Best Sound Curiosity Network Podcasts (2025)

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185: For the Ones Who Are Overwhelmed and Tempted to People-Please — A Real-Time Practice to Help You Return to God’s Loving Presence 36:46

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5d ago36:46

36:46

If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at night replaying a conversation If you spiral through guilt after setting even the gentlest boundary If you carry everyone else’s emotions while losing sight of your own You’re in good company. In today’s episode, Dr. Alison shares personally about these moments in her own life and guides you through a rea…

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184: Stop Running From Anxiety - How to Tell Normal Stress from Unhealthy Anxiety and Find Peace Over Panic 47:27

12d ago47:27

47:27

We spend so much energy trying to silence anxiety. But what if it isn’t an enemy to defeat—what if it’s a signal to understand? This week, Dr. Alison talks with Dr. Bethany Teachman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Virginia and director of the PACT Lab, about what healthy anxiety looks like, why it’s actually useful, and how t…

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183: The Real Reason You Compare Yourself (and How to Heal It) 35:33

19d ago35:33

35:33

It can happen so fast - you feel grateful one moment, and five minutes on Instagram later you’re suddenly feeling small or behind. But what if comparison isn’t the problem itself, but a messenger? Dr. Alison explores how comparison, when we pause to listen, can actually reveal our deepest longings and lead us back to connection with God, with other…

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182: Self-Esteem Culture, Therapy Culture, and the Case for Wholeness in Christ 48:33

26d ago48:33

48:33

When insecurity takes over, most of us double down on self-improvement. But what if freedom doesn’t come from focusing more on yourself - but less? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Alison and author of Free of Me and Gazing at God, Sharon Hodde Miller, discuss the promises and pitfalls of self-esteem culture - and why a bigger story of belovednes…

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181: The Healing Power of Safe People (Not Just Safe Spaces) 49:34

1M ago49:34

49:34

What do you do when relationships feels risky after you’ve been hurt, betrayed, or let down, yet you still crave real connection? This week, Dr. Alison is joined by speaker, and author Toni Collier, for a powerful and honest conversation about healing through community and learning how to trust again after deep pain. Toni shares her story of betray…

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180: When People Push Your Buttons: The Power of Curiosity Over Control With Harvard Psychologist Dr. Stuart Ablon 44:58

1M ago44:58

44:58

What do you do when someone you love - whether it’s your kids, a spouse, or a friend - keeps doing the same maddening things? This week, we’re tackling how to approach the most frustrating dynamics in any relationship. Dr. Alison is joined by award-winning psychologist Dr. J. Stuart Ablon, founder of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital, an…

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179: Building Wise Trust - How to Protect Your Heart Without Closing it Off 32:19

2M ago32:19

32:19

What if you weren’t meant to trust blindly, but to trust wisely? Trust is sacred - and when it’s broken, it’s easy to shut down or swing toward over-trusting. In this episode, Alison explores how to cultivate a steady, discerning trust, one that honors both your boundaries and your desire for connection. Dr. Alison explores what it means to build w…

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Celebrating a New Season of The Best of YOU Podcast! 2:18

2M ago2:18

2:18

The Best of You Podcast is your weekly space for wholehearted healing and soul-deep growth. Every Thursday you'll learn from Dr. Alison Cook—a psychologist, author, and former teacher who’s passionate about breaking down complex ideas into simple, practical tools you can use every day. You’ll find science-backed strategies and spiritual wisdom to h…

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178: How to Recognize Toxic Tactics, and Stop Taking the Bait 55:51

2M ago55:51

55:51

What do you do when someone’s behavior leaves you feeling small, confused, or constantly on edge? That uneasy feeling isn’t random, it’s often a signal that something toxic is at play. The Bible urges us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves - to stay discerning, not naïve, in our relationships. Yet many of us brush off harmful patterns beca…

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177: Meeting God on the Bathroom Floor - Amber Smith on Faith, Hope, and Life After Loss 32:53

2M ago32:53

32:53

Where do you turn when heartache threatens to take over your whole life? This week, Dr Alison is joined by Amber Smith to talk about her journey from crushing grief to quiet, hard-won hope. Many of you know part of her story: the unthinkable loss of her three-year-old son, River, in 2019. Together, they talk about the raw reality of grief; how fait…

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176: My Reflections on Love in an Age of Violence · Plus Dr. Stephen Macchia on Intimacy with God in a Noisy World 1:02:51

2M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

When the world feels on fire, how do our souls find rest in God alone? This week’s two-part episode is close to my heart. In the wake of recent violence, I first pause to reflect on what it means to choose love in an age when outrage feels easier. From there, I turn to a conversation with my friend and mentor, Dr. Stephen Macchia. Steve has spent d…

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175: A Game-Changing Toolkit to Help Kids Conquer Worry and Build Courage 48:37

2M ago48:37

48:37

The world has changed, and raising kids now requires a new kind of courage. In this encouraging, yet practical episode, Dr. Alison is joined by counselors and best-selling authors Sissy Goff and David Thomas of Daystar Counseling in Nashville. Together, they discuss why anxiety is showing up earlier and more intensely in children, and how parents c…

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174: TikTok Therapy Trends, Overprotective Parenting, and Raising Resilient Kids with Trey Tucker 40:22

3M ago40:22

40:22

In this episode, Dr. Alison is joined by counselor and podcast host Trey Tucker for an honest conversation about the rise of therapy culture online, the pitfalls of over-identifying with a diagnosis, and how parents can help kids build resilience instead of anxiety. Together, they unpack: The rise of “TikTok Therapy”—what’s helpful about therapy co…

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173. From Silence to Safety: Reclaiming Women’s Stories in Faith Spaces with Therapists Christy & Andrew Bauman 1:03:55

3M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

What does it take to make the church a safer place for women’s voices? This week Dr. Alison is joined by husband-and-wife therapists Dr. Christy Bauman and Dr. Andrew Bauman, who are doing groundbreaking work at the intersection of women’s stories, embodiment, and spiritual safety. Together, they offer both prophetic challenge and practical hope fo…

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172. Daring Joy: Breaking Free from Fear, Cynicism, and Toxic Positivity with Therapist Nicole Zasowski 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

Have you ever found yourself afraid to feel joy - worried that if you celebrate, the other shoe will inevitably drop? So many of us quietly hold joy at arm’s length. We tell ourselves it’s safer not to get our hopes up than to risk being let down again. What if joy isn’t a fleeting feeling for the lucky few, but a courageous practice we can all lea…

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171: Why People Pleasing Actually Makes You Feel More Alone, and 3 Steps to Create Real Connection 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

Why do we work so hard to earn the approval of others? And what is it really costing us? In this candid, practical episode, Dr. Alison tackles one of the most common struggles she hears from so many of you: people pleasing. You’ll hear powerful voice messages from listeners as she explores the many forms this pattern can take—from avoiding conflict…

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170: The Truth About Venting, Numbing, and Finding Real Relief - Science-Backed Tools to Actually Restore Your Brain and Body 46:41

4M ago46:41

46:41

What if what keeps you going is also keeping you stuck? Does venting actually help, or is it actually making you feel worse? This powerful, hope-filled conversation might just change your entire approach to rest—it did for me. Cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Therese Huston joins me for a conversation that’s incredibly helpful for anyo…

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169: When Caretaking Becomes Compulsive – How to Break Free from the Urge to Help Everyone Except Yourself 31:40

4M ago31:40

31:40

Are you tired of holding it all together for everyone else? In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Alison explores the hidden ache of emotional caretaking—the quiet ways we overfunction, over-give, and overlook our own needs to keep the peace. Whether it started in childhood or has become a way of coping in adult relationships, many of us have learne…

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168: How Do I Trust God After Loss? Navigating Spiritual Disorientation and the Quiet Path Back with Stephanie Duncan Smith 51:43

4M ago51:43

51:43

What does it mean to risk love again—after loss, heartbreak, and the disorientating grief that follows? In this incredibly tender and powerful conversation, I’m joined by Stephanie Duncan Smith, author of Even After Everything, to talk about the kind of spiritual confusion that often follows personal loss. Stephanie shares how a painful pregnancy l…

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167: Can I Pray the Anxiety Away? 46:39

4M ago46:39

46:39

What if anxiety isn’t something to pray away—or push down—but an invitation to deeper healing? In this week’s re-air of one of our most downloaded episodes, Dr. Alison sits down with theologian and mental health advocate Curtis Chang about how anxiety can actually become a doorway to your truest self in God. We explore: 🌿 Curtis's personal journey …

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166: When Your Emotions Are at War – Here’s How to Set Boundaries Inside Your Own Soul 38:31

5M ago38:31

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If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your emotions or stuck in patterns of self-criticism, this episode offers a practical path forward rooted in both psychology and spiritual wisdom. In this powerful re-air of a foundational episode, Dr. Alison Cook introduces the transformative approach behind Boundaries for Your Soul. Drawing from Internal Family …

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165: Reboot Your Boundaries — A Practical Guide to Help you Reset, Protect Your Peace and Create Space for What Matters Most 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

Is summer leaving you more frazzled than refreshed? Between travel, family gatherings, long days, and shifting routines, summer can test your limits in unexpected ways. If you’re feeling stretched thin, resentful, or just plain exhausted—this episode will be your step by step practical guide to resetting your boundaries. Backed by recent research a…

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164: Rewriting Your Narrative – What If the Hardest Parts of Your Story Hold the Key to Your Growth? 42:39

5M ago42:39

42:39

What if your story—even the complicated parts—could become a doorway to deeper faith? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Alison Cook is joined by author and professor Dr. Esau McCaulley, whose journey is a powerful example of how owning your story—even the hard parts—can lead to growth, healing, and deeper purpose. Together they explore how to ref…

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163: Healing Spiritual Wounds – Understanding Abuse in Faith Spaces with Rachael Clinton Chen 1:00:21

5M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

What do you do when the very place that was supposed to nourish your soul becomes a source of deep harm? In this deeply moving and necessary conversation, therapist, pastor, and trauma specialist Rachael Clinton Chen joins Dr. Alison Cook to talk about the pain of spiritual abuse—and what it looks like to begin healing from it. Whether you’ve exper…

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162: When Reconnection Feels Impossible—Family Estrangement Expert Dr. Joshua Coleman on Grief, Boundaries, and Hope for Healing. 41:38

6M ago41:38

41:38

What happens when repair in your family isn’t possible—at least not yet? In this powerful follow-up to last week’s conversation on family pain, psychologist and author Dr. Joshua Coleman sits with me as we explore the heartbreak and complexity of family estrangement—from both sides of the story. With deep compassion and personal insight, Dr. Colema…

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161: Finding Yourself Without Losing Your Family - Healing from Dysfunctional Family Patterns with Jerry Wise 43:07

6M ago43:07

43:07

What do you do when your family is the source of your deepest wounds? How do you hold onto your identity without cutting off the people who raised you? In this transformative conversation, therapist and relationship coach Jerry Wise discusses the concept of self-differentiation—a powerful framework for healing from family dysfunction without shame …

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160: When You Feel Unwanted—Meeting the Parts of You That Long to Belong with IFS Therapist Tammy Sollenberger 43:04

6M ago43:04

43:04

What do you do with the ache of not feeling wanted? The part of you that wonders if you’ll ever truly belong? In this powerful conversation with IFS therapist and author Tammy Sollenberger, we explore how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helps you turn toward those tender places inside—rather than pushing them away. This conversation origina…

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159: Spiritual Drowning, Honest Questions, and a God Who Doesn’t Let Go with Heather Thompson Day 39:39

6M ago39:39

39:39

I’m joined by the brilliant and beautifully honest Dr. Heather Thompson Day for a conversation on spiritual wrestling. Heather’s latest book, What If I’m Wrong? Navigating the Waves of Fear and Failure explores what happens when the faith you once relied on starts to unravel. Heather shares openly about her father’s battle with Alzheimer’s, the spi…

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158: Your Pain Has a Name: The Deeper Hurt Behind Distressing Thoughts with Therapist Monica DiCristina 39:38

6M ago39:38

39:38

What if your most distressing thoughts aren’t who you are—but a signal pointing to pain that needs healing? Therapist and author Monica DiCristina joins me to talk about the deeper emotional and spiritual wounds that often lie beneath distressing thoughts. Monica shares her personal journey with trauma-related intrusive thoughts and the power of fi…

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157: Braving Change—3 Ways to Get Unstuck & Transform Guilt and Regret 28:54

7M ago28:54

28:54

We're tackling a topic that continues to strike a chord with so many of you: how to make a change when you're stuck between loyalty and growth, guilt and freedom, regret and redemption. If you’ve ever struggled with a complicated relationship or wrestled with the quiet shame of feeling stuck, this episode is for you. We explore: The 3 brave paths y…

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Remembering Wesley | Ep 7 | Cultural Curiosities 1:58:02

7M ago1:58:02

1:58:02

In our final episode, we remember Wesley's unfiltered desire to learn more about the types of people outside of his tiny cultural circle. We also reflect on our theories about his passing, before it happened. Little did we realize how quickly it would actually occur. Rest in peace, Wes. 🥩 Blazing Day by Cullah is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 In…

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156: Why Fear Shows Up When You’re About to Grow & How to Break Free from Self-Sabotage with Mary Marantz 42:29

7M ago42:29

42:29

What if fear isn’t a warning sign—but a signal you’re stepping into something that matters? I’m joined by the brilliant and creative Mary Marantz to explore why fear often shows up right before a breakthrough—and how to stop seeing it as a reason to back down. We also get into: * How fear hides behind perfectionism, people-pleasing, and procrastina…

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155: A Fresh Take on Boundaries—Prioritize What Matters, Avoid Burnout, and Navigate Toxicity 38:10

7M ago38:10

38:10

Why do I feel guilty for protecting my time or energy? Is this a boundary—or am I just avoiding someone? Boundaries stir up a lot of emotions. But what if they’re not about building walls, avoiding people, or being “selfish”? In this episode, I share a deeply personal and surprising take on what boundaries truly are—and why they matter more than yo…

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Episode 154: The Cost of Denying Your Own Needs—When Emotional Exhaustion Tells a Deeper Story 31:08

7M ago31:08

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If you’ve ever felt emotionally exhausted—even while doing all the “right” things—this episode is for you. I’m sharing a personal story and unpacking something I see in so many women I work with: the quiet, often unnoticed pattern of denying your own needs in the name of being kind, helpful, or faithful. We’ll talk about how these patterns take roo…

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Remembering Wesley | Ep 6 | Brigham Young and Horny 1:22:34

7M ago1:22:34

1:22:34

In this episode, we remember Wesley's relations with sex and the opposite sex. Sonorus by Mr Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/mr-smith/nomad/sonorus/ Blazing Day by Cullah is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/MC_Cullah/Cullahn…

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Episode 153: Embodied Healing, Spiritual Trauma, and the Journey Home to Your Body with Dr. Hillary McBride 53:28

8M ago53:28

53:28

This week, I’m joined by someone whose work has profoundly shaped my own healing journey—Dr. Hillary McBride. A psychologist, researcher, author, and speaker, Hillary is a leading voice in the integration of embodiment, spirituality, and trauma recovery. We discuss her personal story as well as themes from her powerful new book, Holy Hurt: Understa…

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Episode 152: The Anxiety Beneath Perfectionism—Why Trying Harder Won't Set You Free 22:15

8M ago22:15

22:15

Do you feel constantly driven to get everything right—to be the perfect partner, parent, worker, or friend? On this week's solo episode, Dr. Alison explores the hidden relationship between perfectionism and anxiety, revealing how trying to be perfect is often a disguised way of managing deeper fears. You'll discover: * Why perfectionism is rarely a…

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Episode 151: The Hidden Reason You Feel Overwhelmed—Understanding the Mental Load with Dr. Morgan Cutlip 42:26

8M ago42:26

42:26

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the invisible yet relentless responsibilities that occupy your mind every single day? You’re not alone. In today’s insightful conversation, Dr. Alison welcomes psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Morgan Cutlip, author of a brand new book, A Better Share, to unpack the complexities of the mental load. Dr. Cutlip …

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Remembering Wesley | Ep 5 | Washington County Board of Education 36:24

8M ago36:24

36:24

In this episode, we remember Wesley's education and religious beliefs! ---------------------- Website: http://timetodierpg.com/ Support us by making a pledge on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TimeToDieRPG Or you can donate money through Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/timetodierpg Apologies, but our merch store is no longer available. Sorry for the inconv…

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Episode 150: The Great Sex Rescue—Debunking Harmful Messages About Intimacy in Christian Marriage with Sheila Wray Gregoire 40:31

8M ago40:31

40:31

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Alison talks with Sheila Wray Gregoire, groundbreaking author of The Great Sex Rescue. They confront harmful misconceptions about sexual intimacy within Christian marriages, amplifying the often-overlooked voices of women. Sheila shares powerful insights drawn from her extensive research involving over 20,000 …

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Episode 149: Narcissism in the Bible—5 Toxic Behaviors to Avoid & How to Protect Your Soul 36:30

8M ago36:30

36:30

In this week’s episode, Dr. Alison explores the pervasive issue of narcissism—a term that's become increasingly relevant in today's culture. From toxic relationships to leadership failures, the influence of narcissism is widespread, affecting many without us even realizing it. Dr. Alison explains what it is and offers strategies to protect ourselve…

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Remembering Wesley | Ep 4 | So You Wanna Be A Rancher? 1:12:18

8M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

In this episode, we remember Wesley's farm, cattle, and how country boys make do! Revenge of the Relaxing Saxophone by Midnight Commando is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/midnight-commando/single/revenge-of-the-relaxing-saxophone/ ---------------------- Website: http://timetodierpg.com/ Su…

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Episode 148: The Truth About Marriage—Dan Allender on Healing, Intimacy & Hard Fights 53:17

9M ago53:17

53:17

In this episode, Dr. Dan Allender, a pioneer in Christian counseling and founder of The Allender Center, joins Dr. Alison to explore the raw, real work of marriage, trauma, and intimacy. Known for his groundbreaking book, The Wounded Heart, Allender has spent decades teaching how personal trauma shapes relationships. And on the very day of his 48th…

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Episode 147: The Hidden Trauma of Being the Chosen Child & a Path Toward Healing—Making Sense of Your Family Story with Therapist Adam Young 46:59

9M ago46:59

46:59

In this powerful episode, Dr. Alison welcomes Adam Young, a psychotherapist and author of the new book, “Make Sense of Your Story”, to dive into the complexities of family dynamics, and how the stories we tell about our families shape our adult lives. Adam shares his personal experiences and professional insights on how being triangulated within hi…

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Episode 146 BONUS: Why Fun Matters, the Difference Between Escape & Relief, and a Journey Through Loss with Annie F. Downs 48:12

9M ago48:12

48:12

In this special bonus episode of The Best of You podcast, Dr. Alison welcomes Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the That Sounds Fun network. Together, they explore the balance between joy and hardship, and the crucial differences between escapism and genuine relief. Annie also shares the poignant story behind her new …

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Episode 145: From Rejection to Redemption—Transforming Your Rejection Story Into One of Loving Empowerment 33:49

9M ago33:49

33:49

This week Dr. Alison dives into a heartfelt exploration of rejection, including how we internalize rejection from early life experiences, and how these moments shape our sensitivity to social dynamics and self-perception later in life. Dr. Alison shares personal stories and scientific insights to unpack the physical and emotional impacts of rejecti…

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Remembering Wesley | Ep 3 | The Wesley Tapes 1:20:55

9M ago1:20:55

1:20:55

In this episode, we remember Wesley's family life and the mysteries surrounding his wife and child. Blazing Day by Cullah is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/MC_Cullah/Cullahnary_School/13_-_Blazing_Day/ ---------------------- Website: http://timetodierpg.com/ Support us by making a pledge o…

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Episode 144: Healing the Soul Through Encounters with Jesus Featuring John Eldredge 51:59

9M ago51:59

51:59

In this profoundly insightful episode, Dr. Alison explores the often overlooked "young places" within our souls with John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and the author of the new book Experience Jesus. Really. Together, they explore how these inner areas of wounding can lead to transformative encounters with Jesus, providin…

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Episode 143: Reparenting Your Younger Self—How to Stop Seeking Approval From Others & Find Inner Security 42:48

9M ago42:48

42:48

Today, we're diving deep into something that touches so many of us—why we seek external validation and approval from others, and how healing our younger parts can set us free. If you've ever found yourself people-pleasing, perfecting, over-performing, or seeking approval from others, this episode is for you.We’ll explore: ✔️ Why younger parts of us…

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Remembering Wesley | Ep 2 | Freight Train 33:05

10M ago33:05

33:05

Wesley was a big boy! 🥩 Blazing Day by Cullah is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/MC_Cullah/Cullahnary_School/13_-_Blazing_Day/ ---------------------- Website: http://timetodierpg.com/ Support us by making a pledge on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TimeToDieRPG Or you can donate money throu…