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

Dr. Lee Warren kicks off 2025 with an inspiring conversation with mindset and life coach Tricia Zody. Tricia shares her journey of overcoming the tragic loss of her husband and how she rebuilt her life through faith and neurological understanding. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-brain surgery, understanding the brain's functions, and the integration of neuroscience with faith. Tricia discusses the impact of negative labeling, how to combat hopelessness, and the significance of having a rich foundation of faith. Tricia also introduces her new book, Another Beautiful Life, and provides practical advice for anyone facing trauma and life-changing events.Click here for the transcriptChapters00:00 Welcome to 2025: A New Beginning00:31 Facing Hardships and Finding Hope02:12 Introducing Tricia Zody: A Journey of Resilience03:15 A Conversation with Tricia Zody05:21 Understanding Pain and the Brain12:29 The Impact of Words and Moving Forward22:36 Book Availability and Upcoming Audiobook22:53 The Journey Through Loss and Faith26:14 Crisis of Faith and God's Sovereignty32:25 Spiritual Warfare and Overcoming Darkness38:27 The Power of Truth and Preparation39:38 Conclusion and Book GiveawayThis episode was sponsored by Timeline.Mitochondrial dysfunction as we age has been linked to muscle dysfunction, metabolism, overall energy levels, and resiliency. But what makes our mitochondria fail as we get older? It turns out to be related to a disruption in a process called mitophagy, the natural repair and recycling process that normally rebuilds and recreates healthy mitochondria to replace damaged ones. When mitophagy fails, mitochondria lose efficiency and cannot do their jobs, and we have a power failure. The compound that's key to keeping mitophagy happening normally is called Urolithin-A, and that compound is lacking in most of us because of a change over time in our gut microbiota. Timeline is renewing this process and making our mitochondria better with their product Mitopure. It will help you repair your cells, increase your strength, and become healthier. Check it out here, and use code DRLEEWARREN for 10% off your first order.Resources and Links: Journaling is a helpful tool to specifically lay out your BRAIN goals, the action steps you need to reach them, and keep track of your progress. I use this PRODUCTIVE WEEKS planner* to map out my projects, podcasts, and books. I used it every day in 2024 as I sketched out and wrote my upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook. I’ve created a free BRAIN Goals™ Guide for you! Click here to download the guide. It will help you align your mindset to your mission and set goals to make 2025 your best year yet! 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 Dr. Lee Warren Podcast, Dr. Warren walks listeners through actionable steps to prepare for 2025, equipping them with the tools to make it their best year yet—regardless of the challenges they may face. The key lies in adopting the mindset of a self-brain surgeon, taking control of your thoughts, habits, and disciplines to create lasting change.Chapters0:16 Introduction to 20259:53 The Power of Self-Brain Surgery17:16 Winners vs. Losers26:12 Personal Story and Lessons33:23 Setting Goals for 202543:26 The Framework of Brain Goals55:39 Embracing Change and Growth59:51 Conclusion and Call to ActionKey Themes and Takeaways: What Is Self-Brain Surgery? The Power of Perspective Mindset for Winners Setting Brain Goals (Bold, Relevant, Actionable, Important, Nurturing) Journaling and Tracking Progress Personal Stories and Faith Integration Practical Application Reflection and Call to Action: Reflect on how past mindsets or external focus have held them back. Begin crafting BRAIN goals that align with their mission and values. Embrace the tools of self-brain surgery to change their minds and their lives, starting today. Resources and Links: Acres of Diamonds by Jentezen Franklin Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott 10% Happier by Dan Harris Click here for the computer-generated transcript of this episode Journaling is a helpful tool to specifically lay out your BRAIN goals, the action steps you need to reach them, and keep track of your progress. I use this PRODUCTIVE WEEKS planner* to map out my projects, podcasts, and books. I used it every day in 2024 as I sketched out and wrote my upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook. I’ve created a free BRAIN Goals™ Guide for you! Click here to download the guide. It will help you align your mindset to your mission and set goals to make 2025 your best year yet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the concept of self-brain surgery in the context of the Christmas season, offering reflections on personal growth and healing. We present three key gifts: the understanding that you are not defined solely by your brain, the realization that you already possess the tools needed to thrive, and the practice of mindful engagement with your thoughts and feelings. Learning to embrace transformation and take ownership of your narrative will ultimately foster a life filled with renewal and possibility as we approach the new year.Click here for the computer-generated transcriptChapters0:06 Christmas Blessings and Gifts3:05 Tools for Hope and Healing8:24 The Power of Your Mind13:04 Embrace Your Inner Strength18:37 Break Free from Automatic Thinking25:25 Transform Your Mind, Transform Your LifeOur sponsor for this episode is AirDoctor Pro. Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code DRLEEWARREN to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free!Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First DoseSign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I present a guide for preparing for 2025 with intention and purpose. I emphasize the importance of crafting a meaningful plan to uncover the best in our lives and transforming suffering into purpose.I provide practical steps for daily engagement with scripture to gain insights into our existence and recommend resources like the Bible Recap for structured reflection. I also discuss the value of continuous learning and supportive relationships.Looking ahead, I outline exciting podcast plans featuring health science, nutrition, and fitness episodes. I conclude with a motivational call to action, encouraging listeners to shape their futures by letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings as each day presents an opportunity for transformation.Resources and Links: Lectio365 Prayer app The Bible Recap Click here for the computer-generated transcript of this episode Journaling is a helpful tool to specifically lay out your BRAIN goals, the action steps you need to reach them, and keep track of your progress. I use this PRODUCTIVE WEEKS planner* to map out my projects, podcasts, and books. I used it every day in 2024 as I sketched out and wrote my upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook. I’ve created a free BRAIN Goals™ Guide for you! Click here to download the guide. It will help you align your mindset to your mission and set goals to make 2025 your best year yet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Lee Warren welcomes Stephanie Duncan Smith to discuss her powerful new book, Even After Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway. Together, they explore themes of grief, faith, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life and hope.Stephanie shares her journey of navigating profound personal loss and rediscovering joy, offering practical wisdom and spiritual insight for those facing challenges. This conversation touches on breathwork, writing as a tool for healing, and the importance of honesty in grief.Key Takeaways: Naming Pain: Grieving authentically is essential to healing; honesty with oneself and God fosters recovery. Faith and Breathwork: Integrating physical practices like breathwork with spiritual faith can ground and stabilize during life’s uncertainties. Cycles of Renewal: Life’s seasons of loss and joy reflect the liturgical calendar’s rhythm, moving toward hope and resurrection. Writing as Healing: Writing can reframe grief and help us process experiences, offering clarity and renewed purpose. Chapters0:04 Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery1:44 Meet Stephanie Duncan Smith4:07 The Power of Loss and Hope8:14 Navigating Grief and Whiplash11:26 Naming the Night12:59 Connecting with the Liturgical Calendar15:11 Life and Death Juxtapositions18:03 Breathwork as a Spiritual Practice22:39 Writing Through Pain26:49 The Process of Healing34:48 Encouragement for the Grieving36:37 Conclusion and ReflectionsCheck out Stephanie's great Substack for writers, The Slant Letter Click here for the computer-generated transcript of this episodeOur featured partner for this episode is Adapt Naturals:As we enter the winter season, staying healthy is more important than ever. That’s why Lisa and I trust Adapt Naturals Bioavail Colostrum+ to support our immune system and overall well-being. You can try it too—use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order.Key Benefits of Bioavail Colostrum+: Supports gut health and immune function Promotes healthy inflammatory response Enhances nutrient absorption Supports skin health and athletic recovery 2.5 grams of colostrum per serving - 2.5x more than most competitors Includes 100mg of lactoferrin and 200mg of beta-glucan for enhanced benefits Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows You can use this link to try Bioavail Colostrum+, and use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order.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, Dr. Lee Warren tackles the challenges of maintaining positive habits during the holiday season, a time often filled with stress and triggers. Drawing from his upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook, he introduces two innovative self-brain surgery techniques: the "Five-Minute Freeze" and "Flash Forward to Flashback." These methods are designed to help listeners resist reverting to harmful habits by fostering self-awareness, encouraging reflection, and leveraging neuroplasticity to reinforce healthier behaviors. Dr. Warren also weaves in spiritual insights and scripture to empower individuals in their journey toward resilience and transformation.Chapters 0:16 Holiday Habits and Self-Brain Surgery 2:23 Temptations and Triggers 4:40 Introducing the Five-Minute Freeze 7:33 The Neuroscience of Habits 12:00 Understanding Temptation 14:08 Transforming Your Mind 15:35 Building Discipline with the Five-Minute Freeze 22:55 Exposing Underlying Behaviors 26:37 Flash Forward to Flashback 30:34 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Key TakeawaysThe Five-Minute Freeze Pause before acting on a habit to consider its immediate and long-term consequences (5 minutes, 5 days, 5 years). Helps engage the rational part of the brain, breaking the cycle of impulsive, limbic-driven responses. Flash Forward to Flashback Reflect on past instances of indulging in habits to recall negative consequences. Use these memories to inform present decisions and visualize a better future. Neuroplasticity in Action Repeated thoughts and actions create neural pathways that make behaviors automatic. Breaking old habits and forming new ones require intentional effort to "rewire" the brain. Spiritual Foundations Scripture highlights the importance of transforming the mind to change behaviors (Romans 12:2). God provides opportunities to resist temptation, offering hope for lasting change. Quotes from the Episode "Thoughts become things. If you want to change your life, start with your thinking." "You don’t rise to the occasion; you fall to the level of your preparation." "Love tomorrow more than you hate how you feel right now." Tags#PositiveHabits #HolidayStress #SelfBrainSurgery #Neuroplasticity #Resilience #FiveMinuteFreeze #FlashForwardToFlashback #TransformationActionable Steps Practice the Five-Minute Freeze during moments of temptation. Conduct a "Thought Biopsy" to identify and challenge disordered thinking patterns. Use the Flash Forward to Flashback method to reinforce healthier choices. Anticipate potential triggers and prepare with intentional strategies to stay on track. Related episodes: [Insert Links to Relevant Podcast Episodes] Follow Dr. Lee Warren on Instagram: @drleewarren Listener ChallengeThis holiday season, commit to practicing the Five-Minute Freeze at least once daily. Share your experience on social media using #SelfBrainSurgery and tag @drleewarren to join the conversation!Click here for the computer-generated transcriptOur featured partner for this episode is Adapt Naturals:As we enter the winter season, staying healthy is more important than ever. That’s why Lisa and I trust Adapt Naturals Bioavail Colostrum+ to support our immune system and overall well-being. You can try it too—use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order.Key Benefits of Bioavail Colostrum+: Supports gut health and immune function Promotes healthy inflammatory response Enhances nutrient absorption Supports skin health and athletic recovery 2.5 grams of colostrum per serving - 2.5x more than most competitors Includes 100mg of lactoferrin and 200mg of beta-glucan for enhanced benefits Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows You can use this link to try Bioavail Colostrum+, and use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order.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, Dr. Lee Warren sits down with Christy Osborne, sobriety coach and author of Love Life Sober. Christy recounts her transformative journey through grief, addiction, and healing, offering listeners a raw and hopeful narrative. After the loss of her mother, Christy turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, which led her to a turning point in 2020. She shares her insights into the societal pressures around drinking, the neuroscience of addiction, and the importance of addressing the root causes of alcohol dependency.Christy introduces her "40-Day Alcohol Fast," a grace-filled, judgment-free approach to exploring sobriety, and emphasizes the transformative power of faith in the recovery process. The conversation delves into challenges like social pressures, marriage dynamics, and the "friendship shuffle" that often accompanies sobriety. Christy’s message is one of hope, encouraging listeners to find authentic joy and connection beyond alcohol.Click here for the transcript! (Computer transcripts are not perfect)Key Themes: Grief and Addiction: Christy shares how the loss of her mother deepened her reliance on alcohol and catalyzed her recovery journey. Neuroscience of Addiction: Understanding the brain's relationship to habits and how alcohol affects stress, dopamine, and mental health. The "Friendship Shuffle": How sobriety reshaped Christy’s relationships, moving her toward deeper connections. The 40-Day Alcohol Fast: A self-discovery tool for exploring the role of alcohol in life without judgment or fear of failure. Faith and Recovery: Finding renewal in faith and transforming grief through intentional self-reflection and sobriety. Resources Mentioned:But Jesus Drank Wine Podcast with Christy Osborne and Meade ShirleyClick here for a transcript of this episode! (Remember that computer-generated transcripts are not perfect)Christy's websiteGet Christy's new book, Love Life Sober now!Chapters: 0:03 - Introduction to Christy Osborne 1:19 - Christy’s Journey to Sobriety 5:45 - The Impact of Grief 8:27 - Recognizing the Problem 12:11 - The Power of Self-Discovery 14:00 - Social Pressures and Friendships 17:03 - Marriage and Alcohol 18:55 - Coping with Pain 22:34 - The 40-Day Alcohol Fast 26:04 - The Transformation Journey 29:14 - Coaching and Community 32:00 - Final Thoughts and Resources Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Dr. Lee Warren explores the intersection of gratitude, grief, and the challenges of the holiday season. Reflecting on personal losses, including the passing of his son and mother-in-law, he introduces the "Loss to Legacy Shift"—a self-brain surgery operation that transforms grief into purpose by focusing on the lasting impact of loved ones.Dr. Warren highlights the neuroscience-backed benefits of gratitude and the Abide Process, a prayer and meditation method that increases emotional resilience and facilitates healing. He discusses family dynamics during the holidays, offering strategies grounded in neuroscience, such as leveraging mirror neurons and limbic resonance, to foster better interactions.The episode also revisits the Ten Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery, equipping listeners with practical tools to shift mindsets and reframe negative cycles. As Thanksgiving approaches, Dr. Warren encourages a focus on gratitude and hope, reminding listeners that while loss is a part of life, so is the potential for joy and meaningful connection.Click here for a transcript of this episode! (Remember that computer-generated transcripts are not perfect)Chapters0:05 Thanksgiving Gratitude3:15 Holiday Stress Management7:55 Finding Hope After Loss12:13 The Loss to Legacy Shift16:10 Shifting Your Perspective22:33 Mind Control and Healing28:15 The Abide Process37:09 Preparing for Family Dynamics47:59 Empowering Family Interactions57:45 The Power of GratitudeFive Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren interviews Mark Batterson, a pastor and bestselling author, discussing his new book, "A Million Little Miracles." The conversation centers on recognizing the everyday miracles often overlooked in modern life, emphasizing gratitude and the importance of finding hope in tumultuous times, especially during a presidential election year. Batterson blends themes of faith with personal anecdotes, highlighting how life's challenges can deepen appreciation for both small victories and the divine. They explore the relationship between faith and science and the significance of community in acknowledging miracles. The episode encourages listeners to celebrate the ordinary moments that embody miraculous design, concluding with a heartfelt prayer and a strong endorsement of Batterson's work.Click here to download the transcriptCheck out Mark's new book, A Million Little MiraclesChapters0:05 Introduction to Mark Batterson2:15 The Power of Prayer4:45 The Journey of Writing7:11 The Significance of Everyday Miracles10:30 Understanding Conception13:34 Science and Faith17:12 What's Really Happening?18:31 Finding Hope in Hardship22:41 The Bigger Picture25:41 Nostalgia for God28:41 Closing Thoughts and PrayerFive Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss generational trauma with Gina Birkemeier, a licensed counselor and author of Generations Deep. We explore her journey from adoption to becoming a therapist and the insights she gained about inherited emotional dysfunction.Gina teaches us to cultivate resilience, highlighting the interplay between neuroscience and spiritual beliefs. We also talk about the importance of seeking mental health support and building a strong community for healing. Listeners will discover practical tools from Gina's workbook that aid in breaking free from inherited dysfunction, empowering them to reclaim their narratives and initiate positive change in their lives and families.Click here to download the transcript (Note: Computer-generated transcripts are not perfect. The AI completely mangled Gina's last name!)Announcement: The School of Self-Brain Surgery™ is coming soon! If you want to go deep into changing your mind and your life through the power of neuroscience + faith, these five, one-hour livestream training sessions will help you get it done. Enrollment will be limited, and The School will fill up fast. Click here to be notified by email when The School is ready for enrollment!Click here to download Dr. Warren's free Thought Biopsy worksheet!Click here for a transcript of this episode!Chapters0:00 Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery3:19 Jamie's Story and Resilience4:20 Introducing Gina Berkmeyer6:06 Gina's Journey to Therapy9:50 The Line in the Sand Moment11:22 Integrating Faith and Healing14:46 Generational Curses Explained17:19The Good News of Healing20:03 The Role of a Therapist26:53 Knowing When to Seek Help30:23 Insights from Gina's Book32:52 A Word for Those in Grief35:32 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewFive Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices