People Soup

Season 3 Episode 20 It's another 'on the road' recording. What do Flaxintosh do on the road? I’d come across a poem that I wanted to share with Paul – we often use poetry in our training – this one was a magnificent metaphor-laden masterpiece by David Whyte – in turn – later in the evening, Paul shared his favourite poem over dinner. That’s what real men do when they gather – forget the hunter gatherer – we read poetry to each other. #realmensharepoemsinpubs Both poems fit so nicely with the theme that is fundamental to our training – the skill of noticing. Shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk You can follow the show at: Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/ Linktree - for links to many other podcast platforms and apps - linktr.ee/PeopleSoup

Season 3 Episode 19 Have you ever felt stuck? Writer's block, the blank page, starting a new exercise or diet regime? In this short episode I share my experience of restarting the podcast after our mid-season break in January. I found my mind was producing loads of content which hooked me away from getting back behind the mic, so thought I'd share my experience and use the matrix, to help me sort the jumble in my mind and get some clarity to help me move forward. This will form part of an occasional series - #thematrixsessions - where I and others will use the matrix on an issue or area of life. Connect with Ross and the show Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/ Linktree - for links to many other podcast platforms and apps - linktr.ee/PeopleSoup Shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 3 Episode 18 P-Soupers - it's the second part of our festive special and have I got a treat for you. Have a listen to my conversation with Dr Dayna Lee-Baggley. Dayna is a Registered Clinical Psychologist. She holds an Assistant Professor appointment in the Department of Family Medicine and cross-appointments in the Department of Surgery and the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University and an Adjunct Professor appointment in the Department of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Saint Mary’s University. Dayna also works as a Clinical Health Psychologist at the Nova Scotia Health Authority (CentralZone) for the Multi Organ Transplant Program and as a Trainer and Researcher of the Behaviour Change Institute. Listen on as we hear about the time when Dayna discovered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and how she applied it in her own life. Dayna also has some great advice for those of us considering behaviour change in the new year, spoiler alert, a lot of those goals we set are actually outcomes. She also busts the myth about the time it takes to form a habit and explains the difference between our cave dweller mind and our frontal lobe. This is the reason that our healthy habits can fall away at holiday time because we're using our frontal lobe too much and our cave dweller mind can just step in and take over when we’re surrounded by a family sized tin quality street and crisps. This episode is packed with top tips and insights from Dayna's work. Dayna has great skill in translating research knowledge into things that people can do in their day to day lives to reduce suffering and increase joy. Shownotes at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2020/01/dr-dayna-lee-baggley-health-habits-suck.html Dayna's website is at www.daynaleebaggley.com Connect with People Soup! Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/ Linktree - for links to many other podcast platforms and apps - linktr.ee/PeopleSoup

Season 3 Episode 17 Hey P-Soupers - it's the first part of our festive special. My conversation with artist and illustrator - Louise Gardner. What a joy it was to speak to Louise. We hear about her journey as an artist - which started out at a young age when she would draw characters on paper that her Dad would bring home from work. We also discover how Louise discovered ACT and how she drew a route map to reflect the 8-week course from Russ Harris - and what that led to! We chat about our belief that everybody has the potential for a creative outlet and the transformational impact of ACT in her own life. There's a brilliant takeaway too. Shownotes with LOTS of details & links to Louise's work at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2019/12/louise-gardner-act-auntie.html Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261

What a gift! In our latest episode with the wonderful Dr Becky Quicke - I included a brief informercial half way through. The product I wanted to share with you was The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Diary 2020. "If you sometimes feel that you’re living a life that’s out of step with who you want to be, The ACT Diary 2020 can help. It’s designed to enable you to clarify your personal values (the qualities you’d most like to embody in your life) and move in meaningful directions. Through weekly exercises drawing on the latest psychological approaches, it will guide you as you master the skills needed to look after yourself, build strong relationships and pursue new opportunities." In this episode I read some reviews (including my own). This is such a great gift for family, friends and YOU! Buy from the publisher here: https://www.pavpub.com/mental-health/well-being/actdiary-2020 Also on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acceptance-Commitment-Therapy-Diary-2020/dp/1912755777/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=nic+hooper&qid=1576921993&sr=8-1

Season 3 Episode 16 This is a special edition – a hearty soup for you to enjoy – It’s my interview with Dr Becky Quicke – a clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting women through the perimenopause and menopause – particularly around the associated anxiety – she uses Acceptance and Commitment therapy as an essential part of her approach. Becky empowers women who experience anxiety during the menopause to slow down, let go of worries and live with more joy and ease. Her on line courses teach psychological flexibility and compassion skills so women can navigate this transitional phase of life with confidence, care and clarity. In addition, she helps women practice menstrual cycle awareness during perimenopause (the phase 5-10 years before menopause) so they can consciously pave the way towards a more emotionally empowered menopause. It’s a time for women to unravel and by teaching women these skills, Becky guides them back to their own innate wisdom and power so they can thrive in life and go from fear to fulfilment. We also talk about Becky’s career path, some big decisions she’s made and there is one of the best takeaways we’ve ever had. Shownotes and more links at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2019/12/dr-becky-quicke-menopause-psychologist.htmlConnect with Becky Website: www.beckyquicke.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausepsychologist/ Business FB page: https://www.facebook.com/beckyquicke/ Closed FB community for women struggling with anxiety during menopause: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopausepsychologist/?source_id=234293067462646 Twitter: @beckyquicke LinkedIn: @drbeckyquicke Connect with Ross Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/

Season 3 Episode 15 It's Part 2 of my conversation with Suzanne Tarrant who is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Staff Psychological Wellbeing at the Hywel Dda University Health Board. We focus on the green health agenda and begin by talking about the culture of taking breaks in the NHS. SPOILER ALERT: breaks are not necessarily seen as a typical part of a day in many NHS roles. Suzanne has always valued her connection with nature and describes herself as someone who always retreats to the sea when in need of solace. In her role in Hywel Dda, Suzanne has secured approval from the Executive Board to develop a strategic framework for green health that is truly supportive of health and well-being. They have also established a green health network as well as a green health group at one of their district hospitals, where staff from across the site are developing a courtyard garden with support from community groups. We also talk about Suzanne's growing involvement with Reconnect in Nature where they are developing a long weekend nature packages - in the first instance, for Doctors. The aim is to provide the opportunity to start to recharge and recover whilst also developing perspectives and tools that can be taken back into the workplace and be woven in to their working lives. To finish - there is a second takeaway from Suzanne about how we can build our relationship with nature in our own unique way as well as making it a reciprocal connection. Shownotes at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2019/12/suzanne-tarrant-part-2.html Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/

Season 3 Episode 14 It's the first part of my conversation with Suzanne Tarrant. Suzanne is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Head of Staff Psychological Wellbeing Service for Hywel Dda University Health Board in Wales. Hear about Suzanne's background and career as well as the establishment of the Staff Psychological Wellbeing Service. Suzanne explains how they've incorporated ACT and the impact of the training. I love Suzanne's interest in what works and what can truly make a difference in the long term. Suzanne also shares some fascinating aspects of their approach to the training, including the delivery model, how they encourage attendance and refresh the skills. We finish part one with a brilliant takeaway on how to take a biophilic approach to your breaks at work - even if they're micro-breaks. The wonderful photo of Suzanne was taken at a recent Reconnect in Nature event in the woods where she was leading a nature connection session. The photo was taken by Mike Erskine (one of the founding directors of Reconnect in Nature and a filmmaker) Shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/

Season 3 Episode 13 This is a bonus episode. Last week I anticipated the train journey from Newcastle to Hexham. This week you can join us on the actual journey. It's the perfect antidote to the modern, busy world - you'll hear the train and snippets of conversation from me and Paul - with no particular aim in mind. Our first attempt at slow radio. Links Shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/

Season 3 Episode 12 Welcome to the second part of our recording on the road. In this episode you'll hear me and my ACT pal, Dr Paul Flaxman, chatting in the lobby of Motel One in Newcastle. We reveal our big news for 2020 - an international research collaboration and opportunity for us to flex and adapt our protocol for the workplace. I work with Paul at City, University of London where we have redeveloped and refined a training protocol for Psychological Well-being in the Workplace. The training has a strong evidence base and we've spent time over the last year delivering Training for Trainers, to enable the protocol to be shared more widely and reach more people. Next year we go international. We finish with an anticipation of our train journey from Newcastle to Hexham - where we were going to be working with some psychologists from across the NHS in the region. That particular train line has some personal meaning for me as it goes through my first workplace, my home village, passed my schools and my birthplace. We also recorded the actual train journey and I'm going to make that into a separate bonus episode - our first attempt at slow radio. Shownotes and more links at www.ross.mcintosh.co.uk Connect with Ross and the show: Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/

Season 3 Episode 11 Welcome one and all. It's another first for People Soup - a recording on the road. In this episode you'll hear me and my ACT pal - Dr Paul Flaxman, on the way to a meeting with some NHS legends up in Northumberland. We chat on a train and a hotel lobby in Newcastle. I work with Paul at City, University of London where we have redeveloped and refined a training protocol for Psychological Well-being in the Workplace. The training has a strong evidence base and we've spent time over the last year delivering Training for Trainers, to enable the protocol to be shared more widely and reach more people. It's like a Flaxintosh performance review. We cover some of the gigs we've done this year, how the ACT in the Workplace training protocol has evolved and key moments & developments that have stuck in our minds. Shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk Connect on social media Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesouppod/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mcintosh-261a2a22/

Season 3 Episode 10 In this episode I share my personal experience of grief and what I've found useful over the last six months with a particular focus on the workplace. This includes a metaphor, a model and a poem. I also share some information and statistics from The Loss Foundation - who are the only UK charity dedicated solely to providing bereavement support following the loss of a loved one to cancer. Shownotes at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2019/10/grief-at-work.html Twitter - @PeopleSoupPod Facebook - @PeopleSoupPod Instagram - @people.soup

Season 3 Episode 9 This week – it’s a cuppa soup. A short episode – the lighthouse – it combines a poem I learned at school with a reflection on how we can keep sight of the things that give us meaning in our working lives. We call these qualities that give us meaning, our personal values. It can be difficult, scary and revealing to consider what gives us purpose in our work. To use these qualities as a guide for our behaviour & decisions can be challenging too. I consider my lighthouse – to be beaming out my personal values – when the sea is calm I can see the lamplight but in turbulent times they can disappear. Links and shownotes at www.peoplesoup.co

Season 3 Episode 8 A short episode where I draw upon one of my favourite films to illustrate how I can get tangled up in the drama of the courtroom in my mind - I'm captivated by the cut and thrust of the arguments for the prosecution and defence. turns out I'm so captivated by their arguments that I'm not noticing the real world and how I'm showing up. Hear a question that can help get us untangled. Show notes & links at www.peoplesoup.co

Season 3 Episode 7 Well P-Soupers - the weeks are fair flying by. This week - using lemons - I try and show how we can develop stories that may impact in unhelpful ways on how we show up in life. This episode also introduces a little bit of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) which underpins Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) but don't be alarmed by the acronyms as it's really all about lemons. Show notes at www.peoplesoup.co

Season 3 Episode 6 This episode could also be called, our inner and outer world. It presents a short exercise intended to illustrate the difference between the physical world, the world we experience with our five senses and our inner world. If you'd like to have a go - make sure you have a pen and paper handy. Show notes at www.peoplesoup.co

Season 3 Episode 5 The conversation continues with a focus on how to introduce the concept of skilfully relating to the content that our minds can produce, which is also known as cognitive defusion. We also how Jaimie uses her experience of the context of the ballet world in a way that is both curious and cautious - she's keen not to make assumptions based upon her own experience. Paul reflects on the embodied nature of the new protocol, many people we train report feeling quite disconnected with sensations in their body. He also reveals how the Flaxman Manoeuvre was born. Leo, continues to reflect on the impact of the training on his life in his characteristic thoughtful and insightful way. Show notes at www.peoplesoup.co Photo by Amber Hunt for www.photographybyash.co.uk

Season 3 Episode 4 That's quite a title and this is quite a two parter. I was lucky enough to have the chance to discuss ACT in the workplace with Dr Paul Flaxman, Jaimie Persson and Leo Hepler. We explore the delivery of training based upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the workplace from three different perspectives. We have Paul Flaxman – together we redesigned an ACT in the workplace training protocol, which was then adapted by our colleague and pal – Jaimie Persson – to deliver to the students at Canada’s National Ballet School. One of the students was dancer – Leo Hepler – our star guest – who came on the show to reflect upon his experiences of receiving ACT training. In part 1 we talk about the ballet school and ballet company environment and hear how Jaimie (as a former student of the school) presented a compelling case to the Director – Mavis Staines – known for her progressive approach to education – to introduce the students to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We also hear what Leo took away from the training. Show notes and links at www.peoplesoup.co Photo @photography_byash (insta)

Season 3 Episode 3 What fun we had recording this episode! There are two firsts, our first live recording with an audience and our first mash-up with Maddy Scott - one of the co-hosts of the Freaking the F Out Podcast! After sharing our freaks of the week we go on to share the first mention of Imposter Syndrome that we found in the literature in 1978. We give some example from our lives and them move on the consider what we can do about it. There are some tips from behavioural science as well as a sense of collective compassion - most of us are in the same boat with this experience of feeling like a phoney. Show notes at www.peoplesoup.co

Season 3 Episode 2 I was so pleased to have Guy as a guest - he's such an inspiration. This episode is packed with goodies. We discuss The Sleep School's approach to working with organisations, tracking devices and Guy generously offers a bumper selection of takeaways. I also get some personal advice on my coffee consumption which might be useful to more of the P-Soupers. Other links and show notes at www.peoplesoup.co

Welcome to Season 3 Episode 1. It's the first part of my conversation with Dr Guy Meadows - co-founder and clinical director of The Sleep School. We hear about Guy's background in sleep research and insomnia and what led to the formation of The Sleep School. It's fascinating to hear the series of events that began in the sleep laboratories of Imperial College. There's a glimpse into some of their research and an insight into the behavioural science behind The Sleep School. Guy noticed that "the more people struggle to get to sleep the more awake they became". Once he discovered Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), everything began to slot together.

Bonus Episode! Consider this a bridge to Season 3 of People Soup. As there's been a natural break I've decided it's the ideal time to launch a new season. I talk about the death of my beloved Mum and preview some of the guests I've got lined up for Season 3. The first one will drop next week - an interview with Dr Guy Meadows - co-founder and clinical director of The Sleep School.

Season 2 Episode 23 Here's Part 2 of my conversation with psychologist, Sarah Bonner. We focus in on Sarah's research into the experience of black women in the creative industries, it's called "Tapping into Black Magic." Sarah's brings her research to life using words from her research participants. She articulates the issues in a really clear and accessible way and talks about individual differences. The issue for us all is can we recognise what we do when we notice a difference - how does it show up in our behaviour? More details and show notes at www.peoplesoup.co

Season 2 Episode 22 What a guest I've got for you P-Soupers! Meet Sarah Bonner, organisational psychologist. In part 1 - Sarah tells us a bit about her career history, including a major change of direction. She also talks about her current role at Three Minute Mile. To finish there is a glimpse of Sarah's extraordinary research which explored the experience of black women in the creative industries. You can hear all about the research in the next episode.

Season 2 Episode 21 This week I was in central London with my ACT pal, Paul Flaxman - delivering a 2 day train the trainer workshop for our ACT in the workplace protocol. We finished the whole event with a poem from David Whyte - Start Close In. I thought the P-Soupers would like to hear it!

Season 2 Episode 20 Here I reflect on the Swedish activist, Greta Thunberg. Greta has taken action on an issue that she cares about deeply. I draw upon the work of Stephen Covey to consider how we can take action on issues that we're facing at work. There is definitely always one thing that we can control in our circle of influence - that is - how we show up. Show notes at www.peoplesoup.co

Season 2 Episode 19 This week, I welcomed our first guest of 2019 - a fellow organisational psychologist & talented researcher, Lauren May. Lauren presents her research on the lived experience of people at work who are also caring for loved ones with dementia. It's a great piece of research and a fascinating insight into the issues. The fact that many people who work also have caring responsibilities needs so much more exposure to enable us all to appreciate different situations and develop appropriate responses. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 18 I reflect on my week in relation to a metaphor about fish swimming in water and relate it to us humans swimming in our thoughts. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 17 Drawing on the popular hit parade I present two top tips for working with values. I use these frequently so I thought you might find them useful too. Shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 16 Here I share a story from my life - about how I've worked with values. It's become quite popular in group training so I thought it was the right time to share it with the P-Soupers. I talk about how I translated a value into action and share the associated unhelpful content that came up for me. I give some tips on how to shift the relationship with the thoughts that can be unhelpful and make values a more prominent guide to our action. You can have a go using the list of values on the shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk You can also win your own set of values cards by sharing this episode on linkedin, twitter, facebook and instagram before 17 January.

Season 2 Episode 15 This is Part 2 of my conversation with Joshua French and Jonny Line, who pioneer the use of positive psychology in organisations at Bailey and French. We begin by mulling over the ways we make the evidence base accessible and relevant through our training. The chaps then take us through the PERMA model and how they bring it to life in organisations. To finish off the episode (and the year), Joshua and Jonny each share excellent takeaways that we can all have a go at. Links and show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 14 For our Christmas Special let's dive into positive psychology with a two part-er featuring our friends, Jonny and Joshua from Bailey and French. Bailey and French are pioneers, they bring evidence based positive psychology to organisations to facilitate great performance and wellbeing. I was lucky enough to spend some time with the co-founder and lead consultant, Joshua French and business consultant (and friend of the show) Jonny Line. After our traditional introductions we hear a bit about Joshua's background and the conversations that led to the formation of Bailey and French. We also hear more about their approach to bringing positive psychology to organisations and their individual research interests - peak experience moments and psychological capital. We finish with a reflection on some memorable training moments. Links and show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 13 This episode is inspired by Teresa Jennings and Kristin Neff. I reflect upon various conversations I've had about self-compassion and talk through an exercise called "How would you treat a friend?" from Kristin Neff and share my own responses https://self-compassion.org/exercise-1-treat-friend/ Why not have a go? Links and show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 12 The conversation with Rafael Dubois continues. A common theme that he encounters with players is confidence - which is often misunderstood. We also talk about how they have established a coaching culture at the Blue Jays and created an environment where it is safe for players to talk to a coach without feeling vulnerable. We finish with a brilliant takeaway as Rafael introduces non-negotiables! Show notes and links at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 11 I loved this conversation with Rafael. We chat about his career path and his purpose - which he discovered at an early age, he loves listening to people. We talk about the context he brings to his role and his stance in his role as a coach. You'll also hear about the complex structure of the Blue Jays - there are 9 teams and there are coaches for pitching, catching and hitting! Hope you enjoy it! Show notes You can find Rafael on twitter @rafaeldubois and on LinkedIn Links and shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

This is the second part of my conversation with Paul and Joe. We chat about the versatility of the ACT model & some hot topics including Relational Frame Theory and data from our research. Me and Paul talk about our workshop in March - it's a train the trainer two day event for our ACT in the workplace protocol. There's a discount code for 10% the workshop over at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk The chaps finish off with a couple of cracking takeaways.

Season 2 Episode 9 Here's the first part of my chat with Dr Paul Flaxman and Dr Joe Oliver a couple of weeks ago. We talk about their journey into ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and what attracted them about the approach. They go on to speak about the impact of ACT on their own lives and how they use it in their work. We finish Part 1 with some reflections on the ACT Matrix. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 8 What an absolute delight to spend some time chatting with Nicky Hemmings - lead psychologist at Soma Analytics. We discussed evidence based psychology in the workplace and the very new Evidence Based HR Forum set up by Nicky, MaddyScott, Craig Tindall and Professor Rob Briner. Nicky talks us through the evolution of the Soma App - called Kelaa - how people interact with it - the data it can produce for organisations and the wider support they provide. What I particularly love is the story of how Soma came about through an experience with a friend of the co-founders Christopher Lorenz and Johann Huber. We reflect on contributing to improvements to mental health at work and Nicky introduces the frog - which is used across the team at Soma - to help them get stuff done. Nicky also gives a glimpse of the research that Soma will be publishing soon - showing improvements across stress, sleep and well-being through use of the Kelaa app. Other links and show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk