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

In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery podcast, we have a powerful conversation with New York Times bestselling author Lee Strobel. Lee is a former atheist turned Christian and New York Times bestselling author, to discuss his latest book, Seeing the Supernatural. The conversation delves into the existence of a realm beyond the physical world, investigating topics such as angels, demons, mystical dreams, and near-death experiences. Strobel, renowned for his investigative approach, shares compelling evidence and personal stories that challenge both skeptics and believers to reconsider the supernatural. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:10 Introducing Lee Strobel and His New Book01:05 Exploring the Supernatural: Angels, Demons, and Mystical Dreams01:44 The Intersection of Science and Faith02:36 Lee Strobel's Investigative Approach02:53 Personal Reflections and Recommendations03:07 The Importance of Understanding the Supernatural03:36 Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage04:58 Interview with Lee Strobel Begins06:09 The Evidence for a Supernatural Realm06:52 Dreams, Visions, and Near-Death Experiences11:00 The Role of Science and Philosophy19:25 Healing Miracles and Medical Evidence23:00 Personal Testimonies and Miraculous Healings26:17 Pre-Death Visions: Real or Hallucination?27:17 Personal Stories of Pre-Death Visions28:52 Biblical References to Angels and Visions33:19 Demonic Encounters and Possessions36:35 Angelic Interventions and Personal Encounters41:51 Skepticism About Ghosts and Psychics44:07 The Resurrection of Jesus: Evidence and Impact46:48 Conclusion and Book GiveawayClick here for the transcriptClick here to watch the video version from DescriptOther Resources Lee Strobel's Website Lee Strobel on The Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast My website, drleewarren.com (links to my books and more!) Self-Brain Surgery on Substack, a top-35 Science publication! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery Podcast, we have an incredible conversation with author Angie Howell, a pediatric nurse and mother of eight with a remarkable story of faith and resilience. Angie shares her emotional journey through an unexpected pregnancy during a tumultuous time in her life, her struggles with faith, and her daughter Jade's miraculous healing from a severe brain condition. Angie also discusses her new book, Jewel of Heaven, which chronicles her experiences and the transformative power of prayer and faith. We explore the challenges of chronic illness, the importance of support systems, and the incredible moments that define their journey. Angie’s story serves as an inspiration for those facing their own struggles, emphasizing that miracles can happen when you least expect them.Click here for the transcriptChapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:10 Meet Angie Howell: A Story of Struggle and Miracles00:14 The Unexpected Pregnancy00:30 Challenges and Miraculous Healing00:46 Angie's New Book: Jewel of Heaven01:11 Faith and Perseverance02:12 Instructions for Book Giveaway03:45 Angie's Interview Begins04:25 Angie's Journey: From Pregnancy to Realization07:00 Jade's Medical Struggles09:11 The Diagnosis and Its Impact10:21 Family Dynamics and Faith Challenges12:37 The MRI and the Devastating News19:41 Cousin Rich and the Power of Persistence22:33 Jade's Struggles and Rich's Call23:37 The Eternal Brothers Ministry25:38 A Miraculous Change26:26 The Meaning Behind Jade's Name28:03 The MRI Results33:10 Jade's Progress and Current Life35:24 Jade's Story of Meeting Jesus38:35 Final Thoughts and Book PromotionResources and Links Angie's website (coaching, her book, and more!) Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (50% off on paid subscriptions until May 1!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery Podcast, Dr. Lee Warren hosts a special conversation with bestselling author Ian Morgan Cron about his new book, The Fix. The discussion explores how the 12 Steps, widely known for aiding addiction recovery, can offer a pathway for transformation for anyone, even those who don't identify as being in recovery. Ian provides insights into how these steps aim to mend relationships with God, oneself, and others, and how they can be used as guardrails in our daily lives. The episode concludes with a detailed look at each of the 12 steps, emphasizing their gospel-aligned principles and practical application for anyone seeking to overcome life's challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:25 Understanding the 12 Steps02:09 Ian's Perspective on Recovery03:55 Introducing Ian Morgan Cron04:42 Ian's Background and Journey06:56 The Power of Community in Recovery09:36 The Spiritual Aspect of the 12 Steps20:07 The Icy Hot Lesson24:16 Introduction to Recovery Lessons25:03 The Importance of Facing the Truth27:10 Surrendering to God's Will28:46 A Prayer for Healing and Guidance31:01 Exploring the 12 Steps of Recovery34:13 Applying the 12 Steps to Everyday Life39:00 The Power of Community and Confession43:56 Continuing the Journey of Self-Improvement47:03 Final Thoughts and EncouragementClick here for the transcriptResources and Links Learn more about Ian Cron here Read Ian's book, The Fix 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

In this episode, I speak with Erica Anderson, a writer, teacher, and thought leader, about her journey with alcohol and recovery. We discuss the societal pressures surrounding addiction, especially for women in Christian communities, and the need for open dialogue. Erica shares insights from her upcoming book, Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith, advocating for a nuanced understanding of alcohol use. She also offers practical advice for aspiring writers on resilience and the publishing process. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and fostering supportive communities around addiction and faith.About Ericka AndersenEricka Andersen is a freelance writer, podcast host and owner of Pitch and Publish Writing Company. She is the author of "Reason to Return: Why Women Need the Church & the Church Needs Women" and "Leaving Cloud 9: The True Story of a Life Resurrected From the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma and Mental Illness."She has been published multiple times in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Washington Post and more. Ericka is a weekly columnist at WORLD Magazine and a freelance reporter for Christianity Today. Prior to freelancing, Ericka worked for National Review Magazine, the Heritage Foundation and in communications for the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill. She attended Indiana University and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband and two children.Click here for the transcriptChapters0:03 Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery2:34 The Importance of Listening9:17 Upcoming Guests and Their Controversies14:59 Meet Erica Anderson16:23 Erica's Journey with Alcohol26:10 The Role of Community in Recovery32:42 The Unique Struggles of Christian Women34:37 Writing Career and Its Evolution37:41 Pitch and Publish: Helping Aspiring Writers43:25 Final Encouragement for the Sober CuriousResources and Links Ericka's Substack, Worth Your Time Ericka's business for writers, Pitch and Publish Ericka's Amazon author page 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

Ann Voskamp, a New York Times bestselling author known for her profound insights on faith and suffering, joins the conversation to explore the transformative power of love and resilience. They delve into themes from her book, 'Loved to Life,' focusing on the intersection of faith and science, particularly through the Gospel of John. Personal stories highlight navigating grief and loss while finding hope. The dialogue emphasizes shifting perspectives on suffering, inviting listeners to embrace their struggles as pathways to renewal and a deeper relationship with Jesus.

It's Action April! Today, I want to encourage you to to align your efforts with your true calling and take decisive actions towards your goals. We talk about the importance of focusing on meaningful tasks, eliminating unnecessary commitments, and managing one's thoughts to overcome fears and challenges. This episode will help you smash neuroscience and prayer, preparation, and strategic thinking to get after personal and spiritual growth.Click here for the transcriptChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update00:50 Action April: Real-Time Connection01:52 Frontal Lobe Friday: Action April Explained03:43 The Neuroscience of Change04:56 Aligning Efforts with Calling09:08 Overcoming Challenges and Taking Action14:54 The Power of Gratitude and Critical Thinking17:54 Commit to Action: Practical Steps28:58 Conclusion and Next StepsResources: Johnna Johnston on Instagram Follow me on Instagram! Leave me a voicemail! Subscribe on Substack- #34 in Science this week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery podcast, Dr. Lee Warren welcomes back J. Warner Wallace, America's leading cold case detective, to discuss his new collaborative graphic novel Case Files Vol.1, created with his son Jimmy. The novel blends true crime with Christian apologetics, focusing on the value of human life and exploring deep questions about faith. They also delve into the process of creating a graphic novel and discuss future volumes that will tackle other aspects of Christianity. The episode emphasizes the importance of grounding human value and morality in a Christian worldview and provides resources for further engagement. Bonus for audio-only listeners! I included my first interview with Jim from last year in this episode (video is not available). We talked about his amazing book, The Truth in True Crime. Click here for the transcriptChapters00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:23 Overview of the New Graphic Novel00:46 The Story of Detective Murph01:12 Themes and Questions Explored in the Novel01:56 Introduction to J. Warner Wallace03:01 Jim's Background and Journey to Faith03:48 Writing the Case for Christianity05:05 Jimmy's Influence and Comic Book Passion05:32 Creating the Graphic Novel10:40 Exploring Human Value and Morality13:43 The Collaborative Effort Behind the Book14:57 Engaging Non-Believers Through Storytelling20:48 The Journey of Faith and Writing26:43 Realism and Unresolved Cases in the Novel39:33 The Importance of Multiple Perspectives39:57 Analyzing Eyewitness Accounts in the Gospels40:48 Mark's Gospel and Peter's Influence42:08 Forensic Statement Analysis Techniques44:03 Personal Journey into Forensic Analysis and Scripture44:53 The Intersection of Professional Skills and Faith46:35 Human Nature and the Reliability of Scripture50:15 Identity Formation and Its Challenges59:22 Overcoming Trauma and Finding Meaning01:07:54 The Power of the Gospel and Human Flourishing01:13:52 Encouragement for Those Facing SufferingResources and Links Learn more about J. Warner Wallace here 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

Dr. Lee Warren hosts an engaging conversation with Steve Mesler, Olympic gold medalist and three-time U.S. Olympian. Steve shares his remarkable journey from being a track athlete in Florida to winning gold in bobsled at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He discusses the physical and mental challenges he faced, including overcoming injuries and making pivotal decisions. Steve also highlights his transition to leadership roles, his involvement with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and founding Classroom Champions, an organization that connects athletes with schools to inspire and mentor students. This episode explores themes of resilience, goal-setting, and the emotional impacts of peak achievements.Click here for the transcriptChapters00:00 Introduction00:19 Meet Steve Mesler: Olympic Gold Medalist01:20 Steve's Journey from Track to Bobsled03:06 Overcoming Challenges and Pivoting07:57 The Mental Game: Belief and Conviction19:00 Training and Making the Olympic Team21:35 Contaminated Supplements and Olympic Standards22:08 The Journey to Becoming a Bobsledder22:36 Olympic Mindset and Team Dynamics27:20 Winning the Gold Medal29:28 Post-Olympic Challenges and Depression35:46 Classroom Champions: Inspiring the Next Generation43:51 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources and Links Learn more about Classroom Champions here Follow Steve on Instagram and Twitter for daily inspiration! 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

In this episode of the Self-Brain Surgery podcast, Dr. Lee Warren interviews Jill and Brad Sullivan, who share their poignant journey of losing their daughter, Hannah, to glioblastoma. Despite their immense grief, the Sullivans found purpose and hope by establishing While We're Waiting, a ministry providing retreats for bereaved parents across multiple states and internationally. They discuss the challenges of parenting a surviving child, the importance of faith, and how they managed to transform their loss into a legacy honoring Hannah. The conversation also touches upon Brad's near-fatal accident and the renewed sense of purpose it brought to their lives.Click here for the transcript00:00 Introduction to the Self-Brain Surgery Podcast00:08 Meet Jill and Brad Sullivan00:12 The Loss of Their Daughter, Hannah00:29 The Loss to Legacy Shift00:58 Jill and Brad's Story of Resilience01:14 A Twist in Their Journey01:47 Starting the Conversation with Jill and Brad02:01 Brad and Jill's Background03:34 Hannah's Diagnosis05:07 Facing the Diagnosis with Faith08:05 Hannah's Journey Through Treatment10:38 Parenting Through Grief17:08 The Birth of 'While We're Waiting'21:23 Expanding the Ministry28:38 Brad's Accident and Recovery33:01 Words of Encouragement and Advice34:57 Conclusion and Contact InformationResources and Links Learn more about Jill and Brad's While We're Waiting retreats for bereaved parents 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

Get ready for an exciting conversation with author Laura L. Smith! Laura discusses her new book Brave Woman, Mighty God, which highlights stories of 30 women from the Bible who, empowered by God, accomplished amazing feats. Laura shares her personal background of overcoming emotional abuse, the importance of prayer, and trusting God’s power. She also provides encouragement for aspiring writers and creators who face rejections and challenges. The episode aims to inspire listeners through powerful biblical examples and personal testimony, emphasizing the belief that everyone has the power within them to overcome life's challenges with God's help.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates00:30 Changes in Podcast Format02:04 Introducing Bonus Episodes02:48 Special Guest: Laura L. Smith04:11 Laura's New Book: Brave Woman, Mighty God06:28 Personal Testimony and Encouragement10:19 The Power of Sharing Your Story14:34 Conversation with Laura L. Smith20:06 Hannah's Story: Finding Peace in Prayer25:28 The Importance of Community and Truth26:27 The Story of Esther: Courage and Faith30:35 Talitha Ka'um: A Message of Hope and Resurrection33:46 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers37:54 Brave Woman, Mighty God: Embracing God's Power40:37 Final Blessings and Call to ActionClick here for the transcriptResources and Links Laura's new book, Brave Woman, Mighty God Laura's website Laura's post on Ann Voskamp's site Tommy Walker's song, Get Up 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