

The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast
Dr. Lee Warren
What if the secret to healing, hope, and higher performance isn't only about understanding our trauma or coping with our diagnoses, but is also about retraining our brains? Neurosurgeon and award-winning author Dr. Lee Warren integrates neuroscience and faith to help you find the life you were designed to live. This is where you get the training, tactics, and truth you need to change your mind and your life, and it's called self-brain surgery.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2026 • 44min
Not Every Thought is Worth Thinking (S12E24)
In this episode, I discuss the third commandment of self-brain surgery, highlighting how many automatic thoughts we accept lack truth.
We discuss the importance of metacognition and the "thought biopsy" method, encouraging practicing self-brain surgeons to critically evaluate their thoughts.
By identifying different scripts shaping your internal dialogue, such as negative self-talk, genuine thoughts, and external influences. you can reclaim agency over your mind.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)

Jan 14, 2026 • 22min
Feelings and Facts (S13E23)
Delve into the fascinating distinction between feelings and facts, understanding that feelings are just chemical events in the brain. Explore the dangers of blindly following your feelings and how misinterpreting emotional triggers can lead to unnecessary conflict. Learn to recognize emotions as subconscious alerts while feelings are context-dependent interpretations. This insightful discussion encourages you to truly feel but also to critically assess those feelings before reacting, fostering a more thoughtful and controlled response to life's challenges.

Jan 12, 2026 • 41min
Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith (S13E22)
Is alcohol helping, or hurting your life?
Join me for a great talk with my friend Ericka Andersen, an author and freelance writer from Indiana, as we discuss her new book Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith.
This conversation, and this book, will help you reevaluate your relationship with alcohol in the light of its overall effect on your life and your faith, and as it relates to the ten commandments of self-brain surgery.
Stick around to the end to learn how you could win a free copy of Ericka's book.
Click here for the transcript
Watch Ericka's first appearance on my podcast!
Resources and Links
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!)

Jan 9, 2026 • 29min
No Self-Malpractice (S13E21)
In this episode, we examine the crucial difference between the mind and the brain, asserting that understanding this distinction allows us to take control of our thoughts and well-being.
I introduce concepts like "mind down" versus "brain out," which will help you to critically assess your thoughts and challenge negative narratives.
Then we discuss how self-brain surgery empowers you to actively engage in your mental health journey.
Finally, we present The First Commandment of Self-Brain Surgery from my upcoming book, "I must relentlessly refuse to participate in my own demise."
This is the "no self-malpractice" commandment. It highlights the importance of personal responsibility in overcoming self-sabotage. A practical self-brain surgery exercise is also provided, urging listeners to identify and address self-destructive behaviors, reminding them that true change begins in the mind.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)

Jan 5, 2026 • 18min
Trauma Rounds: A Truth vs. All the True Things (S13E20)
In this episode, I tackle the themes of trauma and guilt through a listener's heartbreaking story of loss. We discuss a method to help critically assess negative automatic thoughts while acknowledging the pain and the hope beyond it.
Drawing on my experiences as a neurosurgeon and messages from scripture, I remind everyone that healing and growth are possible, reinforcing that our lives hold purpose despite past mistakes. This discussion serves as a compassionate guide for those navigating their own journeys of trauma and healing.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)

Jan 4, 2026 • 17min
New Year's Message (S13E19)
A brief message at the start of the new year.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)

Jan 2, 2026 • 43min
Grieve, and Get After It (S13E18)
This episode reveals how self-brain surgery helps us integrate both halves of our brain to come alive to the realities of our lives. In trauma, tragedy, massive things, or even in the everyday struggles we all face, it's crucial to acknowledge where we've been AND to learn to live fully in the present.
Today's podcast will help you see how it's never been healthy to try live in the either/or. Life is about integrating everything in to the beautiful both/and, and smashing neuroscience and faith together helps us live in the full powerful of that reality.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)

Jan 1, 2026 • 30min
New Year, New Brain (S13E17)
In this episode, I share a personal story from 2013, reflecting on the emotional challenges I faced after losing my son and how an encounter with a woman named Jennie highlighted the universal struggle of feeling uncomfortable in our own skins.
As we step into the new year, I encourage you to embrace transformation and recognize their power to reshape your future. We draw a sharp distinction between the brain and the mind, emphasizing how conscious thought can drive personal change.
Join me in this journey of renewal and self-empowerment as we prepare for a year filled with possibility and breakthroughs.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)

Dec 31, 2025 • 31min
Learn the Right Lessons from 2025 (S13E16)
In this episode, we reflect on the challenges of 2025, sharing personal experiences of loss and the emotional landscape of closing a difficult year. I emphasize the need for a proactive mindset as we enter 2026, encouraging listeners to cultivate a positive mental environment and establish intentional morning routines.
We discuss six key principles to help reshape thoughts and improve mental resilience. By focusing on personal growth through adversity and letting go of past burdens, we can prepare for a successful new year..
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)

Dec 29, 2025 • 54min
The Best of 2025: Quantum Decision Making (S13E15)
We're wrapping up 2025 with replays of our top interviews and episodes of the year.
Today, we're looking at Quantum Decision Making.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
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!)


