The Best of You

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