The Best of You

Latest Episodes:

Episode 86: Embracing Conflict—Why It's Essential & 4 Simple Ways to Tackle It Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

Conflict is a part of every relationship. It’s normal to disagree from time to time - even (especially!) with the people you love the most. Yet so many of us fear conflict and do all we can to avoid it.

In today’s episode, I show you how to transform conflict into an opportunity for growth. Here’s what we cover:

1. The causes of conflict (6:48)

2. 5 benefits of conflict (10:17)

3. The top 3 reasons we avoid conflict (21:18)

4. 4 steps to mastering conflict (30:40)

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Preorder I Shouldn't Feel This Way!

Related Episodes:

Episodes 80 through 83 on Youtube

Episode 49: Personality, the Big Five Traits, and Why Are We So Obsessed With Personality Types?

Episode 50: 9 Types of Intelligence, the Trap of Comparison, and How to Connect More Authentically with God

Episode 51: The 12 Common Thinking Traps, Mind Reading, Mental Filters, and How To Stop Taking Things Personally

Episode 52: The Enneagram—9 Ways to Uncover the Best (and Worst) of Who You Are, Get Honest With Yourself, & Improve Your Relationships

Episode 53: StrengthsFinder—How to Claim Your Strengths, Lean On Others & Thrive at Home and Work

Episode 84: The Truth About Happiness and 4 Proven Ways to Feel Happier

Episode 85: The Goal of a Healthy Family & 6 Roles We Take On In Dysfunction

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive UP TO 39%!

Go to goodranchers.com, pick your box, use my code BESTOFYOU, and enjoy $189 of free chicken in 2024 PLUS $20 off your first order.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.

Get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

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

Episode 85: The Goal of a Healthy Family & 6 Roles We Take On In Dysfunction Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

It’s hard to lead a family! It's even harder when you didn’t experience health in your own family as a child. Today, I’m walking you through what a healthy family looks like and what happens when it gets out of balance.

This is a practical, non-shaming guide to identifying what's working in your family and how to course-correct when it's not! Here’s what we cover:

1. The goal of a healthy family (5:19)

2. Signs of dysfunction vs. signs of health (8:07)

3. 6 extreme roles children get pushed into (19:44)

4. 4 simple, research-backed strategies to create harmony within your family (37:28)

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episodes:

Episode 16: What are Attachment Styles and Why Does it Matter?

Episode 68: How *Not* to Lose Yourself–Remaining You While Raising Them with Alli Worthington

Episode 66: The Truth About Anxiety & How to Become a Worry Free Parent with Sissy Goff

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

Ritual’s Essential for Women 18+ is a multivitamin you can actually trust. Get 40% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BESTOFYOU.

Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.

Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.

Get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 84: The Truth About Happiness and 4 Proven Ways to Feel Happier Jan 05, 2024

Show notes

Most of us want to be happier, but we don't even know what true happiness means! We walk around feeling unmotivated, stuck, and unsure of our next steps.

The truth is that the path to happiness is just a few steps away. In today's episode, I'm walking you through exactly what happiness is and exactly how you can put yourself on the path toward finding it.

Here's what we cover:

1. What exactly is happiness?

2. 4 myths about happiness

3. 4 truths about happiness

4. Simple, practical steps anyone can take to feel happier

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode ⁠here⁠.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ ⁠Leave them here⁠.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email ⁠here⁠.

Related Episodes:

5 Steps to Navigating Overwhelming Emotions playlist on Youtube

Episode 51: The 12 Common Thinking Traps, Mind Reading, Mental Filters, and How To Stop Taking Things Personally

Episode 53: StrengthsFinder—How to Claim Your Strengths, Lean On Others & Thrive at Home and Work

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

Go to good ranchers.com, pick your box, use my code BESTOFYOU, and enjoy $189 of free chicken in 2024 PLUS $20 off your first order.

Head over to WildHealth.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU at checkout for 20% off!

Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 83: How to Turn Anger, Sadness, and Fear Into Powerful Allies Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Most people feel anger, sadness, or fear at some point during the day. It's normal to feel these emotions. The question is, what will you do when they show up: Will you let them sabotage you? Or will you turn them into your allies?

In today’s episode, I teach you the skills you need to turn these feelings into your allies so that you can experience more joy and healthier boundaries. Here’s what we cover:

1. The #1 question to ask yourself (6:38)

2. How anger is trying to help (6:53)

3. What to do when you feel sadness (11:03)

4. An illustration from one of my favorite movies (15:11)

5. Why we need fear (19:41)

6. A powerful exercise to use at any time (29:00)

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episodes:

Episode 80: Navigating Overwhelming Emotions—2 Essential Steps to Bring Calm to the Chaos Within

Episode 81: Finding God Through Your Feelings—How to Practice the Presence of God No Matter What You’re Feeling

Episode 82: Why We Overreact—How Big Emotions Can Help You Unburden Past Hurts

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!

Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 82: Why We Overreact—How Big Emotions Can Help You Unburden Past Hurts Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

We all over-react at times. I know I do! Maybe someone is late, and you get really angry instead of a little annoyed. Or your colleague gives you constructive feedback, and you feel decimated inside. You don't know why you had such a big reaction.

What if those "overreactions" are actually clues to the past? In today’s episode I walk you through an incredibly practical way to use the power of big emotional reactions in the present to help you heal from events in the past. When you decode the information in your overreactions, you can finally unburden yourself.

1. The main reasons we overreact (8:27)

2. Why we pick up burdens from the past (16:36)

3. The effects of parentification (18:55)

4. How to become a cycle-breaker (23:27)

5. A real-time exercise in unburdening (29:20)

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episode:

Episode 70: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence—How to Harness the Power of Your Emotions to Improve Your Relationships

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

If you've been searching for a better alternative to traditional healthcare and want to take your health to new heights, visit www.WildHealth.com/Premium to apply for membership.

Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive 20% off plus free shipping.

Go to storyworth.com/bestofyou and save $10 on your first purchase!

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 81: Finding God Through Your Feelings—How to Practice the Presence of God No Matter What You’re Feeling Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

If you’re struggling to feel connected spiritually or stuck in negative emotions, you’re in good company. Research shows that 9 out of 10 people struggle with stress during the holidays.

In today’s episode, I walk you through my simple but life-changing strategy for unlocking spiritual connection and experiencing more of God’s loving presence.

Here’s what we cover:

1. 3 reasons painful emotions get heightened at the holidays (2:32)

2. A simple hack for experiencing more spiritual vitality (8:22)

3. The neurobiology of what happens when you connect with God (9:43)

4. How to transform mundane moments into spiritual encounters (12:18)

5. How to harness your external environment to change your mental habits (23:03)

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episodes:

Episode 80: Navigating Overwhelming Emotions—2 Essential Steps to Bring Calm to the Chaos Within

Episode 50: 9 Types of Intelligence, the Trap of Comparison, and How to Connect More Authentically with God

Thanks to our sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.

Listen to Girls Night with Stephanie May Wilson wherever you get your podcasts!

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 80: Navigating Overwhelming Emotions—2 Essential Steps to Bring Calm to the Chaos Within Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

What if your emotions aren't your enemies afterall? What if they actually help? This holiday season, I'm taking you on a deep dive into my proven 5-step method for finding joy and peace by bringing harmony and wholeness to your inner world.

Today, we'll walk through the first 2 steps that are crucial to developing a healthy relationship with your emotions. Here’s what we cover:

1. 3 truths about emotions (5:19)

2. A counterintuitive (but essential!) first step (9:38)

3. How to speak on behalf of an emotion vs. from it (17:21)

4. The surprising solution to negative emotions (21:58)

5. How to finally move from self-condemnation to self-compassion and why this is central to the message of Christ (32:40)

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episodes:

Episode 70: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence—How to Harness the Power of Your Emotions to Improve Your Relationships

Episode 39: Boundaries for Your Soul—How to Navigate Your Overwhelming Thoughts & Feelings

Boundaries for Your Soul Youtube Series

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.

Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 79: Surviving Trauma & A Path to Forgiveness—Finding God In the Hardest Parts of Your Story With Esau McCaulley Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

I was thrilled to have this conversation about a book that's easily one of my favorites this year. The brilliant author, professor, and public theologian, Esau McCaulley is here to share his personal experience with the many faces of trauma and how he stayed connected to the goodness of God through all of it.

Esau’s new book, How Far to the Promised Land, is a gripping, powerful story of one man’s journey of survival and hope. This conversation is packed with so much incredible insight all the way through to the end. Here’s what we cover:

1. Esau's early experiences with trauma (6:59)

2. How being a dad has been part of Esau’s healing (11:48)

3. Racial trauma (18:08)

4. How to integrate different parts of yourself (28:53)

5. Why we have to tell our stories (31:18)

6. Esau’s thoughts on forgiveness (40:35)

Check out How Far to the Promised Land here!

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episodes:

Episode 78: The Mental Health Benefits of Forgiveness & Thoughts on Grace with Max Lucado

Episode 76: When Self-Help Isn’t Enough—Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger Smith

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.

Go to storyworth.com/bestofyou and save $10 on your first purchase!

Start taking control of your health today at WildHealth.com/BESTOFYOU

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 78: The Mental Health Benefits of Forgiveness & Thoughts on Grace with Max Lucado Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is packed! First, I walk you through some practical, research-backed thoughts on forgiveness and grace. Then I invite you into a conversation I had with none other than Max Lucado about how God’s forgiveness and grace played out in his own life. Here's what we cover:

1. The difference between grace & forgiveness (2:20)

2. Personality type & forgiveness (7:11)

3. 3 types of forgiveness (11:03)

4. How to forgive (15:15)

5. Max’s personal story of grace (23:28)

6. Clear words of wisdom about toxicity (37:38)

Check out Max Lucado's new book, God Never Gives Up On You: What Jacob's Story Teaches Us about Grace, Mercy, and God's Relentless Love

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episodes:

Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress & Anxiety—How to Transform Your Mind Through the Power of Prayer

Episode 76: When Self-Help Isn’t Enough—Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger Smith

Episode 77: The Dark Night of the Soul—Why It Happens & What It Means

Thanks to our sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

Visit seed.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU to redeem 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic.

Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive 20% off plus free shipping.

To start decoding your body's messages, and pave the way for a healthier life visit nutrisense.com/bestofyou and get $30 off your first month and one month of board certified nutritionist support.

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 77: The Dark Night of the Soul—Why It Happens & What It Means Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

Have you felt far from God? Do you find yourself wondering what in the world God is doing amidst all that is hard? I would argue that a dark night of the soul is a healthy response to pain, brokenness, or suffering. We need to create space for these seasons of wrestling with God—not try to shove them aside or stigmatize them.

In today’s episode, here’s what we cover:

1. What is a dark night of the soul? (4:09)

2. How is it different from depression? (6:55)

3. Why does God allow us to feel far from Him at times? (19:16)

4. How these seasons help us grow closer to each other (33:07)

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.

Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.

Related Episodes:

Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress & Anxiety—How to Transform Your Mind Through the Power of Prayer

Episode 76: When Self-Help Isn’t Enough—Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger Smith

Episode 67: The Link Between Faith & Emotional Healing—Gen Z, College Life, & A Hidden Search for Meaning with Cindy Gao

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.

To start decoding your body's messages, and pave the way for a healthier life visit nutrisense.com/bestofyou and get $30 off your first month and one month of board certified nutritionist support.

Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected