The Best of You

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.

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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.
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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