

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 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.

Oct 17, 2025 • 54min
From Rupture to Repair (S12E83)
In this episode, I discuss the intersection of neuroscience and faith with Cyd and Dr. Geoff Holsclaw, authors of the new book Landscapes of the Soul.
We explore how attachment theory can help address feelings of disconnection in our spiritual lives, focusing on the importance of relational attachment and early experiences. We examine the four emotional landscapes- jungle, desert, war zone, and pasture- and discuss strategies for nurturing secure connections with God and others.
The episode emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability and awareness in fostering joy and intimacy. Ultimately, we highlight pathways to deeper connection and spiritual fulfillment, along with a chance to win a copy of Landscapes of the Soul.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Cyd and Geoff's new book, Landscapes of the Soul
The Holsclaw's website
Geoff's powerful writing on Substack
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 13, 2025 • 32min
The Girl on the Bathroom Floor (S12E82)
In this episode, I talk with Amber Emily Smith about her devastating experience following the drowning of her son, River. Amber shares insights from her new book, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor, reflecting on grief, healing, and the duality of joy and sorrow.
We discuss how she and her husband, musician Granger Smith, took practical steps to navigate their loss together and protect their marriage. We talk about her devastating second loss, another "bathroom floor" moment when she suffered a miscarriage.
This conversation offers comfort and encouragement for anyone grappling with loss.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Amber's book, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor
Amber's website (merchandise, her foundation, and more!)
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 10, 2025 • 48min
Honoring the Struggle (S12E81)
In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Aundi Kolber, an author and therapist specializing in trauma. We explore how past experiences shape healing, emphasizing the importance of honoring pain rather than suppressing it.
Aundi shares her personal insights on complex PTSD and the concept of 'trying softer' to foster awareness of emotional needs.
We discuss the neuroscience of trauma, strategies for expanding our window of tolerance, and the role of compassion in healing. Additionally, we touch on Aundi's newest book, Take What You Need. This conversation serves as an invitation to embrace healing and self-discovery.
Click here for the transcript (Note: Computer-generated transcripts are not perfect.)
Resources and Links
Aundi's website
Aundi's new book, Take What You Need
Aundi's book, Strong Like Water
Aundi's book, Try Softer
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


