Not All Disasters Are Accidents
Join me for an inspiring and sobering conversation with Tata from II Samuel 11. We dive into the story of David and Bathsheba, and see what happens when someone gets themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This week's Tuesdays with Tata is a must-listen!

• Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.
• 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!

• (00:06) - Welcome Back After Hiatus
• (06:44) - David and Bathsheba: A Cautionary Tale
• (17:08) - Consequences of Sin in David's Life
• (26:17) - Seeking God's Guidance and Mercy
• (35:14) - The Heart of David: Confession and Repentance
• (37:50) - Becoming People After God's Own Heart

In this episode of the Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast, Dr. Lee Warren introduces guest host Jon Seidl for an enlightening discussion on the theology of suffering.

Jon, author of Finding Rest: A Survivor's Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life, dives deep into his personal experiences of dealing with anxiety and OCD. He shares insights on interpreting life’s hardships through a faith-based lens and challenges the prosperity gospel's approach to suffering. Jon emphasizes the importance of having a correct theology of suffering, relating it to his upbringing and theological journey. Using the Book of Job as a critical reference point, he explains how suffering brings individuals closer to God and ultimately serves for their good and God’s glory. Jon also opens up about his recent struggles, including battling alcoholism, and stresses the importance of an active, ongoing relationship with Jesus for true healing and understanding. The episode rounds off with practical advice for cultivating a deep, consistent faith life.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Host

01:29 Jon Seidl's Background and Book

02:29 Understanding a Proper Theology of Suffering

04:54 Challenging Prosperity Gospel Beliefs

08:29 Personal Struggles and Faith

11:02 Reggie White and the Question of Suffering

14:55 Defining a Proper Theology of Suffering

19:22 Living with Anxiety and OCD

23:23 The Role of Lament in Faith

25:48 Miraculous Healing and Faith

26:32 The Power of Lament in Psalms

27:21 The Book of Job: Understanding Suffering

29:12 Job's Trials and God's Glory

34:45 Questioning vs. Asking God Questions

37:29 Personal Struggles and Sanctification

40:45 Cultivating a Relationship with God

43:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources and Links:

• Our sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
• Jon Seidl's website
• Click here to subscribe to Jon's powerful, daily writing on Substack
• Follow Jon on Instagram
• Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

• (00:32) - Introduction to Suffering
• (02:20) - The Theology of Suffering
• (09:02) - The Influence of Upbringing
• (14:21) - Personal Struggles and Growth
• (22:14) - Finding God Through Pain
• (27:38) - Lessons from the Book of Job
• (37:12) - The Importance of Relationship
• (42:28) - Cultivating a Relationship with Jesus
• (44:12) - Conclusion and Call to Action

Overcoming Anxiety and OCD: Strategies for Mental Health with Jon Seidl

In this episode of the Spiritual Brain Surgery podcast, Dr. Warren introduces guest host Jon Seidl, who shares his compelling journey with clinical anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Jon discusses his experiences growing up with undiagnosed mental health issues, his struggles in marriage, and the transformative moment of receiving a formal diagnosis. He explains his three-pronged approach to managing mental health—addressing the brain, body, and spirituality—and emphasizes the importance of integrating medication, physical exercise, and faith. Jon also highlights how faith can coexist with medical treatment and provides practical advice for those dealing with similar issues. Listeners are encouraged to explore more through his book, Finding Rest: A Survivor's Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life, and his daily devotional at The Veritas Daily.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:35 Meet Your Guest Host: Jon Seidl

03:39 Jon's Personal Journey with Anxiety and OCD

11:19 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

26:17 The Three-Pronged Approach to Mental Health

28:05 Brain: The Role of Medication

35:39 Body: The Importance of Physical Exercise

37:36 Spirit: Addressing the Spiritual Aspect

43:32 Conclusion and Resources

46:07 Closing Remarks from Dr. Lee Warren

Resources and Links:

• Our sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
• Jon Seidl's website
• Click here to subscribe to Jon's powerful, daily writing on Substack
• Follow Jon on Instagram
• Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

• (00:09) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (26:02) - The Three-Pronged Approach to Healing
• (43:46) - Supporting Loved Ones with Mental Health Issues

In this episode of Tuesdays with Tata, we discuss the themes of faith and obedience through the story of Samuel and Saul in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. Tata guides us as we explore the Israelites' demand for a king, illustrating their rejection of God's authority. We analyze Samuel's heartbreak and Saul's kingship, highlighting the dangers of pride and disobedience. Emphasizing the importance of aligning our perspectives with God’s vision, we encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and the blessings of prioritizing divine guidance that fosters spiritual growth and peace.

Chapters
0:08 Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
1:39 Exploring the Story of Samuel
5:54 The People's Rebellion and Desire for a King
9:39 The Consequences of Choosing a King
14:07 The Tragedy of Saul's Reign
17:41 Recognizing Our Arrogance and Need for God
22:40 The Dangers of Rejecting God's Guidance
24:43 Finding Peace in Difficult Times
30:07 The Importance of Humility and Service

Resources and Links:

• Our sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
• 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!

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (01:39) - Exploring the Story of Samuel
• (05:54) - The People's Rebellion and Desire for a King
• (09:39) - The Consequences of Choosing a King
• (14:07) - The Tragedy of Saul's Reign
• (17:41) - Recognizing Our Arrogance and Need for God
• (22:40) - The Dangers of Rejecting God's Guidance
• (24:43) - Finding Peace in Difficult Times
• (30:07) - The Importance of Humility and Service

Welcome to Spiritual Brain Surgery!

Traveling this week, so we're giving you back episode 1 of the Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast. This will help you if you're new to the show. We have exciting guest-hosted episodes, more Tuesdays with Tata, and all kinds of other powerful Spiritual Brain Surgery content coming to you weekly in 2025!

Here's an overview of where we're going with Spiritual Brain Surgery, and why we're here.
Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, Romans 12:1, Matthew 22:37, Psalm 111:2, Mark 12:30-31

Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!

Resources and Links:

• Our sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
• 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!

• (07:58) - 01

In this episode of 'Spiritual Brain Surgery,' Dr. Lee Warren and his co-host Tata discuss the importance of maintaining faith during hard times, and a surprising lesson on how God loves us and how he can't stand it when we suffer because of sin from Judges 10:16.

Set against the serene backdrop of a wintery Sunday afternoon by the North Platte River, the conversation delves into the Bible, highlighting lessons from the book of Judges and Ruth. They explore how the Israelites repeatedly turned to idols despite God's persistent guidance and how this reflects our modern struggles with faith and sin.

The discussion underscores the need for self-examination, reliance on God, and the power of redemption through Jesus.

The episode also includes shout-outs to listeners Lori and Rodney, sharing their challenges and seeking divine guidance amidst grief and loss. Dr. Warren wraps up by emphasizing the transformative power of changing one's mind to change one's life.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery

00:48 A Chilly Sunday Afternoon

01:36 Listener Shoutout and Encouragement

02:16 Discussing the Book of Ruth and Judges

03:14 The Israelites' Rebellion and Idolatry

07:13 Lessons from the Old Testament

10:31 Understanding Sin and God's Nature

12:35 God's Mercy and Human Weakness

18:02 Living to Please God

19:03 Understanding God's Nature

19:31 The Role of Jesus as Our Redeemer

21:19 The Power of Calling Out to God

25:09 The Importance of Prayer and Surrender

30:02 Dealing with Loss and Seeking Answers

35:41 Final Reflections and Encouragement

Resources and Links:

• Our sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
• 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!

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:47) - Reflections on Nature and Life
• (02:02) - Inspiring Stories of Resilience
• (03:26) - Idolatry and Its Consequences
• (07:09) - The Old vs. New Covenant
• (09:10) - The Nature of Sin and Rebellion
• (12:10) - God's Grace and Mercy
• (14:55) - The Heart's Deceitful Nature
• (17:29) - Hope in Our Brokenness
• (20:09) - Understanding Our Need for a Savior
• (22:59) - Lessons from the Old Testament
• (26:11) - Seeking God's Heart
• (28:23) - The Struggle to Trust God
• (30:29) - Finding Peace Amidst Grief
• (35:34) - Conclusion: Starting Today

Facing Suffering with Faith: Conversations on Perseverance and Hope

In this episode of The Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast, Dr. Lee Warren and Tata discuss the challenging topic of suffering and where God fits into our hardships. Reflecting on scriptures from Romans chapters 4 and 5, they explore the profound questions many believers face, such as the presence of a loving God amid suffering. They recommend several books for those looking to delve deeper into the theology of suffering, including works by Lee Strobel and Paul David Tripp. Through a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, they unpack personal stories of loss, perseverance, and the unwavering hope that comes from faith in God. Tata shares his unique perspective and scriptural insights, offering comfort and guidance for those navigating their own trials.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 Discussing Suffering and Faith

01:19 Recommended Readings on Suffering

01:58 Conversation with Tata Begins

04:12 Reflections on Romans Chapter 5

12:21 Personal Stories of Faith and Perseverance

16:54 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

19:51 The Furnace of Suffering

20:51 Refinement Through Grief

24:47 God's Promises in Times of Loss

26:28 Firm Foundation in Faith

27:22 Perseverance and Character

27:59 Supporting Others in Their Struggles

32:59 Gratitude Amidst Suffering

35:21 Prayer for Those in Need

36:50 Hope and Healing Resources

Resources and Links:

• Our sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
• Is God Real? by Lee Strobel
• Suffering by Paul David Tripp
• 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!

• (00:06) - Introduction to Suffering
• (02:44) - Life's Hardships and Beliefs
• (03:00) - Weathering the Cold
• (03:40) - Celebrating Over 100 Episodes
• (04:12) - The Meaning of Romans 5
• (09:03) - Understanding Suffering
• (16:51) - The Journey Through Grief
• (25:06) - God's Promises in Suffering
• (29:34) - The Importance of Community
• (35:10) - A Prayer for the Suffering
• (36:32) - Starting Fresh with Hope

This conversation will help you find healing and power in the sacred space of prayer.

Be ready to take notes, shed tears, and renew your hope as New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp gives us a masterclass on neuroscience, theology, and a deep dive into overcoming trauma, tragedy, and all the places where life can hurt.

We discuss Ann's new prayer journals, Sacred Prayer and Gifts and Gratitude, and Ann gives us a new way to think about how prayer affects our brains.

You can pre-order Ann's new book, Loved to Life now!

Ann's bio

Ann Voskamp is wife of one good farmer, mama to a seven exuberant kids, and author of the four New York Times Bestsellers, The Broken Way, The Greatest Gift, Unwrapping The Greatest Gift, and One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, a New York Times 67 week bestseller which has sold more than 1.5 million copies, and is translated into more than 20 languages.

Named by Christianity Today as one of 50 women most shaping culture and the church today, and a partner with Compassion International as a global advocate for needy children, Ann's a regular loser of library books, usually has a sink full of soaking pots, sees empty laundry baskets rarer than a blue moon, and believes that the sky and fresh mercy over the farm is large and all is grace. Her blog, one of the Top 10 Christian blogs on the web, has become a daily well for the weary and soul-thirsty.

Five Ways You Can Support this show:

1. Pray for us!
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5. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):

• Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!
• If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative!

Other Helpful Links:

Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!

Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!

Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!

Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

• (00:04) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (01:30) - Meet Anne Voskamp
• (03:44) - The Power of Prayer Journals
• (04:27) - The Importance of Prayer
• (07:31) - Navigating Pain and Healing
• (10:27) - Journey from Fear to Love
• (13:25) - Understanding Transactional Faith
• (18:23) - Embracing Covenant with God
• (22:10) - Processing Trauma and Loss
• (26:40) - The Role of Prayer in Crisis
• (30:50) - The Science of Prayer and Brain
• (36:54) - Agency in Our Own Story
• (37:29) - The Sacred Prayer Acronym
• (41:26) - Training Our Minds in Prayer
• (49:55) - Rewiring Our Minds Through Gratitude
• (54:28) - A Word for the Grieving
• (55:38) - Finding Hope and Healing
• (56:42) - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement