The Self-Brain Surgery Podcast with Dr. Lee Warren

Dr. Lee Warren
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The Self-Brain Surgery Podcast with Dr. Lee Warren

Neurosurgeon and award-winning author Dr. W. Lee Warren, MD delivers daily prescriptions from neuroscience, faith, and common sense on how to lead a healthier, better, happier life. You can’t change your life until you change your mind, and Dr. Warren will teach you the art of self brain surgery to get it done. His new book, Hope Is the First Dose, is available everywhere books are sold.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    What's Your Plan?

    In this episode, I present a guide for preparing for 2025 with intention and purpose. I emphasize the importance of crafting a meaningful plan to uncover the best in our lives and transforming suffering into purpose. I provide practical steps for daily engagement with scripture to gain insights into our existence and recommend resources like the Bible Recap for structured reflection. I also discuss the value of continuous learning and supportive relationships. Looking ahead, I outline exciting podcast plans featuring health science, nutrition, and fitness episodes. I conclude with a motivational call to action, encouraging listeners to shape their futures by letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings as each day presents an opportunity for transformation. Resources and Links: Lectio365 Prayer app The Bible Recap Click here for the computer-generated transcript of this episode Journaling is a helpful tool to specifically lay out your BRAIN goals, the action steps you need to reach them, and keep track of your progress. I use this PRODUCTIVE WEEKS planner* to map out my projects, podcasts, and books. I used it every day in 2024 as I sketched out and wrote my upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook. I’ve created a free BRAIN Goals™ Guide for you! Click here to download the guide. It will help you align your mindset to your mission and set goals to make 2025 your best year yet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Even After Everything with Stephanie Duncan Smith

    In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Lee Warren welcomes Stephanie Duncan Smith to discuss her powerful new book, Even After Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway. Together, they explore themes of grief, faith, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life and hope. Stephanie shares her journey of navigating profound personal loss and rediscovering joy, offering practical wisdom and spiritual insight for those facing challenges. This conversation touches on breathwork, writing as a tool for healing, and the importance of honesty in grief. Key Takeaways: Naming Pain: Grieving authentically is essential to healing; honesty with oneself and God fosters recovery. Faith and Breathwork: Integrating physical practices like breathwork with spiritual faith can ground and stabilize during life’s uncertainties. Cycles of Renewal: Life’s seasons of loss and joy reflect the liturgical calendar’s rhythm, moving toward hope and resurrection. Writing as Healing: Writing can reframe grief and help us process experiences, offering clarity and renewed purpose. Chapters 0:04 Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery 1:44 Meet Stephanie Duncan Smith 4:07 The Power of Loss and Hope 8:14 Navigating Grief and Whiplash 11:26 Naming the Night 12:59 Connecting with the Liturgical Calendar 15:11 Life and Death Juxtapositions 18:03 Breathwork as a Spiritual Practice 22:39 Writing Through Pain 26:49 The Process of Healing 34:48 Encouragement for the Grieving 36:37 Conclusion and Reflections Check out Stephanie's great Substack for writers, The Slant Letter Click here for the computer-generated transcript of this episode Our featured partner for this episode is Adapt Naturals: As we enter the winter season, staying healthy is more important than ever. That’s why Lisa and I trust Adapt Naturals Bioavail Colostrum+ to support our immune system and overall well-being. You can try it too—use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. Key Benefits of Bioavail Colostrum+: Supports gut health and immune function Promotes healthy inflammatory response Enhances nutrient absorption Supports skin health and athletic recovery 2.5 grams of colostrum per serving - 2.5x more than most competitors Includes 100mg of lactoferrin and 200mg of beta-glucan for enhanced benefits Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows You can use this link to try Bioavail Colostrum+, and use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min

  3. DEC 9

    Self-Brain Surgery™ for Holidays and Habits

    In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren tackles the challenges of maintaining positive habits during the holiday season, a time often filled with stress and triggers. Drawing from his upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook, he introduces two innovative self-brain surgery techniques: the "Five-Minute Freeze" and "Flash Forward to Flashback." These methods are designed to help listeners resist reverting to harmful habits by fostering self-awareness, encouraging reflection, and leveraging neuroplasticity to reinforce healthier behaviors. Dr. Warren also weaves in spiritual insights and scripture to empower individuals in their journey toward resilience and transformation. Chapters 0:16 Holiday Habits and Self-Brain Surgery 2:23 Temptations and Triggers 4:40 Introducing the Five-Minute Freeze 7:33 The Neuroscience of Habits 12:00 Understanding Temptation 14:08 Transforming Your Mind 15:35 Building Discipline with the Five-Minute Freeze 22:55 Exposing Underlying Behaviors 26:37 Flash Forward to Flashback 30:34 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Key Takeaways The Five-Minute Freeze Pause before acting on a habit to consider its immediate and long-term consequences (5 minutes, 5 days, 5 years). Helps engage the rational part of the brain, breaking the cycle of impulsive, limbic-driven responses. Flash Forward to Flashback Reflect on past instances of indulging in habits to recall negative consequences. Use these memories to inform present decisions and visualize a better future. Neuroplasticity in Action Repeated thoughts and actions create neural pathways that make behaviors automatic. Breaking old habits and forming new ones require intentional effort to "rewire" the brain. Spiritual Foundations Scripture highlights the importance of transforming the mind to change behaviors (Romans 12:2). God provides opportunities to resist temptation, offering hope for lasting change. Quotes from the Episode "Thoughts become things. If you want to change your life, start with your thinking." "You don’t rise to the occasion; you fall to the level of your preparation." "Love tomorrow more than you hate how you feel right now." Tags #PositiveHabits #HolidayStress #SelfBrainSurgery #Neuroplasticity #Resilience #FiveMinuteFreeze #FlashForwardToFlashback #Transformation Actionable Steps Practice the Five-Minute Freeze during moments of temptation. Conduct a "Thought Biopsy" to identify and challenge disordered thinking patterns. Use the Flash Forward to Flashback method to reinforce healthier choices. Anticipate potential triggers and prepare with intentional strategies to stay on track. Related episodes: [Insert Links to Relevant Podcast Episodes] Follow Dr. Lee Warren on Instagram: @drleewarren Listener Challenge This holiday season, commit to practicing the Five-Minute Freeze at least once daily. Share your experience on social media using #SelfBrainSurgery and tag @drleewarren to join the conversation! Click here for the computer-generated transcript Our featured partner for this episode is Adapt Naturals: As we enter the winter season, staying healthy is more important than ever. That’s why Lisa and I trust Adapt Naturals Bioavail Colostrum+ to support our immune system and overall well-being. You can try it too—use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. Key Benefits of Bioavail Colostrum+: Supports gut health and immune function Promotes healthy inflammatory response Enhances nutrient absorption Supports skin health and athletic recovery 2.5 grams of colostrum per serving - 2.5x more than most competitors Includes 100mg of lactoferrin and 200mg of beta-glucan for enhanced benefits Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows You can use this link to try Bioavail Colostrum+, and use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  4. DEC 3

    Love Life Sober, with Christy Osborne

    In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren sits down with Christy Osborne, sobriety coach and author of Love Life Sober. Christy recounts her transformative journey through grief, addiction, and healing, offering listeners a raw and hopeful narrative. After the loss of her mother, Christy turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, which led her to a turning point in 2020. She shares her insights into the societal pressures around drinking, the neuroscience of addiction, and the importance of addressing the root causes of alcohol dependency. Christy introduces her "40-Day Alcohol Fast," a grace-filled, judgment-free approach to exploring sobriety, and emphasizes the transformative power of faith in the recovery process. The conversation delves into challenges like social pressures, marriage dynamics, and the "friendship shuffle" that often accompanies sobriety. Christy’s message is one of hope, encouraging listeners to find authentic joy and connection beyond alcohol. Click here for the transcript! (Computer transcripts are not perfect) Key Themes: Grief and Addiction: Christy shares how the loss of her mother deepened her reliance on alcohol and catalyzed her recovery journey. Neuroscience of Addiction: Understanding the brain's relationship to habits and how alcohol affects stress, dopamine, and mental health. The "Friendship Shuffle": How sobriety reshaped Christy’s relationships, moving her toward deeper connections. The 40-Day Alcohol Fast: A self-discovery tool for exploring the role of alcohol in life without judgment or fear of failure. Faith and Recovery: Finding renewal in faith and transforming grief through intentional self-reflection and sobriety. Resources Mentioned: But Jesus Drank Wine Podcast with Christy Osborne and Meade Shirley Click here for a transcript of this episode! (Remember that computer-generated transcripts are not perfect) Christy's website Get Christy's new book, Love Life Sober now! Chapters: 0:03 - Introduction to Christy Osborne 1:19 - Christy’s Journey to Sobriety 5:45 - The Impact of Grief 8:27 - Recognizing the Problem 12:11 - The Power of Self-Discovery 14:00 - Social Pressures and Friendships 17:03 - Marriage and Alcohol 18:55 - Coping with Pain 22:34 - The 40-Day Alcohol Fast 26:04 - The Transformation Journey 29:14 - Coaching and Community 32:00 - Final Thoughts and Resources Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links: Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs! Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose! Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  5. NOV 25

    A New Operation for Thanksgiving

    In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Dr. Lee Warren explores the intersection of gratitude, grief, and the challenges of the holiday season. Reflecting on personal losses, including the passing of his son and mother-in-law, he introduces the "Loss to Legacy Shift"—a self-brain surgery operation that transforms grief into purpose by focusing on the lasting impact of loved ones. Dr. Warren highlights the neuroscience-backed benefits of gratitude and the Abide Process, a prayer and meditation method that increases emotional resilience and facilitates healing. He discusses family dynamics during the holidays, offering strategies grounded in neuroscience, such as leveraging mirror neurons and limbic resonance, to foster better interactions. The episode also revisits the Ten Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery, equipping listeners with practical tools to shift mindsets and reframe negative cycles. As Thanksgiving approaches, Dr. Warren encourages a focus on gratitude and hope, reminding listeners that while loss is a part of life, so is the potential for joy and meaningful connection. Click here for a transcript of this episode! (Remember that computer-generated transcripts are not perfect) Chapters 0:05 Thanksgiving Gratitude 3:15 Holiday Stress Management 7:55 Finding Hope After Loss 12:13 The Loss to Legacy Shift 16:10 Shifting Your Perspective 22:33 Mind Control and Healing 28:15 The Abide Process 37:09 Preparing for Family Dynamics 47:59 Empowering Family Interactions 57:45 The Power of Gratitude Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links: Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs! Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose! Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  6. NOV 19

    A Million Little Miracles with Mark Batterson

    In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren interviews Mark Batterson, a pastor and bestselling author, discussing his new book, "A Million Little Miracles." The conversation centers on recognizing the everyday miracles often overlooked in modern life, emphasizing gratitude and the importance of finding hope in tumultuous times, especially during a presidential election year. Batterson blends themes of faith with personal anecdotes, highlighting how life's challenges can deepen appreciation for both small victories and the divine. They explore the relationship between faith and science and the significance of community in acknowledging miracles. The episode encourages listeners to celebrate the ordinary moments that embody miraculous design, concluding with a heartfelt prayer and a strong endorsement of Batterson's work. Click here to download the transcript Check out Mark's new book, A Million Little Miracles Chapters 0:05 Introduction to Mark Batterson 2:15 The Power of Prayer 4:45 The Journey of Writing 7:11 The Significance of Everyday Miracles 10:30 Understanding Conception 13:34 Science and Faith 17:12 What's Really Happening? 18:31 Finding Hope in Hardship 22:41 The Bigger Picture 25:41 Nostalgia for God 28:41 Closing Thoughts and Prayer Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links: Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs! Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose! Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  7. NOV 12

    Healing Generational Trauma with Gina Birkemeier

    In this episode, I discuss generational trauma with Gina Birkemeier, a licensed counselor and author of Generations Deep. We explore her journey from adoption to becoming a therapist and the insights she gained about inherited emotional dysfunction. Gina teaches us to cultivate resilience, highlighting the interplay between neuroscience and spiritual beliefs. We also talk about the importance of seeking mental health support and building a strong community for healing. Listeners will discover practical tools from Gina's workbook that aid in breaking free from inherited dysfunction, empowering them to reclaim their narratives and initiate positive change in their lives and families. Click here to download the transcript (Note: Computer-generated transcripts are not perfect. The AI completely mangled Gina's last name!) Announcement: The School of Self-Brain Surgery™ is coming soon! If you want to go deep into changing your mind and your life through the power of neuroscience + faith, these five, one-hour livestream training sessions will help you get it done. Enrollment will be limited, and The School will fill up fast. Click here to be notified by email when The School is ready for enrollment! Click here to download Dr. Warren's free Thought Biopsy worksheet! Click here for a transcript of this episode! Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery 3:19 Jamie's Story and Resilience 4:20 Introducing Gina Berkmeyer 6:06 Gina's Journey to Therapy 9:50 The Line in the Sand Moment 11:22 Integrating Faith and Healing 14:46 Generational Curses Explained 17:19 The Good News of Healing 20:03 The Role of a Therapist 26:53 Knowing When to Seek Help 30:23 Insights from Gina's Book 32:52 A Word for Those in Grief 35:32 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links: Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs! Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose! Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  8. NOV 5

    Ann Voskamp: Neurotheology and Sacred Prayer

    This conversation will help you find healing and power in the sacred space of prayer. Be ready to take notes, shed tears, and renew your hope as New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp gives us a masterclass on neuroscience, theology, and a deep dive into overcoming trauma, tragedy, and all the places where life can hurt,. We discuss Ann's new prayer journals, Sacred Prayer and Gifts and Gratitude, and Ann gives us a new way to think about how prayer affects our brains. Click here for the transcript of this episode (note: computer-generated transcripts are not perfect). Ann's bio Ann Voskamp is wife of one good farmer, mama to a seven exuberant kids, and author of the four New York Times Bestsellers,  The Broken Way, The Greatest Gift, Unwrapping The Greatest Gift, and One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, a New York Times 67 week bestseller which has sold more than 1.5 million copies, and is translated into more than 20 languages. Named by Christianity Today as one of 50 women most shaping culture and the church today, and a partner with Compassion International as a global advocate for needy children, Ann's a regular loser of library books, usually has a sink full of soaking pots, sees empty laundry baskets rarer than a blue moon, and believes that the sky and fresh mercy over the farm is large and all is grace. Her blog, one of the Top 10 Christian blogs on the web, has become a daily well for the weary and soul-thirsty. Chapters 0:12 Introduction to Sacred Conversations 1:59 The Importance of Prayer 7:31 Journey from Brokenness to Healing 14:11 Understanding Transactional vs. Covenant Relationships 21:33 Wrestling with God in Times of Loss 32:52 The Power of Gratitude and Prayer 41:46 The Sacred Prayer Acrostic 49:06 Finding Peace in Grief Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links: Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs! Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose! Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
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About

Neurosurgeon and award-winning author Dr. W. Lee Warren, MD delivers daily prescriptions from neuroscience, faith, and common sense on how to lead a healthier, better, happier life. You can’t change your life until you change your mind, and Dr. Warren will teach you the art of self brain surgery to get it done. His new book, Hope Is the First Dose, is available everywhere books are sold.

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