Win Today With Christopher Cook: Your Roadmap To Wholeness

There’s a moment, often quietly, when you realize life didn’t turn out the way you thought it would. The dreams you chased, the milestones you reached—they didn’t deliver the satisfaction you imagined. And somewhere along the way, loneliness crept in, success started to feel hollow, and the constant pressure to optimize every part of your life became a crushing weight. This week on Win Today, Ian Simkins joins us to talk about the uncomfortable truths no one tells you about midlife. In this conversation, we’ll unpack: Why midlife often exposes the false gods we've been serving The unique, often hidden loneliness of your 40s—and how to navigate it How spiritual abuse leaves scars that don’t just go away with time Why efficiency, while celebrated, makes a terrible master The freedom that comes when you stop demanding success from God   Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s an invitation. An invitation to reevaluate what you’ve been chasing, to heal what’s still wounded, and to walk with God in a deeper, quieter way.

Marriage has a way of exposing the wounds we thought we had buried. The unresolved pain, the unspoken insecurities, the habits we hoped would disappear—they all surface in the crucible of intimacy. In this final installment of our LOVE LIKE THIS series, Dave & Ann Wilson—hosts of FamilyLife Today® and authors of Vertical Marriage—join us to discuss: Why your unhealed wounds inevitably show up in your marriage The devastating impact of words and how they can either crush or cultivate your spouse How intimacy, when misused, turns into manipulation Practical steps to break free from destructive cycles and foster genuine connection   With over four decades of marriage and ministry experience, Dave & Ann offer raw, relatable insights that challenge and inspire. Whether you're newly married or decades in, this conversation will equip you to confront the hidden dynamics that hinder true intimacy. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your churc

Many enter marriage believing it will be effortless—a seamless fusion of two souls destined for harmony. But what if this belief is the very thing setting couples up for disappointment? What if the key to a thriving marriage lies not in ease, but in intentional effort and understanding? This week on Win Today, Gabe and Rebekah Lyons join us to dismantle pervasive myths about marriage and intimacy. Drawing from their 28 years together, they offer candid insights into: The biggest lie about intimacy that's sabotaging relationships. Why viewing your spouse as a 'problem to solve' undermines connection. Understanding the anatomy of an affair and how to safeguard your marriage. The concept of marrying your emotional equivalent and its impact on relational dynamics.   In a culture that often glamorizes the idea of effortless romance, Gabe and Rebekah present a refreshing narrative—one that champions resilience, mutual growth, and the beauty of navigating challenges together. Whether you're single, engaged, or hav

In today's swipe-right culture, many believe love is something you stumble upon—a serendipitous event. But what if that mindset is sabotaging your relationships? What if true love is less about finding and more about forging? This week on Win Today, Kait and JJ Tomlin, renowned dating coaches and hosts of the Heart of Dating podcast, join us to dismantle dating myths and offer raw insights into building intentional relationships. They delve into: The myth of "the one" and why love is intentionally built, not passively found. Differentiating between red flags and deal-breakers—and why knowing the difference can save you heartache. The art of sliding into DMs with authenticity and respect in the digital age. Empowering women to "drop the hanky"—taking initiative without compromising femininity.   In an era where ghosting is rampant and commitment is fleeting, Kait and JJ provide a refreshing perspective rooted in authenticity, intentionality, and faith. Whether you're single, dating, or reevaluating your rela

We’re in a relationship crisis. Everyone’s talking about chemistry and compatibility, but no one’s talking about maturity. And when emotional immaturity meets unaddressed shame, sexual frustration, and spiritual avoidance? It’s a recipe for dysfunction. This week, Stephen Chandler joins Win Today to kick off a hard-hitting four-week series on relationships. In this conversation, we’re getting real about the deeper issues driving relational pain—and why surface-level fixes don’t work. Stephen unpacks: Why emotional immaturity is sabotaging modern relationships How sexual frustration creates silent fractures in marriages The role shame plays in both intimacy and avoidance The subtle ways we use spiritual language to hide dysfunction This isn’t another “five tips for better communication” episode. It’s a wake-up call. Whether you’re dating, married, engaged, or trying to get back into the relationship game, this conversation will expose the patterns keeping you stuck—and invite you into a maturity that transfo

Let’s be honest, when it comes to relationships, most of us are winging it. We chase chemistry, avoid conflict, and wonder why we keep repeating the same cycles. But what if the problem isn’t compatibility... it’s maturity?   This month on Win Today, we’re tearing the lid off what no one wants to talk about—with a four-week series called LOVE LIKE THIS. These aren’t fluffy conversations. They’re real, raw, and disruptive—in the best way.   WEEK ONE (04/02): Stephen Chandler kicks us off with a hard-hitting conversation about emotional immaturity, sexual frustration, and how shame is sabotaging intimacy from the inside out. WEEK TWO (04/09): Kait and JJ Tomlin are coming for your dating life—talking about red flags, deal-breakers, why love is forged, not found, and yes… why women should absolutely drop the hanky. WEEK THREE (04/16): Gabe and Rebekah Lyons show up with the truth every married couple needs to hear—why your spouse isn’t a formula to solve, how emotional pain sets the stage for infidelity, and wh

We live in a culture that demands constant performance, even in our spiritual lives. We're pressured to present a curated faith—one that hides our doubts, fears, and grief. But what if this relentless pursuit of a flawless facade is keeping us from experiencing the depth of God's presence? This week, Aubrey Sampson joins Win Today to explore the transformative power of lament—a practice often overlooked but deeply rooted in biblical tradition. She reveals: Why our obsession with performing for God leaves us spiritually empty The lost art of lament and how it draws us closer to the Lord The danger of avoiding grief and the mystery it holds for our formation Practical steps to embrace lament as a pathway to genuine faith For centuries, lament has been a sacred practice, allowing believers to express raw emotions and find solace in God's presence. Yet, today's fast-paced world encourages us to suppress these feelings, leading to a shallow faith experience. If you've ever felt the weight of unexpressed sorrow,

What if the way you pay attention is shaping who you’re becoming? What if your deepest fears of being abandoned—whether real or anticipated—are keeping you locked in patterns of anxiety, shame, and self-protection? Today, Dr. Curt Thompson joins us to unpack the profound ways our minds and relationships shape our formation. We’re talking about anticipated abandonment, the neuroscience of attachment, and how to cultivate rugged flexibility in the face of life’s uncertainties. Dr. Thompson, a psychiatrist and expert in interpersonal neurobiology, reveals how the way we focus our attention—consciously or not—rewires our brains and forms our identity. If you’ve ever felt stuck in relational wounds or struggled to trust God and others, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Why anticipated abandonment keeps us stuck in fear and self-protection The neuroscience behind shame and relational wounds How rugged flexibility helps us navigate pain without losing hope Why we become what we pay attentio

We live in a time where Christianity has been reduced to a formula for self-improvement. Faith is treated like a performance metric. And Jesus? For many, He’s become little more than a life coach—a spiritual consultant who exists to make life better, not new. But that’s not the real Jesus. That’s an illusion. This week, Jamie Winship returns to Win Today with a message that will shake your understanding of faith. He reveals: Why most people unknowingly treat Jesus as a self-help guru—and how to break free The hidden reason why many Christians stay stuck in fear, anxiety, and control What it actually means to surrender—beyond just words The cost of real maturity, and why many people never step into their true identity For centuries, the Church understood that following Jesus required more than belief—it demanded transformation. But today, we’ve substituted depth for comfort. We tweak our lives, make small improvements, and wonder why we feel unfulfilled. If you’ve ever felt stuck in faith, frustrated by your

We live in an era where our attention is constantly hijacked. AI is replacing our ability to think deeply, faith is thinning out, and our addiction to instant information has left us drowning in noise but starving for wisdom. And in the midst of it all, trauma remains unhealed, relationships are fracturing, and many feel more disconnected from God than ever before. So, what’s really happening beneath the surface? And how do we reclaim a faith that’s deep, resilient, and transformative? This week, John Eldredge joins Win Today with one of his most urgent messages yet. He reveals: Why trauma won’t heal through knowledge alone—and what actually works The hidden connection between shallow Christianity and the rising divorce epidemic How artificial intelligence is rewiring our brains and keeping us spiritually numb The critical practice that will restore your ability to hear God’s voice today For centuries, the Church understood that deep transformation requires more than sermons and self-help tips—it demands pr

Do you ever feel stuck in a version of life you never signed up for? Do you find yourself grasping for control when things don’t go according to plan? This week, award-winning artist and songwriter Amanda Cook joins us for an honest, soul-stirring conversation about: Living life on life’s terms (not your own) How powerless people act and how to reclaim agency Breaking free from the life you never wanted What it really means to be in the pocket of your purpose Amanda’s journey—from growing up on a farm in Canada to becoming a leading voice in Christian music—has been one of deep personal transformation. In this episode, she shares how to navigate uncertainty, trust the process, and embrace the beauty of surrender. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s one that just might change how you see your own story. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

At some point, almost everyone hits a wall in their faith. The emotional highs don’t last, the formulas stop working, and the deeper questions won’t stay buried. Midlife, in particular, isn’t just about aging—it’s about confronting what’s real, what’s broken, and what needs to change. And if we’re not careful, we settle for a faith that looks polished on the outside but leaves us spiritually depleted on the inside. That’s why this conversation with Tim Ross is so crucial. Tim is known for his raw, unfiltered approach to faith and culture—challenging easy answers and pushing beyond surface-level spirituality. In this episode, we’re diving deep into: Why spiritual formation in midlife requires a different approach than in your 20s and 30s. The right way to heal your nervous system—and why emotional and spiritual health are inseparable. Why curiosity and offense cannot coexist—and how learning to sit with discomfort leads to real transformation. The deceptive side of being ‘spiritual’—why some of the most "matu

Are you unknowingly addicted to relief? The truth about addiction, emotional numbing, and why real healing requires more than just self-control. This week on Win Today, Ian Cron exposes the truth about addiction, pain, and why we’re all hooked on something. Whether it’s work, achievement, relationships, control, or substances, we all have our own ways of numbing discomfort. But here’s the real question: Is relief keeping you from real change? Are we all addicts? The hidden ways we self-medicate pain Pain relief vs. transformation: Why numbing doesn’t work How the Twelve Steps can lead to lasting freedom—even if you’re not an addict Why addiction is a spiritual crisis—and how to find true healing For over eight decades, the Twelve Steps have led millions out of addiction—not just from substances, but from self-sabotaging behaviors that keep us stuck. As someone who has walked the road of recovery firsthand, Ian knows that the real breakthrough isn’t just in quitting bad habits—it’s in having a spiritual awak

This week on Win Today, we’re peeling back the layers of masculinity, identity, and emotional resilience with Jason Wilson. If you’ve ever felt trapped in cycles of emotional suppression, struggled with the pressure to be strong at all costs, or wrestled with the tension between vulnerability and leadership, this conversation is for you. Jason is here to expose the myth of the alpha male and reveal why true strength isn’t about dominance, but about wholeness. He’ll challenge us to stop running from the battles that make us feel weak—and instead, step into them with courage. Why emotional incarceration keeps so many men stuck How culture distorts masculinity—and what real manhood looks like Why avoiding pain makes us weak, and how to reclaim true resilience The foundation of comprehensive manhood and how it leads to freedom If you’re tired of surface-level self-help and want real transformation, this episode will challenge you, stretch you, and equip you to pursue maturity in a way that lasts. Episode Links

This week on Win Today, we’re wrapping up the Formed series with Bethel Music’s Jenn Johnson. Together, we’re exploring the transformative power of worship during life’s chaos. Jenn shares profound insights on breaking free from toxic positivity, anchoring ourselves in God's unchanging nature, and discovering how worship shapes our spiritual resilience and wholeness.

This week, we’re diving deep into the theme of spiritual maturity with someone who has profoundly shaped my life: Pastor Loren Covarrubias. Pastor Loren has been a mentor and guide to me since I was a young boy, making this conversation incredibly personal and meaningful. In this episode, we explore: Why people don’t mature and the obstacles that hold them back. How to develop spiritual perception to navigate life’s complexities. The dangers of mishandling the prophetic and its impact on spiritual growth. Why seasons of desolation are often where the Lord does His greatest work in transforming our hearts. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your faith or wondered how God works during life’s most challenging seasons, this conversation will provide clarity, encouragement, and hope. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, we delve into the critical need for a robust theology of suffering in our postmodern culture of self-help and self-directed spirituality. Joining us is Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland. Tyler, having personally navigated the profound experience of losing control amidst his battle with cancer, offers invaluable insights. We'll explore how God works through our pain, inviting us into a deeper understanding of His redemptive purpose. Furthermore, Tyler will address the concerning trend of how we've often misconstrued the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to become a tool for self-aggrandizement rather than a source of genuine transformation. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Are you stuck in frustration, wondering why growth feels so hard? This week, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser joins us to uncover the hard truth about maturity: it often leads us into the wilderness. But here’s the good news—those wilderness seasons can purify your faith, dismantle harmful self-sufficiency, and transform your emotional and spiritual health. In this episode, we’ll discuss: Why maturity requires us to let go of control. How mystery becomes our greatest ally in navigating life’s challenges. The role of disillusionment in spiritual growth. What bitterness does to our emotional and spiritual health—and how to break free. Fr. Rolheiser’s reflections on life, faith, and wisdom from nearly 80 years of experience. This conversation will inspire and equip you with the tools to embrace your wilderness season and experience breakthrough in your faith journey. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on

This week, it's you and me. We’re unpacking how bitterness, cynicism, and unresolved pain can trap us in a cycle of frustration and blindness to God’s work in our lives. Drawing from Luke 4 and Mark 6, we’ll explore how the condition of your heart affects your ability to heal and mature. If you’re feeling stuck, weighed down by offense, or questioning why breakthrough feels out of reach, this conversation will give you practical tools and biblical wisdom to take the next step toward transformation. And I want to start our series here, because, in the weeks that follow, I want you to receive from our guests with an open mind and heart, unencumbered by issues like bitterness, cynicism, and unresolved disappointment.

Hey friends, happy new year! I'm excited to share that coming to the podcast this week and running for the next several weeks is Formed, our annual series on spiritual formation. This week, I'm kicking off the series with a teaching on "How a Hardened Heart Blocks Healing and Maturity." Next week, Father Ronald Rolheiser joins us to discuss "Why Maturity Leads Us Into the Wilderness and Dismantles Self-Sufficiency." In two weeks, Tyler Staton teaches us how to lose the illusion of control. On January 22, one of my heroes, Pastor Loren Covarrubias joins us to talk about how to develop spiritual perception and why few believers pursue maturity. And on January 29, Jenn Johnson from Bethel Music joins us to talk about the value of worship in our formation journeys. No doubt, this will be a powerful series. See you on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.