Your Next Listen: Episode Summary – "How to Chase Change" by Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa

Podcast Information:

• Title: Your Next Listen
• Host/Author: Lemonada Media and Simon & Schuster Audio
• Description: A weekly showcase of the hottest new audiobooks, featuring curated selections from prominent authors with engaging excerpts. Perfect for virtual shelf enthusiasts and avid readers alike.

Episode Overview:

• Title: How to Chase Change
• Author: Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa
• Release Date: December 30, 2024

In this episode of Your Next Listen, listeners are introduced to Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa’s insightful audiobook, How to Chase Change. The episode delves deep into the core themes and methodologies presented in Fernandez-Prieksa’s work, offering a comprehensive overview of her approach to personal transformation grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and practical exercises.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The hosts, A and B, set the stage by discussing the significance of New Year’s resolutions and transitioning into the new year. They introduce Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa—a multifaceted professional combining expertise in neuroscience, Pilates instruction, personal training, and podcasting. The episode emphasizes Fernandez-Prieksa’s new audiobook, positioning it as a scientifically-backed guide to personal growth.

Notable Quote:

“I found people don't just want to be told what they should do better, they wanted to be told how and why and to really understand the science behind what they are doing.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([00:09])

2. Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa’s Journey and Background

Fernandez-Prieksa shares her personal journey, illustrating the evolution of her career from aspiring actress to neuroscientist and fitness expert. Her narrative underscores the unpredictability of life paths and the importance of following one’s passion.

• Early Aspirations: Initially aimed for acting, balancing freelance work with her studies ([02:07]).
• Academic Shift: Inspired by a neuroanatomy lecture, she pivoted to cognitive neuroscience ([02:07]).
• Life Transitions: Moved between cities, faced significant personal challenges, and eventually settled in Sydney to rekindle her passion for neuroscience ([02:07]).
• Podcast Creation: Combined her love for performance and science by launching her podcast, which gained international traction ([02:07]).

Notable Quote:

“Maybe you're at a turning point in your life, just like I was at 20 years old. Or maybe you're just looking to take a bit more time for introspection...” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([02:07])

3. Core Concepts Explored in the Audiobook

a. Schema, Assimilation, and Accommodation

Fernandez-Prieksa introduces the concept of schema—the cognitive frameworks through which we interpret and interact with the world. She elaborates on Jean Piaget’s theories of assimilation (integrating new information into existing schemas) and accommodation (modifying schemas in response to new information).

• Schema Definition:

  “A schema is a way of thinking and behaving that you use to interpret and understand the world.” ([07:04])

• Assimilation Example: Recognizing an orange cat as still fitting the category of cats, despite its different color ([07:04]).

• Accommodation Example: Changing preconceived negative beliefs about a group after positive interactions ([07:04]).

b. Cognitive Bias

Fernandez-Prieksa explains cognitive bias as the tendency to perceive reality in a way that reinforces existing beliefs, often overlooking contradictory evidence.

• Example of Bias: Believing all men are untrustworthy based on limited negative experiences, thus ignoring instances that contradict this belief ([07:04]).

Notable Quote:

“Cognitive bias does not align with logic or reasoning, but it does shape how we make our decisions, how we behave, and how we judge things outside of ourselves.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([07:04])

4. Practical Applications and Exercises

a. Goal Setting Focused on the Mind

Fernandez-Prieksa emphasizes the importance of setting goals that center on mental progress. She argues that while external goals (career, relationships) are valuable, strengthening one’s mindset is foundational for achieving sustained success.

• Daily Task:

  “Get clear on your existing schema... write down your beliefs and feelings in each category.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([07:04])

b. Identifying and Understanding Purpose

In Chapter 2, Fernandez-Prieksa delves into the concept of purpose, redefining it as a meaningful and motivating aim rather than an elusive, grand calling.

• Purpose as a Compass:

  “Purpose is your why. It's that feeling of contentment within oneself.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([07:04])

• Personal Anecdote: Sharing how having a clear purpose helped her recover faster from a second heartbreak by providing direction and emotional resilience ([07:04]).

Notable Quote:

“Purpose should be linked to feeling useful and that is done by contributing to something outside of yourself, be it your community, your environment, or whatever it may be you are contributing.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([30:52])

5. Scientific Backing and Research

Fernandez-Prieksa supports her methodologies with research findings:

• Emotional Recovery and Resilience:

  • A 2013 PubMed Central study highlights that having a purpose improves emotional recovery and resilience, acting as a predictor of health and longevity ([07:04]).

• Acts of Kindness and Mental Health:

  • A 2023 Ohio State University study found that performing acts of kindness reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhancing connections with others ([07:04]).

Notable Quote:

“When people have a purpose, they are more likely to reframe how they view stressful and painful situations to recover faster and deal with these things more productively.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([07:04])

6. Implementing Change: Steps and Recommendations

Fernandez-Prieksa outlines a structured approach for listeners to implement change over the next 30 days:

1. Daily Listening: Encourage listening to one chapter a day to absorb and apply the concepts gradually.
2. Homework and Exercises: Each module includes tasks to reinforce learning and facilitate practical application.
3. Self-Awareness: Emphasize the importance of recognizing existing schemas to effectively challenge and modify them.
4. Resource Utilization: Optional additional resources are available for deeper exploration of topics ([06:34], [06:37]).

Notable Quote:

“You cannot change what you do not acknowledge.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([07:04])

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up by reinforcing the value of dedicating time to personal growth through Fernandez-Prieksa’s audiobook. The hosts encourage listeners to embark on this transformative journey, promising that the structured approach and scientific insights will lead to enhanced mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Closing Quote:

“Making time for yourself is always worthwhile, and listening to this audiobook is a perfect way to do just that.” – Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa ([06:34])

Final Takeaway: How to Chase Change by Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa offers a scientifically grounded framework for personal transformation. By understanding and modifying one’s cognitive schemas, addressing biases, and defining a clear purpose, listeners can achieve meaningful and lasting change. The audiobook’s blend of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical exercises makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their mindset and overall well-being.

For more insights and to listen to the full episode, visit YourNextListen.com.