In this episode, we explore the impact of generational beliefs and patterns on personal growth, challenging the narrative that individuals are trapped by their ancestry. We dive deep into the Eighth Commandment of Self-Brain Surgery, and embrace how neuroscience and faith smash together to help us break harmful cycles and rewrite our lineage. We learn the incredible hope and power of epigenetics, and how our choices and mindset can influence genetic expression and offer a path to reshape our fut...
Jan 26, 2026•25 min•Season 13Ep. 28
In this episode, we examine the challenges of breaking destructive habits and the concept of the "tomorrow tax," which highlights the cost of delaying today's challenges. We discuss the sixth commandment of self-brain surgery: "I must love tomorrow more than I hate what I'm feeling right now," emphasizing the importance of prioritizing future well-being over momentary relief. Then, we dive into the seventh commandment: "I must stop making an operation out of everything," which helps us simplify ...
Jan 23, 2026•40 min•Season 13Ep. 27
In this episode, we explore the significance of the fifth commandment of self-brain surgery in mastering your mind and your brain to transform your life. You'll learn that you don't need a miracle to achieve real change, because everyone already has the innate tools for healing, hope, and higher performance. We discuss how neuroplasticity enables us to reshape our minds through intentional thought. This commandment shifts us from passive recipients of our mental state to active architects of our...
Jan 21, 2026•25 min•Season 13Ep. 26
In this episode, we discuss the crucial distinction between the mind and the brain, essential for the process of self-brain surgery. I introduce the fourth commandment of self-brain surgery, which emphasizes that our mind controls our brain, and we explore how our thoughts shape our cognitive architecture. We contrast "brain-out" and "mind-down" worldviews, showing the power of intentionality and personal responsibility. You'll get practical steps for engaging in self-brain surgery, and exercise...
Jan 19, 2026•36 min•Season 13Ep. 25
In this episode, I discuss the third commandment of self-brain surgery, highlighting how many automatic thoughts we accept lack truth. We discuss the importance of metacognition and the "thought biopsy" method, encouraging practicing self-brain surgeons to critically evaluate their thoughts. By identifying different scripts shaping your internal dialogue, such as negative self-talk, genuine thoughts, and external influences. you can reclaim agency over your mind. Click here for the transcript...
Jan 16, 2026•44 min•Season 13Ep. 24
In this episode, we examine the second commandment of self-brain surgery, emphasizing that feelings should not be equated with facts, as they are merely chemical events in the brain. We critique the cultural notion of prioritizing feelings for authenticity, pointing out the risks of reactive behaviors born from misinterpretations of emotions. By illustrating the difference between emotions (subconscious responses) and feelings (conscious interpretations), you'll learn the variability of emotiona...
Jan 14, 2026•23 min•Season 13Ep. 23
Is alcohol helping, or hurting your life? Join me for a great talk with my friend Ericka Andersen , an author and freelance writer from Indiana, as we discuss her new book Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith . This conversation, and this book, will help you reevaluate your relationship with alcohol in the light of its overall effect on your life and your faith, and as it relates to the ten commandments of self-brain surgery. Stick around to the end to learn how you could w...
Jan 12, 2026•41 min•Season 13Ep. 22
In this episode, we examine the crucial difference between the mind and the brain, asserting that understanding this distinction allows us to take control of our thoughts and well-being. I introduce concepts like "mind down" versus "brain out," which will help you to critically assess your thoughts and challenge negative narratives. Then we discuss how self-brain surgery empowers you to actively engage in your mental health journey. Finally, we present The First Commandment of Self-Brain Surger...
Jan 09, 2026•29 min•Season 13Ep. 21
In this episode, I tackle the themes of trauma and guilt through a listener's heartbreaking story of loss. We discuss a method to help critically assess negative automatic thoughts while acknowledging the pain and the hope beyond it. Drawing on my experiences as a neurosurgeon and messages from scripture, I remind everyone that healing and growth are possible, reinforcing that our lives hold purpose despite past mistakes. This discussion serves as a compassionate guide for those navigating their...
Jan 05, 2026•18 min•Season 313Ep. 20
A brief message at the start of the new year. 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 ...
Jan 04, 2026•17 min•Season 13Ep. 19
This episode reveals how self-brain surgery helps us integrate both halves of our brain to come alive to the realities of our lives. In trauma, tragedy, massive things, or even in the everyday struggles we all face, it's crucial to acknowledge where we've been AND to learn to live fully in the present. Today's podcast will help you see how it's never been healthy to try live in the either/or. Life is about integrating everything in to the beautiful both/and, and smashing neuroscience and faith t...
Jan 02, 2026•43 min•Season 13Ep. 18
In this episode, I share a personal story from 2013, reflecting on the emotional challenges I faced after losing my son and how an encounter with a woman named Jennie highlighted the universal struggle of feeling uncomfortable in our own skins. As we step into the new year, I encourage you to embrace transformation and recognize their power to reshape your future. We draw a sharp distinction between the brain and the mind, emphasizing how conscious thought can drive personal change. Join me in t...
Jan 01, 2026•30 min•Season 13Ep. 17
In this episode, we reflect on the challenges of 2025, sharing personal experiences of loss and the emotional landscape of closing a difficult year. I emphasize the need for a proactive mindset as we enter 2026, encouraging listeners to cultivate a positive mental environment and establish intentional morning routines. We discuss six key principles to help reshape thoughts and improve mental resilience. By focusing on personal growth through adversity and letting go of past burdens, we can prepa...
Dec 31, 2025•31 min•Season 13Ep. 19
We're wrapping up 2025 with replays of our top interviews and episodes of the year. Today, we're looking at Quantum Decision Making. 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, ...
Dec 29, 2025•54 min•Season 13Ep. 15
We're wrapping up 2025 with replays of our top interviews and episodes of the year. Today, we're talking with bestselling author, Dr. Curt Thompson . 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, ...
Dec 26, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 13Ep. 14
We're wrapping up 2025 with replays of our top interviews and episodes of the year. Today, we're talking with New York Times bestselling author, Ann Voskamp . 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, ...
Dec 24, 2025•59 min•Season 13Ep. 13
We're wrapping up 2025 with replays of our top interviews and episodes of the year. Today, we're talking with the brilliant Jo Hargreaves , known online to her hundreds of thousands of followers as The Faith-Filled Therapist. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You B...
Dec 22, 2025•46 min•Season 13Ep. 12
Holidays are wonderful. but they can be stressful. And stress can trip us up if we're trying to make major changes in our lives. Here's an episode from 2024 about how to use self-brain surgery to avoid falling back into habits we're trying to break. It's the second in the Sunday Self-Brain Surgery series. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and check out the three 5-minute self-brain surgery operations we'll be bringing to you this coming week. Merry Christmas! Click here for the trans...
Dec 21, 2025•35 min•Season 13Ep. 11
It's Frontal Lobe Friday! Today, I give you a brand new self-brain surgery operation, the self-talk switch." a method to transform negative self-narratives into empowering truths. In this often hard world, you have enough to deal with without having an adversary in your own head, right? Eliminating negative self-talk turns your inner voice into an ally instead. I outline five steps to tame your self-talk: assessing negative thoughts, uncovering their origins, replacing them with positive affirma...
Dec 19, 2025•22 min•Season 13Ep. 10
In this episode, we examine three key brain networks that can either help your life flourish, or lead you to floundering: the Default Mode Network (DMN), Central Executive Network (CEN), and Salience Network (SN). I discuss how the DMN can lead to rumination while also being essential for self-reflection. The CEN enables control over our thoughts for constructive action, and the SN helps direct our focus toward positive outcomes. We'll smash faith and neuroscience together and use self-brain sur...
Dec 17, 2025•31 min•Season 13Ep. 9
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances but the lies you believe? In this episode, I expose three common lies that quietly undermine your health, happiness, and performance and that keep you stuck even when you’re trying hard to change. I’ll show you: 🧠 Why your mind and brain aren’t the same thing, and why that matters ⚙️ How to automate healthier thought patterns instead of battling your thoughts 🔄 What identity-level change really looks like in everyday life If y...
Dec 15, 2025•37 min•Season 13Ep. 8
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Sunday Self-Brain Surgery," a new series aimed at going deeper into the spiritual side of our faith-science integration that lies at the heart of self-brain surgery. I introduce the concept of intentional engagement with our spiritual selves and discuss the benefits of practices like meditation, prayer, and gratitude for mental resilience and physical health, backed by neuroscience. Central to this episode is a self-brain surgery operation called "The Ascript...
Dec 14, 2025•40 min•Season 933Ep. 7
It's Frontal Lobe Friday! In this episode, I introduce "The Unstuck Operation," a technique to overcome feelings of stagnation. We explore mental patterns that hinder progress and provide actionable strategies for breaking free. Highlighting insights from a listener, I emphasize the importance of mindset in self-brain surgery. I outline a process that includes recognizing negative thoughts, engaging in small tasks to spark motivation, and understanding the neuroscience behind our feelings. I giv...
Dec 12, 2025•23 min•Season 13Ep. 6
In this episode, we explore the common struggle of feeling stuck. There's good news, though: it's not your fault, as your brain naturally prefers safety over change. Today, we unpack how predictive processing leads us to rely on past experiences, which can trap us in outdated narratives. By examining four key neuroscientific concepts behind these patterns, you'll learn how your brain's wiring influences self-defeating cycles without implying moral failure. I teach you a five-step framework to he...
Dec 10, 2025•16 min
In this episode, we explore how our thought patterns impact personal growth and healing. By examining the mindset of self-brain surgeons, we learn that overcoming feelings of being stuck starts with redefining our internal narratives. I share key strategies to audit thoughts, viewing them as events rather than commands, and highlight the importance of intentional mental focus in shaping our realities. This will help you critically evaluate your internal dialogues and apply core values for health...
Dec 08, 2025•22 min•Season 13Ep. 4
Frontal Lobe Friday is back! In this episode, I present a self-brain surgery operation to manage chronic stress and anxiety. I introduce the “gratitude graft,” which utilizes gratitude to foster mental resilience and help you find peace. We explore discuss how faith works with neuroplasticity to optimize emotional regulation, and I share techniques and scripture that helps you get it done. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive mental health management to embrace your potential for t...
Dec 05, 2025•22 min•Season 13Ep. 3
In this episode, I explore the profound impact of consciously retraining our minds. I discuss our innate capacity to be self-brain surgeons, emphasizing the necessity of intentionally guiding our brain's natural rewiring processes. We go deep into how our habitual responses shape our behaviors and the distinction between mind and brain. You will learn practical strategies to redirect negative thought patterns, illustrating the power of intentionality in achieving transformation and enhanced ment...
Dec 03, 2025•40 min•Season 13Ep. 2
In this episode, we discuss the character traits of self-brain surgeons, a transformative process for taking control of mental and emotional well-being. We lean into the power of Triple H therapy to achieve healing, hope, and higher performance, and we embrace resilience, intentionality, and self-reflection as key traits of self-brain surgeons. Click here for the transcript Resources and Links My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I'...
Dec 01, 2025•31 min•Season 13Ep. 1
In this episode, we discuss the importance of Thanksgiving as a time for reflection, gratitude, and personal transformation. We honor the struggle many face during the holidays, and I give you some things to use when it's hard to feel gratitude. This talk will help you break free from victimhood and embrace the potential for change. Starting with the miracle of the brain's neuroplasticity, we reinforce the ability to forge new pathways and reshape our lives, no matter our circumstances. You'll g...
Nov 27, 2025•23 min
In this episode, we go deep into both the science AND the art of self-brain surgery, combining neuroscience and faith to foster personal transformation. There is a special, YouTube-only video episode that gives you some bonus training for this episode! Please subscribe to my YouTube channel, and make sure you see the video called Learning the Thought Biopsy . You don't want to miss this training! As we're getting close to the February 2026 release of my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Br...
Nov 24, 2025•52 min•Season 12Ep. 96
