Health & FitnessMental HealthEducationSelf-Improvement

Do You F*cking Mind?

Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa - Neuroscientist and Mindset Coach

Mindset hacks for a badass life, hosted by cognitive neuroscientist Alexis Fernandez.

On Mondays my episodes are a combo of neuroscience and psychology. I deep dive into everything from habit formation and how to live a carefree life, to friendships and heartbreak. And on Fridays we've got Head Noise - where I answer your questions!

Email info@dyfmpod.com to submit your questions.

Order your copy of my latest book How to Chase Change at https://bit.ly/44xwszR

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30 episodes
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English

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Thursday · 29 min
Can you teach yourself to be funny, How to take advice from a psychic and more | Life Advice
Life Advice Episode! (Trigger warning) In this episode we cover dealing with infant loss and friends and family who did not provide support, how to forgive them? (IF you can forgive them). Then we talk about how to take on information from a psychic, is it set in stone? Is it a self fulfilling prophecy? Lastly I answer a listener question around learning how to be funny. Is it possible to teach this or is it a personality trait you either have or don't. One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of self-awareness and being able to read the room. I discuss how humor can be a powerful tool for coping with mental health and building connections with others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Monday · 43 min
Design a Week You Don´t Have to Run Away From
Are you tired of counting down the days until the weekend, only to feel anxious and overwhelmed when Sunday evening rolls around? Do you dread the start of the week, feeling like you're just going through the motions until you can escape to a holiday or vacation? This episode is for you. One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of being intentional with your time and energy. I talk about setting small goals and making plans for the week ahead, whether it's as simple as getting your outfit ready for the next day or deciding on a fun activity to look forward to. Listen now and and discover how to turn your Sundays (or the end of your holidays) into a source of excitement and anticipation, rather than dread. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 21 · 21 min
Self Love Mini Series | Day 5 | The importance of independence
Welcome to day 5! the final day of the Self Love Mini Series. In this episode, I will teach you about the importance of independence in cultivating self-love and self-respect. Independence is often misunderstood as being the same as being hyper-independent, but the two are actually quite different. One is a fear response that can lead to an inability to trust oneself and others, whereas the other is about trusting oneself and being open to vulnerability and connection. By building healthy independence, you can start to prioritize yourself, set your own standards, and open yourself up to connection and vulnerability. Hope you have enjoyed this mini series! So excited to bring it back. Alexis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 20 · 1 hr 5 min
The Modern Dating Survival Guide | with Jake and Ottie from Relatables
In today's ep of the pod, Jake and Otti from the Relatables join me to discuss the Modern Dating Survival Guide. We dive into the world of relationships, sharing their thoughts on what men and women often get wrong in their pursuit of love. We talk about the importance of emotional maturity to the dangers of societal expectations, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the dating scene. Jake and Otti bring their unique perspectives to the table, discussing topics like the things men think women care about that women actually don't, and the red flags that might indicate a partner is not the right fit. I had the best time with these guys chatting all things dating and misconceptions. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did making this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 20 · 21 min
Self Love Mini Series | Day 4 | Self efficacy
WELCOME to day 4 of our self love mini series (hope you are loving it and thriving so far). In today's episode, I talk about the importance of self-efficacy, a crucial component of self-love that lets us to believe in our ability to handle challenges, learn new skills, and bounce back from setbacks. Self-efficacy is not just about feeling good about ourselves, but about taking action and making progress, even if it's imperfect. You will learn about the difference between high and low self-efficacy, and how people with high self-efficacy are more likely to take risks, stay calm under pressure, and enjoy the process of learning and growing. Enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 19 · 22 min
Self Love Mini Series | Day 3 | How to find self love
Bonjour and welcome to day 3 of my self love mini series. How we are going to FIND self love. that is the focus today. In this episode you will learn how to reset your self-worth by leaving behind unhealthy relationships and how to stop beating yourselves up over past mistakes by turning them into valuable lessons. We often seek validation and love from others because we don't give it to ourselves first. By learning to provide ourselves with love, safety, and security, we become more attractive to others who share similar qualities. So dive in, grab a notepad and get cracking. Alexis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 18 · 13 min
Self Love Mini Series | Day 2 | Self Worth
Welcome to day 2 of our Self Love Mini Series. In this ep we explore the importance of self worth when it comes to increasing self love. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that we're enough just as we are, but the truth is, feeling good about ourselves is often tied to the value we provide to ourselves and others. No matter how many times someone tells you you are good enough, if you do not feel it, it won't help. This episode focuses on HOW to find ways to feel that. Thank you for tuning in! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 17 · 43 min
How to know if you should leave a relationship (without feeling you are giving up)
Bonjour and welcome to the ep of today. I am going to give you a (long) pep talk about how to know if you should walk away from a relationship (without feeling as if you are giving up). I cover an array of key points to consider, including how problems are resolved in relationships, how to know if you are being manipulated or if the relationship has run its course, and how to not be so riddled with guilt. Brain fact: Insulin on the brain. Brain fact studies to read into further: Benedict, C., Hallschmid, M., Hatke, A., Schultes, B., Fehm, H. L., Born, J., & Kern, W. (2004). Intranasal insulin improves memory in humans. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 29(10), 1326–1334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2004.04.003 Benedict, C., Hallschmid, M., Schmitz, K., et al. (2007). Intranasal Insulin Improves Memory in Humans: Superiority of Insulin Aspart. Neuropsychopharmacology, 32(1), 239–243. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301193 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 16 · 18 min
Self Love Mini Series Day 1 (E)
Bonjour!!! it is time to bring back the Self Love mini series. This is a much loved series encore from last year. 5 days of actionable, practical tools and mindset shifts to start improving how you are feeling about yourself. In the first ep, we talk about the importance of your relationship with yourself and how self worth really plays into self love. I also touch on Neuroplasticity and how you can begin to rewire your brain for some positive change. Thanks for tuning in! Alexis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 13 · 29 min
My best friend has turned into an a$$hole | Life Advice
Bonjour and welcome to head noise Friday where I give life advice and we unpack all the crazy things you are going through and try to get as close to a solution or close to making sense as possible. We have three email questions today. We talk about if you really need to chase change when its not something that excites you, and what to do when a great freindship turns one sided and goes south? do you let it die or try to resurrect it from the near dead? All this and more. AND if you want to send in your head noise, please do at info@dyfmpod.com Danke! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 10 · 42 min
The Neuroscience of Determination - How to harness different brain regions to get the most out of your goals
Determination is a crucial aspect of achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life. But what drives determination, and how can we cultivate it? In this ep we are diving into the neuroscience behind determination, exploring the brain regions and neurochemicals involved in this complex process. Determination is not just about motivation, but about having the staying power to see things through, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. I also talk about the need to identify what's holding us back, such as inconsistency, lack of clarity, and distractions. This ep covers the brain regions involved in determination, including the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and amygdala, and how these regions work together to drive persistence, goal-directed behavior, and resilience. And the role of neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol in motivation and determination. By the end of this episode, you will have a deeper understanding of the neuroscience behind determination and practical strategies to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 6 · 34 min
The paradox of plenty - the psychology of making better, stronger decisions
In today's episode, I talk about the concept of decision fatigue and how it affects our daily lives. Being bombarded with choices, from what to wear to what to eat, and it's easy to get caught up in the overwhelm. But what if you could simplify your decision-making process and make choices with confidence? One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of automating repetitive choices, such as creating a morning routine or deciding on a limited number of breakfast options, deciding earlier, whether it's booking a trip or making a big decision, and creating rules for yourself to avoid procrastination. Tune in to learn how to navigate the paradox of plenty and make better decisions in your daily life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 3 · 43 min
The psychology of becoming a luckier person (8 steps)
In this episode, I delve into the psychology of luck and give you some practical tips on how to become a luckier person. I talk about the concept of beginner's luck to reframing failures, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you shift your mindset and attract more good fortune into your life. I also touch on a study on the psychology of luck, which demonstrates that people who believe they are lucky tend to have higher levels of optimism, hope, and confidence in achieving their goals. Tune in to this episode to discover the eight points that will help you become a luckier person. From reframing failures to cultivating a positive attitude, this episode is packed with practical advice that will leave you feeling motivated and empowered to take control of your luck. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 30 · 32 min
How to help someone out of a coercive controlling relationship
In this head noise episode, I respond to a listeners question around coercive control and I go further in depth, covering the complex and often subtle signs of coercive control in relationships, and offers guidance on how to support loved ones who may be experiencing it. Coercive control is a form of psychological abuse that can be just as damaging as physical violence, and it's essential to recognise the signs and take action. I share advice on how to approach conversations with loved ones who may be experiencing coercive control, including how to bring up the topic gently and avoid being judgmental or accusatory. This is focused on providing them with opportunities to regain their independence and autonomy. If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, this episode is a must-listen. By listening to this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of coercive control and learn how to support those affected by it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 30 · 24 min
Should you have single time in between relationships?
In today's episode (a specialized head noise ep), I go into the importance of having a gap between relationships, the benefits of taking time to heal and focus on personal growth before jumping into a new partnership. Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of recognising patterns in relationships, learning to provide your own happiness, and developing emotional resilience. If you're someone who's struggling to move on from a past love or finds themselves constantly jumping from one relationship to another, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how to break the cycle of rebound relationships and cultivate a healthier approach to love and relationships. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 28 · 39 min
The neuroscience of intrusive thoughts - How to manage them and what they mean
Intrusive thoughts - those unwanted, distressing, and often disturbing mental images or urges that pop into our minds without warning. They're a common experience for most people, but for some, they can be debilitating and all-consuming. In this episode, I take you through the neuroscience behind intrusive thoughts, exploring what they are, why they happen, and how to deal with them. Intrusive thoughts are not just random occurrences; they're a natural response to our brain's threat detection system, which is always on the lookout for potential dangers. This system can sometimes get a bit creative, leading to hypothetical scenarios that may seem disturbing or violent. I also go into the difference between intrusive thoughts and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where these thoughts can become all-consuming and lead to compulsive behaviors. T By the end of the episode, you will have a better grasp of the neuroscience behind intrusive thoughts and some practical tips on how to deal with them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 23 · 40 min
Things to do to 'unrot' your brain
In today's episode, I'm going to take you through 16 actionable tips to help you "unrot" our brains, including doing a daily brain training game, carrying a book or kindle, and setting a time limit on passive social media consumption. These tips are designed to be achievable and accessible, making it easier for us to make positive changes in our lives. If you're feeling stuck or struggling with brain rot, this episode is a must-listen to help you take control of your mental health and cognitive abilities. So, tune in to learn how to unrot your brain and start living a more fulfilling life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 20 · 31 min
Understanding the Neuroscience of Mental Fatigue - Why You Lack Motivation (it is not 'Lazy')
In this ep I talk about the complex world of cognitive fatigue, going into the neuroscience behind why we feel drained, demotivated, and disconnected from life. We're not just talking about being tired, but a state of being that's often misunderstood. This ep also covers the intricate mechanisms behind our brain's response to stress, inflammation, and disrupted circadian rhythms, the difference between being tired and being fatigued, and how fatigue is a biological response that's not just about sleepiness or physical exhaustion. I also cover the role of dopamine, inflammation, and circadian rhythms in contributing to fatigue, as well as the importance of sleep quality, physical activity, and mental stimulation in maintaining our energy levels. Also the impact of phone addiction, social media, and multitasking on our mental fatigue, highlighting the need for a more mindful approach to our digital lives. If you're feeling drained, demotivated, or disconnected from life, this episode is a must-listen. I offer practical advice and insights to help you understand the neuroscience behind cognitive fatigue and provides tools for making positive changes to improve your mental well-being. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 16 · 32 min
How to Deal With a Partner Who is Weaponising Incompetence + More (Head Noise)
Welcome to your Head Noise Episode where we cover all kinds of questions from YOU. Today I cover 4 questions, topics range from dealing with a partner who is refusing to pull his weight, choosing between your home town that you love or moving away to find love, timing dating someone new and more. To have your questions answered, send your question to info@dyfmpod.com Danke! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 13 · 43 min
Understanding the Neuroscience of Low Self Esteem and How to Improve it
In this episode, we explore the neural basis of self-esteem and low self-esteem. With a focus on the brain's physical changes that can impact our moods and self-perception, this episode will help you understand the complex relationship between our brains and our sense of self-worth. The episode also covers the importance of affect regulation, pride, and self-talk in building high self-esteem. How to manage and respond to emotions, identify your strengths, and how to cultivate positive self-talk. If you're struggling with low self-esteem or simply want to understand the science behind this complex topic, this episode will be helpful! Danke for listening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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