A special announcement regarding the future of Spiritual Brain Surgery, and a short encouragement for you.
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.
You’ve been told that body image is about self-esteem. Or confidence. Or that it’s just a “vanity issue” you need to pray your way out of. But what if the issue isn’t your reflection, but it’s your wiring?
In this final episode of the Spiritual Brain Surgery takeover series, guest host Leanne Ellington dismantles one of the biggest lies women have been taught: that if we just loved ourselves more, the body shame would go away.
Through brain science, lived experience, and Spirit-led truth, Leanne reveals how body image isn’t a surface-level issue—it’s a deeply embedded neurological pattern. She shares the story of her own unraveling (even after losing 100 pounds), how the Anterior Cingulate Cortex shapes your self-image, and why your mirror might be reflecting trauma instead of truth.
You’ll walk away with a 3-step framework to start rewriting your self-image—God’s way:
This isn’t about body positivity. It’s about identity alignment.
Because when the mirror reflects how God sees you, you don’t have to fight to love yourself. You simply receive it.
Resources and Links
Ozempic might be quieting the food noise for some women, but what happens when the medication wears off, the weight comes back, or the brain circuits underneath remain untouched?
In Part 2 of the Spiritual Brain Surgery takeover series, guest host Leanne Ellington dives into what she calls the brain-based "Ozempic Effect", a natural, sustainable way to quiet the food noise by working WITH your brain’s built-in circuitry for peace, safety, and self-control.
This episode isn’t here to judge the medication—or debate whether you should or shouldn’t take it. We’re not here to talk about the prescription- we’re here to talk about the pattern.
Because no matter how the food noise gets quieted, if you don’t rewire what’s underneath, it’s just a temporary fix.
Inside, Leanne breaks down:
This episode blends cutting-edge brain science with Spirit-led truth, and gives you a roadmap to heal your brain, reclaim your peace, and end the war with food once and for all.
Because when your brain is rewired for truth, the noise finally goes quiet.
Resources and Links
You think your struggle with food is about willpower. Or that your body image issues are just about confidence. But what if the real cost isn’t on the scale, but it’s actually in your spirit?
In this powerful opening to the Spiritual Brain Surgery takeover series, guest host Leanne Ellington pulls back the curtain on what food and body obsession is really stealing from you. From missed moments with your kids to constant inner criticism and spiritual disconnection, she exposes how fixation around food and your body hijacks your peace, your presence, and your identity.
But this isn’t just about the pain. It’s about the pathway to healing. Leanne reveals how your brain was designed by God to heal, and introduces the science behind how that healing actually happens—through identity rewiring, spiritual renewal, and working WITH your brain instead of against it.
This episode will help you:
Because God doesn’t just want your body free. He wants you free.
Resources and Links
In this episode of Tuesdays with Tata on Spiritual Brain Surgery, we take a look at Jesus's role as our high priest.
Tata goes through the book of Hebrews and shows us that in Jesus, we have a priest who knows what we're going through, and thus understands us. Whatever you're facing, this episode will give you confidence that you have a friend you can trust to help you deal with it.
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.
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.
This episode of The Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast is guest-hosted by my good friend Caroline Beidler, a writer, and long-term recovery advocate.
Caroline shares her personal journey with addiction and trauma, emphasizing the complex and multifaceted nature of addiction. She discusses how understanding the biological impacts of substance use and the concept of neuroplasticity can foster recovery and healing. Caroline critiques outdated campaigns like 'This is Your Brain on Drugs,' advocating for a hopeful approach to addiction that combines faith, community, and grace. The discussion includes insights into how recovery can restore cognitive function and emotional stability, providing a message of hope for individuals and their loved ones struggling with addiction.
This one will help you if you're struggling with these issues, or if you love someone who is in recovery, dealing with addiction, or suffering from trauma or tragedy.
Chapters
0:10 Introduction to Recovery and Hope
2:38 Caroline Takes the Helm
4:14 Understanding Addiction and Its Impact
7:39 The Truth About Addiction
10:34 The Science of Recovery
17:02 Neuroplasticity and Change
21:43 Healing Through Recovery
22:57 Embracing the Promise of Recovery
24:03 Conclusion and Resources
Links and resources
Caroline's website
Caroline's most recent book, You Are Not Your Trauma
Caroline's book, Downstairs Church
Circle of Chairs, Caroline's powerful Substack community
In this episode of Tuesdays with Tata on Spiritual Brain Surgery, Dr. Lee Warren and Tata delve into the significance of the Lord's Prayer as a model for personal prayer. They explore the impact of each part of the prayer, emphasizing the importance of connecting with God relationally, seeking His will, and relying on His provisions.
They also discuss handling temptation, spiritual warfare, and the necessity to forgive others. The conversation highlights the global community's need for prayer and support, and culminates with Tata leading a heartfelt prayer.
Chapters
Introduction and Technological Feats
A Funny Running Incident
Community and Prayer Requests
The Lord's Prayer and Its Significance
Understanding God's Will and Suffering
Understanding the Lord's Prayer
Daily Dependence on God
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Spiritual Warfare and Temptation
The Power and Glory of God
The Importance of Prayer
Closing Prayer and Reflections
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.
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.
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'a 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.
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!
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
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!)
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!)
Are our thought problems the result of spiritual attack, or mental health issues? Are they just bad habits, or are they bad biochemistry? In short, are the things that trouble us Devil, or Diagnosis?
Dr. Lee Warren revisits a 2023 episode to address recent inquiries about mental health struggles, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and whether they stem from mental issues, spiritual components, or both.
The episode explores Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz's work on neuroplasticity, the mind-brain distinction, and practical self-brain surgery techniques to manage negative thinking. Dr. Warren emphasizes the importance of challenging automatic negative thoughts, relabeling, reframing, refocusing, and revaluing them to change one's mental state. He discusses the integration of neuroscience and faith in resolving these challenges and encourages listeners to seek professional help if needed.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
00:49 Revisiting 'Devil or Diagnosis'
01:04 Jeffrey Schwartz's Contributions
01:24 The Mind-Brain Connection
01:28 Promoting Dr. Schwartz's Book
01:57 Upcoming Podcast Guests and Content
02:51 Encouragement to Subscribe and Engage
04:01 Introduction to the Main Topic
04:49 Understanding Disordered Thinking
05:35 The Role of Spiritual Warfare
06:44 Devil vs. Diagnosis
07:20 The Power of Self Brain Surgery
11:13 Jeffrey Schwartz's Four Steps
13:23 Changing Your Perspective
23:58 The Enemy's Influence and God's Promise
27:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Scripture: Isaiah 14:14-17, Isaiah 61:2-3, Hosea 2:15, Job 3:25
Book Mentioned: You Are Not Your Brain: The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life by Jeffrey Schwartz and Rebecca Gladding (This link is for pre-order of the upcoming audiobook release)
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!
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
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
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
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
A replay of Tuesdays with Tata #2, to finish off the discussion we had last week on the essential question for new listeners: "Who is Tata?"
Dennis McDonald, otherwise known as "Tata" to grandkids, friends, and people all over the world, is the namesake of our regular Spiritual Brain Surgery feature, Tuesdays with Tata. He's also my father-in-law, and sidekick for over 20 years, and I'm so grateful for the time and wisdom he shares with us here!
Enjoy!
What does the book of Psalms have to do with modern life?
Join me for an inspiring and vulnerable conversation with Tata about turning to an ancient prayer book during life's hardest moments. You don't want to miss this one!
Resources and Links