The Best of You

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: 📥 Download 3 free chapters + guided journal of I Shouldn’t Feel This Way and the FRAME exercise mentioned in today's episode here. If you liked this episode, then you’ll love the following: Episode 191: The 5 Most Important Things I've Learned About Faith, Attachment, & The Inner Life Episode 179: Building Wise Trust - How to Protect Your Heart Without Closing it Off 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Don't forget to browse this week's sponsors, who makes it possible for me to bring you these resources for free + provide you with additional discounts! Quince - Refresh your wardrobe with my favorite, effortless, and sustainable capsule clothing essentials. Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Caraway - Save even more on non-toxic cookware and get an additional 10% off your order when you visit Carawayhome.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout. AirDoctor - Eliminate 99.9% contaminants in your home with AirDoctor by visiting AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to get UP TO $300 off today! Remi - Start sleeping better with a Remi nightguard and use code BESTOFYOU and get 50% off your purchase. Go to ShopRemi.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today’s Scripture is: Genesis 32:22–30 Go Deeper: For more deep dive episodes: www.dralisoncook.com Learn how to navigate tangled emotions 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

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today’s Scripture is: Luke 17:11–19 Go Deeper: Episode 188: Tiny Joys, Big Healing : Retraining the Brain for Hope with Dr. MaryCatherine Mcdonald For more deep dive episodes: www.dralisoncook.com 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 116:5-7 Go Deeper: Episode 141: How Self-Compassion Strengthens Resilience with Aundi Kolber For more deep dive episodes: www.dralisoncook.com 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: 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. 📖 Pre-order ⁠People Skills⁠ by Debra Fileta 📥 Grab your 3 free Soul Mending resources here If you liked this episode, then you’ll love the following: Episode 179: Building Wise Trust—How to Protect Your Heart Without Closing It Off Episode 86: Embracing Conflict—Why It's Essential & 4 Simple Ways to Tackle It 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Quince - Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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: 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. 📖 Read ⁠The Last Human Job⁠ by Dr. Allison Pugh More Resources: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en 📥 Grab your 3 free Soul Mending resources here If you liked this episode, then you’ll love the following: Episode 53: How to Claim Your Strengths & Thrive at Home & Work 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Quince - Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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: 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. 📥 Grab your 3 free Soul Mending resources here If you liked this episode, then you’ll love the following: Episode 122: Navigating Anxiety, Therapy, and Spiritual Formation—Balancing Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual Health with John Mark Comer Episode 113: A New Vision of Human Flourishing—A Christian Approach to Mental Health with Duke University Psychiatrist & Theologian Warren Kinghorn 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Quince - Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Aqua Tru - Join 98% of customers who have made their drinking water cleaner, safer, & healthier by visiting AquaTru.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to get 20% off today! Caraway - Get 10% off your order when you visit Carawayhome.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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 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 6:27-42 .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. 📖 Preorder Dr. Lee Warren’s Latest Book, The Life Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery Listen to the Dr. Lee Warren Podcast here. 📥 Grab your 3 free Soul Mending resources here If you liked this episode, then you’ll love the following: Episode 186: Stuck in Overthinking? A Simple Practice to Interrupt Stress, Overwhelm, and Habit Loops Episode 170: The Truth About Venting, Numbing, and Finding Real Relief - Science-Backed Tools to Actually Restore Your Brain and Body 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Quince - Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Remi - Start the New Year right with a Remi nightguard and use code BESTOFYOU and get 50% off your purchase. Go to ShopRemi.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU. AirDoctor - Eliminate 99.9% contaminants in your home with AirDoctor by visiting AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to get UP TO $300 off today! MOSH - Save 20% shipping plus FREE shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack or the plant-based trial pack when you visit MoshLife.com/BESTOFYOU. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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 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

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day. Today’s Scripture is Psalm 131. Go Deeper: Episode 16: What are Attachment Styles? Episode 143: Reparenting Your Younger Self ⁠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 Matthew 6:25–29 & 34. Go Deeper: ⁠Episode 129⁠⁠: Understanding Your Anxiety—A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Calm Episode 167: Can I Pray the Anxiety Away? I Shouldn’t Feel This Way — Learn to understand and 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

January has a way of pulling us straight into the how. How will I fix what feels off? How will I be more disciplined? How will I finally get it right? But what if there’s a deeper—and more grounding—place to begin? Dr. Alison opens the year by inviting you to start somewhere different. Instead of beginning with self-improvement or striving, Scripture starts with meaning, presence, and relationship. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why losing sight of the why fuels anxiety, striving, and burnout How meaning and grounding are closer than you think What “the light shines in the darkness” really means How orienting your life around love changes everything Plus, you’ll hear a special announcement about something new coming to The Best of You—a daily way to stay anchored in Scripture and wisdom as you move through your day. For additional resources and the full episode transcript, visit the podcast episode page here If you loved this episode, check out: Episode 122: Navigating Anxiety, Therapy, and Spiritual Formation with John Mark Comer Episode 113: A New Vision Of Human Flourishing with Dr. Warren Kinghorn Get I Shouldn’t Feel This Way for just $2.99. Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here Download Alison’s free printable boundaries guide when you sign up for her weekly email. Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 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

If gratitude and grief seem to arrive hand in hand this season or hope feels costly, like putting your armor down in the middle of a battle… Nothing is wrong with you. Your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do. Dr. Alison sits down with researcher, author, trauma educator, and joy scholar Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald to explore the often misunderstood relationship between trauma and joy. Drawing from neuroscience, trauma research, and lived experience, Dr MaryCatherine explains why joy can feel threatening after loss or prolonged stress. Together, they unpack: Why trauma responses are strength responses, not weaknesses The “joy thieves” that quietly steal our capacity for delight Why joy and grief are not opposites, and often show up together How tiny moments can gently retrain your brain for joy What neuroscientists call the hope circuit, and how to activate it 📖 Dr MaryCatherine's book, The Joy Reset: Six Ways Trauma Steals Happiness and How to Win it Back 📖 This Christmas, gift a loved one (or yourself!) Dr Alison’s latest book, The Best of You! 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Give online therapy, brought to you by betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years, visit StoryWorth.com/BESTOFYOU to save $10 on your order. Give the gift of every day luxury and make every moment comfortable. Head to Cozyearth.com and use my code BESTOFYOU for up to 20% off. Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BESTOFYOU 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the holidays bring up a lot for you, old roles, old emotions, or the pressure to keep everyone happy, you’re not alone. Christmas has a way of activating the patterns and survival strategies that once helped you feel safe, pleasing, perfecting, over-functioning, or shutting down. In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook shares how these patterns show up in her own life, why they resurface, and how you can gently find your way back to peace. You’ll learn: the 3 types of needs that get tangled inside why holiday dynamics awaken old wounds and responses a simple way to return to the place of peace at your center how to redefine “success” this holiday season 🎄This Christmas, gift a loved one (or yourself) Dr Alison’s latest book, The Best of You! 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. If you liked this episode, you’ll love: Episode 131: Navigating Holiday Emotions Episode 135: Tackling Holiday People Pleasing 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to get UP TO $300 off today! Give online therapy, brought to you by betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years, visit StoryWorth.com/BESTOFYOU to save $10 on your order. Go to shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your nightguard. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If stress or discomfort sends you into overthinking, numbing, or trying to fix what you can’t control… If certain habits feel automatic no matter how much you try to change them… You’re not alone, and your brain is more trainable than you think. In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer—psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and New York Times best-selling author who specializes in habit change and mindfulness. They unpack why we get stuck in these loops and a simple practice to steady your soul. Instead of relying on willpower or self-judgment, this conversation invites you to: Notice your inner patterns with kindness Differentiate discomfort from distress Understand the habit loops that drive anxiety, worry, or overthinking Apply the #1 tool to help you create real, lasting change Deepen your connection to God This episode is a grounding companion for anyone navigating stress, emotional triggers, or the pull toward old coping strategies—especially in seasons that stir up more than we expect. 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. If you liked this episode, you’ll love: Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress and Anxiety Episode 112: Navigating Anxiety 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get up to 40% off. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at night replaying a conversation If you spiral through guilt after setting even the gentlest boundary If you carry everyone else’s emotions while losing sight of your own You’re in good company. In today’s episode, Dr. Alison shares personally about these moments in her own life and guides you through a real-time practice you can do right where you are. It’s the most effective tool we’ve found to help when overwhelm rises, when you’re tempted to slip back into people-pleasing, or when conflict sends your nervous system into overdrive. Instead of overthinking, overanalyzing, or pushing your feelings aside, this practice helps you: Notice what’s happening inside with kindness Connect with the part of you that’s working overtime to keep you safe Offer compassion to your own soul — the same compassion you extend so easily to others Invite God’s loving, steady presence into the places that feel tangled, tense, or afraid 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. If you liked this episode, you’ll love: Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress and Anxiety Episode 171: Why People Pleasing Actually Makes You Feel More Alone, and 3 Steps to Create Real Connection 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com Head to moshlife.com/BESTOFYOU to save 20% off plus FREE shipping Go to shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU, to receive 55% off your order. Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get 45% off. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to get UP TO $300 off today! *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend so much energy trying to silence anxiety. But what if it isn’t an enemy to defeat—what if it’s a signal to understand? This week, Dr. Alison talks with Dr. Bethany Teachman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Virginia and director of the PACT Lab, about what healthy anxiety looks like, why it’s actually useful, and how to stop letting it run your life. Dr. Teachman explains how to know when anxiety is becoming a problem and shares practical ways to calm anxious thoughts, build resilience, and approach your fears with curiosity instead of control. She says, “Anxiety is uncomfortable, but it’s not dangerous, when you stop treating it like a threat, it loses its power over you.” You'll learn: The difference between healthy anxiety and unhealthy anxiety How to recognize when your threat response doesn’t match the situation Why trying to “get rid” of anxiety often makes it worse How reframing challenges as opportunities builds resilience Why doom-scrolling keeps us trapped in fear Check out more free resources on anxiety: TYDE (Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment) — A University of Virginia initiative co-directed by Dr. Teachman focused on youth, technology, and mental health. MindTrails — A suite of digital and mobile interventions designed to help people manage anxiety and increase access to care, including. If you liked this episode, you’ll love: Episode 129: Understanding Your Anxiety Episode 54: Can I Pray My Anxiety Away? 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Head to moshlife.com/BESTOFYOU to save 20% off plus FREE shipping *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can happen so fast - you feel grateful one moment, and five minutes on Instagram later you’re suddenly feeling small or behind. But what if comparison isn’t the problem itself, but a messenger? Dr. Alison explores how comparison, when we pause to listen, can actually reveal our deepest longings and lead us back to connection with God, with others, and with ourselves. She explains why comparison is wired into us, what it’s trying to show us, and how to shift from competition to curiosity and compassion. This conversation invites you to slow down, notice what stirs inside you when comparison shows up, and remember: your story is unfolding at its own sacred pace. In this episode, we cover: Why comparison isn’t always toxic, and what it’s really telling you How to move from calibration to condemnation (and back again) The two types of comparison A simple three-step practice to use when you find yourself comparing 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Other episodes you might like : Episode 37: The Problem with Toxic Thinking Episode 140: If You Struggle with Guilt and Second-Guessing Yourself, This Will Set You Free 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. Black Friday has come early at Cozy Earth! Use my code BESTOFYOU at cozyearth.com to get up to 40% off. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When insecurity takes over, most of us double down on self-improvement. But what if freedom doesn’t come from focusing more on yourself - but less? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Alison and author of Free of Me and Gazing at God, Sharon Hodde Miller, discuss the promises and pitfalls of self-esteem culture - and why a bigger story of belovedness, stewardship, and connection sets us free. We talk about how self-preoccupation doesn’t improve self-esteem, why “just love yourself more” can reinforce the problem, and how beholding God (not abandoning yourself) recenters your life with humility and purpose. In this episode, we cover: Why self-focus can erode your confidence and joy The difference between self-esteem and self-preoccupation What it means to de-center yourself without losing your worth How wounds can masquerade as pride or insecurity The freedom that comes from remembering: you are not the hero of the story Get your hands on a copy of Sharon's books! You can find them here: 📚Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It's Not about You 📚Gazing at God: A 40-Day Journey to Greater Freedom from Self Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 99: I Shouldn’t Feel Like My Spirit is Broken Episode 67: The Inextricable Link Between Faith & Emotional Healing with Cindy Gao 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when relationships feels risky after you’ve been hurt, betrayed, or let down, yet you still crave real connection? This week, Dr. Alison is joined by speaker, and author Toni Collier, for a powerful and honest conversation about healing through community and learning how to trust again after deep pain. Toni shares her story of betrayal and loss, and how she discovered the power of safe people - the kind who can hold your heart without judgment and help you rebuild when life falls apart. Together, they unpack what real friendship looks like and why isolation, while it feels safe, can slowly destroy us. You’ll walk away with language for repair, courage to take off your “strong friend” cape, and practical wisdom for finding (and becoming) the kind of people who can walk with you through both heartbreak and healing. This episode explores: Why healing requires safe people, not just safe spaces How to build a community that can hold your story The difference between isolation and refuge The courage it takes to say, “I need help” The three steps to finding and keeping trustworthy friends You can find Toni’s powerful book here: 📚Don't Try This Alone: How to Build Deep Community When You Want to Hide from Your Pain Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 104: Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability Episode 76: Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Go to shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU and use the code BESTOFYOU at checkout for 50% off. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when someone you love - whether it’s your kids, a spouse, or a friend - keeps doing the same maddening things? This week, we’re tackling how to approach the most frustrating dynamics in any relationship. Dr. Alison is joined by award-winning psychologist Dr. J. Stuart Ablon, founder of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He shares a game-changing mindset shift: most challenging behavior is about skill, not will. If you’ve ever thought, “They just don’t care,” about someone you love, this conversation provides a proven, practical path to real solutions. This episode explores: The five core skills that drive every behavior The real reason most people struggle How to keep your cool and trade judgment for curiosity The exact words that lower defensiveness fast Why boundaries still matter—and how to set them collaboratively A step-by-step walkthrough of Collaborative Problem Solving in action For more from Dr. Stuart Ablon, check out his many free resources: 💡For free access to an interactive, self-paced course for parents, go to https://thinkkids.org/Self-Paced-Courses/Parent-Caregiver-Course/ Use code: BestofYou 🏥 Think: Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital 📚Changeable: How Collaborative Problem Solving Changes Lives at Home, at School, and at Work Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 86: Embracing Conflict—Why It's Essential & 4 Simple Ways to Tackle It Episode 70: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence—How to Harness the Power of Your Emotions to Improve Your Relationships 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Head to cozyearth.com and use my code BESTOFYOU for 40% off! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Best of You Podcast is your weekly space for wholehearted healing and soul-deep growth. Every Thursday you'll learn from Dr. Alison Cook—a psychologist, author, and former teacher who’s passionate about breaking down complex ideas into simple, practical tools you can use every day. You’ll find science-backed strategies and spiritual wisdom to help you: Heal from past wounds Set healthy, soul-honoring boundaries Strengthen your relationships And show up more fully as YOU Whether you’re navigating overwhelm, rebuilding trust, or learning to rest in a busy world, this podcast is here to help you cultivate the clarity, courage, and compassion it takes to live with wholeness. Now with video episodes and fresh conversations for a new season, The Best of You is more than a podcast—it’s a community choosing hope, healing, and transformation together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you weren’t meant to trust blindly, but to trust wisely? Trust is sacred - and when it’s broken, it’s easy to shut down or swing toward over-trusting. In this episode, Alison explores how to cultivate a steady, discerning trust, one that honors both your boundaries and your desire for connection. Dr. Alison explores what it means to build wise trust: the kind that’s discerning but still open to love. You’ll learn practical steps to protect your heart without hardening it, and how to partner with God in cultivating grounded, courageous trust that leads to real connection. In this episode, we explore: How broken trust impacts our nervous system and relationships The difference between naïve trust and wise, grounded trust How to protect your heart without closing it off Practical steps to rebuild trust - with yourself, others, and God Why choosing openness is one of the bravest things you can do If you’ve been hurt, disappointed, or afraid to let people in again, this episode will give you language, perspective, and hope for what it looks like to trust wisely - and love freely - again. Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 22: How to Build Trust With Yourself. Episode 117: Healing in the Messy Middle 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self. For 20% off your order, head to Reliefband.com and use code BESTOFYOU Head to moshlife.com/BESTOFYOU to save 20% off plus free shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack or the plant-based trial pack Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when someone’s behavior leaves you feeling small, confused, or constantly on edge? That uneasy feeling isn’t random, it’s often a signal that something toxic is at play. The Bible urges us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves - to stay discerning, not naïve, in our relationships. Yet many of us brush off harmful patterns because we want to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or because our empathy and loyalty run deep. The problem? Those very strengths can make us more vulnerable to toxic strategies. In this episode Dr. Alison names four of the most common toxic behaviors - manipulation, gaslighting, constant criticism, and triangulation - and shows you how to recognize them before they take root. She unpacks how to tell the difference between a one-time mistake and a repeated pattern of harm, and she offers practical tools to protect yourself without losing your compassion. In this episode, we explore: The difference between mistakes and toxic patterns 4 common toxic behaviors and what they look like in real life The core root beneath toxic strategies How to deal with false guilt and set yourself free If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, second-guessed your instincts, or felt trapped in a cycle of blame, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and hope for moving forward with wisdom and strength. 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 2: What Should I Know About Gaslighting? Episode 110: How to Be Wise When People Are Difficult—Biblical Strategies For Keeping Your Emotional Health & Mental Sanity 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get 45% off. Sleep cooler, lounge lighter, and embrace your cozy days with Cozy Earth. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where do you turn when heartache threatens to take over your whole life? This week, Dr Alison is joined by Amber Smith to talk about her journey from crushing grief to quiet, hard-won hope. Many of you know part of her story: the unthinkable loss of her three-year-old son, River, in 2019. Together, they talk about the raw reality of grief; how faith can be both anchor and wrestle, how a marriage can survive when each person’s pain looks different, and why welcoming joy again is not a betrayal of what you’ve lost. If you’ve ever faced heartbreak or walked alongside someone in deep pain, this conversation will meet you right where you are - whether you’re on your own bathroom floor or standing beside someone who is. In this episode, we explore: Amber’s story of losing her son, River, and the spiritual transformation that followed The “before and after” shift that tragedy brings to faith and identity How she and her husband, Granger Smith, fought for their marriage Why grief can quietly become an idol How holding space for grief can bring a family closer This episode blends honesty, tenderness, and practical wisdom, exploring what it means to choose life and love while discovering God’s presence in moments when hope feels distant. 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. 📚 Find Amber’s Book here: The Girl on the Bathroom Floor by Amber Smith Other episodes you might like : Episode 76: Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger Smith Episode 133: From Feeling Numb to Meaning-Making — Navigating the 6 Stages of Grief 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Give online therapy a try and see how it can help you become more present, more aware, and more connected to the life you want to live. Visit BetterHelp.com/BESTOFYOU. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world feels on fire, how do our souls find rest in God alone? This week’s two-part episode is close to my heart. In the wake of recent violence, I first pause to reflect on what it means to choose love in an age when outrage feels easier. From there, I turn to a conversation with my friend and mentor, Dr. Stephen Macchia. Steve has spent decades guiding people into deeper intimacy with God through practices of silence, prayer, and community. Together we explore the barriers distraction creates, why being truly listened to is so healing, and how slowing down opens space for God’s presence in our lives. This episode is an invitation to lay down outrage, pick up compassion, and step into the quiet spaces where God does His best work. 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📚 Books you wont want to miss from Dr. Steven Macchia: Praying the Parables of Jesus by Dr. Steven Macchia Crafting a Rule of Life by Dr. Steven Macchia Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress & Anxiety - How to Transform Your Mind Through the Power of Prayer Episode 88: What to Do When Change Stirs up Anxiety, Uncertainty, or Confusion 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Get 50% off a nightguard at checkout when you code BESTOFYOU at shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get 45% off. Sleep cooler, lounge lighter, and embrace your cozy days with Cozy Earth. Head to moshlife.com/BESTOFYOU to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack or theEW plant-based trial pack. *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world has changed, and raising kids now requires a new kind of courage. In this encouraging, yet practical episode, Dr. Alison is joined by counselors and best-selling authors Sissy Goff and David Thomas of Daystar Counseling in Nashville. Together, they discuss why anxiety is showing up earlier and more intensely in children, and how parents can respond with both empathy and practical tools. Sissy and David share practical & creative ways they’re helping kids build courage, resilience, self-control, and perspective. From therapy dogs and illustrated children’s books, to powerful stories from their counseling practice, Sissy and David deliver hopeful reminders that your calm matters, and practical strategies can help your kids step into the world with more confidence. This episode explores: Why childhood anxiety is rising, and how it looks different in boys and girls The surprising ways technology impacts emotional health The unintended consequence of overprotective parenting Practical tools that help kids develop resilience, risk-taking, and healthy coping When to seek counseling for your child This episode is a hopeful reminder: Kids don’t need a perfect parent. They need a present one who believes in their courage and helps them practice it. For More from David and Sissy: Check out their website, https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com and pre-order the DayStar Dogs books here: 📚Pippa Learns to Share the Spotlight: A Lesson About Jealousy 📚Happy Finds Her Calm: A Lesson in Self-Control 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here: 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 65: Vulnerability, Parenting, and Letting Go of Control Episode 85: The Goal of a Healthy Family & 6 Roles We Take On In Dysfunction 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Give online therapy a try and see how it can help you become more present, more aware, and more connected to the life you want to live. Visit BetterHelp.com/BESTOFYOU. For 20% off your order, head to Reliefband.com and use code BESTOFYOU 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Alison is joined by counselor and podcast host Trey Tucker for an honest conversation about the rise of therapy culture online, the pitfalls of over-identifying with a diagnosis, and how parents can help kids build resilience instead of anxiety. Together, they unpack: The rise of “TikTok Therapy”—what’s helpful about therapy content online and where it falls short. Why so many people are tempted to define themselves by a diagnosis—and how that can keep us stuck. The difference between true boundaries and emotional avoidance. Parenting without panic: how to model calm presence instead of passing anxiety on to the next generation. Why resilience, not fragility, is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our kids. Alison and Trey bring different perspectives with a shared passion for nuance, honesty, and practical hope. It’s a refreshing, thought-provoking dialogue that will encourage you to think differently about therapy, identity, and how we show up in family life. 📚 Learn more about Trey’s work at www.ruggedcounseling.com. 📥For more in-depth listening, check out his podcast, Rugged with Trey Tucker and follow him on Instagram or TikTok @ruggedcounseling.📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 41: Boundaries With Fear And Anxiety—How to Calm the Chaos Within and the Joy of Internal Boundaries Episode 65:Vulnerability, Parenting, and Letting Go of Control—Inside A Guy’s Perspective With Our Friends From Dadville Episode 66: The Truth About Anxiety & How to Become a Worry Free Parent with Sissy Goff 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no additional cost to you. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Head to cozyearth.com and use the code BESTOFYOU for 40% off because your bed should be more than a place to sleep — it should be your happy place. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to make the church a safer place for women’s voices? This week Dr. Alison is joined by husband-and-wife therapists Dr. Christy Bauman and Dr. Andrew Bauman, who are doing groundbreaking work at the intersection of women’s stories, embodiment, and spiritual safety. Together, they offer both prophetic challenge and practical hope for how we can build healthier faith communities. In the first half of the episode, Christy takes us into the sacred rites of passage women experience, highlighting women’s voices in the Bible. In the second half, Andrew shares from his extensive research, offering a vision for safe churches where power is shared, voices are honored, and healing is possible. Together, Christy and Andrew model what’s possible when men and women work side by side for change. You’ll learn: The six symbolic rites of passage women experience over a lifetime—and why reclaiming them matters How Christy helps women see their bodies as sacred places of dignity and spiritual depth The results of their research with 2,800+ women who work in church settings A vision for churches where power is shared and women’s voices are truly honored A note of care: This episode includes sensitive topics such as pornography, domestic violence, and harm related to women’s bodies. Please listen gently and step away if you need to. Learn more from Christy and Andrew: 📕 Christy Bauman’s Book: Her Rites: Women’s Rites of Passage, A Sacred Journey for Mind, Body, and Soul 📕 Andrew Bauman’s Book: Safe Church: How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in the Church 📥Free Resources from Christy: Body Map PDF Theology of the Womb Video Course (use code: TOTWcomp) Learn more about their work at the Christian Counseling Center for Sexual Health & Trauma Related episodes you might like: Episode 48: Loving Your Body as a Spiritual Practice, Why the Flesh Isn't the Body, and 3 Heresies We Kind of Believe Episode 11: How to Start Loving Your Body with Christy Meeks Episode 126: Restoring Wonder & Play in Intimacy - Navigating Sexual Brokenness, Safety, and Vulnerability with Therapist Sam Jolman 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. For 20% off your order, head to Reliefband.com and use code BESTOFYOU. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten 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 found yourself afraid to feel joy - worried that if you celebrate, the other shoe will inevitably drop? So many of us quietly hold joy at arm’s length. We tell ourselves it’s safer not to get our hopes up than to risk being let down again. What if joy isn’t a fleeting feeling for the lucky few, but a courageous practice we can all learn? Dr Alison sits down with therapist and author Nicole Zasowski to talk about her journey of choosing joy in the face of loss. Nicole shares how she discovered that joy can be the most vulnerable emotion of all - and why learning to celebrate is one of the most important practices we can cultivate in our lives. Together, you’ll learn: The surprising reason joy can feel harder than grief or disappointment The difference between toxic positivity and true, grounded joy Why pessimism and cynicism are really forms of control Practical ways to retrain your mind to savor what’s good—even in difficult seasons What Scripture and neuroscience teach us about joy 📕 Learn more from Nicole: Check out her book What If It’s Wonderful? And her Daring Joy Bible study workbook for practical steps to cultivate joy. 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Looking for more? Here are a few favorites: Episode 168: How do I trust God after loss? Episode 74: How to Find Hope in Hard Times 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Reconnect with what truly matters and rediscover a purposeful life you love with Social Media Reset. Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get 45% off. Sleep cooler, lounge lighter, and embrace your cozy days with Cozy Earth. Give online therapy a try and see how it can help you become more present, more aware, and more connected to the life you want to live. Visit BetterHelp.com/BESTOFYOU. Get 50% off a nightguard at checkout when you code BESTOFYOU at shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we work so hard to earn the approval of others? And what is it really costing us? In this candid, practical episode, Dr. Alison tackles one of the most common struggles she hears from so many of you: people pleasing. You’ll hear powerful voice messages from listeners as she explores the many forms this pattern can take—from avoiding conflict, to saying “yes” when you want to say “no,” to slowly losing sight of who you really are. Together, you’ll learn: 5 common roots of people pleasing How certain Bible verses get misused to reinforce self-erasure The high cost of people pleasing 3 simple steps to move toward wholeness 📥 Pick up your copy of The Best of You—Dr. Alison’s book on this topic here 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Other episodes you might like : Episode 46: People Pleasing as Survival Episode 33: People Pleasing & Developing Your Own Inner Compass Episode 14: The Fawn Response 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Reconnect with what truly matters and rediscover a purposeful life you love with Social Media Reset. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if what keeps you going is also keeping you stuck? Does venting actually help, or is it actually making you feel worse? This powerful, hope-filled conversation might just change your entire approach to rest—it did for me. Cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Therese Huston joins me for a conversation that’s incredibly helpful for anyone feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in numbing patterns. I’m not exaggerating when I say it is a game-changer. If you’ve been feeling off-center, burned out, or unsure how to truly rest, this episode will meet you with both compassion and science-backed tools to help you reset—even when you don’t have much time. We cover: The surprising truth about venting—and why it may not be helping Why certain “breaks” leave you more drained How to reset your brain in less than five minutes (yes, really) Simple, science-backed techniques to calm your nervous system Why numbing behaviors (like mindless snacking, scrolling, or binging TV) can feel good—but keep you stuck Two powerful on-air practices you can do right along with us This is not about productivity hacks. It’s about reclaiming your peace and tending to your soul—so you can show up as the person you want to be, no matter what your day looks like. 📘 Check out Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science by Dr. Therese Huston 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here: 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 132 : 3 Strategies for Managing Overwhelm and Emotional Stress in the Sandwich Generation Episode 80: Navigating Overwhelming Emotions Episode 146: The Difference Between Escape & Relief with Annie F. Downs 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Give online therapy a try and see how it can help you become more present, more aware, and more connected to the life you want to live. Visit BetterHelp.com/BESTOFYOU. Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get 45% off. Sleep cooler, lounge lighter, and embrace your cozy days with Cozy Earth. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of holding it all together for everyone else? In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Alison explores the hidden ache of emotional caretaking—the quiet ways we overfunction, over-give, and overlook our own needs to keep the peace. Whether it started in childhood or has become a way of coping in adult relationships, many of us have learned to survive by tending to others while slowly disappearing ourselves. Alison shares what she’s learning about her own inner caretaker and gently invites you to reconnect with the parts of you that are tired, weary, and worthy of care. This isn’t about walking away from the people you love—it’s about learning to stay grounded in yourself as you care well for others. This episode explores: Why emotional caretaking can feel like love—but quietly wears you down How childhood dynamics shape your adult urge to fix, help, or rescue What most people get wrong about “self-care” The hidden cost of always tending to others while neglecting yourself A gentle practice to reconnect with your inner caretaker—and what she needs This episode is a loving reminder: Your needs matter. Your soul deserves care. And you don’t have to carry it all alone. 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here: 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 138: Breaking Free from Overfunctioning –– DIscover the Hidden Costs of Always Being the Responsible One Episode 151: The Hidden Reason You Feel Overwhelmed –– Understanding the Mental Load with Dr. Morgan Cutlip Episode 152: The Anxiety Beneath Perfectionism –– Why Trying Harder Won’t Set You Free 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Reconnect with what truly matters and rediscover a purposeful life you love with Social Media Reset. Get 50% off a nightguard at checkout when you code BESTOFYOU at shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to risk love again—after loss, heartbreak, and the disorientating grief that follows? In this incredibly tender and powerful conversation, I’m joined by Stephanie Duncan Smith, author of Even After Everything, to talk about the kind of spiritual confusion that often follows personal loss. Stephanie shares how a painful pregnancy loss just before Christmas reshaped her understanding of God. Together, we explore how to stay grounded in God’s love even when your emotions feel muted, your prayers feel flat, or your sense of spiritual connection feels off. Whether you’ve experienced loss or walked alongside someone who has, this episode is an invitation into honest faith and the sacred practice of hope. This episode explores: Why spiritual numbness is a natural response to pain What it looks like to grieve without having to fake it How to handle deep pain during seasons that are supposed to be joyful Why naming your loss honestly can help you heal How Stephanie processed the grief of pregnancy loss 📘 Get Stephanie’s book: Even After Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here: 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Listen to more episodes on grief and healing: Episode 133: Navigating the 6 Stages of Grief with Renowned Grief Expert David Kessler Episode 102: How to Name, Frame, and Brave Complicated Emotions About Faith & God Episode 159: Spiritual Drowning, Honest Questions, and a God Who Doesn’t Let Go with Heather Thompson Day 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com Reconnect with what truly matters and rediscover a purposeful life you love with Social Media Reset. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices