In this episode, we go deep into the idea of how we can over-anatomize and over-pathologize ourselves, an exploration that challenges common narratives about mental health and personal identity. I ask you to reflect on the experiences of feeling limited by diagnoses such as anxiety, ADHD, or neurodivergence. Many of us internalize these labels, allowing them to dictate how we view our capabilities, relationships, and overall life trajectory. We often hear phrases that reference the functioning o...
Nov 22, 2025•23 min•Season 12Ep. 95
In this episode, I explore the concept of overcoming persistent challenges that feel overwhelming, such as chronic illness or complex relationships. The discussion focuses on accepting unchangeable realities while reframing our perspectives to alleviate mental and emotional suffering. I emphasize the importance of fostering resilience through gratitude practices, achievable goals, and documenting emotions. You'll learn to transform your relationship with pain and adversity, viewing them as integ...
Nov 21, 2025•33 min•Season 12Ep. 94
In this episode, we dive deep into a new self-brain surgery operation you can use when you're feeling down and out, "microsurgery for your mood." It's a part of my ongoing mission to empower you to take control of your emotional state and find pathways to healing, hope, and higher performance. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel! We're getting close to 5,000 subscribers, and I'm going to release a special YouTube-only video episode when we reach it! Click here to subscribe so you don'...
Nov 14, 2025•37 min•Season 12Ep. 93
In this episode, I speak with bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle about surviving an unwanted divorce. Lysa shares her personal journey through emotional and physical turmoil, while we examine the ties between mental health and spirituality. We challenge misconceptions in the Christian community regarding valid reasons for divorce and highlight the importance of self-care and healing. Their collaborative book (along with therapist Jim Cress), Surviving an Unwanted Divorce ,...
Nov 10, 2025•50 min•Season 12Ep. 92
In this episode, I talk with my friend Mark Batterson , a New York Times bestselling author and the founding pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Together, we discuss his latest book, Gradually, Then Suddenly . This book encapsulates the journey of making significant life changes and achieving mastery over time. We discuss the gradual processes involved in transformation and how seemingly small, consistent efforts lead to breakthroughs and remarkable shifts in one's life. Mark...
Nov 07, 2025•45 min
Tuesdays with Tata is Back! In this episode, I engage in a profound discussion with my father-in-law, Dennis McDonald, affectionately known as Tata, exploring the intersection of faith, spirituality, and everyday challenges. We relaunch "Tuesdays with Tata," focusing on how neuroscience and biblical teachings can collectively enhance our spiritual journeys. Tata shares his insights from Matthew chapter 10, illustrating the importance of trust in God amidst life's difficulties. We draw parallels ...
Nov 04, 2025•45 min•Season 12Ep. 90
In this episode, we continue with 100 days of exploring self-brain surgery as a mechanism for personal growth and transformation, leading up to the launch of my next book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery . I introduce a new operation called the "Settle for More Shift," focusing on overcoming feelings of stagnation and dissatisfaction. I empower listeners to reassess their mindsets and identify areas of complacency through self-assessment and practical strategies like journaling. ...
Nov 03, 2025•46 min•Season 12Ep. 89
In this episode, we enter 100 days of exploring self-brain surgery as a mechanism for personal growth and transformation, leading up to the launch of my next book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery . Drawing from my experiences as a neurosurgeon and the loss of my son, I emphasize the necessity of reshaping our thought patterns to alter our circumstances. We do a deep dive into neuroplasticity and its role in overcoming sadness, sickness, stress, feelings of being stuck, and settling f...
Nov 01, 2025•49 min•Season 12Ep. 88
In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on October and its impact on our journey together as Self-Brain Surgeons. As we transition into November, I want to introduce a shift in focus towards the core concept of self-brain surgery, a practice I believe will significantly enrich your life. With my forthcoming book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery , coming in February, November will set the stage for a deeper dive into the mechanics of self-brain surgery, as we explore its potential...
Oct 31, 2025•19 min•Season 12Ep. 82
In this episode, I speak with Leanne Ellington about the intersection of neuroscience and faith. Leanne shares her journey of overcoming struggles with food and body image, advocating for women to break free from societal pressures. We discuss her application of self-brain surgery and how understanding neuroplasticity leads to transformative change. We explore the complexities of habit change and practical strategies for rewiring the brain, emphasizing that true transformation starts within. Lea...
Oct 27, 2025•40 min•Season 12Ep. 86
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Sharon Dirckx, an Oxford neuroscientist, about her book Broken Planet , which explores the connections between neuroscience, suffering, and faith. We discuss the nature of suffering in natural disasters, highlighting survivor resilience and distinguishing between moral and natural evils. Dr. Dirckx emphasizes that suffering reflects our broken world rather than divine punishment and shares how mindset influences healing. We also address the relationship between ...
Oct 24, 2025•48 min•Season 12Ep. 87
In this episode, I speak with my good friend Christopher Cook, author of Healing, What You Can't Erase , about navigating wilderness periods of disconnection from God during hardship. Chris shares his personal journey through grief and health struggles, illustrating how faith can transform these experiences. We discuss the importance of grounding ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's presence for peace. Chris shows us that healing often occurs through recognizing God's closeness in suffering ...
Oct 20, 2025•56 min•Season 12Ep. 84
In this episode, I discuss the intersection of neuroscience and faith with Cyd and Dr. Geoff Holsclaw, authors of the new book Landscapes of the Soul . We explore how attachment theory can help address feelings of disconnection in our spiritual lives, focusing on the importance of relational attachment and early experiences. We examine the four emotional landscapes- jungle, desert, war zone, and pasture- and discuss strategies for nurturing secure connections with God and others. The episode emp...
Oct 17, 2025•54 min•Season 12Ep. 83
In this episode, I talk with Amber Emily Smith about her devastating experience following the drowning of her son, River. Amber shares insights from her new book, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor , reflecting on grief, healing, and the duality of joy and sorrow. We discuss how she and her husband, musician Granger Smith, took practical steps to navigate their loss together and protect their marriage. We talk about her devastating second loss, another "bathroom floor" moment when she suffered a mis...
Oct 13, 2025•32 min•Season 12Ep. 82
In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Aundi Kolber, an author and therapist specializing in trauma. We explore how past experiences shape healing, emphasizing the importance of honoring pain rather than suppressing it. Aundi shares her personal insights on complex PTSD and the concept of 'trying softer' to foster awareness of emotional needs. We discuss the neuroscience of trauma, strategies for expanding our window of tolerance, and the role of compassion in healing. Additionally...
Oct 10, 2025•48 min
In this episode, I welcome back my friend Jon Seidl, author of Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic , as he shares his profound journey of grappling with alcoholism through the lens of his faith. Jon recounts his struggles and a pivotal moment that ignited his path to recovery, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than just the addiction itself. He outlines a four-step process for transformation that includes abiding in Christ and practicing radical vulnerability, sh...
Oct 06, 2025•48 min•Season 12Ep. 80
In this episode, I explore the themes of constriction, grief, and emotional overwhelm, drawing on my experiences as a neurosurgeon and the profound impact of personal loss. I introduce Triple H Therapy—healing, hope, and higher performance, an approach inspired by my medical background that aims to unlock personal potential through cultivating these elements. We discuss how understanding past traumas can empower healing and the actionable nature of hope in transcending current difficulties. I ou...
Oct 01, 2025•37 min•Season 12Ep. 79
In this episode, I have a beautiful conversation with author, recording artist, and podcaster Tanya Godsey . Tanya's first book is the outstanding Befriending God , in which she shares her insights on forming a personal relationship with God. Our talk challenges the notion of God as inaccessible, as we touch on the significance of emotional honesty, prayer as a dialogue, and the shared experiences of grief and resilience. Tanya emphasizes how suffering can enhance our understanding of God's natu...
Sep 29, 2025•48 min•Season 12Ep. 77
In this episode, I speak with John Burke , a New York Times bestselling author and expert on near-death experiences. We interview each other, and this episode will be released on both of our podcasts. We examine themes of consciousness, the soul, and the afterlife through the lens of science, particularly neuroscience and quantum physics. Drawing from John's research with over 1,500 near-death experience testimonies, we explore universal perceptions of divinity and the inherent themes of love an...
Sep 22, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Season 12Ep. 77
In this episode, I discuss the power of confronting limiting labels like "anxious" and "broken" with health coach and author Erin Kerry. She shares her journey of overcoming trauma and mental health struggles, emphasizing that these labels do not define us. We explore practical tools for healing, including holistic approaches that encompass physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Be sure to listen for a chance to win one of three copies of Erin's book, Live Beyond Your Label ! Click here ...
Sep 15, 2025•50 min•Season 12Ep. 76
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 e...
Sep 08, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 12Ep. 75
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 rein...
Sep 02, 2025•42 min•Season 12Ep. 74
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 a...
Aug 29, 2025•39 min•Season 12Ep. 73
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 an...
Aug 25, 2025•33 min•Season 12Ep. 72
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 aroun...
Aug 22, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 12Ep. 71
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...
Aug 18, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 12Ep. 70
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 t...
Aug 15, 2025•52 min•Season 12Ep. 69
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 di...
Aug 11, 2025•46 min•Season 12Ep. 65
In this episode, I explore "approach drift," the tendency for our intentions to be derailed by distractions, old habits, and failing to develop a discipline of checking to make sure we're using a reliable system to guide us. I share insights from my neurosurgical practice to illustrate the importance of self-assessment and maintaining focus on our goals. I show you how to recognize moments of drift and implement strategies for change, leveraging concepts like neuroplasticity to create healthier ...
Aug 08, 2025•46 min•Season 12Ep. 69
(Make sure to listen to the first three parts in this series if you missed them!) In neurosurgery, we change our approach to a case if the plan we had isn't producing the outcome we want. Good surgeons look objectively at their outcomes, and we're willing to change our approach to do the best thing for our patient. In self-brain surgery, you are both the patient AND the surgeon, so being unwilling to change approaches is a form of self-malpractice. And that violates our first commandment: "I mus...
Aug 04, 2025•53 min•Season 12Ep. 66
