You Start Today With Dr. Lee Warren | Weekly Prescriptions To Become Healthier, Feel Better, And Be Happier.

In this episode, I speak with my good friend Christopher Cook, author of Healing, What You Can't Erase, about navigating wilderness periods of disconnection from God during hardship. Chris shares his personal journey through grief and health struggles, illustrating how faith can transform these experiences. We discuss the importance of grounding ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's presence for peace. Chris shows us that healing often occurs through recognizing God's closeness in suffering and the value of community in processing pain. Click here for the transcript⁠ Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out Chris's website here.  Chris is on Substack! Here's one of my favorites of his posts. Chris's book Healing What You Can't Erase: Transform Your Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health from the Inside Out. Chris has an incredible podcast and YouTube Channel! ⁠⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I've Seen the End of You⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I discuss the intersection of neuroscience and faith with Cyd and Dr. Geoff Holsclaw, authors of the new book Landscapes of the Soul. We explore how attachment theory can help address feelings of disconnection in our spiritual lives, focusing on the importance of relational attachment and early experiences. We examine the four emotional landscapes- jungle, desert, war zone, and pasture- and discuss strategies for nurturing secure connections with God and others. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability and awareness in fostering joy and intimacy. Ultimately, we highlight pathways to deeper connection and spiritual fulfillment, along with a chance to win a copy of Landscapes of the Soul. Click here for the transcript⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cyd and Geoff's new book, Landscapes of the Soul The Holsclaw's website Geoff's powerful writing on Substack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, 

In this episode, I talk with Amber Emily Smith about her devastating experience following the drowning of her son, River. Amber shares insights from her new book, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor, reflecting on grief, healing, and the duality of joy and sorrow. We discuss how she and her husband, musician Granger Smith, took practical steps to navigate their loss together and protect their marriage. We talk about her devastating second loss, another "bathroom floor" moment when she suffered a miscarriage. This conversation offers comfort and encouragement for anyone grappling with loss. Click here for the transcript⁠ ⁠ Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amber's book, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor Amber's website (merchandise, her foundation, and more!) ⁠⁠⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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!

In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Aundi Kolber, an author and therapist specializing in trauma. We explore how past experiences shape healing, emphasizing the importance of honoring pain rather than suppressing it. Aundi shares her personal insights on complex PTSD and the concept of 'trying softer' to foster awareness of emotional needs. We discuss the neuroscience of trauma, strategies for expanding our window of tolerance, and the role of compassion in healing. Additionally, we touch on Aundi's newest book, Take What You Need. This conversation serves as an invitation to embrace healing and self-discovery. Click here for the transcript⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Note: Computer-generated transcripts are not perfect.) Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Aundi's website Aundi's new book, Take What You Need Aundi's book, Strong Like Water Aundi's book, Try Softer ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I've Seen the End

In this episode, I welcome back my friend Jon Seidl, author of Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, as he shares his profound journey of grappling with alcoholism through the lens of his faith. Jon recounts his struggles and a pivotal moment that ignited his path to recovery, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than just the addiction itself. He outlines a four-step process for transformation that includes abiding in Christ and practicing radical vulnerability, showcasing how a genuine relationship with Jesus provides a foundation for true healing. Our discussion highlights the significance of authenticity in community and the power of sharing struggles to foster support and accountability. Jon's story serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and the ongoing journey toward spiritual growth, encouraging listeners to confront their challenges with honesty and faith. ⁠Click here for the transcript⁠ Resources and Links Jon's new book, Confessions of a Christian A

In this episode, I explore the themes of constriction, grief, and emotional overwhelm, drawing on my experiences as a neurosurgeon and the profound impact of personal loss. I introduce Triple H Therapy—healing, hope, and higher performance, an approach inspired by my medical background that aims to unlock personal potential through cultivating these elements. We discuss how understanding past traumas can empower healing and the actionable nature of hope in transcending current difficulties. I outline the importance of pursuing higher performance alongside emotional and mental well-being, and I share a roadmap for future discussions that will equip listeners with practical tools for self-brain surgery, emphasizing the transformative power of neuroplasticity. This episode marks the start of a journey towards reclaiming agency and fostering a vibrant, purpose-driven life. Click here for the transcript⁠ ⁠⁠ Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My book, 2021 ECPA

In this episode, I have a beautiful conversation with author, recording artist, and podcaster Tanya Godsey. Tanya's first book is the outstanding Befriending God, in which she shares her insights on forming a personal relationship with God. Our talk challenges the notion of God as inaccessible, as we touch on the significance of emotional honesty, prayer as a dialogue, and the shared experiences of grief and resilience. Tanya emphasizes how suffering can enhance our understanding of God's nature and love while underlining the importance of community in spiritual journeys. This episode will encourage you to explore a dynamic relationship with God and pursue the transformative potential of befriending the Creator of your soul. Click here for the transcript⁠ Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tanya's book ⁠Tanya's music⁠ Tanya's website ⁠⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I've Seen the End of You⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be sure to check ou

In this episode, I speak with John Burke, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on near-death experiences. We interview each other, and this episode will be released on both of our podcasts. We examine themes of consciousness, the soul, and the afterlife through the lens of science, particularly neuroscience and quantum physics. Drawing from John's research with over 1,500 near-death experience testimonies, we explore universal perceptions of divinity and the inherent themes of love and purpose. John shares personal anecdotes related to grief and healing, discussing the brain's response to trauma and the potential for neuroplasticity. We also delve into how near-death experiences challenge traditional views on consciousness, the impact of ancestral trauma, and practical strategies for mental renewal. Click here for the transcript⁠ Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠ John's amazing book, Imagine the God of Heaven John's website ⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biograp

In this episode, I discuss the power of confronting limiting labels like "anxious" and "broken" with health coach and author Erin Kerry. She shares her journey of overcoming trauma and mental health struggles, emphasizing that these labels do not define us. We explore practical tools for healing, including holistic approaches that encompass physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Be sure to listen for a chance to win one of three copies of Erin's book, Live Beyond Your Label! Click here for the transcript (Remember that computer transcripts often misspell names; Erin's last name is Kerry) Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠ Erin's book, ⁠Live Beyond Your Label Erin's Website Erin's podcast, Sparking Wholeness ⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ 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 Newsl

Our special guest for this episode is Dr. Curt Thompson, an acclaimed psychiatrist and author of one of my favorite books, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. Join me for a profound discussion about trauma, suffering, and the healing journey. You'll learn from Curt that suffering is shaped not just by traumatic events but by individual responses and narratives. The conversation explores the need for community and support, highlighting that healing involves integrating past experiences into a hopeful narrative rather than forgetting them. Dr. Thompson discusses the neuroscience of trauma and therapeutic practices like EMDR that aid in emotional processing. The episode will encourage you to confront your pain and seek connection, showcasing that hope can arise from suffering and that your future is not solely defined by it. Click here for the transcript. Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Thompson's website ⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography

In this episode, we discuss how shifting attention and perspective are key tools for self-brain surgery, a practice for mastering our thoughts to take control of our lives. I take you back to my time in the Iraq war to teach you how this perspective shift creates mental resilience in confronting fear and anxiety.We examine how both sides of the brain contribute to perspective and problem-solving, and I'll teach you how to shift your focus and rewrite you narratives. This powerful technique reinforces the idea that we can shape our realities through mindful choices and self-discovery. Click here for the transcriptResources and Links⁠⁠ Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠ 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!)

In this episode, I discuss the implications of artificial intelligence with Dr. Robert Marks, author of Non-Computable You. Dr. Marks is a distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Baylor University, and one of the world's leading experts in AI. We explore common fears surrounding AI's potential to replace humans and achieve consciousness, contrasting these notions with insights from Dr. Marks's book. He argues that intrinsic human qualities, such as creativity and emotional depth, are beyond the reach of AI's deterministic nature. Our conversation addresses the historical context of AI fears, emphasizing a rational approach to technology, and positions AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human roles. We also reflect on cultural narratives about AI, including the emergence of movements blending technology and metaphysics, ultimately encouraging you to appreciate the complexity of humanity amid advancing AI technologies. Click here for the transcript Resources and

In this episode, I introduce the concept of self-brain surgery to enhance mental well-being, sharing my personal journey of transforming a chaotic morning routine into a structured start for the day. I discuss the Five S’s: sadness, sickness, stress, being stuck, and settling, and a different Five S's you can transplant to move from trouble to transformation in your life. By incorporating these elements into daily life, particularly in morning rituals, listeners can break free from negativity and promote emotional health. I emphasize the integration of scientific insights with spiritual principles to inspire meaningful change and resilience. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify 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 Wo

In this episode, I dive deep into a conversation with Jamie Haigh and Blake Roberts, two accomplished marriage and family therapists who focus their practice on supporting men through various challenges, including the often-taboo subjects of sexual addiction and spiritual abuse. As we explore the intricacies of their journeys, I quickly discover that our discussion takes a significant and meaningful turn, navigating through both the personal and systemic issues at play in the conversations around mental health for men.We discuss the tremendous pressure society places on men to conform to certain ideals of masculinity, which often leads to a culture of silence regarding their struggles. Jamie and Blake share their own experiences with addiction, revealing how societal expectations and internal battling around issues like pornography and spiritual trauma can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. Their insights are not only relevant for men grappling with similar issues but also resonate with anyone

In this episode, we explore Outside-In Thinking, a powerful approach to mental and emotional well-being. This method encourages you to view your lives from an outsider’s perspective, helping to dismantle limiting beliefs and recognize personal strengths. By framing self-perception through the lens of value and potential, I introduce a spiritual dimension that fosters love and purpose. Embracing this mindset shift empowers you to manage thoughts effectively, cultivate healthier habits, and embark on a transformative journey toward a brighter future. 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!)

In this episode, I engage in a profound discussion with Allie Marie Smith, a life coach, author, and CEO of Wonderfully Made, a nonprofit dedicated to helping girls and women embrace their identity and worth in God. We explore the alarming mental health crisis affecting our youth, particularly young women. Statistics reveal that one in three teenage girls in the U.S. is contemplating suicide, while over one-third of adult women have been diagnosed with depression. This crisis is compounded by the pervasive influence of social media, which has escalated feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among its users. Allie's own journey through depression and suicidal ideation led her to recognize the detrimental impact of social media on mental health. Drawing from her personal experiences, she has written a new book, "Social Media Reset," which offers a guided 30-day journey designed to help individuals unplug and reconnect with God, themselves, and their loved ones. You'll learn the surprising ways that

In this episode, I welcome back Max Lucado, a celebrated pastor and bestselling author, to discuss his new book, Tame Your Thoughts. Our conversation highlights the crucial need for managing our thinking in today's world, marked by anxiety and negativity. Max shares personal experiences and insights from his pastoral journey, emphasizing faith and community in overcoming life's challenges. He introduces three practical tools for thought management: "Practice Picky Thinking," which encourages discernment in our thought engagement; "UFOs," or untruths that distort reality; and "Uprooting and Replanting," focusing on replacing negative thoughts with Biblical truths. We explore the transformative potential of neuroplasticity and how our minds can be renewed through faith. Max's message empowers listeners to take control of their thought lives, aligning them with God's peace. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links Max's website Max's new book, Tame Your Thoughts My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biog

In this episode, I explore "approach drift," the tendency for our intentions to be derailed by distractions, old habits, and failing to develop a discipline of checking to make sure we're using a reliable system to guide us. I share insights from my neurosurgical practice to illustrate the importance of self-assessment and maintaining focus on our goals. I show you how to recognize moments of drift and implement strategies for change, leveraging concepts like neuroplasticity to create healthier thought patterns. This discussion serves as a reminder that change is always possible with a commitment to rethinking our approaches and taking action today. 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!)

(Make sure to listen to the first three 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 influenc

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between personal responsibility and trauma in response to a listener's inquiry. While we can't control the traumatic events we face, we can choose how to respond to them. Drawing on personal experiences and insights from neuroscience and scripture, I discuss actionable steps for healing, including seeking help and managing our mindset through self-brain surgery. 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!)