The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast

• AMP'd Up (S12E56)

  In this episode, we learn the transformative practice of anticipatory metacognition, or AMP, a groundbreaking approach I'm excited to share as a key component of self-brain surgery. This concept combines neuroscience and faith, demonstrating that we hold the power to influence and reshape our minds, ultimately leading to profound life changes. By engaging in anticipatory metacognition practice, we can anticipate risks, direct our attention towards positive outcomes, and use our unique cognitive abilities to flourish. Throughout the conversation, I explore how this practice can help you break free from the constraints of your current mindset. Too often, we become trapped in negative thought patterns—focusing on past regrets or future anxieties—but through the lens of anticipatory metacognition, we can shift our attention to constructive, future-oriented thinking. This episode draws from my upcoming book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, which will soon be available for pre-order. I’m eager to share more insights and practical tools from the book that are designed to empower you on your path to personal growth. I emphasize the importance of using metacognition—thinking about our own thinking—to identify potential pitfalls before they become reality. By conducting a premortem analysis, we can foresee possible negative outcomes and develop strategies to avoid them. This methodology not only enhances our decision-making process but also fosters resilience. Our brains offer us the incredible ability to change, using neuroplasticity to rewire our thoughts and behaviors, putting us in control of our mental and emotional well-being. As we dive deeper, I introduce three essential tools for harnessing the power of anticipatory metacognition: selective attention, premortem analysis, and the foundational practice of anticipating our thoughts and reactions. I explain how these tools work together to help us steer our lives towards a more favorable trajectory. With a focus on selective attention, I provide insights into how our brains prioritize stimuli, allowing us to consciously direct our focus- habits that can significantly alter our mental states and promote healthier, more positive living. Furthermore, I discuss the salience network of the brain, explaining how understanding this network enhances our ability to make informed choices, filter distractions, and focus on what truly matters. By leveraging this knowledge, we can actively participate in shaping our futures, instead of passively allowing external influences to dictate our paths. As we wrap up, I encourage listeners to practice anticipatory metacognition in their daily lives, reminding them of the vital connection between thought and action. I challenge you to take action by reflecting on your life goals, anticipating challenges, and actively choosing to focus on the positive changes you wish to implement. Remember, you have the power to change your mind, and through that change, your life can transform. Together, let’s amp up our capacity for growth and cultivate the lives we aspire to lead. Click here for the transcript⁠ 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Fix Your Brain, with Olympic Champion Steve Mesler (S12E55)

  In this episode, I reunite with Steve Mesler, the 2010 U.S. Olympic gold medalist in bobsled, as he shares his journey through unexpected mental health challenges post-Olympics. We discuss the impact of professional stagnation and health issues on his mental state, including the sobering realization of suicidal thoughts.Steve emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in dismantling the stigma around mental health and highlights the medical and therapeutic support that aided his recovery. He also shares proactive measures for maintaining mental fitness, illustrating that with the right tools and support, it's possible to thrive after adversity. My favorite line was Steve's epiphany that led to him to seek help for his depression: "I realized that I can't fix my brain with my brain." Click here for the transcript Other Helpful Links: Learn more about Steve Mesler and Classroom Champions here Follow Steve on Instagram and Twitter for daily inspiration! Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  49:56
• Switching Things Up (S12E54)

  In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery Podcast, Dr. Lee Warren discusses the power of metacognition and how rewiring your brain starts with thinking about rewiring your brain. He introduces the 'patchbay' concept to illustrate how you can direct your thoughts to make structural changes in your brain. The episode delves into the scientific basis of neuroplasticity and how microtubules in the brain respond to our thoughts and intentions. Dr. Warren emphasizes the importance of examining our thoughts ('thought biopsy') to replace negative and untrue thinking with positive and constructive thoughts. He discusses the significance of the ten commandments of self-brain surgery for healthy neural changes and offers practical advice for achieving personal growth and overcoming mental barriers. Chapters Introduction and Episode Overview Scrubbing In: Preparing for Self Brain Surgery Understanding the Mind-Brain Interface The Power of Outlets: A Metaphor for Brain Wiring Microtubules and Brain Rewiring The Patch Bay Concept: Enhancing Creativity Self-Brain Surgery: Practical Applications The Ten Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery Conclusion and Final Thoughts Upcoming Episode Teaser and Farewell Click here for the transcript 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  46:56
• Moving the Target (S12E53)

  In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren discusses the importance of setting the right goals and targets in life. Using metaphors from sports and personal stories, he illustrates how pursuing the wrong objectives can lead to dissatisfaction and penalties. He emphasizes the significance of internal joy and spiritual goals over transient pleasures and external validations. ⁠Click here for the transcript⁠ Chapters Introduction and Overview Understanding Goalposts and Targets The ABIDE Process: Preparing for Self-Brain Surgery The Power of Mind Over Brain Breathing and Inviting God into the Process The Golf Story: Aiming at the Right Target The Dangers of Misplaced Goals The Science and Faith Connection Conclusion and Next Steps 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Thought Biopsy (S12E52)

  What if not every thought you have is true? In this powerful episode, Dr. Lee Warren takes you into the mental operating room to practice the Thought Biopsy, a self-brain surgery procedure that helps you examine automatic thoughts before you let them dictate your emotions, choices, and behaviors. With neuroscience, scripture, and a surgeon’s clarity, Dr. Warren guides you through a practical, life-saving mindset shift: you are not your brain, and you don’t have to believe everything you think. Learn how to take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), use metacognition to stop self-malpractice, and begin rewiring your brain—on purpose—for resilience, peace, and hope. Highlights from this episode: The startling number of automatic thoughts you have each day—and why most of them are negative and untrue Why trusting every thought is like a surgeon operating without a biopsy The gift of metacognition and the “subject-object shift” The neuroscience of automatic thoughts, hippocampal growth, and parasympathetic regulation through prayer and meditation PLUS- A three-question litmus test for your thoughts Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take every thought captive Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind Philippians 4 – Think on what is true, noble, and excellent Acts 17:26-27 – You are here for a reason, appointed by God 📄 Free Thought Biopsy Worksheet → Subscribe at drleewarren.substack.com and we’ll send it to you 💌 Already subscribed but didn’t get it? Email us at [email protected]🎧 Upcoming episode coming this Friday: “Shooting at the Right Target” — learn to shift your locus of control and aim your life in the right direction If you're ready to stop letting your thoughts control your life, start with the Thought Biopsy. It’s simple, practical, and powerful. Share this episode with someone who needs to know: 🧠 You don’t have to believe everything you think. And remember… You can’t change your life until you change your mind. The good news is—you can start today. More Resources and Links: 🔔 Subscribe to the Self-Brain Surgery Podcast wherever you listen 🧠 Weekly insights: drleewarren.substack.com 📱 Instagram: @drleewarren 📖 Resources, courses, and more: wleewarrenmd.com #SelfBrainSurgery #ThoughtBiopsy #Neuroscience #MentalHealth #FaithAndScience #MindOverBrain #DrLeeWarren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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