(Make sure to listen to the first two parts in this series if you missed them!)

In neurosurgery, we change our approach to a case if the plan we had isn't producing the outcome we want. Good surgeons look objectively at their outcomes, and we're willing to change our approach to do the best thing for our patient.

In self-brain surgery, you are both the patient AND the surgeon, so being unwilling to change approaches is a form of self-malpractice. And that violates our first commandment: "I must relentlessly refuse to participate in my own demise."

Life inevitably brings trauma and hardships that create mental blocks. I've been studying these challenges for years, and I've discovered that understanding how to actively engage with our minds can significantly alter our life trajectories.

A principal takeaway is that negative experiences do not define us- our responses to those experiences do. The concept of self-brain surgery revolves around this transformative idea of harnessing our thoughts to influence real changes in our lives, promoting resilience, hope, and deeper connections with ourselves and others.

Today, we learn another approach for dealing with whatever life throws at us. How you approach these things makes all the difference in whether you thrive or crumble when things get hard.

⁠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!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing a new, recurring series of episodes, The Brain Surgeon and The Therapist," where I connect with therapist Gina Birkemeier to explore the intersection of mental health, wellness, and resilience.

We discuss the concept of self-brain surgery to help listeners rethink their mental processes for a healthier life. Key themes include resilience, purpose, and navigating challenges such as chronic illness and trauma, as well as the complexities of grief in light of recent events.

We address listener questions and offer practical strategies for healing, emphasizing the emotional-physical pain connection. This conversation sets the stage for future episodes where we will dive deeper into personal growth and healing.

Click here for the transcript (note: computer-generated transcripts are not perfect. They consistently misspell names, for example!)

Resources and Links

Gina's website Gina's book, Generations Deep Generations Deep Journal

Gina's first appearance on the podcast

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!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life inevitably brings trauma and hardships that create mental blocks. I've been studying these challenges for years, and I've discovered that understanding how to actively engage with our minds can significantly alter our life trajectories.

A principal takeaway is that negative experiences do not define us, our responses to those experiences do. The concept of self-brain surgery revolves around this transformative idea of harnessing our thoughts to influence real changes in our lives, promoting resilience, hope, and deeper connections with ourselves and others.

Today, we learn two approaches for dealing with whatever life throws at us. How you approach these things makes all the difference in whether you thrive or crumble when things get hard.

⁠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!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me for a conversation with world-renowned psychiatrist and neuroscience pioneer, Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz.

We discuss the mind-brain relationship, the stunning amount of control that people have over their thoughts, particularly in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Schwartz challenges materialistic neuroscience views with his book You Are Not Your Brain, advocating for mindfulness and metacognition as tools for personal agency.

He introduces the "Four Steps" method to help control intrusive thoughts. We also talk about handling grief and hardship, with Dr. Schwartz highlighting the importance of healthy mourning, taking a holistic approach to mental health that combines scientific insights with spiritual wisdom, and encouraging transformation through self-awareness.

Chapters

Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery

The Power of Mindfulness

Jeffrey Schwartz's Journey

The Intersection of Mind and Brain

Mindfulness and Its Misinterpretations

The Role of the Wise Advocate

Understanding Grief and Mourning

Practical Applications for Everyday Life

The Four Steps Explained

Embracing the Soul and Mind Connection

Conclusion and Call to Action

Click here for the transcript

Want more tools for rewiring your brain and renewing your mind?

Dr. Schwartz's book, Brain Lock

Dr. Schwartz's book, The Mind and the Brain

Dr. Schwartz's book, You Are Not Your Brain

🎙️ 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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, we cover what to do when massive things happen to someone else. Inspired by a friend's question about how to help someone she loves who lost a child in the devastating South Texas floods, this one will give you some practical tools to help you know:

Click here for the transcript

Chapters

The Call to Compassion

Navigating Grief and Loss

Understanding Theodicy

Preparing to Offer Support

The Power of Presence

Practical Ways to Help

Supporting Through Silence

Remembering the Lost

Being an Anchor of Hope

Resources

Max Lucado's You'll Get Through This

Philip Yancey's The Question That Never Goes Away

Timothy Keller's Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering

🎙️ 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices