How to Renew Your Mind and Rewire Your Brain
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In a world where we're often told that our brains are fixed and unchangeable, Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon who champions faith and a peaceful mindset as valuable tools for better mental health, boldly challenge that notion. It seems everyone is talking about better brain health these days. But who can you trust to point you in the right direction? On the latest episode of the “Build Different” podcast, best-selling author and a true expert on the human brain shares his personal story of rethinking, rewiring, and re-training his thought patterns. Dr. Lee Warren, a gifted doctor and practicing neurosurgeon, sits down with Drs. Zach and Tim Clinton to share how he overcame trauma and grief and got through a very dark time. Lee calls it “the art of self-brain surgery,” and now he's helping others do the same.
As Dr. Warren explains, "Your brain changes constantly throughout your life. The reason that happens is that your mind and your brain are not the same thing." He emphasizes that neuroscience is finally catching up to what Scripture has been saying all along: our brains are capable of change and renewal. "The Bible tells us to renew our minds, take our thoughts captive, and made in God's image, in a new way every day, renewed day by day."
Dr. Warren's own journey began with his experiences as a neurosurgeon in Iraq, where he saw firsthand the devastating effects of trauma on the brain. After losing his son, Mitch, in 2013, he found himself struggling with feelings of anger and doubt. However, through his faith and a deep understanding of neuroscience, he began to find hope and healing. As he puts it, "The hope that I had was based on the idea that I would get to see Mitch again in the resurrection."
One of the key takeaways from Dr. Warren's story is the importance of reframing our thoughts and stories about ourselves and our experiences. He explains that our brains are wired to automate patterns of thinking, but we have the power to change those patterns by intentionally choosing new thoughts and behaviors. "If you're sitting around ruminating and thinking about toxic things, your brain begins to automate that stuff where it comes out of you when you're not doing it intentionally."
Dr. Warren shares his "10 Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery," which include lessons such as "don't commit malpractice against yourself" and "believe my mind and my brain are not the same thing." He emphasizes that these are not just self-help ideas, but rather structural and mechanical changes that can be made in the brain.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Warren offers practical advice and insights on how to navigate the challenges of grief, trauma, and mental health. He encourages listeners to take control of their thoughts and emotions, and to find hope in the midst of suffering. As he says, "Suffering stops being suffering when you give it purpose, when you find out what the meaning behind it is."
If you're struggling with the idea that you're stuck with the brain you were born with, or that you're too old to change, Dr. Warren's story and principles are a must-listen. As he reminds us, "Your brain is designed to heal, it's not designed to stay broken." Don't miss this powerful conversation, only on the “Built Different” podcast, and be inspired, as Dr. Warren shares his expertise and personal testimony to help you unlock the potential for change and renewal in your own life.
Listen to the Episode Here!
Top photo credit: ©Getty Images/metamorworks
Originally published November 12, 2026.
