It's Brain Surgery

Andrew Brunswick

Welcome to It’s Brain Surgery, where we explore the mental, physical, and philosophical tools that help high performers thrive in high-stakes, uncomfortable, and uncertain parts of life. I’m Dr. Andrew Brunswick, a neurosurgeon, athlete, and wellness advocate sharing first-hand insights from the operating room and the training ground. Here you’ll find conversations, strategies, and tools to help you:•Strengthen your mindset 🧘•Optimize physical and mental performance 💪•Improve recovery and resilience 🔄•Learn practical lessons from real neurosurgery stories 🧠•Explore the latest in fitness, mindfulness, and wellness 🌱Expect weekly podcast episodes, in-depth explainers, and highlight clips featuring guests ranging from doctors and elite athletes to thought leaders in mindset and recovery.If you’re passionate about neurosurgery, health, fitness, mindset training, or unlocking peak human potential, you’re in the right place.👉 Subscribe now and join a growing community of high achievers committed to mastering both body and mind.

Episodes

  1. 12/30/2025

    Finding Joy in the Grind with LadySpineDoc

    Send us a text What does it really look like to build a meaningful life in one of the most demanding professions in the world? In this episode of It’s Brain Surgery, Andrew Brunswick sits down with Dr. Betsy Grunch, board-certified neurosurgeon, researcher, mother, and globally recognized creator known as @LadySpineDoc. Dr. Grunch shares her personal journey into neurosurgery, inspired by her mother’s spinal cord injury, and how that early experience shaped the way she treats patients, delivers difficult news, and leads with empathy in a high-stakes field. Together, they explore what neurosurgical training is actually like, how surgeons learn to carry responsibility without losing their humanity, and why communication matters just as much as technical skill. The conversation also dives into how Dr. Grunch built a powerful educational platform on social media, why evidence-based medical voices matter online, and how she balances medicine, family life, creativity, and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated specialty. This episode is an honest, thoughtful look at purpose, resilience, and redefining what a neurosurgeon can look like in the modern world. In this episode, you’ll hear about: What inspired Dr. Betsy Grunch to become a neurosurgeon How empathy shapes patient care and family communication The realities of neurosurgical training and life after residency Balancing surgery, motherhood, marriage, and leadership Building trust and education through social media Redefining success in medicine and beyond 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, medicine, mindset, and life. 📩 Join the Mind Gym community for weekly insights on performance, presence, and purpose. Follow Dr. Betsy Grunch: Instagram & TikTok: @LadySpineDoc

    40 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    How a Neurosurgeon Stays Human with Dr. Howard Weiner

    Send us a text Dr. Howard Weiner is one of the most respected pediatric neurosurgeons in the country — Chief of Neurosurgery and Endowed Chair at Texas Children’s Hospital, and Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. But titles barely scratch the surface of who he is. In this deeply personal conversation, Andrew talks with his former mentor about the part of medicine most people never hear about: how you stay human while doing the hardest job in the hospital. They get into: • How a childhood shaped by empathy led him to neurosurgery • Why “hospitality” in medicine matters more than people think • Leading teams through trust, warmth, and integrity • How he navigates complications and the mental toll of surgery • The role of spirituality, Sabbath, family, and giving in avoiding burnout • The surprising tools that help surgeons build long, meaningful careers • What it means to build a life you’re proud of — not just a career If you’re in medicine, leadership, or just trying to build a meaningful life without burning out, this episode will hit home.

    49 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    The REAL Sauna Experience: What Finland Knows That We Don’t

    Send us a text Most of us think of a sauna as just “a hot room.” In Finland, it’s a way of life, a ritual, a community practice, and surprisingly a powerful tool for training the mind. In this episode of It’s Brain Surgery, Dr. Andrew Brunswick sits down with Lassi Liikkanen, one of the world’s leading experts on Finnish sauna design, tradition, and research. His books The Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design and Finnish Sauna: Steam, Wood, Stone, and How to Build Your Own have reshaped how the world understands authentic sauna culture. We dive into: • Why Finnish sauna culture is nothing like the “sauna” trend in the U.S. • How heat trains the mind like surgery: presence, discomfort, clarity • The true purpose of steam (löyly) and why humidity matters • Sauna as meditation, community, and digital detox • Why infrared is not a Finnish sauna—and what the research says • What Americans consistently get wrong about sauna design • How sauna shapes honesty, connection, and vulnerability • Why even infants in Finland go to the sauna • The right way to think about temperature, cycles, and cooling • How to build a sauna that actually works (and why most don’t) If you’ve ever wondered what a sauna really is or if you’re trying to deepen your own practicethis episode will change how you think about heat forever.  Guest Information Lassi Liikkanen Author, researcher, and one of the leading authorities on Finnish sauna design. Books: • The Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design • Finnish Sauna: Steam, Wood, Stone, and How to Build Your Own

    47 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    The Only Neurosurgeon in Sierra Leone: Dr. Alieu Kamara’s Fight to Save Lives

    Send us a text Imagine being the only neurosurgeon in a country of over 8 million people. No backup. Limited equipment. Families raising money before life-saving surgery can begin. That is Dr. Alieu Kamara’s daily reality in Sierra Leone. In this episode, Dr. Kamara shares how growing up during the civil war shaped him, why he left a secure post abroad to return home, and what it takes to make life-or-death decisions when resources are thin. We talk trauma care, CT access, weekends in the OR, training the next generation, and what kind of help would actually move the needle. This conversation is not about outrage. It is about responsibility, courage, and practical ways to support care where it is most needed. What we cover: Being the only neurosurgeon in the country Childhood during the civil war and the path to medicine Training in China and the decision to return home Daily workload, burnout risk, and mindset under pressure Trauma, tumors, and what happens when patients cannot pay Imaging, blood, and the long list of missing tools Building capacity: CT installation, future C-arm, training plans How international colleagues and organizations can help Chapters (add timestamps after upload) Intro Civil war childhood Training abroad and coming home Life as the only neurosurgeon Trauma care, imaging, and costs Building a service and training others How to help About Dr. Allieu Kamara Neurosurgeon, Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Focused on neurotrauma and building sustainable neurosurgical care in a low-resource setting. How to support Interested clinicians: short volunteer stints, case discussion, remote consults Donors and partners: consumables, imaging support, instruments, C-arm, training funds

    33 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    How Boredom Shapes the Brain with Dr. James Danckert

    Send us a text Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. James Danckert joins me to unpack what boredom really is, why the brain evolved it, and how to respond to it in a healthy, purposeful way. We dig into trait boredom proneness, addiction-like phone use, kids and screens, the default mode network, interoception, endurance sports, and what clinicians see after traumatic brain injury. If you’ve ever wondered whether to “embrace boredom,” or how to help your kid handle it without an iPad, this one’s for you. In this episode you’ll learn: • A clear definition of boredom and why it’s a call to action, not apathy • How chronic boredom links to anxiety, depression, gambling, and problematic smartphone use • Practical responses: agency, reframing tasks, intentional screen use, gratitude practices • Why “downtime” is not the same as boredom • What happens in the brain during boredom, including the default mode network and salience systems • Boredom in athletes, free-throw practice, and endurance training • Considerations for boredom after TBI and stroke, and why motivation circuits matter Guest: Dr. James Danckert, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Waterloo. Coauthor of Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom. Subscribe for more brain-smart conversations. Rate and share if this helped you rethink boredom.

    39 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    How to Build a Life You Don’t Need a Break From | Eric Hinman on Discipline, Mindset & Resilience

    Send us a text Elite athlete, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate Eric Hinman has built a life around training, recovery, and community — but his real strength isn’t just physical. It’s mental. In this episode of It’s Brain Surgery, host Andrew Brunswick dives deep into Eric’s philosophy for living: how discipline, structure, and intentional choices can transform not only your body but your entire mindset. From Ironman competitions to daily cold plunges, Eric reveals the routines and habits that make him feel better at 45 than he did in his 20s. What You’ll Learn How to design your “perfect day” and make it non-negotiable The link between exercise, emotional wellbeing, and mental clarity Why micro actions build massive mental resilience How to find balance between ambition and peace What to do when life throws setbacks and “speed bumps” The role of community in overcoming isolation and staying accountable How to age with purpose, not fear Timestamps 00:00 Mastering the Mind and Body 02:41 The Journey to Wellness 05:50 Incorporating Wellness into Daily Life 09:06 Designing the Perfect Day 11:53 Building Mental Resilience 14:49 The Pain Cave: Mental and Physical Challenges 17:52 Tricking the Mind for Endurance 26:14 Reflecting on Performance and Setbacks 27:28 Overcoming Challenges and Speed Bumps 30:25 Embracing Aging and Finding New Purpose 35:40 Building Community and Connection 39:33 The Power of Shared Experiences 42:54 Final Reflections Key Quotes 🧠 “You need to carve out time for what matters.” 💪 “The obstacle is the way.” 🔥 “You can always find new ways to compete.” Connect with Eric Hinman Instagram: @eric_hinman Website: https://www.erichinman.com Follow It’s Brain Surgery Instagram: @itsbrainsurgery

    49 min

  7. 10/23/2025

    Resilience Under Fire with Dr Brian Hoeflinger

    Send us a text What do you do when life shatters everything you thought you knew? Dr. Brian Hoeflinger a neurosurgeon who has faced unimaginable loss shares how he found strength, meaning, and purpose through tragedy. In this powerful conversation, we talk about resilience, grief, and the courage it takes to turn pain into something that helps others. From surviving a brain injury to losing his teenage son, Dr. Hoeflinger opens up about what it truly means to heal, grow, and live authentically. ✨ In this episode:  • Finding purpose in pain  • How tragedy can reshape your perspective  • Honesty and empathy in medicine  • The journey from grief to meaning  • What truly matters in life This is a conversation about hope, humanity, and the power of choosing light over despair.

    32 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    What It’s Really Like Being Married to a Neurosurgeon | The Truth About Sacrifice, Isolation & Love

    Send us a text What does it really take to build a life alongside someone chasing one of the most demanding careers in medicine? In this powerful episode, Dr. Andrew Brunswick sits down with his wife, Rebecca, to have an unfiltered conversation about what it’s like being married to a neurosurgeon, from the years of residency and exhaustion, to the emotional distance, loneliness, and resilience it demanded from both of them. Together, they explore: The reality behind the “neurosurgery widow” myth How residency strains marriage and family life Finding identity and purpose while your partner is always on call Balancing ambition, empathy, and love through years of sacrifice What truly changes once the storm of residency ends Whether you’re in medicine, married to someone who is, or simply curious about the unseen cost of high-performance careers this conversation will move you, ground you, and remind you that behind every surgeon is a partner walking the same path in their own way. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on life, medicine, and meaning.

    43 min

  9. 10/08/2025

    Protecting the Asset with Mel Thacker | Perfectionism, Burnout & the Hidden Costs of Being a Surgeon

    Send us a text In this powerful episode of ItsBrainSurgery, ENT surgeon and mindset coach Mel Thacker opens up about hitting rock bottom after the pandemic stripped away her identity as a surgeon — and how that led to an awakening. She talks about the emotional cost of perfectionism, the unspoken shame in medicine, and why surgeons (and all high-performers) need mindset work just as much as technical training. If you've ever struggled with burnout, identity loss, or the feeling of "is this all there is?", this is the conversation you need to hear. 🎙️ Topics We Cover: The addiction to external validation in medicine Burnout, shame, and trauma in surgical culture Why mindset training should be mandatory for surgeons How to deal with complications without losing yourself Her "growth cycle" model for personal reinvention 👤 Guest: Mel Thacker IG: @thesurgeoncoach Website: MelThackerCoaching.com Podcast: Surgeons With Purpose 📌 Subscribe for more real conversations that cut deeper than the scalpel.

    55 min

  10. 10/02/2025

    The Stoic Way to a Better Life with William B. Irvine

    Send us a text In this mind-expanding episode of ItsBrainSurgery, we sit down with acclaimed stoic philosopher and bestselling author William B. Irvine to explore how ancient wisdom can transform modern lives. Irvine shares actionable insights from Stoicism — not as cold indifference, but as a powerful toolkit to reduce anxiety, master desire, and reclaim inner peace in a chaotic world.  🎙️ Topics Covered: How to become emotionally bulletproof The real reason modern life makes us miserable  Why Stoicism isn’t about suppressing emotions “Negative visualization” and other powerful tools How to train your brain for resilience  👤 Guest: William B. Irvine  Author of A Guide to the Good Life and The Stoic Challenge  Professor of Philosophy at Wright State University  This conversation is for anyone who wants to suffer less, focus more, and live with greater purpose.

    59 min

  11. 10/02/2025

    8 Stoic Tools for Neurosurgery & Life

    Send us a text What do you do when everything goes wrong,  in life, in surgery, in the chaos of your own mind? In this raw and powerful solo episode of ItsBrainSurgery, a neurosurgeon shares the 8 Stoic tools that helped him navigate grief, burnout, failure, pressure, and everyday life. These aren’t just quotes for Instagram, they’re practical mental frameworks forged in the OR, in marriage, in injury, and in dark moments we all face. 🎙️ What You’ll Learn: Memento Mori: How death awareness brings life into focus The View from Above: Gaining perspective in high-pressure moments Prospective Retrospection: Making decisions your future self would be proud of Negative Visualization: Training your brain for disaster — and gratitude Embracing the Last Time: How to make everyday moments sacred The Obstacle is the Way: Transforming setbacks into strength Voluntary Discomfort: Cold plunges and the power of choosing hard things Focus on Process: Letting go of outcomes and owning your effort 🧠 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, numb, or like you’re just surviving life — this episode might change how you live it.

    10 min

  12. 10/02/2025

    Operating Outside of the OR

    Send us a text What does it take to hold a diamond drill 3 millimeters from someone’s carotid artery, knowing a single mistake could end a life? Neurosurgery taught me that the hardest battles aren’t under the microscope, they’re in the mind. Welcome to It’s Brain Surgery, a podcast about training the mind like we train the body. Here we’ll explore the mental game of life: resilience, performance under pressure, suffering less, and living true to yourself. Every week, I’ll share raw lessons from surgery, sports, and stillness, alongside conversations with elite performers who’ve faced life at its sharpest edge. These aren’t theories—these are tools forged where failure has consequences. Because your brain runs your body, but your mind runs your life. And if you don’t train it, life will cut you instead.

    10 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to It’s Brain Surgery, where we explore the mental, physical, and philosophical tools that help high performers thrive in high-stakes, uncomfortable, and uncertain parts of life. I’m Dr. Andrew Brunswick, a neurosurgeon, athlete, and wellness advocate sharing first-hand insights from the operating room and the training ground. Here you’ll find conversations, strategies, and tools to help you:•Strengthen your mindset 🧘•Optimize physical and mental performance 💪•Improve recovery and resilience 🔄•Learn practical lessons from real neurosurgery stories 🧠•Explore the latest in fitness, mindfulness, and wellness 🌱Expect weekly podcast episodes, in-depth explainers, and highlight clips featuring guests ranging from doctors and elite athletes to thought leaders in mindset and recovery.If you’re passionate about neurosurgery, health, fitness, mindset training, or unlocking peak human potential, you’re in the right place.👉 Subscribe now and join a growing community of high achievers committed to mastering both body and mind.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Brunswick
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's Brain Surgery
  • Show Website
    It's Brain Surgery