It's Brain Surgery
Welcome to It’s Brain Surgery, where we explore the mental, physical, and philosophical tools that help high performers thrive in high-stakes, uncomfortable, and uncertain parts of life.
I’m Dr. Andrew Brunswick, a neurosurgeon, athlete, and wellness advocate sharing first-hand insights from the operating room and the training ground. Here you’ll find conversations, strategies, and tools to help you:
•Strengthen your mindset 🧘
•Optimize physical and mental performance 💪
•Improve recovery and resilience 🔄
•Learn practical lessons from real neurosurgery stories 🧠
•Explore the latest in fitness, mindfulness, and wellness 🌱
Expect weekly podcast episodes, in-depth explainers, and highlight clips featuring guests ranging from doctors and elite athletes to thought leaders in mindset and recovery.
If you’re passionate about neurosurgery, health, fitness, mindset training, or unlocking peak human potential, you’re in the right place.
👉 Subscribe now and join a growing community of high achievers committed to mastering both body and mind.
It's Brain Surgery
How a Neurosurgeon Stays Human with Dr. Howard Weiner
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Dr. Howard Weiner is one of the most respected pediatric neurosurgeons in the country — Chief of Neurosurgery and Endowed Chair at Texas Children’s Hospital, and Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. But titles barely scratch the surface of who he is.
In this deeply personal conversation, Andrew talks with his former mentor about the part of medicine most people never hear about: how you stay human while doing the hardest job in the hospital.
They get into:
• How a childhood shaped by empathy led him to neurosurgery
• Why “hospitality” in medicine matters more than people think
• Leading teams through trust, warmth, and integrity
• How he navigates complications and the mental toll of surgery
• The role of spirituality, Sabbath, family, and giving in avoiding burnout
• The surprising tools that help surgeons build long, meaningful careers
• What it means to build a life you’re proud of — not just a career
If you’re in medicine, leadership, or just trying to build a meaningful life without burning out, this episode will hit home.