Join therapist and author, Dr. Alison Cook, as she guides you through some of your toughest challenges with wisdom, kindness, 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.
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Today's Scripture: Exodus 16:4, 16, 19
When you're facing an uncertain future, it's natural to want a plan, some reassurance, or a glimpse of how everything will turn out. But what happens when God doesn't give you the clarity you're hoping for? The Israelites' experience in the wilderness offers a surprising lesson about uncertainty, daily provision, and learning to trust God one day at a time.
We explore:
Why uncertainty can make us long for the familiarity of the past
The difference between wise planning and trying to control the future
What the Israelites' daily manna teaches us about trusting God
How to recognize what's yours to do today—and what isn't yours to control
Go Deeper:
Episode 208 Spiritual Dryness, Burnout, and the Desert Seasons of Faith with Tish Harrison Warren
Read I Shouldn't Feel This Way
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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
The Difference Between Sacrificial Love and Self-Abandonment
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • Duration 10:16
Today's Scripture: John 15:12–13
Jesus calls us to love sacrificially. But how do you know when you're making a healthy sacrifice for someone you love—and when you're slowly losing yourself in the process? The distinction matters, especially when you've learned to equate being a good Christian with always putting yourself last.
We explore:
What Jesus' own sense of belovedness teaches us about sacrificial love
The subtle difference between healthy sacrifice and over-functioning
Why denying yourself doesn't mean abandoning yourself
How to discern what love is actually asking of you in a relationship
Go Deeper:
For more on loving others without losing yourself, read The Best of You
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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
Why You Can't Stop People-Pleasing (Even When You Want To)
Monday, October 26, 2026 • Duration 09:50
Today's Scripture: Proverbs 29:25
Have you ever said yes when you wanted to say no—or agreed with someone just to avoid conflict? People-pleasing can become an automatic response, especially when you've learned that keeping others happy is the safest way to maintain connection. But you can begin to change this pattern without losing your compassion for others.
We explore:
Why people-pleasing can feel almost impossible to stop
What fawning reveals about your fear of disappointing others
How to find security beyond someone else's approval
Small ways to practice saying no without guilt
Go Deeper:
For more on how to recognize protective patterns and retrain your soul to find security in God's love, explore The Secure Soul and The Secure Soul Companion Guide
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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 to Be Discerning Without Becoming Cynical
Friday, October 23, 2026 • Duration 08:45
Today's Scripture: 1 John 4:1–2
How do you become wise about who to trust without growing suspicious of everyone? In a world full of charismatic leaders, confident voices, and competing spiritual claims, John's instruction to "test the spirits" offers a powerful way to practice discernment while keeping your heart open.
In today's episode, we explore:
What John really means by "testing the spirits"
Why charisma and confidence can cloud our judgment
How to recognize the difference between spiritual authority and genuine character
Three practical ways to grow in discernment without becoming cynical
Go Deeper:
Episode 231: How to Know Who You Can Trust: The Difference Between Charisma, Character, and Real Change
Episode 190: Self-Brain Surgery, Overcoming Trauma, and the Courage to Change How You Think with Dr. Lee Warren
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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
231: How to Know Who You Can Trust in a Narcissistic Age: Charisma, Character & the Signs of Real Change with Dr. Chuck DeGroat
Thursday, October 22, 2026 • Duration 55:25
How do you know you can trust someone?
In a world where charisma, confidence, and even vulnerability can be carefully performed, knowing who we can trust feels more important than ever.
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Alison sits down with longtime friend, therapist, and author Dr. Chuck DeGroat to explore what real character looks like, why genuine change is slower than we want it to be, and how to discern the difference between surface-level transformation and lasting integrity. Together, they unpack this incredibly important question of discerning when someone is trustworthy, as well as how to become people of character ourselves.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* Why charisma and vulnerability don’t always signal trustworthy character.
* How to recognize manipulation disguised as emotional maturity or spiritual wisdom.
* What genuine character change looks like and how long it takes
* How to balance compassion for others with healthy boundaries and accountability.
About Dr. Chuck DeGroat:
Dr. Chuck DeGroat is a professor, licensed therapist, author, and ordained minister specializing in pastoral health, spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and emotional and spiritual well-being. He serves as Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality and Founding Executive Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Western Theological Seminary. He is also the founder of The Soul Care Collaborative and a faculty member at the Soul Care Institute. With decades of experience in pastoral ministry, leadership development, and trauma-informed care, Dr. DeGroat helps individuals and church leaders navigate emotional and spiritual challenges toward greater wholeness and flourishing.
More Resources:
Get Dr. Chuck DeGroat's new book: Who You're Becoming: The Slow and Courageous Work of Cultivating Character in a Narcissistic Age
Find more information about Dr. Chuck DeGroat here.
Get exclusive access to the first 2 chapters of Dr. Alison’s newest book, The Secure Soul.
Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram
📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
Don't forget to browse this week's sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you these resources for free!
Quince - How you dress affects your mood and you can trust that Quince has you covered in every day sustainable wardrobe staples. 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
3 Ways to Build Stronger, Healthier Friendships
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • Duration 08:50
Today's Scripture: Proverbs 27:9, 17
Finding good friends as an adult can be surprisingly difficult. Friendships change, life circumstances shift, and loneliness can creep in even when we're surrounded by people. Proverbs offers a beautiful picture of friendship that combines genuine enjoyment with the kind of honesty and wisdom that helps us grow.
In today's episode, we explore:
Two surprising qualities of a good friendship
Why the people you spend time with shape who you become
What psychology reveals about how long it takes to build a close friendship
How to recognize and cultivate friendships that can weather disagreements and disappointments
Go Deeper:
Episode 58: How to Find Friends Who Bring Out the Best of You with Curt Thompson
Episode 61: Reconnecting with Old Friends
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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 to Stay Strong When Others Question Your Choices
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • Duration 07:18
Today's Scripture: Matthew 16:21–23
What happens when someone who genuinely loves you questions a decision you know you need to make? Even Jesus faced resistance from a close friend who wanted to protect him. His response reveals something surprising about the relationship between selflessness, inner strength, and staying true to your calling.
In today's episode, we explore:
Why even people who love us can give misguided advice
What Jesus reveals about the strength behind true selflessness
How to build confidence in your own voice, one small step at a time
How to stay connected to someone without letting their fears guide your decisions
Go Deeper:
For more on developing a strong sense of self, explore The Best of You
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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
When You're Not Ready to Act: The Wisdom of Waiting on God
Monday, October 19, 2026 • Duration 08:27
Today's Scripture: Psalm 31:14–20
Have you ever been in a painful situation where others are urging you to take action, but something deep within you is telling you to wait? There's a difference between avoiding a hard decision and discerning that the time to act hasn't yet come. Psalm 31 offers a powerful picture of what it means to face difficult circumstances honestly while entrusting yourself to God's timing.
In today's episode, we explore:
How to discern the difference between passive avoidance and the spiritual wisdom of waiting on God
What David's prayer, "My times are in your hands," teaches us about trusting God amid injustice, uncertainty, and suffering
What it means to suffer wisely
How to recognize when the time has come to speak up, advocate for yourself or someone you love, or take the next courageous step
Go Deeper:
For more on discerning when to fight for change, when to leave, and when to suffer wisely, explore I Shouldn't Feel This Way
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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
When Your Mind Turns Against You: How to Resist the Lies
Friday, October 16, 2026 • Duration 09:02
Today's Scripture: James 4:7 (listener request)
How do you know whether painful thoughts are coming from a wounded part of your soul or from spiritual opposition? When we're caught in cycles of rumination, self-criticism, or shame, discerning what's happening within us can be complicated. But we don't always have to identify the exact source of a thought to know how to respond to it.
We explore:
*How psychology and spiritual warfare intersect
*Why painful feelings need compassion, but shaming thoughts need to be challenged
*What James 4:7 teaches us about resisting lies
*How to practice compassion and discernment in God's presenceGo deeper:
Episode 197: Am I Under Attack—or Just Overwhelmed? Spiritual Warfare and Personal Responsibility with Joel Muddamalle
Episode 229: Why Your Soul Needs Quiet in a Noisy World with John Mark Comer
Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook
Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community 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
230. When Rest Isn’t Enough: Dr. Henry Cloud on Burnout, Boundaries, and What Your Soul Needs
Thursday, October 15, 2026 • Duration 52:20
Have you ever wondered whether you're truly burned out or simply depleted? And what happens when, in the process of meeting everyone else's needs, you lose touch with important parts of yourself?
In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with Dr. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist, leadership expert, and co-author of the trailblazing book, Boundaries, to explore how we can recognize burnout, restore our emotional health, and reconnect with the parts of ourselves we may have lost along the way.
Drawing from his new book, Renewal: 90 Daily Readings for Restoring Your Mind, Your Boundaries, Your Relationships, and Your Peace, Dr. Cloud shares why rest alone isn't always enough, how our emotions signal when something is out of balance, and why healthy relationships help us become more fully ourselves.
Dr. Cloud also shares a powerful personal story about his own childhood that you do not want to miss.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
*The difference between depletion and burnout
*How to tell when your rhythms and boundaries need attention.
*Why structure is so important, and how to set intentional rhythms of rest and renewal
*How safe relationships can help us reclaim lost parts of ourselves.
About Dr. Henry Cloud:
Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist, leadership expert, and New York Times bestselling author. He has written or co-written more than 45 books, including the bestselling Boundaries, with nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide. Drawing on his experience in clinical psychology, executive coaching, and leadership consulting, Dr. Cloud helps individuals and organizations strengthen relationships, develop healthy boundaries, and reach their full potential. He works with CEOs, leadership teams, and executives to improve performance, leadership, and organizational culture.
More Resources:
Dr. Henry Cloud is the author of a new book: Renewal: 90 Daily Readings for Restoring Your Mind, Your Boundaries, Your Relationships, and Your Peace
Other books of Dr. Henry Cloud
Listeners get exclusive access to the first 2 chapters of Dr. Alison’s newest book, The Secure Soul.
Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram
📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
Don't forget to browse this week's sponsors, who make it possible for me to bring you these resources for free + provide you with additional discounts!
Quince - How you dress affects your mood and you can trust that Quince has you covered in every day sustainable wardrobe staples. Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Air Doctor Pro - Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU and get up to $300 off ANY of their select AirDoctor models, plus you will get a 3-year warranty,absolutely FREE! All AirDoctor air purifiers come with a 30-day money back guarantee. Get this exclusive, podcast-only offer NOW at AirDoctorPro.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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Best of You, a podcast by Dr. Alison Cook - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
