The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast

This episode provides a re-introduction for new listeners into the transformative concept of self-brain surgery, a revolutionary approach that combines neuroscience with faith to empower individuals to reshape their mental health and life experiences. If you've been listening for a while, this will remind you of where we start on our journey to change our minds and change our lives. I reflect on how our conversations on the podcast over the past year contributed to the development of my upcoming book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, which is set for release in February. While navigating the complexities of life, I also share my journey of connecting with the audience during the book-writing process, where I used our podcast as a platform to explore ideas and refine the messages intended for the book.I introduce new listeners to the principles behind self-brain surgery and the significance of engaging in an ongoing journey of self-awareness and improvement. 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!)

In this episode, I explore the themes of grief, hope, and healing with Mattie Jackson Smith, an author who opens up about her journey following the loss of her husband. We discuss her new book, Through the Valley of Grief, a 365-day devotional meant to support those navigating grief. Mattie shares her personal story and emphasizes the complexity of grief while detailing her grief management course designed for those beginning to tackle their emotions. We unpack four key practices from her book—Wail, Worship, Connect, and Hope—that serve as essential tools for healing and community. Mattie highlights the importance of finding mentors and pace people who can offer hope and support during difficult times. This conversation aims to inspire listeners to engage with their own healing processes and recognize the transformative potential that can emerge through adversity. Click here for the transcript (Remember: computer-generated transcripts can have errors) Chapters Introduction to Grief Reintroducing Maddie Jackson Smith Maddie's Journey of Loss The Impact of Grief Finding Hope After Loss Writing Through Grief The Importance of Connection The Courage to Connect Four Rhythms of Grief Navigating the Valley of Grief Maddie's Grief Course Conclusion and Giveaways Resources and Links Mattie has a powerful 6-week guided course to help you heal. She's given us a 20% discount if you use code BRAINSURGERY at checkout (that's not an affiliate link; just a discount for you!) Mattie's devotional journal, Through the Valley of Grief, is essential if you're hurting Her book ⁠Lemons on Friday⁠ is one of the best books on finding your way through grief I've ever read, and Mattie is on the podcast today to give you hope! Mattie's podcast is incredible: ⁠In Joy Life⁠⁠ (Click here to listen to my appearance on her show)⁠ 📚 More Tools for Changing Your Brain 🎙️ Subscribe to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast for weekly strategies to change your brain—and your life.📖 Grab my book Hope Is the First Dose for a roadmap to recovery and transformation.📘 And stay tuned for The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery—coming February 2026!⁠

This discussion centers on how to support loved ones during profound tragedies, like the recent floods in South Texas. It emphasizes the importance of being present and offering genuine compassion over empty platitudes. Listeners learn when and how to reach out through sincere communication and the impact of small, thoughtful gestures in healing. The conversation also touches on honoring memories of lost loved ones, underscoring how sharing stories helps navigate the complex landscape of grief.

In this episode, I chat with Zach Windahl, a popular author and content creator, about his latest book, The Bible Simplified: Learn the Story, Live the Story. Zach reflects on his journey of faith, shares insights on overcoming the complexities of the Bible, and the importance of direct engagement with Scripture. We explore the implications of faith deconstruction among younger generations, and discuss practical approaches to Bible study. Zach's experiences highlight the transformative power of prayer and the importance of maintaining hope, reminding us that solace can be found in the Scriptures, even during difficult times. Chapters Introduction to the Journey Meeting Zach Windahl The Bible Simplified Understanding Faith Deconstruction Navigating Hardship with Scripture The Narrative Arc of the Bible Practical Approaches to Scripture Study Final Thoughts and Blessings Click here for the transcript Want more tools for rewiring your brain and renewing your mind? Zach's website Zach on Instagram Zach on TikTok 🎙️ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠The Self-Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠for weekly strategies to change your brain—and your life. 📖 Grab my book ⁠⁠⁠Hope Is the First Dose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠for a roadmap to recovery and transformation. 📘 And stay tuned for The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery—coming February 2026!

In this episode, we learn the transformative practice of anticipatory metacognition, or AMP, a groundbreaking approach I'm excited to share as a key component of self-brain surgery. This concept combines neuroscience and faith, demonstrating that we hold the power to influence and reshape our minds, ultimately leading to profound life changes. By engaging in anticipatory metacognition practice, we can anticipate risks, direct our attention towards positive outcomes, and use our unique cognitive abilities to flourish. Throughout the conversation, I explore how this practice can help you break free from the constraints of your current mindset. Too often, we become trapped in negative thought patterns—focusing on past regrets or future anxieties—but through the lens of anticipatory metacognition, we can shift our attention to constructive, future-oriented thinking. This episode draws from my upcoming book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, which will soon be available for pre-order. I’m eager to share more insights and practical tools from the book that are designed to empower you on your path to personal growth. I emphasize the importance of using metacognition—thinking about our own thinking—to identify potential pitfalls before they become reality. By conducting a premortem analysis, we can foresee possible negative outcomes and develop strategies to avoid them. This methodology not only enhances our decision-making process but also fosters resilience. Our brains offer us the incredible ability to change, using neuroplasticity to rewire our thoughts and behaviors, putting us in control of our mental and emotional well-being. As we dive deeper, I introduce three essential tools for harnessing the power of anticipatory metacognition: selective attention, premortem analysis, and the foundational practice of anticipating our thoughts and reactions. I explain how these tools work together to help us steer our lives towards a more favorable trajectory. With a focus on selective attention, I provide insights into how our brains prioritize stimuli, allowing us to consciously direct our focus- habits that can significantly alter our mental states and promote healthier, more positive living. Furthermore, I discuss the salience network of the brain, explaining how understanding this network enhances our ability to make informed choices, filter distractions, and focus on what truly matters. By leveraging this knowledge, we can actively participate in shaping our futures, instead of passively allowing external influences to dictate our paths. As we wrap up, I encourage listeners to practice anticipatory metacognition in their daily lives, reminding them of the vital connection between thought and action. I challenge you to take action by reflecting on your life goals, anticipating challenges, and actively choosing to focus on the positive changes you wish to implement. Remember, you have the power to change your mind, and through that change, your life can transform. Together, let’s amp up our capacity for growth and cultivate the lives we aspire to lead. Click here for the transcript⁠ Want more tools for rewiring your brain and renewing your mind? 🎙️ Subscribe to ⁠⁠The Self-Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for weekly strategies to change your brain—and your life. 📖 Grab my book ⁠⁠Hope Is the First Dose⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for a roadmap to recovery and transformation. 📘 And stay tuned for The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery—coming February 2026!

In this episode, I reunite with Steve Mesler, the 2010 U.S. Olympic gold medalist in bobsled, as he shares his journey through unexpected mental health challenges post-Olympics. We discuss the impact of professional stagnation and health issues on his mental state, including the sobering realization of suicidal thoughts.Steve emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in dismantling the stigma around mental health and highlights the medical and therapeutic support that aided his recovery. He also shares proactive measures for maintaining mental fitness, illustrating that with the right tools and support, it's possible to thrive after adversity. My favorite line was Steve's epiphany that led to him to seek help for his depression: "I realized that I can't fix my brain with my brain." Click here for the transcript Other Helpful Links: Learn more about Steve Mesler and 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!

Explore the intriguing concept of metacognition and how simply thinking about thinking can rewire your brain. Discover the 'patchbay' idea that guides your thoughts towards positive change. Delve into the mechanics of neuroplasticity and how microtubules respond to our intentions. Learn practical strategies for personal growth through 'self-brain surgery,' and uncover the ten commandments that facilitate mental transformation. This journey encourages you to take control of your mindset, promoting resilience and creativity.

Explore the art of setting the right life goals and how pursuing the wrong targets can lead to dissatisfaction. Discover the significance of aligning your aspirations with internal joy and spiritual growth. Dive into the psychology behind fulfillment, particularly for those who achieve significant milestones. Uncover how transforming your mindset can enhance your well-being and highlight the intriguing relationship between science and faith in joy. Join a journey towards self-reliance and a more meaningful approach to happiness.

What if not every thought you have is true? In this powerful episode, Dr. Lee Warren takes you into the mental operating room to practice the Thought Biopsy, a self-brain surgery procedure that helps you examine automatic thoughts before you let them dictate your emotions, choices, and behaviors. With neuroscience, scripture, and a surgeon’s clarity, Dr. Warren guides you through a practical, life-saving mindset shift: you are not your brain, and you don’t have to believe everything you think. Learn how to take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), use metacognition to stop self-malpractice, and begin rewiring your brain—on purpose—for resilience, peace, and hope. Highlights from this episode: The startling number of automatic thoughts you have each day—and why most of them are negative and untrue Why trusting every thought is like a surgeon operating without a biopsy The gift of metacognition and the “subject-object shift” The neuroscience of automatic thoughts, hippocampal growth, and parasympathetic regulation through prayer and meditation PLUS- A three-question litmus test for your thoughts Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take every thought captive Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind Philippians 4 – Think on what is true, noble, and excellent Acts 17:26-27 – You are here for a reason, appointed by God 📄 Free Thought Biopsy Worksheet → Subscribe at drleewarren.substack.com and we’ll send it to you 💌 Already subscribed but didn’t get it? Email us at contact@drleewarren.com🎧 Upcoming episode coming this Friday: “Shooting at the Right Target” — learn to shift your locus of control and aim your life in the right direction If you're ready to stop letting your thoughts control your life, start with the Thought Biopsy. It’s simple, practical, and powerful. Share this episode with someone who needs to know: 🧠 You don’t have to believe everything you think. And remember… You can’t change your life until you change your mind. The good news is—you can start today. More Resources and Links: 🔔 Subscribe to the Self-Brain Surgery Podcast wherever you listen 🧠 Weekly insights: drleewarren.substack.com 📱 Instagram: @drleewarren 📖 Resources, courses, and more: wleewarrenmd.com #SelfBrainSurgery #ThoughtBiopsy #Neuroscience #MentalHealth #FaithAndScience #MindOverBrain #DrLeeWarren

Delve into the fascinating connection between emotional and physical pain, as both are processed similarly in the brain. Uncover the concept of 'scrubbing in' for better self-reflection and healing. Explore the neuroscience behind grief and loneliness, highlighting how valid emotional wounds can manifest as physical suffering. Discover practical strategies like journaling and community support to cope with trauma, while fostering resilience and personal growth. Embrace the journey of transforming heartaches into meaningful legacies.