Spiritual Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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.

• (00:05) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:44) - Podcast on Hiatus
• (01:29) - Preparing for Book Launch
• (03:42) - Changes in Podcast Structure
• (05:00) - Website Updates
• (07:34) - Importance of Support
• (10:54) - Abundant Life Amidst Hardship
• (17:35) - Transforming Trauma into Strength
• (19:05) - The Beauty of Resilience
• (23:46) - A New Chapter Ahead

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:

• Step 1: Unlearn the Lies – Dismantle the false beliefs you inherited about your worth, your body, and what makes you lovable, and take off the mental “backpack” you were never meant to carry.
• Step 2: Regulate the Noise – Calm the inner static that keeps you stuck in fear and body shame by creating nervous system safety, so you can finally feel the love and truth God is offering.
• Step 3: Rebuild the Mirror – Rewire the way you see yourself by aligning your self-image with how God already sees you: worthy, chosen, and delightfully made—right now, not 20 pounds from now.

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

• Watch Leanne's on-demand workshop.
• Listen to Outweigh Podcast.
• Listen to What's God Got To Do With It? Podcast.

• (00:05) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (01:02) - Exploring Body Image and Shame
• (02:17) - The Story of Transformation
• (04:53) - The Weight of Body Image
• (07:23) - Body Image: A Brain Problem
• (11:37) - Understanding the Brain's Role
• (13:01) - The Power of Neuroplasticity
• (15:16) - Rewiring Your Self-Image
• (17:30) - Framework for Transformation
• (20:30) - Step-by-Step Healing Process
• (22:57) - Finding Safety in Stillness
• (25:11) - Rebuilding Your Mirror
• (27:17) - Identity Alignment and Acceptance
• (29:00) - Conclusion and Call to Action

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!

• (00:09) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (15:04) - Understanding God's Heart for Us
• (26:37) - The Power of Choice
• (29:02) - The Importance of Acceptance
• (35:48) - Finding Peace in God's Word

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

⁠The Man Church Conference⁠

⁠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!)

• (00:07) - Welcome to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (01:09) - A Conversation with Rick Burgess
• (04:40) - Lessons from Dads and Legacy
• (09:11) - The Water We Swim In
• (11:51) - Changing Your Environment
• (18:07) - Honoring Your Parents
• (22:43) - Gratitude in Adversity
• (25:07) - Finding Strength in Loss
• (29:39) - The Value of Influence
• (37:38) - The Impact of Integrity
• (40:12) - Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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!)

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (01:15) - The Journey of Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (02:54) - Approaching Life's Challenges
• (05:25) - Shifting Perspectives: Nothing Can Help Me
• (07:48) - Exploring Alternative Approaches
• (09:50) - Bridging Science and Faith
• (12:29) - The Importance of Spirituality
• (15:00) - A Lesson from a Fallen Tree
• (22:25) - Overcoming Life's Obstacles
• (22:47) - The Purpose of Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (26:57) - Embracing Change and Transformation

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!

• (00:04) - Introduction and Episode Overview
• (04:06) - Mental Illness: Devil or Diagnosis?
• (07:55) - Disordered Thinking and Its Impact
• (14:46) - Jeffrey Schwartz's Four Steps
• (17:16) - Challenging Negative Thoughts
• (23:51) - The Enemy's Tactics
• (28:13) - Seeking Professional Help
• (29:35) - The Path to Change

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

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (01:28) - Life and Nature by the River
• (02:53) - The Topic of Suffering
• (03:54) - Reflections on Suffering and Faith
• (04:59) - Finding Meaning in Suffering
• (07:11) - The Process of Refining
• (10:20) - Character Through Trials
• (22:39) - Learning to Trust God
• (25:19) - Casting Our Anxieties on Him
• (28:29) - The Furnace of Suffering
• (30:56) - Trusting God in Difficult Times
• (32:43) - Preparing for Future Trials
• (33:18) - Starting the Trust Process
• (33:48) - Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

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

• Christy and Meade's amazing podcast, But Jesus Drank Wine (here's my appearance on their show, possibly my favorite guest appearance ever!)
• Meade's website (coaching, her powerful blog, and more)
• Christy's powerful book, Love Life Sober
• Christy's website (links to coaching, her wonderful Subtack writing, 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!)
• Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.

• (00:05) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast
• (00:58) - Exploring Self-Brain Surgery Commandments
• (02:01) - Commandment Six: Love Tomorrow More
• (03:54) - Commandment Seven: Stop Overcomplicating
• (12:24) - Commandment Eight: Break Generational Patterns
• (22:08) - Commandment Nine: Believe in Your Progress
• (28:40) - Commandment Ten: Thoughts Become Things
• (37:27) - Community and Resources for Support

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

• Lee Strobel's book Seeing the Supernatural
• Ann Voskamp's Loved to Life
• 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!
• Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.

• (00:06) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:52) - Doubting Thomas and His Journey
• (02:12) - The Empty Tomb and Its Significance
• (06:59) - Jesus Appears to the Disciples
• (09:04) - The Challenge of Belief
• (11:32) - Understanding Faith and Evidence
• (14:14) - The Role of Scripture
• (16:04) - Investigating Our Beliefs
• (19:24) - The Importance of Decision
• (23:22) - The Resurrection and Its Impact
• (26:32) - Resources for Further Exploration
• (28:26) - Conclusion and Call to Action

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

• Christy and Meade's amazing podcast, But Jesus Drank Wine (here's my appearance on their show, possibly my favorite guest appearance ever!)
• Meade's website (coaching, her powerful blog, and more)
• Christy's powerful book, Love Life Sober
• Christy's website (links to coaching, her wonderful Substack writing, and more)
• The BJDW Community:
  http://butjesusdrankwine.com/community
• The Missing Peace Coaching:
  http://butjesusdrankwine.com/coaching
• 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!)
• Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.

• (00:10) - Welcome to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (28:09) - The Power of Self-Brain Surgery
• (43:53) - Transforming Lives Through Truth
• (46:44) - Looking Ahead: Commandments Six to Ten