In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren dives deep into the neurobiology of suffering, building on last week's theological exploration of the same topic. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the spiritual and scientific perspectives on suffering to effectively manage it. The discussion covers the physiological processes involved in pain perception and chronic pain syndromes, highlighting the roles of neuroplasticity and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr. Warren shares insights from medical research and personal experiences, offering practical steps to help individuals reframe and revalue their pain for better mental health. He also underscores the significance of integrating faith and science to navigate through life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap

01:33 The Neurobiology of Suffering

10:54 Understanding Pain Processing

17:11 Chronic Pain and Neuroplasticity

25:54 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hope

35:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources and Links:
📖 My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠I've Seen the End of You

🎙️ ⁠Subscribe to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast⁠ for weekly strategies to change your brain and life.

📖 Grab my book ⁠Hope Is the First Dose⁠.

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:44) - The Neurobiology of Suffering
• (04:14) - Understanding Pain and Suffering
• (09:06) - Chronic Pain and Its Impact
• (11:38) - Pain Processing and Survival
• (24:44) - Neuroplasticity and Chronic Pain
• (26:29) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Insights
• (31:17) - Reframing Pain and Suffering
• (35:23) - Embracing Neurobiology for Healing

If God is Good, Why is There Suffering?

A hard look at the biggest question: why is life so hard if God loves us?

Here's a look at the answer, and what to do about it!

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Proverbs 2:10

Book Mentioned: Is God Real? by Lee Strobel
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
01:00 Purpose and Vision of the Podcast
01:41 Exploring the Topic of Suffering
01:43 Revisiting Early Episodes
02:08 The Neurobiology of Suffering
02:28 Season Two and Subscriber Information
03:35 Deep Dive into Suffering
03:57 Personal Reflections on Suffering
04:43 Theodicy and Philosophical Questions
05:31 Listener Questions and Chronic Suffering
06:30 Personal Story and Theodicy
12:22 Philosophical Insights on Suffering
18:20 The Bear Analogy
20:32 Understanding Suffering Through Analogy
21:51 God's Perspective on Suffering
22:22 The Role of Free Will in Suffering
23:11 The Origin of Human Suffering
23:56 The Bigger Picture of Good and Evil
24:21 Critiquing God and the Long Narrative
25:53 God's Plan for Redemption
27:00 Personal Growth Through Suffering
29:23 The Purpose of Suffering
34:43 The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue
38:19 The Ongoing Battle Against Evil
39:31 Finding Strength in Faith

Resources and Links:
📖 My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠I've Seen the End of You

🎙️ ⁠Subscribe to The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast⁠ for weekly strategies to change your brain and life.

📖 Grab my book ⁠Hope Is the First Dose⁠.

• (00:08) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (00:44) - The Purpose of Suffering
• (03:25) - Exploring the Neurobiology of Suffering
• (03:51) - Why We Suffer
• (05:42) - The Nature of God and Suffering
• (10:41) - Theodicy and Our Questions
• (15:28) - Finding Hope in Suffering
• (20:27) - Perspective on Suffering
• (25:05) - Growth Through Pain
• (31:05) - The Purpose Behind Our Suffering
• (32:10) - God’s Presence in Our Pain
• (35:29) - The Story of Redemption
• (38:17) - Conclusion: The Answer is Jesus

In this Tuesdays with Tata episode, Tata and I ponder the profound insights of John 1 from the Bible.

We discuss the significance of Jesus as the Word, and how getting to know him brings light into even the hardest parts of our lives. Tata shares some stories from his decades of walking alongside people in their most difficult moments, and he invites us to consider the challenges of faith in hardship and to develop an eternal perspective on life. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good, especially for those searching for light in dark times.

Want more tools for rewiring your brain and renewing your mind?

🎙️ Subscribe to The Self-Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren Podcast for weekly strategies to change your brain—and your life.
📖 Grab my book Hope Is the First Dose for a roadmap to recovery and transformation.
📘 And stay tuned for The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery—coming February 2026!

• (00:09) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery
• (15:04) - Understanding God's Heart for Us
• (26:37) - The Power of Choice
• (29:02) - The Importance of Acceptance
• (35:48) - Finding Peace in God's Word