

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

Jul 31, 2024 • 34min
Harvesting Joy by Getting Better
It's Almost All-In August!Today, a look at the devastating truth in this statement: “What you’re doing, you’re getting better at.”Scriptures: Psalm 37, Psalm 46, Psalm 126Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Books: All In, by Mark Batterson, Fully Alive by Susie LarsonTheme verse: Psalm 37:4Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:
Pray for us!
Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)
Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!
You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.
Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):
Improve your gut health, support your immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:14) - Preparation for Going Pro
(04:00) - All In August 2024 Launch
(04:40) - The Concept of Fretting
(09:21) - Do Not Worry
(14:21) - Fretting Leads to Evil
(17:21) - Sowing Seeds with Tears
(21:33) - Moving from Sorrow to Harvesting
(24:49) - The Call to Be Still
(29:36) - Changing Your Mind, Changing Your Life

Jul 29, 2024 • 44min
All In: The Secret to the Life You've Always Imagined (Mind Change Monday)
Mark Batterson, a New York Times bestselling author, shares powerful insights on embracing an all-in life. He discusses how faith and neuroscience collide to catalyze personal growth, urging listeners to reflect on their journeys of commitment. Mark highlights the significance of overcoming adversity and the role of prayer in shaping a meaningful life. With anecdotes that inspire transformative action, he encourages a shift in mindset, emphasizing the power of decisive commitment over mere planning.

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 6min
2024 Podcast Award Semifinal #1: Pete Greig vs. Mattie Jackson-Smith
Help Me Pick the Best Podcast Conversation of 2024!The winner of the second quarter was Pete Greig!The first quarter winner was Mattie Jackson-Smith!Here are their two episodes back-to back. Take a listen, and you can choose the finalist from the first half of the year. Whichever episode gets the most downloads in the next week will move on to the finals. At the end of the year, we'll let the two semi-finalist winners battle to become the inaugural Dr. Lee Warren Podcast Award winner! Let's listen to these amazing conversations and then honor our guests for sharing their stories and their wisdom with us.(Remember: when we replay old episodes, the free books have already been given away)Pete Greig has been teaching us to pray for decades.What do you do when God seems far away? How do we learn to hear God? How do we pray when life hurts?These are BIG questions! And Pete's here to help us answer them.Pete's official bio and links:Pete Greig is the Senior Pastor of Emmaus Rd church, and the bewildered founder of 24-7 Prayer, an international, inter-denominational movement of prayer, mission and justice operating in more than 100 countries.Pete’s books, which are available in various languages and formats, have won the following awards: + ‘Dirty Glory’ - UK Christian Book of the year+ ‘How to Pray’ - short-listed for the ECPA Christian Book of the Year® Award, 2021+ ‘How to Hear God’ - Best Christian Life Book, 2022, Winner, Resources of the Year, 2023 in the Spiritual Growth category.+ ‘God on Mute’ has been described as ‘a Christian classic’ by the Archbishop of Canterbury.Pete’s free, online resources include The Prayer Course - downloaded more than three million times, The Lectio Course, and Lectio365 - a daily devotional with more than 225,000 regular users.He and his wife Sammy are members of The Order of the Mustard Seed (OMS). They split their time between a barge on the River Wey near Guildford, England, and a cliff top retreat on the Isle of Wight where they host and mentor leaders from around the world. Pete is an Ambassador for the NGO Tearfund, a visiting lecturer for St Mellitus Theological College and one of the founding conveners of the Wildfires festival. Here's is the conversation with Pete Greig. Whoever gets the most downloads in the first week becomes the finalist!(By the way, computer-generated transcripts are terrible at spelling names. There are several versions of Mattie and Pete's names in the transcript for this episode, but the correct spellings are Mattie Jackson-Smith and Pete Greig. AI is NOT going to take over the world, at least until it learns to spell!)Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram to keep up with the tournament as the year progresses!Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:
Pray for us!
Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)
Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!
You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.
Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):
Improve your gut health, support your immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:52) - Choosing the Winner
(01:17) - Interview with Pete Gregg
(06:57) - Self-Brain Surgery School
(07:45) - Emergency Surgery Banter
(08:21) - Excitement for Pete Gregg's Interview
(14:57) - Pete Gregg's Life and Ministry
(28:54) - Unpacking the PRAY Model
(30:55) - Finding Peace in Worship
(38:38) - Engaging with Scripture and Emotion
(51:49) - Training Your Brain for Gratitude
(57:57) - Grieving with Hope
(59:45) - Waiting in the Unknowing
(01:00:00) - Finding Hope in the Midst of Pain

Jul 24, 2024 • 43min
2024 Podcast Award Semifinal #1: Mattie Jackson-Smith vs. Pete Greig
Help Me Pick the Best Podcast Conversation of 2024!The winner of the second quarter was Pete Greig!The first quarter winner was Mattie Jackson-Smith!Here are their two episodes back-to back. Take a listen, and you can choose the finalist from the first half of the year. Whichever episode gets the most downloads in the next week will move on to the finals. At the end of the year, we'll let the two semi-finalist winners battle to become the inaugural Dr. Lee Warren Podcast Award winner! Let's listen to these amazing conversations and then honor our guests for sharing their stories and their wisdom with us.(Remember: when we replay old episodes, the free books have already been given away)Here's is the conversation with Mattie Jackson-Smith, and I'll give you back my talk with Pete Greig tomorrow. Whoever gets the most downloads in the first week becomes the finalist!(By the way, computer-generated transcripts are terrible at spelling names. There are several versions of Mattie and Pete's names in the transcript for this episode, but the correct spellings are Mattie Jackson-Smith and Pete Greig. AI is NOT going to take over the world, at least until it learns to spell!)Mattie Jackson Smith's World Was ShatteredJust 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.Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram to keep up with the tournament as the year progresses!Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:
Pray for us!
Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)
Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!
You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.
Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):
Improve your gut health, support your immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!
(00:02) - Introduction
(05:58) - Choosing the First Finalist
(12:44) - Quarter Three Begins
(19:04) - Unpacking the Power of Action
(23:12) - Grieving New Identities
(28:36) - Surrendering to Faith: Heads Up, Hands Off
(33:39) - The Journey Continues
(36:06) - Words of Encouragement for the Freshly Wounded

Jul 22, 2024 • 35min
Reassign Anxiety (Mind Change Monday)
Dive into tactical operations designed to abort anxiety and panic in real-time. Explore the fascinating Quantum Zeno Effect and how it relates to mental states. Learn the powerful 5-4-3-2-1 method, engaging your senses for grounding. Understand the importance of a good therapist and how sensory techniques can reclaim control over anxiety. This discussion redefines anxiety as an opportunity for self-awareness, empowering you to shift from reactive to intentional living.

Jul 21, 2024 • 43min
An Operation for Anxiety (Bonus)
Here's a self-brain surgery operation you can learn to deal with anxiety in any situation.It's Sunday, and today I'm giving you an operation to handle anxiety whenever it shows up. This is a companion to today's newsletter, which you can get for free by clicking here. In this episode, we develop a strategy to handle anxiety, learn resilience, and become better equipped to face whatever comes along in life.Books Mentioned: Rest and War by Ben Stuart, Hope Is the First Dose by me, and Never Split the Difference by Chris VossArticle on the Greek word for anxiety by Abarim PublicationsScriptures mentioned: Isaiah 30:18, Philippians 4Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:
Pray for us!
Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)
Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!
You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.
Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):
Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!
(00:01) - Frontal Lobe Friday: Talking about Anxiety
(02:07) - Self-Brain Surgery School: Transforming Minds and Finding Hope
(02:19) - Divine Timing: Email Listener Receives Encouragement in Car
(04:35) - Finding Rest and Intimacy with God in the Midst of Battle
(06:50) - Finding solace in pictures of Jesus and loved ones
(09:29) - Taking control of your thought life and setting your agenda
(11:50) - Having a plan in place for when things get tough
(14:43) - Deeply studying the Word of God for answers
(16:39) - Understanding the Command to Not be Anxious
(20:19) - The concept of being pulled in multiple directions
(23:36) - The root of anxiety: being distracted and torn apart mentally
(26:08) - Three steps to replace anxiety with intimacy with God
(29:16) - Gratitude in approaching God with worries and troubles
(32:14) - Utilizing the tool of gratitude to access God's help
(38:23) - Meeting for Growth: Learning from the Past
(40:42) - Introduction and Book Promotion

Jul 20, 2024 • 30min
Brain Filters, Self-Talk, and the Two Patient Rule (Self-Brain Surgery Saturday)
Dive into the intriguing concept of self-brain surgery and its potential for personal transformation. Discover how the Reticular Activating System can filter perceptions to enhance happiness and health. Explore the power of positive self-talk to reshape thoughts and improve overall well-being. Learn about the Two-Patient Rule, emphasizing the significance of mindset in social interactions. Get ready for Season 11, where they'll delve deeper into practical strategies to change minds and lives.

Jul 19, 2024 • 27min
Become Untouchable (Frontal Lobe Friday)
It's Frontal Lobe Friday!Today, our last look at perception and perspective, a new way to look at suffering, and learning how to separate circumstance from happiness.(Bonus episode before season 10 finale tomorrow!)Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:
Pray for us!
Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)
Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!
You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.
Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):
Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!
(00:00) - Introduction to Flashback Episode
(00:34) - Transition to Guest
(03:21) - Self-Brain Surgery School Introduction
(03:39) - Podcast Ownership Reminder
(03:50) - Shifting Perspectives with Becky's Letter
(08:41) - Understanding Untouchables
(14:34) - Pete Gregg's Insight on Suffering
(17:10) - Grounding in Psalm 103 Promises
(22:54) - Final Thoughts on Shifting Perspective
(24:36) - Closing Remarks and Resources

Jul 18, 2024 • 24min
Self-Brain Surgery is Real Surgery (Throwback Thursday)
Is Self-Brain Surgery "Real Surgery"?This episode answers that question! (Throwback Thursday for inter-season interlude)Season 11 is coming next week! The season 10 finale will be tomorrow, a final Frontal Lobe Friday to get you ready for the amazing Season 11, which starts Monday!Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:
Pray for us!
Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)
Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!
You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.
Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):
Support and boost your immune system with Armra! Use DRLEEWARREN code at checkout for a discount!
Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!
Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!
(00:02) - Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery
(01:42) - The Reality of Self-Brain Surgery
(05:22) - The Evolution of Neuroscience Beliefs
(08:09) - Challenging the Reductionist Worldview
(10:42) - Tugging on Threads of Scientific Discoveries
(13:58) - The Purpose of the Podcast
(16:02) - Taking Every Thought Captive
(18:17) - Finding Hope in Suffering
(19:42) - The Surprising Arrival of Mastery
(20:48) - Becoming Healthier, Feeling Better, Being Happier

Jul 17, 2024 • 47min
Glioblastoma Awareness Day 2024
Glioblastoma is the deadliest form of human cancerToday (Wednesday, July 17th) is Glioblastoma Awareness Day. Check out this link from the Brain Tumor Foundation to learn more about this devastating disease. This episode also shares some information about glioblastoma from my perspective, and a little bit about my book, I’ve Seen the End of You, in which I share stories of what I’ve learned from these brave patients and their families.You can also watch this video on YouTube (part of Monday's podcast episode if you missed it). Be sure to subscribe to see episode videos that are only available there. Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:
Pray for us!
Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)
Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!
You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.
Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):
Improve your gut health, support your immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!
(00:01) - Introduction
(03:50) - Self-Brain Surgery School
(06:15) - Book Release Day
(11:14) - Slowing Down
(14:36) - Responses to Difficulty
(18:44) - The Intersection of Science and Faith
(22:36) - Praying Through Uncertainty
(25:45) - Finding Comfort in Helping Others
(31:29) - The Challenge of Beliefs
(34:49) - Embracing Life's Fragility
(35:53) - Living Your Life as a Story
(39:58) - The Power of Belief vs. Knowledge
(42:09) - Finding Hope in Darkness


