

The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast
Dr. Lee Warren
Neurosurgeon and award-winning author Dr. W. Lee Warren, MD delivers weekly 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 latest book, Hope Is the First Dose, is available everywhere books are sold.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 14, 2025 • 37min
Microsurgery for Your Mood (S12E92)
Explore the innovative concept of 'microsurgery for your mood,' a self-help technique to manage emotions and prevent harmful reactions. Discover practical strategies like deep-breathing for emotional control and the significance of gratitude to boost positivity. Dr. Warren emphasizes understanding feelings as neurochemical signals rather than facts. He guides listeners through actionable steps to create small wins, prioritize social connections, and combat negative self-talk, all aimed at enhancing emotional resilience and well-being.

5 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 50min
Surviving an Unwanted Divorce (S12E92)
Join bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, who shares her turbulent journey through unwanted divorce, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle, a theologian and psychologist, as they explore the intersections of mental health and spirituality. They tackle challenging misconceptions in the Christian community about divorce and emphasize self-care. Lysa recounts the emotional toll of abuse, while Joel discusses biblical grounds for divorce. The duo offers four guiding principles for healing, urging listeners to prioritize personal growth and hope after heartbreak.

Nov 7, 2025 • 45min
How Does Real Change Happen? (S12E91)
Mark Batterson, a New York Times bestselling author and founding pastor of National Community Church, shares insights from his latest book, Gradually, Then Suddenly. He discusses how significant life changes happen incrementally, highlighting the importance of persistence and long-term vision. Mark emphasizes legacy as influencing future generations and the interconnectedness of human experiences. He also addresses how small actions and words shape relationships and create positive legacies, urging listeners to embrace the journey of growth.

Nov 4, 2025 • 45min
Will You Go? (S12E90)
Dennis McDonald, affectionately known as Tata, is a seasoned pastor and chaplain with decades of ministry experience. In this heartfelt conversation, Tata explores the intersection of faith and neuroscience, drawing insights from Matthew 10. He emphasizes the disciples' vulnerability and the necessity of trusting God amidst difficulties. Tata challenges listeners to consider whether they would embrace hardship for their calling and highlights how suffering can lead to growth. The discussion culminates in a moving prayer for strength and guidance.

Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
The Settle-for-More Shift (S12E89)
Dive into the transformative world of self-brain surgery! Discover the 'Settle for More Shift' to combat stagnation and reignite motivation. Learn practical strategies like journaling to assess complacency and embrace a growth mindset. Delve into neuroscience that explains why we settle and apply scripture for inspiration. Hear powerful personal anecdotes that encourage risk-taking and action. Finally, get practical steps to document progress and redefine your journey toward a more fulfilling life!

Nov 1, 2025 • 49min
100 Days to a Transformed Life (S12E88)
In this episode, we enter 100 days of exploring self-brain surgery as a mechanism for personal growth and transformation, leading up to the launch of my next book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery.
Drawing from my experiences as a neurosurgeon and the loss of my son, I emphasize the necessity of reshaping our thought patterns to alter our circumstances.
We do a deep dive into neuroplasticity and its role in overcoming sadness, sickness, stress, feelings of being stuck, and settling for less. I provide actionable strategies and principles that encourage you to take control of your mental narratives and foster meaningful connections.
The discussion highlights the importance of envisioning your aspirations, addressing your past, and taking definitive steps toward a clearer future. Each episode this month will equip you with practical tools and insights for profound life transformation. I invite you to join me on this journey to harness your mind's power for healing, growth, and hopeful change.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)

Oct 31, 2025 • 19min
The Question that Annihilates Anxiety (S12E87)
In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on October and its impact on our journey together as Self-Brain Surgeons.
As we transition into November, I want to introduce a shift in focus towards the core concept of self-brain surgery, a practice I believe will significantly enrich your life.With my forthcoming book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, coming in February, November will set the stage for a deeper dive into the mechanics of self-brain surgery, as we explore its potential to reshape not just your thinking, but your entire life.As we embark on this transformative journey, I encourage you to challenge negativity in your thoughts and replace it with constructive possibilities. Embrace the idea that what you focus on in your mind can indeed come to fruition. I reintroduce the concept of the premortem analysis, a strategic approach for evaluating potential outcomes and redefining your path toward success.Your thoughts and perceptions shape your reality. Embracing a mindset of hope and possibility can dramatically change the course of your life. So, this episode wraps up with a powerful question that can annihilate anxiety: "What if everything goes right?"
Remember, you've been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, and that empowerment is at the heart of what we're cultivating through self-brain surgery. In this episode, I'll show you that having all your fears come true is no more likely than everything working out okay, and how you use your mind to map out your steps helps determine where you wind up. Join me as we gear up for a powerful November packed with tools, training, and the support you need to rewrite your narrative. Together, we will harness the power of self-brain surgery to navigate your path to purposeful living, inspired action, and profound change. Let’s step into this new chapter ready to reshape our thoughts, lives, and destinies meaningfully.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)

Oct 27, 2025 • 40min
Neuroplasticity and God's Plan for Your Healing (S12E86)
In this episode, I speak with Leanne Ellington about the intersection of neuroscience and faith. Leanne shares her journey of overcoming struggles with food and body image, advocating for women to break free from societal pressures. We discuss her application of self-brain surgery and how understanding neuroplasticity leads to transformative change.
We explore the complexities of habit change and practical strategies for rewiring the brain, emphasizing that true transformation starts within.
Leanne underscores the importance of accountability and radical responsibility in the healing process, offering resources for listeners to further their journey. This episode reinforces that change is possible through the blend of faith and neuroscience.
Click here for the transcript.
Resources and Links
Leanne's website
Leanne's guest host of Spiritual Brain Surgery (She recently hosted THREE episodes, and you can find them all on our YouTube channel)
Leanne has two incredible podcasts, What's God Got to Do With It? and Outweigh.
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify

Oct 24, 2025 • 48min
Suffering, the Brain, and the Mind (S12E85)
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Sharon Dirckx, an Oxford neuroscientist, about her book Broken Planet, which explores the connections between neuroscience, suffering, and faith.
We discuss the nature of suffering in natural disasters, highlighting survivor resilience and distinguishing between moral and natural evils. Dr. Dirckx emphasizes that suffering reflects our broken world rather than divine punishment and shares how mindset influences healing.
We also address the relationship between climate change and natural calamities. This conversation offers listeners insights on coping with suffering and finding hope through faith amidst challenges.
Click here for the transcript (Note: Computer-generated transcripts are not perfect. Dr. Dirckx's name is misspelled throughout the transcript.)
Resources and Links
Sharon's website
Sharon's book, Am I Just My Brain?
Sharon's book, Broken Planet
Sharon's book, Why?
Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery

Oct 20, 2025 • 56min
Feel Lost and Alone in Life? Do This. (S12E84)
Christopher Cook, an author and counselor, discusses navigating spiritual wilderness during hardship. He shares his personal battle with grief and health issues, emphasizing faith’s transformative power. The conversation highlights the importance of grounding oneself in Scripture and community for healing. Cook encourages seeking God’s presence in silence and finding comfort through Psalms, particularly Psalm 34. They also address practical strategies for those facing chronic challenges, offering hope and compassion to listeners.


