The Self-Brain Surgery Podcast with Dr. Lee Warren

In this episode, I present a guide for preparing for 2025 with intention and purpose. I emphasize the importance of crafting a meaningful plan to uncover the best in our lives and transforming suffering into purpose. I provide practical steps for daily engagement with scripture to gain insights into our existence and recommend resources like the Bible Recap for structured reflection. I also discuss the value of continuous learning and supportive relationships. Looking ahead, I outline exciting podcast plans featuring health science, nutrition, and fitness episodes. I conclude with a motivational call to action, encouraging listeners to shape their futures by letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings as each day presents an opportunity for transformation. Resources and Links: Lectio365 Prayer app The Bible Recap Click here for the computer-generated transcript of this episode Journaling is a helpful tool to specifically lay out your BRAIN goals, the action steps you need to reach them, and keep track of your progress. I use this PRODUCTIVE WEEKS planner* to map out my projects, podcasts, and books. I used it every day in 2024 as I sketched out and wrote my upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook. I’ve created a free BRAIN Goals™ Guide for you! Click here to download the guide. It will help you align your mindset to your mission and set goals to make 2025 your best year yet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Lee Warren welcomes Stephanie Duncan Smith to discuss her powerful new book, Even After Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway. Together, they explore themes of grief, faith, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life and hope. Stephanie shares her journey of navigating profound personal loss and rediscovering joy, offering practical wisdom and spiritual insight for those facing challenges. This conversation touches on breathwork, writing as a tool for healing, and the importance of honesty in grief. Key Takeaways: Naming Pain: Grieving authentically is essential to healing; honesty with oneself and God fosters recovery. Faith and Breathwork: Integrating physical practices like breathwork with spiritual faith can ground and stabilize during life’s uncertainties. Cycles of Renewal: Life’s seasons of loss and joy reflect the liturgical calendar’s rhythm, moving toward hope and resurrection. Writing as Healing: Writing can reframe grief and help us process experiences, offering clarity and renewed purpose. Chapters 0:04 Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery 1:44 Meet Stephanie Duncan Smith 4:07 The Power of Loss and Hope 8:14 Navigating Grief and Whiplash 11:26 Naming the Night 12:59 Connecting with the Liturgical Calendar 15:11 Life and Death Juxtapositions 18:03 Breathwork as a Spiritual Practice 22:39 Writing Through Pain 26:49 The Process of Healing 34:48 Encouragement for the Grieving 36:37 Conclusion and Reflections Check out Stephanie's great Substack for writers, The Slant Letter Click here for the computer-generated transcript of this episode Our featured partner for this episode is Adapt Naturals: As we enter the winter season, staying healthy is more important than ever. That’s why Lisa and I trust Adapt Naturals Bioavail Colostrum+ to support our immune system and overall well-being. You can try it too—use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. Key Benefits of Bioavail Colostrum+: Supports gut health and immune function Promotes healthy inflammatory response Enhances nutrient absorption Supports skin health and athletic recovery 2.5 grams of colostrum per serving - 2.5x more than most competitors Includes 100mg of lactoferrin and 200mg of beta-glucan for enhanced benefits Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows You can use this link to try Bioavail Colostrum+, and use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. 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

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren tackles the challenges of maintaining positive habits during the holiday season, a time often filled with stress and triggers. Drawing from his upcoming book, The Self-Brain Surgery Handbook, he introduces two innovative self-brain surgery techniques: the "Five-Minute Freeze" and "Flash Forward to Flashback." These methods are designed to help listeners resist reverting to harmful habits by fostering self-awareness, encouraging reflection, and leveraging neuroplasticity to reinforce healthier behaviors. Dr. Warren also weaves in spiritual insights and scripture to empower individuals in their journey toward resilience and transformation. Chapters 0:16 Holiday Habits and Self-Brain Surgery 2:23 Temptations and Triggers 4:40 Introducing the Five-Minute Freeze 7:33 The Neuroscience of Habits 12:00 Understanding Temptation 14:08 Transforming Your Mind 15:35 Building Discipline with the Five-Minute Freeze 22:55 Exposing Underlying Behaviors 26:37 Flash Forward to Flashback 30:34 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Key Takeaways The Five-Minute Freeze Pause before acting on a habit to consider its immediate and long-term consequences (5 minutes, 5 days, 5 years). Helps engage the rational part of the brain, breaking the cycle of impulsive, limbic-driven responses. Flash Forward to Flashback Reflect on past instances of indulging in habits to recall negative consequences. Use these memories to inform present decisions and visualize a better future. Neuroplasticity in Action Repeated thoughts and actions create neural pathways that make behaviors automatic. Breaking old habits and forming new ones require intentional effort to "rewire" the brain. Spiritual Foundations Scripture highlights the importance of transforming the mind to change behaviors (Romans 12:2). God provides opportunities to resist temptation, offering hope for lasting change. Quotes from the Episode "Thoughts become things. If you want to change your life, start with your thinking." "You don’t rise to the occasion; you fall to the level of your preparation." "Love tomorrow more than you hate how you feel right now." Tags #PositiveHabits #HolidayStress #SelfBrainSurgery #Neuroplasticity #Resilience #FiveMinuteFreeze #FlashForwardToFlashback #Transformation Actionable Steps Practice the Five-Minute Freeze during moments of temptation. Conduct a "Thought Biopsy" to identify and challenge disordered thinking patterns. Use the Flash Forward to Flashback method to reinforce healthier choices. Anticipate potential triggers and prepare with intentional strategies to stay on track. Related episodes: [Insert Links to Relevant Podcast Episodes] Follow Dr. Lee Warren on Instagram: @drleewarren Listener Challenge This holiday season, commit to practicing the Five-Minute Freeze at least once daily. Share your experience on social media using #SelfBrainSurgery and tag @drleewarren to join the conversation! Click here for the computer-generated transcript Our featured partner for this episode is Adapt Naturals: As we enter the winter season, staying healthy is more important than ever. That’s why Lisa and I trust Adapt Naturals Bioavail Colostrum+ to support our immune system and overall well-being. You can try it too—use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. Key Benefits of Bioavail Colostrum+: Supports gut health and immune function Promotes healthy inflammatory response Enhances nutrient absorption Supports skin health and athletic recovery 2.5 grams of colostrum per serving - 2.5x more than most competitors Includes 100mg of lactoferrin and 200mg of beta-glucan for enhanced benefits Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows You can use this link to try Bioavail Colostrum+, and use code DRLEEWARREN for 15% off your first order. 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

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren sits down with Christy Osborne, sobriety coach and author of Love Life Sober. Christy recounts her transformative journey through grief, addiction, and healing, offering listeners a raw and hopeful narrative. After the loss of her mother, Christy turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, which led her to a turning point in 2020. She shares her insights into the societal pressures around drinking, the neuroscience of addiction, and the importance of addressing the root causes of alcohol dependency. Christy introduces her "40-Day Alcohol Fast," a grace-filled, judgment-free approach to exploring sobriety, and emphasizes the transformative power of faith in the recovery process. The conversation delves into challenges like social pressures, marriage dynamics, and the "friendship shuffle" that often accompanies sobriety. Christy’s message is one of hope, encouraging listeners to find authentic joy and connection beyond alcohol. Click here for the transcript! (Computer transcripts are not perfect) Key Themes: Grief and Addiction: Christy shares how the loss of her mother deepened her reliance on alcohol and catalyzed her recovery journey. Neuroscience of Addiction: Understanding the brain's relationship to habits and how alcohol affects stress, dopamine, and mental health. The "Friendship Shuffle": How sobriety reshaped Christy’s relationships, moving her toward deeper connections. The 40-Day Alcohol Fast: A self-discovery tool for exploring the role of alcohol in life without judgment or fear of failure. Faith and Recovery: Finding renewal in faith and transforming grief through intentional self-reflection and sobriety. Resources Mentioned: But Jesus Drank Wine Podcast with Christy Osborne and Meade Shirley Click here for a transcript of this episode! (Remember that computer-generated transcripts are not perfect) Christy's website Get Christy's new book, Love Life Sober now! Chapters: 0:03 - Introduction to Christy Osborne 1:19 - Christy’s Journey to Sobriety 5:45 - The Impact of Grief 8:27 - Recognizing the Problem 12:11 - The Power of Self-Discovery 14:00 - Social Pressures and Friendships 17:03 - Marriage and Alcohol 18:55 - Coping with Pain 22:34 - The 40-Day Alcohol Fast 26:04 - The Transformation Journey 29:14 - Coaching and Community 32:00 - Final Thoughts and Resources Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share the podcast 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! If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices