Mattie Jackson Smith's World Was Shattered
(Bringing you this bonus episode in preparation for a brand new conversation with Mattie that will drop Friday on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast)

Just shy of her one-year anniversary with her husband Ben, a seemingly small accident left her widowed and wondering where God was. Her story is full of grief, pain, and loss, but lands on hope and a future full of God's kept promises. Her book Lemons on Friday is one of the best books on finding your way through grief I've ever read, and Mattie is on the podcast today to give you hope!

Mattie's podcast is incredible: In Joy Life
(Click here to listen to my appearance on her show)
Mattie's book is available everywhere books are sold.

• (00:06) - Introduction to Maddie Jackson-Smith
• (02:07) - The Importance of Faith in Hard Times
• (08:05) - Maddie's Journey Through Grief
• (14:09) - The Struggles of Doubt and Anger
• (19:34) - Identity and Acceptance in Loss
• (24:38) - A Turning Point: Hands Up, Hands Off
• (30:44) - Finding Redemption and New Joy
• (32:55) - Advice for Those in Fresh Grief

This episode of The Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast is guest-hosted by my good friend Caroline Beidler, a writer, and long-term recovery advocate.

Caroline shares her personal journey with addiction and trauma, emphasizing the complex and multifaceted nature of addiction. She discusses how understanding the biological impacts of substance use and the concept of neuroplasticity can foster recovery and healing. Caroline critiques outdated campaigns like 'This is Your Brain on Drugs,' advocating for a hopeful approach to addiction that combines faith, community, and grace. The discussion includes insights into how recovery can restore cognitive function and emotional stability, providing a message of hope for individuals and their loved ones struggling with addiction.

This one will help you if you're struggling with these issues, or if you love someone who is in recovery, dealing with addiction, or suffering from trauma or tragedy.

Chapters

0:10 Introduction to Recovery and Hope

2:38 Caroline Takes the Helm

4:14 Understanding Addiction and Its Impact

7:39 The Truth About Addiction

10:34 The Science of Recovery

17:02 Neuroplasticity and Change

21:43 Healing Through Recovery

22:57 Embracing the Promise of Recovery

24:03 Conclusion and Resources

Links and resources
Caroline's website
Caroline's most recent book, You Are Not Your Trauma
Caroline's book, Downstairs Church
Circle of Chairs, Caroline's powerful Substack community

• (00:10) - Introduction to Recovery and Hope
• (02:38) - Caroline Takes the Helm
• (04:14) - Understanding Addiction and Its Impact
• (07:39) - The Truth About Addiction
• (10:34) - The Science of Recovery
• (17:02) - Neuroplasticity and Change
• (21:43) - Healing Through Recovery
• (22:57) - Embracing the Promise of Recovery
• (24:03) - Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of Tuesdays with Tata on Spiritual Brain Surgery, Dr. Lee Warren and Tata delve into the significance of the Lord's Prayer as a model for personal prayer. They explore the impact of each part of the prayer, emphasizing the importance of connecting with God relationally, seeking His will, and relying on His provisions.

They also discuss handling temptation, spiritual warfare, and the necessity to forgive others. The conversation highlights the global community's need for prayer and support, and culminates with Tata leading a heartfelt prayer.

Chapters
Introduction and Technological Feats
A Funny Running Incident
Community and Prayer Requests
The Lord's Prayer and Its Significance
Understanding God's Will and Suffering
Understanding the Lord's Prayer
Daily Dependence on God
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Spiritual Warfare and Temptation
The Power and Glory of God
The Importance of Prayer
Closing Prayer and Reflections

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.

• (00:09) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:46) - New Technology Breakthrough
• (04:42) - The Importance of Prayer
• (07:07) - Understanding the Lord's Prayer
• (11:17) - Connecting with God Relationally
• (14:25) - The Role of Free Will
• (18:54) - Spiritual Warfare and Temptation
• (24:24) - Closing Thoughts on Prayer
• (26:30) - Encouragement to Practice Prayer
• (32:33) - Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren dives deep into the neurobiology of suffering, building on last week's theological exploration of the same topic. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the spiritual and scientific perspectives on suffering to effectively manage it. The discussion covers the physiological processes involved in pain perception and chronic pain syndromes, highlighting the roles of neuroplasticity and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr. Warren shares insights from medical research and personal experiences, offering practical steps to help individuals reframe and revalue their pain for better mental health. He also underscores the significance of integrating faith and science to navigate through life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap

01:33 The Neurobiology of Suffering

10:54 Understanding Pain Processing

17:11 Chronic Pain and Neuroplasticity

25:54 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hope

35:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:44) - The Neurobiology of Suffering
• (04:14) - Understanding Pain and Suffering
• (09:06) - Chronic Pain and Its Impact
• (11:38) - Pain Processing and Survival
• (24:44) - Neuroplasticity and Chronic Pain
• (26:29) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Insights
• (31:17) - Reframing Pain and Suffering
• (35:23) - Embracing Neurobiology for Healing

If God is Good, Why is There Suffering?

A hard look at the biggest question: why is life so hard if God loves us?

Here's a look at the answer, and what to do about it!

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Proverbs 2:10

Book Mentioned: Is God Real? by Lee Strobel
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
01:00 Purpose and Vision of the Podcast
01:41 Exploring the Topic of Suffering
01:43 Revisiting Early Episodes
02:08 The Neurobiology of Suffering
02:28 Season Two and Subscriber Information
03:35 Deep Dive into Suffering
03:57 Personal Reflections on Suffering
04:43 Theodicy and Philosophical Questions
05:31 Listener Questions and Chronic Suffering
06:30 Personal Story and Theodicy
12:22 Philosophical Insights on Suffering
18:20 The Bear Analogy
20:32 Understanding Suffering Through Analogy
21:51 God's Perspective on Suffering
22:22 The Role of Free Will in Suffering
23:11 The Origin of Human Suffering
23:56 The Bigger Picture of Good and Evil
24:21 Critiquing God and the Long Narrative
25:53 God's Plan for Redemption
27:00 Personal Growth Through Suffering
29:23 The Purpose of Suffering
34:43 The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue
38:19 The Ongoing Battle Against Evil
39:31 Finding Strength in Faith

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.

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:44) - The Purpose of Suffering
• (03:25) - Exploring the Neurobiology of Suffering
• (03:51) - Why We Suffer
• (05:42) - The Nature of God and Suffering
• (10:41) - Theodicy and Our Questions
• (15:28) - Finding Hope in Suffering
• (20:27) - Perspective on Suffering
• (25:05) - Growth Through Pain
• (31:05) - The Purpose Behind Our Suffering
• (32:10) - God’s Presence in Our Pain
• (35:29) - The Story of Redemption
• (38:17) - Conclusion: The Answer is Jesus

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