Mattie Jackson Smith's World Was Shattered
(Bringing you this bonus episode in preparation for a brand new conversation with Mattie that will drop Friday on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast)

Just shy of her one-year anniversary with her husband Ben, a seemingly small accident left her widowed and wondering where God was. Her story is full of grief, pain, and loss, but lands on hope and a future full of God's kept promises. 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)
Mattie's book is available everywhere books are sold. 

• (00:06) - Introduction to Maddie Jackson-Smith

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren dives deep into the neurobiology of suffering, building on last week's theological exploration of the same topic. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the spiritual and scientific perspectives on suffering to effectively manage it. The discussion covers the physiological processes involved in pain perception and chronic pain syndromes, highlighting the roles of neuroplasticity and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr. Warren shares insights from medical research and personal experiences, offering practical steps to help individuals reframe and revalue their pain for better mental health. He also underscores the significance of integrating faith and science to navigate through life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap

01:33 The Neurobiology of Suffering

10:54 Understanding Pain Processing

17:11 Chronic Pain and Neuroplasticity

25:54 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hope

35:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources and Links:
📖 My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠I've Seen the End of You

🎙️ ⁠Subscribe to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast⁠ for weekly strategies to change your brain and life.

📖 Grab my book ⁠Hope Is the First Dose⁠.

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

If God is Good, Why is There Suffering?

A hard look at the biggest question: why is life so hard if God loves us?

Here's a look at the answer, and what to do about it!

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Proverbs 2:10

Book Mentioned: Is God Real? by Lee Strobel
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
01:00 Purpose and Vision of the Podcast
01:41 Exploring the Topic of Suffering
01:43 Revisiting Early Episodes
02:08 The Neurobiology of Suffering
02:28 Season Two and Subscriber Information
03:35 Deep Dive into Suffering
03:57 Personal Reflections on Suffering
04:43 Theodicy and Philosophical Questions
05:31 Listener Questions and Chronic Suffering
06:30 Personal Story and Theodicy
12:22 Philosophical Insights on Suffering
18:20 The Bear Analogy
20:32 Understanding Suffering Through Analogy
21:51 God's Perspective on Suffering
22:22 The Role of Free Will in Suffering
23:11 The Origin of Human Suffering
23:56 The Bigger Picture of Good and Evil
24:21 Critiquing God and the Long Narrative
25:53 God's Plan for Redemption
27:00 Personal Growth Through Suffering
29:23 The Purpose of Suffering
34:43 The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue
38:19 The Ongoing Battle Against Evil
39:31 Finding Strength in Faith

Resources and Links:
📖 My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠I've Seen the End of You

🎙️ ⁠Subscribe to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast⁠ for weekly strategies to change your brain and life.

📖 Grab my book ⁠Hope Is the First Dose⁠.

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

In this Tuesdays with Tata episode, Tata and I ponder the profound insights of John 1 from the Bible. 

We discuss the significance of Jesus as the Word, and how getting to know him brings light into even the hardest parts of our lives. Tata shares some stories from his decades of walking alongside people in their most difficult moments, and he invites us to consider the challenges of faith in hardship and to develop an eternal perspective on life. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good, especially for those searching for light in dark times.

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!

• (00:09) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

In this episode, I give you five lessons I learned from my conversation with Rick Burgess, New York Times bestselling author and celebrated radio host (Rick and Bubba, The Rick Burgess Show). Rick has a new book about his dad Bill, called ⁠Men Don't Run in the Rain⁠. This episode is a prequel to the full interview, which will be released on 5/30//2025 on The Self-Brain Surgery Podcast.
 

Resources and Links

Rick's new book, ⁠Men Don't Run in the Rain⁠⁠

Rick's website for ⁠The Rick Burgess Show⁠

⁠The Man Church Conference⁠

⁠Sherri Burgess' beautiful book about losing their son Bronner⁠

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!)

• (00:07) - Welcome to Spiritual Brain Surgery

Why We Need Spiritual Brain Surgery

Today, I'm sharing thoughts inspired by a fallen tree, a blocked road, and the search for a new path forward after unexpected calamity.

I want you to understand the importance of connecting faith with neuroscientific principles, and why we need two different podcasts to make space for this incredible community of budding self-brain surgeons. We discuss how personal setbacks and societal challenges often lead to a mindset that nothing can help, and why I argue for a shift in approach to realize that something - and eventually, perhaps God - can help. This is how we bridge the gap between science and faith, and I want you to explore both avenues for a deeper understanding and betterment of life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

00:44 Why Start Another Podcast?

03:07 The Concept of Approaches in Neurosurgery

04:44 Changing Your Approach to Life

06:49 The Role of Science and Faith

10:54 Guest Hosts and Future Plans

11:31 The Importance of Spirituality

14:13 Overcoming Obstacles: A Personal Story

22:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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 life.
📖 Grab my book Hope Is the First Dose.
✉️ Get my weekly Self-Brain Surgery letter! (FREE Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

Embracing Suffering: Finding Strength and Hope in Hardship

In this new Tuesdays with Tata episode, we dive into the heavy topic of suffering, particularly through personal tragedies, and explore how these experiences cultivate endurance, character, and hope.

Tata stresses the importance of relying on God through trials and how suffering can strengthen one's faith. Real-life anecdotes, biblical verses, and practical advice on handling adversity underline the discussion's spiritual depth. The episode underscores trusting God in the midst of hardship, the transformative power of suffering, and how to cultivate resilience through faith.

Scriptures mentioned: Romans 5:3-5, I Peter 1:5-7. James 1:2-4

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to the Riverbank

00:15 Meet Our Feathered Neighbors

00:55 Springtime Allergies and Weather Woes

01:50 A Heartfelt Discussion on Suffering

03:55 Biblical Insights on Endurance

06:16 Refining Through Trials

09:38 Personal Reflections on Loss

13:54 Finding Faith Amidst Suffering

16:30 Reflecting on Self-Perception and Suffering

17:06 Lessons from Surgical Training

18:55 Experience-Dependent Neuroplasticity

20:42 Facing Major Life Challenges

21:20 The Importance of Trusting God

22:35 Practical Advice for Suffering

29:05 Invitation to Trust in Jesus

31:43 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

GUEST HOST EPISODE: Meade Shirley and Christy Osborne

This is part 2 of a powerful look at how the ten commandments of Self-Brain Surgery™ can help you break free from anything that's keeping you stuck in your life.

Join my friends, the two powerhouses behind the amazing But Jesus Drank Wine Podcast, Christy Osborne and Meade Holland Shirley, as they break down the neuroscience and faith connections behind real freedom.

If you missed part one, click here to listen!

Resources and Links

• Christy and Meade's amazing podcast, But Jesus Drank Wine (here's my appearance on their show, possibly my favorite guest appearance ever!)
• Meade's website (coaching, her powerful blog, and more)
• Christy's powerful book, Love Life Sober
• Christy's website (links to coaching, her wonderful Subtack writing, 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!)
• Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.

• (00:05) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast

Doubting Thomas and the Power of Belief

In this special Easter Sunday episode, Tata and I delve into the story of Doubting Thomas, recorded against the backdrop of a beautiful sunrise by the riverbank. We explore the resurrection of Jesus, the significance of belief in the absence of physical evidence, and the importance of faith in times of doubt. The conversation highlights key biblical moments, including Thomas's journey from doubt to belief, and provides encouragement for those navigating their own spiritual questions. 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Easter Sunday Setup

00:47 Discussing the Story of Doubting Thomas

01:33 The Empty Tomb and Jesus' Appearances

03:48 Thomas' Encounter with the Risen Jesus

07:07 Faith and Belief Without Seeing

10:47 Resisting Doubt and Temptation

13:36 Scriptural Accuracy and Final Thoughts

14:03 The Noble Bereans and the Importance of Scripture

15:05 Easter Sunday Reflections and the Resurrection

15:58 Belief and the Consequences of Faith

18:58 The Eternal Perspective and Life's Big Questions

26:16 Resources for Strengthening Faith

27:45 Concluding Thoughts on Faith and Doubt

Resources and Links

• Lee Strobel's book Seeing the Supernatural
• Ann Voskamp's Loved to Life
• 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!
• Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.

• (00:06) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

GUEST HOST EPISODE: Meade Shirley and Christy Osborne

This is part 1 of a powerful look at how the ten commandments of self-brain surgery™ can help you break free from anything that's keeping you stuck in your life.

Join my friends, the two powerhouses behind the amazing But Jesus Drank Wine Podcast, Christy Osborne and Meade Holland Shirley, as they break down the neuroscience and faith connections behind real freedom.

Resources and Links

• Christy and Meade's amazing podcast, But Jesus Drank Wine (here's my appearance on their show, possibly my favorite guest appearance ever!)
• Meade's website (coaching, her powerful blog, and more)
• Christy's powerful book, Love Life Sober
• Christy's website (links to coaching, her wonderful Substack writing, and more)
• The BJDW Community:
  http://butjesusdrankwine.com/community
• The Missing Peace Coaching:
  http://butjesusdrankwine.com/coaching
• 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!)
• Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.

• (00:10) - Welcome to Spiritual Brain Surgery