I have been eagerly looking forward to doing this episode ever since I got my hands on Dr. Lee Warren’s new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery. The title alone had Jesse asking, “Wait… self-brain surgery?” Honestly, I actually had the same thought, but what Lee shares in this conversation completely blew me away. He is a brain surgeon, and he has discovered that the same principles he uses in the operating room can be applied by each of us to literally change our own brains - via our thought...
I have been eagerly looking forward to doing this episode ever since I got my hands on Dr. Lee Warren’s new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery. The title alone had Jesse asking, “Wait… self-brain surgery?” Honestly, I actually had the same thought, but what Lee shares in this conversation completely blew me away. He is a brain surgeon, and he has discovered that the same principles he uses in the operating room can be applied by each of us to literally change our own brains - via our thoughts!
Most of what runs through our minds every day is false, negative, or repetitive, keeping us stuck, but when we intentionally practice new ways of thinking, we can rewire our brains in real time and reshape the life that follows, and, in this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Lee and I talk about why our culture often convinces us that we are powerless to change, why 80% of our thoughts are false, and how the simple act of noticing and choosing our thoughts can literally transform our neurochemistry, our bodies, and our perspective!
Lee and I dive into practical tools - from prayer and meditation to quiet reflection - that help filter out the noise and build mental habits that help make us calmer, more resilient, and more intentional. We also explore the deeply human side of change - the grief, loss, and impossible days that can feel like they could crush us. Listen in as Lee shares his personal story of losing his son and welcoming a grandchild on the same day and how recognizing that two truths can exist at once (joy and sorrow) was life-giving and transformative.
Tune in this week and see how science and scripture beautifully reinforce each other and how small, consistent actions can rebuild your mind, your habits, and your hope. If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or powerless to change your thoughts and your life, then this episode will very likely challenge you, encourage you, and give you hope that real change isn’t just possible; it’s built into how you’re wired!
As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Welcome to the show, Dr. Lee Warren, author of The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery!
[1:13] - Lee argues that our thoughts physically influence our brains, giving us real agency over our lives.
[4:46] - It's important to pause to examine thoughts because doing so allows for rational thinking to replace fear and rewires healthier habits.
[7:21] - I reflect on how replacing false, negative thoughts with truth changed my brain, behavior, and parenting.
[8:31] - What we focus on filters our perception, giving us responsibility over how life appears to us.
[10:56] - Lee explains how consistently practicing positive focus rewires the brain - building calm, wise, and grounded habits.
[14:38] - Lee argues that healing ultimately comes from focusing on the future, not dwelling on past trauma or suffering.
[18:02] - Trauma breaks beliefs, not you, and small courageous actions retrain the brain for resilience!
[21:31] - Lee has learned how deep sorrow and real beauty can exist simultaneously, revealing hope even in darkness.
[24:10] - I point out how many face a pit of grief where summoning the strength to act feels impossible.
[25:07] - Hear how, for Lee, necessity forced action, showing how focused thoughts instantly change neurochemistry and emotional response.
[28:28] - Lee explains how changing your thoughts intentionally produces real-time brain and body changes, proving that mental rewiring is literal.
[30:05] - Lee and I discuss how you can only control your own responses and perspective, not others or circumstances.
[31:45] - Ultimately, you can only control yourself, not others or circumstances.
[33:19] - Lee reminds us that emotions are chemical events, not facts, and controlling your thoughts directs your emotional response.
[35:22] - Recognizing your agency in daily choices shifts perspective and builds gratitude for what you can control.
[36:35] - Lasting change requires lifelong practice and retraining learned patterns to create healthier mental habits!
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
Books
The-Life Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life by W. Lee Warren, MD
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
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Crystal Paine on Goodreads
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crystal@moneysavingmom.com
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