

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

Oct 1, 2025 • 37min
Healing, Hope, and Higher Performance (S12E79)
In this episode, I explore the themes of constriction, grief, and emotional overwhelm, drawing on my experiences as a neurosurgeon and the profound impact of personal loss.
I introduce Triple H Therapy—healing, hope, and higher performance, an approach inspired by my medical background that aims to unlock personal potential through cultivating these elements.
We discuss how understanding past traumas can empower healing and the actionable nature of hope in transcending current difficulties. I outline the importance of pursuing higher performance alongside emotional and mental well-being, and I share a roadmap for future discussions that will equip listeners with practical tools for self-brain surgery, emphasizing the transformative power of neuroplasticity.
This episode marks the start of a journey towards reclaiming agency and fostering a vibrant, purpose-driven life.
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

Sep 29, 2025 • 48min
Can I Be Friends with God? (S12E78)
In this episode, I have a beautiful conversation with author, recording artist, and podcaster Tanya Godsey. Tanya's first book is the outstanding Befriending God, in which she shares her insights on forming a personal relationship with God.
Our talk challenges the notion of God as inaccessible, as we touch on the significance of emotional honesty, prayer as a dialogue, and the shared experiences of grief and resilience. Tanya emphasizes how suffering can enhance our understanding of God's nature and love while underlining the importance of community in spiritual journeys.
This episode will encourage you to explore a dynamic relationship with God and pursue the transformative potential of befriending the Creator of your soul.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Tanya's book
Tanya's music
Tanya's website
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!)

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 49min
Nerding out on Near-Death, Physics, God, and Self-Brain Surgery! (S12E77)
In this episode, I speak with John Burke, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on near-death experiences. We interview each other, and this episode will be released on both of our podcasts.
We examine themes of consciousness, the soul, and the afterlife through the lens of science, particularly neuroscience and quantum physics. Drawing from John's research with over 1,500 near-death experience testimonies, we explore universal perceptions of divinity and the inherent themes of love and purpose.
John shares personal anecdotes related to grief and healing, discussing the brain's response to trauma and the potential for neuroplasticity. We also delve into how near-death experiences challenge traditional views on consciousness, the impact of ancestral trauma, and practical strategies for mental renewal.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
John's amazing book, Imagine the God of Heaven
John's website
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!)

Sep 15, 2025 • 50min
Live Beyond Your Labels (S12E76)
In this episode, I discuss the power of confronting limiting labels like "anxious" and "broken" with health coach and author Erin Kerry.
She shares her journey of overcoming trauma and mental health struggles, emphasizing that these labels do not define us. We explore practical tools for healing, including holistic approaches that encompass physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Be sure to listen for a chance to win one of three copies of Erin's book, Live Beyond Your Label!
Click here for the transcript (Remember that computer transcripts often misspell names; Erin's last name is Kerry)
Resources and Links
Erin's book, Live Beyond Your Label
Erin's Website
Erin's podcast, Sparking Wholeness
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!)

Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Deep Place of Hope: Dr. Curt Thompson (S12E75)
Our special guest for this episode is Dr. Curt Thompson, an acclaimed psychiatrist and author of one of my favorite books, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope.
Join me for a profound discussion about trauma, suffering, and the healing journey. You'll learn from Curt that suffering is shaped not just by traumatic events but by individual responses and narratives.
The conversation explores the need for community and support, highlighting that healing involves integrating past experiences into a hopeful narrative rather than forgetting them. Dr. Thompson discusses the neuroscience of trauma and therapeutic practices like EMDR that aid in emotional processing.
The episode will encourage you to confront your pain and seek connection, showcasing that hope can arise from suffering and that your future is not solely defined by it.
Click here for the transcript.
Resources and Links
Dr. Thompson's website
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!)

Sep 2, 2025 • 42min
This is War (S12E74)
In this episode, we discuss how shifting attention and perspective are key tools for self-brain surgery, a practice for mastering our thoughts to take control of our lives. I take you back to my time in the Iraq war to teach you how this perspective shift creates mental resilience in confronting fear and anxiety.We examine how both sides of the brain contribute to perspective and problem-solving, and I'll teach you how to shift your focus and rewrite you narratives. This powerful technique reinforces the idea that we can shape our realities through mindful choices and self-discovery.
Click here for the transcriptResources 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!)

Aug 29, 2025 • 39min
What You Need to Know About AI (S12E73)
In this episode, I discuss the implications of artificial intelligence with Dr. Robert Marks, author of Non-Computable You.
Dr. Marks is a distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Baylor University, and one of the world's leading experts in AI.
We explore common fears surrounding AI's potential to replace humans and achieve consciousness, contrasting these notions with insights from Dr. Marks's book. He argues that intrinsic human qualities, such as creativity and emotional depth, are beyond the reach of AI's deterministic nature.
Our conversation addresses the historical context of AI fears, emphasizing a rational approach to technology, and positions AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human roles. We also reflect on cultural narratives about AI, including the emergence of movements blending technology and metaphysics, ultimately encouraging you to appreciate the complexity of humanity amid advancing AI technologies.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Dr. Marks's work at the Discovery Institute
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!)

Aug 25, 2025 • 33min
The Trouble to Transformation Transplant (S12E72)
In this episode, I introduce the concept of self-brain surgery to enhance mental well-being, sharing my personal journey of transforming a chaotic morning routine into a structured start for the day.
I discuss the Five S’s: sadness, sickness, stress, being stuck, and settling, and a different Five S's you can transplant to move from trouble to transformation in your life.
By incorporating these elements into daily life, particularly in morning rituals, listeners can break free from negativity and promote emotional health. I emphasize the integration of scientific insights with spiritual principles to inspire meaningful change and resilience.
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!)

Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Mental Health for Men, with Jamie Haigh and Blake Roberts (S12E71)
In this episode, I dive deep into a conversation with Jamie Haigh and Blake Roberts, two accomplished marriage and family therapists who focus their practice on supporting men through various challenges, including the often-taboo subjects of sexual addiction and spiritual abuse.
As we explore the intricacies of their journeys, I quickly discover that our discussion takes a significant and meaningful turn, navigating through both the personal and systemic issues at play in the conversations around mental health for men.We discuss the tremendous pressure society places on men to conform to certain ideals of masculinity, which often leads to a culture of silence regarding their struggles. Jamie and Blake share their own experiences with addiction, revealing how societal expectations and internal battling around issues like pornography and spiritual trauma can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. Their insights are not only relevant for men grappling with similar issues but also resonate with anyone who loves someone facing these challenges.Jamie and Blake's stories resonate painfully with such experiences, providing a perspective that highlights the importance of addressing underlying emotional wounds in order to break free from the cycles of addiction and despair.The conversation naturally shifts toward spiritual abuse, a theme that both Jamie and Blake have grappled with in their pasts. They each recount events where trusted figures in their spiritual communities caused significant harm, leading them to navigate and redefine their faith journey. Blake's reflection on emotional dissonance within his church involvement and Jamie's account of prolonged abuse from a youth leader reveal the complex interplay between faith and personal trauma.As we go deeper, they introduce their initiative, 3% Company, designed to foster a supportive community where men can discuss their struggles candidly, something they refer to as the "3%" of issues often left unspoken.
They believe that breaking down the barriers surrounding these conversations is integral to fostering genuine healing and understanding. Their approach is particularly impactful, as they create safe spaces not just for men but for anyone seeking deeper connections with themselves and those around them.We also discuss critical points about recognizing the pain associated with addiction, as emphasized by Dr. Gabor Maté's framework, focusing not on the addiction itself but on understanding the underlying pain that drives individuals to these behaviors. This shift in perspective can open doors to healing, allowing individuals to explore their coping mechanisms on a deeper level rather than merely treating the symptoms.Overall, our conversation paints a vivid picture of hope amidst struggles. Jamie and Blake exemplify how confronting one’s past and indeed the uncomfortable aspects of masculinity can lead to profound transformation. Their work through 3% Company stands as a testament to that potential.In future conversations, we aim to delve deeper into how individuals can find resources to help navigate these challenges, as well as expand on the importance of community in the recovery process. For those interested, Jamie and Blake have created a platform to foster support and provide resources through their podcast and online community at 3% Company, where listeners can find companionship and encouragement along their journeys to healing.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Three Percent Company website
Three Percent on Substack
Blake's powerful Substack
Jamie and Blake on But Jesus Drank Wine
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!)

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
Operating from the Outside In (S12E70)
In this episode, we explore Outside-In Thinking, a powerful approach to mental and emotional well-being.
This method encourages you to view your lives from an outsider’s perspective, helping to dismantle limiting beliefs and recognize personal strengths.
By framing self-perception through the lens of value and potential, I introduce a spiritual dimension that fosters love and purpose. Embracing this mindset shift empowers you to manage thoughts effectively, cultivate healthier habits, and embark on a transformative journey toward a brighter future.
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!)