic Tactics & Stop Taking the Bait Episode 149: 5 Toxic Behaviors & How to Protect Your Soul Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Psalm 42:1–5 Go Deeper: Episode 77: The Dark Night of the Soul—Why It Happens & What It Means Episode 99: Exploring a Broken Spirit & the Dark Night of the Soul Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture: Hebrews 12:11. Hebrews 12 uses language about discipline and parenthood that may feel tender or painful if you've experienced harm from a parent or authority figure. If that's you, please feel free to skip this episode or return when it feels safer. (We're reading from The Message today to help soften the edges and highlight the heart of the passage.) Episode 128: Healing Generational TraumaEpisode 182: Self-Esteem Culture, Therapy, & Wholeness in Christ Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to live out our calling in a world increasingly shaped by technology, efficiency, and automation? In this episode, Dr. Alison explores the deeper meaning of vocation — not simply as a job or career path, but as the unique way each of us is meant to bring care, creativity, and connection into the world. Joined by sociologist Dr. Allison Pugh, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of The Last Human Job, they reflect on what Dr. Pugh calls “connective labor” — the deeply human work of seeing others and allowing ourselves to be seen. This episode explores: -Why the most important part of vocation has almost nothing to do with your resume -The hidden kind of work you're doing every day-The small moment that can restore dignity in an instant (and why most of us miss it) -The tradeoff nobody talks about: when “more efficient” becomes “less human” -The uncomfortable question technology can't answer for you — and why it matters right now -The choice you still have (even in a system that feels unchangeable) As workplaces change and technologies like AI reshape how we interact, this conversation offers a grounding reminder: while tools may deliver information, they can never replace mutual presence, empathy, and relational connection. More Resources: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: 1 Kings 19:1–13 Go Deeper: Episode 99: I Shouldn't Feel Like My Spirit is Broken Episode 136: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion & Trusting Divine Love Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is: Mark 10:46–52 Go Deeper: Read the first three chapters of The Best of You and download a free PDF workbook here. Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day Today's Scripture is: Psalm 62:5–8 Go Deeper: Episode 176: Intimacy with God in a Noisy World Episode 159: Spiritual Drowning, Honest Questions, & a God Who Doesn't Let Go Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Galatians 6:2–5. Go Deeper: Episode 138: The Hidden Cost of Overfunctioning Episode 155: Prioritize What Matters, Avoid Burnout, and Navigate Toxicity Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you actually heal and change—not just cope or try harder? In this solo episode, Dr. Alison reflects on five core insights about faith, attachment, and the inner life—not as a plan for self-improvement, but as wisdom for formation. January often comes with pressure to reset, optimize, and fix ourselves. But many of us begin the year already tired — weary of striving, and hungry for something deeper. This episode offers a different invitation. Rather than asking what to change, Dr. Alison invites us to notice how we are already being formed — especially in moments of stress, fear, and uncertainty. In this conversation, Dr. Alison explores: Why faith is not just what we believe The hidden way your nervous system influences your spiritual life What many “spiritual struggles” are really pointing to The missing ingredient most change efforts overlook Why striving for perfection keeps so many people stuck Growth isn't about eliminating fear or complexity. It's learning where to return when fear inevitably shows up.

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Deuteronomy 6:4–9. Go Deeper: Episode 186: A Simple Practice to Interrupt Stress, Overwhelm, and Habit Loops Episode 190: Self-Brain Surgery, Overcoming Trauma, and the Courage to Change How You Think Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day.Today's Scripture is Luke 10:38–42 .Go Deeper: Episode 95: 4 Toxic Behaviors & How to Protect Yourself Get a free Map of the Soul to help you get curious about the parts of your own soul in partnership with God's Spirit. Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support.While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Psalm 1:1-4. Go Deeper: Episode 141: How Self-Compassion Shapes Resilience with Aundi Kolber Episode 76: Finding the Strength to Move Forward After Loss with Granger Smith Episode 46: How Jesus Regulated Emotions with Aundi Kolber I Shouldn't Feel This Way — Learn to understand & regulate your emotions. The Best of You — Learn to set healthy boundaries. Boundaries For Your Soul — Learn a proven method of inner healing. Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Romans 8:5-6 . Go Deeper: Episode 56: Am I Really Supposed to Die to Myself Episode 29: How to Stop Chasing Approval and Start Living the Life You Actually Want I Shouldn't Feel This Way — Learn to understand & regulate your emotions. The Best of You — Discover your true self in God. Boundaries For Your Soul — Learn to access the Spirit-led self within. Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if healing doesn't start with managing your emotions—but with understanding how your brain responds to fear, grief, and hope? In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with neurosurgeon, author, and Iraq War veteran Dr. Lee Warren to explore trauma, loss, faith, and the brain's God-given capacity to change. After unimaginable loss, Dr. Warren shares how “self-brain surgery”—learning to notice and interrupt destructive thought patterns—helped him restore hope and agency without bypassing grief. This conversation will help you understand: —Why most of our thoughts are repetitive, negative, and often untrue —How trauma wires automatic thoughts—and how those patterns can change —How faith and neuroscience meet in practical ways —The difference between the mind and the brain, and why that distinction matters for healing This episode offers hope without shortcuts. It honors the reality of suffering while reminding us that our past does not get the final word — not neurologically, not emotionally, and not spiritually.

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Exodus 20:12. Go Deeper: Episode 161: Healing from Dysfunctional Family Patterns Episode 162: When Reconnection Feels Impossible Episode 147: Making Sense of Your Family Story I Shouldn't Feel This Way — Learn to understand & regulate your emotions. The Best of You — Heal painful patterns. Boundaries For Your Soul — Manage overwhelming emotions. Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today's Scripture is Luke 10:38-42. Go Deeper: Episode 185: For the Ones who are Overwhelmed Episode 170: The Truth About Venting I Shouldn't Feel This Way — Learn to understand & regulate your emotions. The Best of You — Learn to set healthy boundaries. Boundaries For Your Soul — Learn a proven method of inner healing. Sign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices