Épisodes

  • The Deep Place of Hope: Dr. Curt Thompson (S12E75)
    Sep 8 2025
    Our special guest for this episode is Dr. Curt Thompson, an acclaimed psychiatrist and author of one of my favorite books, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. Join me for a profound discussion about trauma, suffering, and the healing journey. You'll learn from Curt that suffering is shaped not just by traumatic events but by individual responses and narratives. The conversation explores the need for community and support, highlighting that healing involves integrating past experiences into a hopeful narrative rather than forgetting them. Dr. Thompson discusses the neuroscience of trauma and therapeutic practices like EMDR that aid in emotional processing. The episode will encourage you to confront your pain and seek connection, showcasing that hope can arise from suffering and that your future is not solely defined by it. Click here for the transcript. Resources and Links⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Thompson's website ⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ 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!)
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    1 h et 1 min
  • This is War (S12E74)
    Sep 2 2025
    In this episode, we discuss how shifting attention and perspective are key tools for self-brain surgery, a practice for mastering our thoughts to take control of our lives. I take you back to my time in the Iraq war to teach you how this perspective shift creates mental resilience in confronting fear and anxiety.We examine how both sides of the brain contribute to perspective and problem-solving, and I'll teach you how to shift your focus and rewrite you narratives. This powerful technique reinforces the idea that we can shape our realities through mindful choices and self-discovery. Click here for the transcriptResources and Links⁠⁠ Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠ 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!)
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    42 min
  • What You Need to Know About AI (S12E73)
    Aug 29 2025
    In this episode, I discuss the implications of artificial intelligence with Dr. Robert Marks, author of Non-Computable You. Dr. Marks is a distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Baylor University, and one of the world's leading experts in AI. We explore common fears surrounding AI's potential to replace humans and achieve consciousness, contrasting these notions with insights from Dr. Marks's book. He argues that intrinsic human qualities, such as creativity and emotional depth, are beyond the reach of AI's deterministic nature. Our conversation addresses the historical context of AI fears, emphasizing a rational approach to technology, and positions AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human roles. We also reflect on cultural narratives about AI, including the emergence of movements blending technology and metaphysics, ultimately encouraging you to appreciate the complexity of humanity amid advancing AI technologies. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links Dr. Marks's work at the Discovery Institute ⁠Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify⁠ 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!)
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    39 min
  • The Trouble to Transformation Transplant (S12E72)
    Aug 25 2025
    In this episode, I introduce the concept of self-brain surgery to enhance mental well-being, sharing my personal journey of transforming a chaotic morning routine into a structured start for the day. I discuss the Five S’s: sadness, sickness, stress, being stuck, and settling, and a different Five S's you can transplant to move from trouble to transformation in your life. By incorporating these elements into daily life, particularly in morning rituals, listeners can break free from negativity and promote emotional health. I emphasize the integration of scientific insights with spiritual principles to inspire meaningful change and resilience. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify 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!)
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    33 min
  • Mental Health for Men, with Jamie Haigh and Blake Roberts (S12E71)
    Aug 22 2025
    In this episode, I dive deep into a conversation with Jamie Haigh and Blake Roberts, two accomplished marriage and family therapists who focus their practice on supporting men through various challenges, including the often-taboo subjects of sexual addiction and spiritual abuse. As we explore the intricacies of their journeys, I quickly discover that our discussion takes a significant and meaningful turn, navigating through both the personal and systemic issues at play in the conversations around mental health for men.We discuss the tremendous pressure society places on men to conform to certain ideals of masculinity, which often leads to a culture of silence regarding their struggles. Jamie and Blake share their own experiences with addiction, revealing how societal expectations and internal battling around issues like pornography and spiritual trauma can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. Their insights are not only relevant for men grappling with similar issues but also resonate with anyone who loves someone facing these challenges.Jamie and Blake's stories resonate painfully with such experiences, providing a perspective that highlights the importance of addressing underlying emotional wounds in order to break free from the cycles of addiction and despair.The conversation naturally shifts toward spiritual abuse, a theme that both Jamie and Blake have grappled with in their pasts. They each recount events where trusted figures in their spiritual communities caused significant harm, leading them to navigate and redefine their faith journey. Blake's reflection on emotional dissonance within his church involvement and Jamie's account of prolonged abuse from a youth leader reveal the complex interplay between faith and personal trauma.As we go deeper, they introduce their initiative, 3% Company, designed to foster a supportive community where men can discuss their struggles candidly, something they refer to as the "3%" of issues often left unspoken. They believe that breaking down the barriers surrounding these conversations is integral to fostering genuine healing and understanding. Their approach is particularly impactful, as they create safe spaces not just for men but for anyone seeking deeper connections with themselves and those around them.We also discuss critical points about recognizing the pain associated with addiction, as emphasized by Dr. Gabor Maté's framework, focusing not on the addiction itself but on understanding the underlying pain that drives individuals to these behaviors. This shift in perspective can open doors to healing, allowing individuals to explore their coping mechanisms on a deeper level rather than merely treating the symptoms.Overall, our conversation paints a vivid picture of hope amidst struggles. Jamie and Blake exemplify how confronting one’s past and indeed the uncomfortable aspects of masculinity can lead to profound transformation. Their work through 3% Company stands as a testament to that potential.In future conversations, we aim to delve deeper into how individuals can find resources to help navigate these challenges, as well as expand on the importance of community in the recovery process. For those interested, Jamie and Blake have created a platform to foster support and provide resources through their podcast and online community at 3% Company, where listeners can find companionship and encouragement along their journeys to healing. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links Three Percent Company website Three Percent on Substack Blake's powerful Substack Jamie and Blake on But Jesus Drank Wine 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!)
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    1 h et 7 min
  • Operating from the Outside In (S12E70)
    Aug 18 2025
    In this episode, we explore Outside-In Thinking, a powerful approach to mental and emotional well-being. This method encourages you to view your lives from an outsider’s perspective, helping to dismantle limiting beliefs and recognize personal strengths. By framing self-perception through the lens of value and potential, I introduce a spiritual dimension that fosters love and purpose. Embracing this mindset shift empowers you to manage thoughts effectively, cultivate healthier habits, and embark on a transformative journey toward a brighter future. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links 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!)
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Social Media Reset with Allie Marie Smith (S12E69)
    Aug 15 2025
    In this episode, I engage in a profound discussion with Allie Marie Smith, a life coach, author, and CEO of Wonderfully Made, a nonprofit dedicated to helping girls and women embrace their identity and worth in God. We explore the alarming mental health crisis affecting our youth, particularly young women. Statistics reveal that one in three teenage girls in the U.S. is contemplating suicide, while over one-third of adult women have been diagnosed with depression. This crisis is compounded by the pervasive influence of social media, which has escalated feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among its users. Allie's own journey through depression and suicidal ideation led her to recognize the detrimental impact of social media on mental health. Drawing from her personal experiences, she has written a new book, "Social Media Reset," which offers a guided 30-day journey designed to help individuals unplug and reconnect with God, themselves, and their loved ones. You'll learn the surprising ways that social media algorithms deliberately provoke comparison and self-doubt, fostering an addiction that detracts from the fulfillment and joy that God offers. The discussion highlights Allie's practical strategies for confronting this issue. She encourages listeners to take a “social media reset,” suggesting a 30-day break from social platforms to allow their minds and hearts to heal. As our conversation unfolds, we address the spiritual implications of social media use, emphasizing that it’s not just about reducing screen time but about reorienting one's life toward God's abundant plans. The insights shared not only resonate with women but are applicable to everyone grappling with the pressures of modern life. We challenge the design of social media that keeps users engaged but ultimately unfulfilled, calling for a shift towards a more empathetic and life-giving connection with ourselves and our communities.In essence, our dialogue serves as a clarion call for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the noise of social media to pause, reflect, and take active steps towards living a healthier and more joyful life. Allie’s message is one of hope and restoration, urging us to reclaim our God-given purpose and identity amidst the chaos. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links Allie's new book, Social Media Reset Allie's first book, Wonderfully Made Allie's website 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!)
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    52 min
  • Tame Your Thoughts, with Max Lucado (S12E68)
    Aug 11 2025
    In this episode, I welcome back Max Lucado, a celebrated pastor and bestselling author, to discuss his new book, Tame Your Thoughts. Our conversation highlights the crucial need for managing our thinking in today's world, marked by anxiety and negativity. Max shares personal experiences and insights from his pastoral journey, emphasizing faith and community in overcoming life's challenges. He introduces three practical tools for thought management: "Practice Picky Thinking," which encourages discernment in our thought engagement; "UFOs," or untruths that distort reality; and "Uprooting and Replanting," focusing on replacing negative thoughts with Biblical truths. We explore the transformative potential of neuroplasticity and how our minds can be renewed through faith. Max's message empowers listeners to take control of their thought lives, aligning them with God's peace. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links Max's website Max's new book, Tame Your Thoughts 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!)
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    46 min