

The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast
Dr. Lee Warren
What if the secret to healing, hope, and higher performance isn't only about understanding our trauma or coping with our diagnoses, but is also about retraining our brains? Neurosurgeon and award-winning author Dr. Lee Warren integrates neuroscience and faith to help you find the life you were designed to live. This is where you get the training, tactics, and truth you need to change your mind and your life, and it's called self-brain surgery.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 19, 2025 • 40min
Jon Seidl: Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, Part 1 (S12E44)
In this episode of The Self Brain Surgery Podcast, Dr. Lee Warren interviews Jon Seidl, author of the upcoming book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, (click the link to pre-order). Jon shares his deeply personal journey from battling alcoholism despite being a Christian to finding solace and redemption through faith.
They discuss the importance of trauma therapy, radical vulnerability, and reordering one’s life around Christ. Their conversation emphasizes the transformative power of abiding in Christ and finding one's true identity.
Jon’s story and practical steps offer hope and guidance for anyone struggling with addiction, grief, or any form of suffering.
Click here for the transcript
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement
02:03 Technical Difficulties and Prayer
02:53 Jon Seidl's Journey and First Book
04:56 Challenges and Realizations
08:43 Hitting Rock Bottom
14:22 Path to Recovery and New Book
19:28 The Importance of Repentance and Grace
20:33 The Struggle with Sin and Finding Jesus
22:32 The Role of Identity in Recovery
24:11 The Dangers of Idolatry in Recovery
26:48 Finding Abundance Through Christ
31:28 The Power of Abiding in Christ
34:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources and Links
Jon's first book, Finding Rest: A Survivor's Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life
Jon Seidl's website
Click here to subscribe to Jon's powerful, daily writing on Substack
Follow Jon on Instagram
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

May 16, 2025 • 43min
Five Mere Christians with Jordan Raynor (S12E43)
In this episode of the Self-Brain Surgery Podcast, Dr. Lee Warren discusses the meaning and purpose of our work with special guest, Jordan Raynor.
Jordan, a serial entrepreneur and bestselling author, shares insights from his new book, Five Mere Christians, which profiles five ordinary individuals whose seemingly secular work transformed the world.
The episode includes powerful stories of Fred Rogers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ole Kirk Christiansen, Hannah More, and C.S. Lewis, exploring themes of perseverance, faith, and the sacredness of everyday work.
Jordan and Dr. Warren also discuss how personal trials and societal challenges can be overcome through faith and how everyone’s work can have a profound impact. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing the spiritual significance of all vocations and prompts listeners to reflect on their own work's potential to serve God's kingdom.
Click here for the transcript
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:14 Meet Jordan Raynor
03:35 The Sacredness of Secular Work
03:49 Jordan's Journey and Insights
07:02 Introduction to 'Five Mere Christians'
10:19 Fannie Lou Hamer's Story
13:44 Ole Kirk Christiansen's Story
16:08 Hannah More's Story
19:23 The Hidden Growth of Faith
19:34 Unveiling the Real C.S. Lewis
20:43 The Power of Mere Christians
23:00 Personal Stories of Calling and Faith
25:23 Fred Rogers' Unique Ministry
28:30 Finding Holy Ground in Our Work
31:06 Encouragement for the Hurting
35:23 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Resources and Links
Jordan's website
(I highly recommend Jordan's newsletter, The Word Before Work, which is read by over 100,000 people weekly! You can sign up for free on his website.)
Get a free chapter of Five Mere Christians by clicking here
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Email questions or comments to contact@drleewarren.com (just copy that address and use it in your mail program to reach us)

May 12, 2025 • 55min
Dr. Stephen Meyer: Following Science Back to Faith (S12E42)
In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery Podcast, I have an inspiring conversation with Dr. Stephen Meyer, a world-renowned scientist and one of the founders of Intelligent Design.
We explore life's big questions regarding purpose and meaning, critiquing the materialistic view that life is merely a product of random processes. Dr. Meyer, with his extensive background in both geophysics and the philosophy of science, shares insights from his work, particularly his books Signature in the Cell, Darwin's Doubt, and The Return of the God Hypothesis.
We discuss how intelligent design offers a compelling explanation for the information-rich structures of life, countering traditional Darwinian evolution and the prevailing conflicts between science and faith. This episode aims to bridge the gap between science and theology, providing listeners with a hopeful perspective that integrates both fields.
Click here for the transcript.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
00:43 The Philosophy of Materialism and Its Limitations
03:08 Introducing Dr. Stephen Meyer
07:05 Stephen Meyer's Journey and Work
10:05 The Origin of Life and Intelligent Design
16:29 Challenges to Darwinian Evolution
35:26 The Cambrian Explosion and Fossil Record
43:54 The Intersection of Science and Faith
50:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Resources and Links
Dr. Meyer's website
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.

May 9, 2025 • 33min
Dr. Gena Nikitin: Precision Medicine and What Science is For (S12E41)
In this special science spotlight episode of the Self Brain Surgery podcast, renowned neurosurgeon and author Dr. Lee Warren is joined by Dr. Gena Nikitin, a Russian-born biochemist living in Norway.
Dr. Nikitin discusses his company Miphic and its focus on precision medicine, which aims to tailor medical treatments based on an individual's unique biochemical profile. The conversation delves into the importance of mitochondria, the cellular batteries that drive energy production, and how understanding their function can revolutionize treatments for diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Dr. Nikitin also shares his philosophical views on science and faith, emphasizing that science is a tool for becoming less wrong over time rather than discovering absolute truth. This episode highlights the potential for significant advancements in personalized medicine and the moral drive behind scientific discovery.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:51 Meet Dr. Gena Nikitin: A Journey from Russia to Norway
02:34 Precision Medicine and Mitochondria
03:04 Gena's Scientific Journey and Passion for Biochemistry
07:46 The Role of Mitochondria in Health and Disease
09:50 Innovations in Mitochondrial Testing
14:03 The Future of Precision Medicine
16:21 Science, Faith, and Personal Resilience
26:17 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations
Resources and Links
Click here for the transcript
Learn more about Miphic here
Follow Dr. Nikitin on LinkedIn
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

14 snips
May 5, 2025 • 45min
Jo Hargreaves, The Faith Filled Therapist (S12E40)
Jo Hargreaves, known as the Faith-Filled Therapist, combines neuroscience and Christian faith to help individuals struggling with mental health. She discusses how scriptural truths can address issues like anxiety and trauma, explaining the role of the vagus nerve in emotional regulation. Jo shares her personal journey from New Age beliefs to integrating faith with therapy, emphasizing the power of meditation and scripture. Her insights provide practical strategies for achieving holistic well-being, highlighting the beautiful intersection of science and spirituality.

May 2, 2025 • 43min
Miracle May with Mark Batterson: Frontal Lobe Friday (S12E39)
In this engaging discussion, Mark Batterson, a New York Times bestselling author known for his works on faith and miracles, dives into the theme of Miracle May. He shares inspiring insights from his new book, highlighting the everyday miracles surrounding us, from quantum physics to the marvel of human life. Batterson emphasizes the importance of gratitude and recognizing divine work amid challenges. Dr. Lee Warren adds a scientific perspective, explaining how our mindset can transform realities, blending the worlds of faith and science beautifully.

5 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 40min
I Shouldn't Feel This Way, with Dr. Alison Cook (S12E38)
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Alison Cook, a therapist specializing in faith and psychology, shares her insights on emotional healing and self-compassion. She challenges the notion of self-blame with her three-step process of naming, framing, and braving emotions. Dr. Cook discusses the dangers of suppressing genuine feelings and the importance of navigating toxic relationships. Emphasizing 'thought biopsies' and the significance of embracing all emotions, she advocates for spiritual reflection and the healing journey.

Apr 25, 2025 • 37min
Metacognition, Selective Attention, and Manual Mode: Frontal Lobe Friday (S12E37)
In this episode, we explore the powerful concepts of selective attention, metacognition, and manual mode as tools for self brain surgery. We explain how these gifts can help us overcome life's challenges, reshape our thinking, and transform our lives. You'll learn about the significance of understanding and controlling your thoughts, and see biblical principles and modern neuroscience connecting to show how we can shift from automated responses to conscious decision-making, leading to better mental health and overall well-being.
Click here for the transcript
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:51 Understanding Self Brain Surgery
03:36 The Power of Selective Attention
12:39 Metacognition: Thinking About Thinking
14:16 Manual Mode: Taking Control of Your Mind
18:54 Biblical Insights and Practical Applications
23:43 Conclusion and Call to Action
Links and Resources
Jo Haegreaves on Instagram
Self-Brain Surgery on Substack, a top-15 Science publication!

Apr 21, 2025 • 52min
Seeing the Supernatural: Lee Strobel (S12E36)
In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery podcast, we have a powerful conversation with New York Times bestselling author Lee Strobel. Lee is a former atheist turned Christian and New York Times bestselling author, to discuss his latest book, Seeing the Supernatural. The conversation delves into the existence of a realm beyond the physical world, investigating topics such as angels, demons, mystical dreams, and near-death experiences. Strobel, renowned for his investigative approach, shares compelling evidence and personal stories that challenge both skeptics and believers to reconsider the supernatural. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:10 Introducing Lee Strobel and His New Book01:05 Exploring the Supernatural: Angels, Demons, and Mystical Dreams01:44 The Intersection of Science and Faith02:36 Lee Strobel's Investigative Approach02:53 Personal Reflections and Recommendations03:07 The Importance of Understanding the Supernatural03:36 Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage04:58 Interview with Lee Strobel Begins06:09 The Evidence for a Supernatural Realm06:52 Dreams, Visions, and Near-Death Experiences11:00 The Role of Science and Philosophy19:25 Healing Miracles and Medical Evidence23:00 Personal Testimonies and Miraculous Healings26:17 Pre-Death Visions: Real or Hallucination?27:17 Personal Stories of Pre-Death Visions28:52 Biblical References to Angels and Visions33:19 Demonic Encounters and Possessions36:35 Angelic Interventions and Personal Encounters41:51 Skepticism About Ghosts and Psychics44:07 The Resurrection of Jesus: Evidence and Impact46:48 Conclusion and Book GiveawayClick here for the transcriptClick here to watch the video version from DescriptOther Resources
Lee Strobel's Website
Lee Strobel on The Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast
My website, drleewarren.com (links to my books and more!)
Self-Brain Surgery on Substack, a top-35 Science publication!

Apr 18, 2025 • 44min
Jewel of Heaven, with Angie Howell (S12E35)
In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery Podcast, we have an incredible conversation with author Angie Howell, a pediatric nurse and mother of eight with a remarkable story of faith and resilience. Angie shares her emotional journey through an unexpected pregnancy during a tumultuous time in her life, her struggles with faith, and her daughter Jade's miraculous healing from a severe brain condition. Angie also discusses her new book, Jewel of Heaven, which chronicles her experiences and the transformative power of prayer and faith. We explore the challenges of chronic illness, the importance of support systems, and the incredible moments that define their journey. Angie’s story serves as an inspiration for those facing their own struggles, emphasizing that miracles can happen when you least expect them.Click here for the transcriptChapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:10 Meet Angie Howell: A Story of Struggle and Miracles00:14 The Unexpected Pregnancy00:30 Challenges and Miraculous Healing00:46 Angie's New Book: Jewel of Heaven01:11 Faith and Perseverance02:12 Instructions for Book Giveaway03:45 Angie's Interview Begins04:25 Angie's Journey: From Pregnancy to Realization07:00 Jade's Medical Struggles09:11 The Diagnosis and Its Impact10:21 Family Dynamics and Faith Challenges12:37 The MRI and the Devastating News19:41 Cousin Rich and the Power of Persistence22:33 Jade's Struggles and Rich's Call23:37 The Eternal Brothers Ministry25:38 A Miraculous Change26:26 The Meaning Behind Jade's Name28:03 The MRI Results33:10 Jade's Progress and Current Life35:24 Jade's Story of Meeting Jesus38:35 Final Thoughts and Book PromotionResources and Links
Angie's website (coaching, her book, 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!)


