The Best of You

Today's Scripture: Exodus 18:13–24 (selected verses) Have you ever had someone who loves you point out something about yourself that you didn't want to hear? Even when feedback comes from someone we trust, it can be uncomfortable to discover a blind spot. An encounter between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro, offers a powerful picture of what becomes possible when we're willing to speak honestly—and humble enough to listen.We explore: Why even wise, capable people have blind spots The difference between being nice and being genuinely kind What makes it possible to receive difficult feedback How honest conversations deepen trust and help us grow Go Deeper: For more on naming what's hard in ourselves and our relationships check out I Shouldn't Feel This Way : Name What’s Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action 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

Today's Scripture: John 8:2–11 What happens when our certainty that we're right causes us to lose sight of another person's humanity? In a powerful encounter with a woman publicly humiliated by religious leaders, Jesus demonstrates a remarkable kind of strength. His response challenges the cruelty we sometimes justify in the name of righteousness—and offers a different way to confront wrongdoing.We explore: Why moral certainty can sometimes lead to cruelty How Jesus confronts public humiliation without becoming cruel The subtle ways we justify dehumanizing people we disagree with What it means to stand for truth without losing compassion Go Deeper: Episode 176: Love in the Age of Violence Episode 101: Exploring the Violence that Shapes Our Family Stories & How to Heal with Lisa Jo Baker 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

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 13:12 Have you ever wanted something so deeply that the longer you wait, the more you begin to doubt yourself? Whether it's a relationship, an opportunity, or a dream you've worked toward for years, unfulfilled longing can create an exhausting inner battle between hope and fear. How do you honor what you deeply desire without becoming consumed by an outcome you can't control? explore: Why prolonged waiting can intensify both longing and self-doubt The hidden fears underneath our urge to give up How to hold hope and radical acceptance together A simple exercise for tending to the parts of you that long and doubt Go Deeper: For more on navigating unmet longings and caring for your inner world, explore related reflections at dralisoncook.com/blog. 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

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–18 How do you become stronger on the inside when fear, doubt, or temptation threatens to pull you off course? In today's episode, we explore Paul's powerful image of the armor of God—and what it means to develop inner strength without relying on willpower alone. We explore: What it really means to be strong in God The surprising connection between our choices and God's power How to understand spiritual warfare without becoming fixated What helps us stand firm when life feels overwhelming Go Deeper: Read: 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

Would we rather be in control than happy? What happens when science, therapy, and sheer determination can't fix what's broken? Is there another way forward? Dr. Anna Lembke, Stanford psychiatrist and bestselling author of Dopamine Nation, joins us for a fascinating conversation about her new book, Radical Surrender: Letting Go in a World Addicted to Control. Anna shares how profound personal loss challenged everything she believed about control, accomplishment, and her place in the world—and led her to an unexpected spiritual awakening. We explore: Why our best efforts sometimes aren't enough When control becomes a substitute for faith The surprising connection between surrender and transformation How to let go of control without giving up our agency How surrender changes us and our relationships How prayer can become a practice of surrender Together, Dr. Alison and Dr. Lembke explore the surprising intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality. About Dr. Anna Lembke: Dr. Anna Lembke is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. An internationally recognized expert in addiction medicine, she has published more than 100 scholarly works. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. Get Dr. Anna Lembke’s new book: Radical Surrender: Letting Go in a World Addicted to Control  Learn more about Dr. Anna Lembke 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 me to bring you these resources for free + provide you with additional discounts! StoryWorth - Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years—Storyworth! Right now, save up to $20 during Storyworth’s Holiday sale when you go to STORYWORTH.com/bestofyou!  That’s STORYWORTH.com/bestofyou to save up to $20 on your order!  Remi - Use code BESTOFYOU to get 55% off your new night guard from now until the end of this month with Remi Club. Go to shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU at checkout for 55% off this month with Remi Club. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save up to 75% this month on select bundles while supplies last! 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