The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ericka Andersen: Taking Action When It's Time (S12E33) Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I speak with Erica Anderson, a writer, teacher, and thought leader, about her journey with alcohol and recovery. We discuss the societal pressures surrounding addiction, especially for women in Christian communities, and the need for open dialogue.

Erica shares insights from her upcoming book, Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith, advocating for a nuanced understanding of alcohol use. She also offers practical advice for aspiring writers on resilience and the publishing process. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and fostering supportive communities around addiction and faith.

About Ericka Andersen

Ericka Andersen is a freelance writer, podcast host and owner of Pitch and Publish Writing Company. She is the author of "Reason to Return: Why Women Need the Church & the Church Needs Women" and "Leaving Cloud 9: The True Story of a Life Resurrected From the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma and Mental Illness."

She has been published multiple times in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Washington Post and more. Ericka is a weekly columnist at WORLD Magazine and a freelance reporter for Christianity Today.

Prior to freelancing, Ericka worked for National Review Magazine, the Heritage Foundation and in communications for the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill. She attended Indiana University and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband and two children.

Click here for the transcript

Chapters

0:03 Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery

2:34 The Importance of Listening

9:17 Upcoming Guests and Their Controversies

14:59 Meet Erica Anderson

16:23 Erica's Journey with Alcohol

26:10 The Role of Community in Recovery

32:42 The Unique Struggles of Christian Women

34:37 Writing Career and Its Evolution

37:41 Pitch and Publish: Helping Aspiring Writers

43:25 Final Encouragement for the Sober Curious

Resources and Links

Ericka's Substack, Worth Your Time
Ericka's business for writers, Pitch and Publish
Ericka's Amazon author page
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ann Voskamp: Loved to Life (S12E32) Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery podcast, we have a powerful, healing conversation with New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp.

We discuss the theme of suffering and how faith integrates with science and reason, especially through the lens of the Gospel of John. Ann's latest book, Loved to Life, is a 40-day journey that aims to deepen one's understanding of Jesus and how to live a Christian life.

Amid personal stories of suffering and resilience, such as my experience in Iraq and Ann's family challenges, the discussion emphasizes the transformative power of faith in Jesus.

Click here for the transcript

Click here to watch the video version from Descript

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:24 Honoring Different Paths to Faith

01:05 Exploring the Gospel of John

02:30 Action April Challenge

03:57 Introducing Ann Voskamp

05:10 Personal Stories of Faith and Hardship

06:47 Ann Voskamp's Writing Journey

09:26 The Power of the Gospel of John

11:26 Deep Dive into Suffering and Faith

19:37 Personal Reflections and Stories

29:34 Changing the Question: From 'Why' to 'Where'

31:06 Living for Jesus Amidst Loss

32:43 The Gift of Suffering

34:55 Dealing with Past Mistakes

36:09 The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery

40:56 The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection

48:48 Comfort in Deep Grief

53:43 Conclusion and Book Giveaway

Other Resources

Ann's website
Loved to Life audiobook (HIGHLY recommended!)
My website, drleewarren.com (links to my books and more!)
Self-Brain Surgery on Substack, a top-35 Science publication!
Neurotheology and Sacred Prayer, my previous podcast conversation with Ann Voskamp

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Frontal Lobe Friday: Action April 2025 (S12E31) Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

It's Action April!

Today, I want to encourage you to to align your efforts with your true calling and take decisive actions towards your goals.

We talk about the importance of focusing on meaningful tasks, eliminating unnecessary commitments, and managing one's thoughts to overcome fears and challenges. This episode will help you smash neuroscience and prayer, preparation, and strategic thinking to get after personal and spiritual growth.

Click here for the transcript

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

00:50 Action April: Real-Time Connection

01:52 Frontal Lobe Friday: Action April Explained

03:43 The Neuroscience of Change

04:56 Aligning Efforts with Calling

09:08 Overcoming Challenges and Taking Action

14:54 The Power of Gratitude and Critical Thinking

17:54 Commit to Action: Practical Steps

28:58 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Finding Answers to the Big Questions, with J. Warner Wallace (S12E30) Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Self Brain Surgery podcast, Dr. Lee Warren welcomes back J. Warner Wallace, America's leading cold case detective, to discuss his new collaborative graphic novel Case Files Vol.1, created with his son Jimmy. The novel blends true crime with Christian apologetics, focusing on the value of human life and exploring deep questions about faith. They also delve into the process of creating a graphic novel and discuss future volumes that will tackle other aspects of Christianity. The episode emphasizes the importance of grounding human value and morality in a Christian worldview and provides resources for further engagement.

Bonus for audio-only listeners! I included my first interview with Jim from last year in this episode (video is not available). We talked about his amazing book, The Truth in True Crime.

Click here for the transcript

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:23 Overview of the New Graphic Novel

00:46 The Story of Detective Murph

01:12 Themes and Questions Explored in the Novel

01:56 Introduction to J. Warner Wallace

03:01 Jim's Background and Journey to Faith

03:48 Writing the Case for Christianity

05:05 Jimmy's Influence and Comic Book Passion

05:32 Creating the Graphic Novel

10:40 Exploring Human Value and Morality

13:43 The Collaborative Effort Behind the Book

14:57 Engaging Non-Believers Through Storytelling

20:48 The Journey of Faith and Writing

26:43 Realism and Unresolved Cases in the Novel

39:33 The Importance of Multiple Perspectives

39:57 Analyzing Eyewitness Accounts in the Gospels

40:48 Mark's Gospel and Peter's Influence

42:08 Forensic Statement Analysis Techniques

44:03 Personal Journey into Forensic Analysis and Scripture

44:53 The Intersection of Professional Skills and Faith

46:35 Human Nature and the Reliability of Scripture

50:15 Identity Formation and Its Challenges

59:22 Overcoming Trauma and Finding Meaning

01:07:54 The Power of the Gospel and Human Flourishing

01:13:52 Encouragement for Those Facing Suffering

Resources and Links

Learn more about J. Warner Wallace here
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Olympic Champion Steve Mesler (S12E29) Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Lee Warren hosts an engaging conversation with Steve Mesler, Olympic gold medalist and three-time U.S. Olympian. Steve shares his remarkable journey from being a track athlete in Florida to winning gold in bobsled at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He discusses the physical and mental challenges he faced, including overcoming injuries and making pivotal decisions. Steve also highlights his transition to leadership roles, his involvement with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and founding Classroom Champions, an organization that connects athletes with schools to inspire and mentor students. This episode explores themes of resilience, goal-setting, and the emotional impacts of peak achievements.

Click here for the transcript

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Meet Steve Mesler: Olympic Gold Medalist

01:20 Steve's Journey from Track to Bobsled

03:06 Overcoming Challenges and Pivoting

07:57 The Mental Game: Belief and Conviction

19:00 Training and Making the Olympic Team

21:35 Contaminated Supplements and Olympic Standards

22:08 The Journey to Becoming a Bobsledder

22:36 Olympic Mindset and Team Dynamics

27:20 Winning the Gold Medal

29:28 Post-Olympic Challenges and Depression

35:46 Classroom Champions: Inspiring the Next Generation

43:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources and Links

Learn more about 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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While We're Waiting, With Jill and Brad Sullivan (S12E28) Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Self-Brain Surgery podcast, Dr. Lee Warren interviews Jill and Brad Sullivan, who share their poignant journey of losing their daughter, Hannah, to glioblastoma. Despite their immense grief, the Sullivans found purpose and hope by establishing While We're Waiting, a ministry providing retreats for bereaved parents across multiple states and internationally. They discuss the challenges of parenting a surviving child, the importance of faith, and how they managed to transform their loss into a legacy honoring Hannah. The conversation also touches upon Brad's near-fatal accident and the renewed sense of purpose it brought to their lives.

Click here for the transcript

00:00 Introduction to the Self-Brain Surgery Podcast

00:08 Meet Jill and Brad Sullivan

00:12 The Loss of Their Daughter, Hannah

00:29 The Loss to Legacy Shift

00:58 Jill and Brad's Story of Resilience

01:14 A Twist in Their Journey

01:47 Starting the Conversation with Jill and Brad

02:01 Brad and Jill's Background

03:34 Hannah's Diagnosis

05:07 Facing the Diagnosis with Faith

08:05 Hannah's Journey Through Treatment

10:38 Parenting Through Grief

17:08 The Birth of 'While We're Waiting'

21:23 Expanding the Ministry

28:38 Brad's Accident and Recovery

33:01 Words of Encouragement and Advice

34:57 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources and Links

Learn more about Jill and Brad's While We're Waiting retreats for bereaved parents
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brave, with Laura L. Smith (S12E27) Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for an exciting conversation with author Laura L. Smith!

Laura discusses her new book Brave Woman, Mighty God, which highlights stories of 30 women from the Bible who, empowered by God, accomplished amazing feats. Laura shares her personal background of overcoming emotional abuse, the importance of prayer, and trusting God’s power. She also provides encouragement for aspiring writers and creators who face rejections and challenges. The episode aims to inspire listeners through powerful biblical examples and personal testimony, emphasizing the belief that everyone has the power within them to overcome life's challenges with God's help.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates

00:30 Changes in Podcast Format

02:04 Introducing Bonus Episodes

02:48 Special Guest: Laura L. Smith

04:11 Laura's New Book: Brave Woman, Mighty God

06:28 Personal Testimony and Encouragement

10:19 The Power of Sharing Your Story

14:34 Conversation with Laura L. Smith

20:06 Hannah's Story: Finding Peace in Prayer

25:28 The Importance of Community and Truth

26:27 The Story of Esther: Courage and Faith

30:35 Talitha Ka'um: A Message of Hope and Resurrection

33:46 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers

37:54 Brave Woman, Mighty God: Embracing God's Power

40:37 Final Blessings and Call to Action

Click here for the transcript

Resources and Links

Laura's new book, Brave Woman, Mighty God
Laura's website
Laura's post on Ann Voskamp's site
Tommy Walker's song, Get Up
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Outside-In Thinking Will Change You From the Inside Out (S12E26) Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, Dr. Lee Warren discusses the concept of transforming your life by changing the way you think about yourself. He introduces two powerful tools: a new self-brain surgery operation called 'Outside In Thinking' and a 'premortem analysis'. Through the podcast, Dr. Warren teaches listeners how to manage trauma, performance issues, and improve overall capabilities by adopting a new perspective. He encourages practical steps such as journaling and self-reflection to eliminate limiting stories and build a stronger mindset. The episode also highlights the importance of embracing guidance from faith and science to achieve personal transformation.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

02:00 Listener's Story: Finding Hope

04:53 The Power of Sharing

05:48 Personal Reflections on Loss

09:54 Understanding Self Brain Surgery

16:48 New Operation: Outside-In Thinking

28:50 God's Perspective on You

29:52 Building Yourself from the Inside Out

30:50 The Reticular Activating System

31:35 Outside-In Critical Thinking

32:57 Premortem Analysis: A Powerful Tool

37:36 Avoiding Common Pitfalls

40:11 Biblical Insights on Planning Ahead

41:46 Realistic Thinking and Self-Discipline

53:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Click here for the transcript!

Resources and Links

Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hope in the Gray Areas, with Jenn Kautsch (aka Sober Sis) (S12E25) Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren introduces Jenn Kautsch, the founder of Sober Sis, a community aimed at helping women reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. With a mission to offer an alternative to the 'wine o'clock' culture, Jenn shares her personal journey of choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle and creating a support network for like-minded women. Jenn discusses the concept of 'gray area drinking,' emphasizing the importance of curiosity, compassion, and self-awareness. The episode delves into the science behind alcohol's impact on the brain, the role of faith in Jenn's journey, and practical tips for those considering a sober or mindful approach to drinking. Listeners also get insights into Jenn's book, Look Alive, Sis!, and how her experiences and community-driven approach offer hope and freedom from habits that hinder personal growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

03:09 Jenn Kautsch's Journey to Sobriety

06:40 The Concept of Gray Area Drinking

11:47 Creating the Sober Sis Community

27:34 The Science Behind Alcohol and Anxiety

33:18 Jenn's Book and Final Thoughts

Click here for the transcript!

Resources and Links

Jenn's website, Sobersis.com
Jenn's book, Look Alive, Sis!
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The School of Self-Brain Surgery (S12E24) Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren introduces the concept for The School of Self-Brain Surgery™, discussing its benefits and techniques.

He shares personal anecdotes and listener stories to highlight how this method has changed lives. Dr. Warren outlines the forthcoming School of Self-Brain Surgery, detailing its structure, enrollment, and the blend of neuroscience and faith that underpins the method. He emphasizes the separation of mind and brain, debunks common lies we believe about ourselves, and explains the importance of becoming the 'surgeon' in managing our thoughts and emotions. The episode concludes with practical advice and motivational insights to help listeners start transforming their lives by changing their minds.

Chaoters

00:00 Welcome and Listener Stories

00:55 Introducing the School of Self Brain Surgery

02:15 The Importance of Changing Your Mind

03:21 Engaging with the Podcast Community

06:22 Overview of Self Brain Surgery School

09:35 The Scrub Sink Ritual

25:07 Mind vs. Brain: Understanding the Difference

28:54 The Three Lies That Hold Us Back

28:58 Lie #1: I Am Just My Brain

29:09 Lie #2: My Brain Determines Everything

30:21 Lie #3: I Am My Trauma

31:04 Rejecting the Lies

32:42 The Power of Self Brain Surgery

33:12 Affirmations for Change

34:57 Understanding How Brains Work

43:02 Self Brain Surgery Explained

47:41 Becoming Your Own Surgeon

49:13 The Path to True Happiness

54:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Click here for the transcript!

Resources and Links

Sponsors-
TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
Aquatru: Visit aquatru.com and use discount code DRLEEWARREN for 20% discount on any Aquatru water filtration system!
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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