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Explore every episode of the podcast People Soup

Dive into the complete episode list for People Soup. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
When the future gets smaller: Dr Ryan Kemp on addiction22 sept. 202600:26:42

What can addiction teach us about being human?

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Ryan Kemp, a clinical psychologist and Director of Therapies at a large NHS Trust. Ryan is also an author and Honorary Professor of Clinical Practice at Brunel, University of London.

Ryan has worked in the field of addiction for more than 20 years. When he was last on People Soup, we talked about his journey into psychology and some of the pivotal moments in his career. This time, I wanted to understand something I'd never really explored with him: why addiction has held his interest for so long.

Ryan has developed a distinctive approach to addiction based on phenomenology — starting with the lived experience of the person.

In this first part of our conversation, we explore:

  • Why Ryan became interested in addiction
  • What phenomenology can tell us about addiction
  • Why Ryan moved away from describing people experiencing addiction as simply "impulsive"
  • How addiction can change a person's experience of time
  • What happens when the future becomes harder to hold in mind and the immediate becomes increasingly important
  • The relationship between addiction and pleasure, reward and relief
  • Why Ryan believes dishonesty can begin with the relationship we have with ourselves
  • The stories and narratives we construct to make sense of difficult experiences
  • How those patterns can affect relationships with other people
  • What some of these ideas might reveal about ordinary human behaviour and our tendency to choose short-term relief over longer-term consequences

We also begin to explore what this might mean for workplaces and organisations — and that's where we'll pick up the conversation in Part Two.

One of the ideas I'm taking away from this conversation is Ryan's description of addiction as an experience in which time can become compressed into the now.

We don't have to be experiencing addiction to recognise the pull of the immediate. The quick win. The avoidance of an uncomfortable feeling. The path of least resistance. The thing that gives us relief now, even when we know something else might matter more in the longer term.

I'm not suggesting these ordinary behaviours are the same as addiction. But I do think Ryan's perspective gives us an interesting lens through which to examine our own behaviour.

This is Part One of a two-part conversation with Ryan.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Recovery isn't the opposite of performance17 sept. 202600:01:55

We often think about recovery as something we do after the productive work is finished.

But when is the work ever really finished?

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Dr Amanda Super challenges that assumption:

“Recovery is productive.”

Amanda suggests that self-compassion isn't just something we think about — we need to act on it. And that can include taking care of some of the basics of our physical wellbeing and building opportunities for recovery into the working day.

Ross explores what that might look like in practice.

Recovery doesn't have to mean a week away or a long weekend.

It might be five minutes away from your screen.

A walk around the block.

Some fresh air.

Taking your lunch away from your desk.

Or simply stopping for a moment and taking a breath.

Here's something to try:

Put one small recovery break into your working day this week.

And don't wait until you've earned it.

Treat it as part of the day.

Because recovery isn't the opposite of performance. It can support how we work — and how we experience work.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: You can be kind to yourself AND ambitious15 sept. 202600:01:56

Being kind to yourself doesn't mean lowering your standards.

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Dr Amanda Super challenges the idea that self-compassion and ambition are somehow incompatible.

Amanda shares what she learned from comparing her experience of her Master's degree with her doctorate ten years later, after developing self-compassion.

She was still ambitious. Still driven. Still wanting to achieve.

But she wasn't doing it at the cost of herself.

So perhaps the question isn't whether we should be ambitious or self-compassionate.

Perhaps we can be kind to ourselves AND ambitious.

As Ross reflects:

“Self-compassion doesn't necessarily mean asking less of ourselves. It might mean changing the way we ask it.”

Try this:

Think about something you're currently working hard to achieve.

Ask yourself:

“What would being kind to myself look like in this context?”

And then:

“Can I take one small step towards that?”

This Quick Spoon comes from Ross's conversation with Dr Amanda Super about self-compassion, ambition, boundaries, recovery and being human at work.

#PeopleSoup #QuickSpoon #SelfCompassion #Psychology #Leadership

Quick Spoon: What do I need right now?13 sept. 202600:01:41

When something difficult happens, we can move very quickly from what's happened to what we're going to do about it.

  • An email we don't like.
  • Something someone says that gets under our skin.
  • A difficult or overwhelming situation.

And suddenly we're going from 0 to 100 in nanoseconds.

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Dr Amanda Super offers a remarkably simple question:

“What do I need right now?”

Ross explores what might happen if we create a little space before we react.

The answer might be:

  • taking a break
  • seeking some support
  • having a difficult conversation
  • or simply taking a couple of deep breaths before doing anything at all.

Here's something to try:

The next time you notice yourself becoming stressed, frustrated or overwhelmed, pause before you react and ask yourself:

“What do I need right now?”

A small question that might change what happens next.

This Quick Spoon comes from Ross's conversation with Dr Amanda Super about self-compassion, ambition, boundaries, recovery and being human at work.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: What would you say no to if you cared about yourself?11 sept. 202600:01:45

We often think of boundaries as something we put in place to manage other people's demands.

But what if a boundary is actually an act of compassion towards ourselves?

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Dr Amanda Super describes boundary setting as a “radical act of self-compassion”.

She talks about including ourselves in our own circle of compassion, rather than trying to be all things to all people and paying the price ourselves.

Ross also brings in the idea of fierce self-compassion: sometimes compassion isn't about being softer. Sometimes it's about being firmer, protecting ourselves and saying no when we need to.

Here's something to try:

Think of something you're doing that's costing you more than you can afford to give.

Ask yourself:

“If I genuinely cared about myself here, what would I say no to?”

And then notice what gets in the way.

A short reflection from Ross's conversation with Dr Amanda Super about self-compassion, ambition, boundaries, recovery and being human at work.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon - What if you spoke to yourself like a friend?08 sept. 202600:01:42

When something goes wrong, it's easy to add another layer of difficulty by being hard on ourselves.

What's wrong with me?

I should be able to handle this.

Why can't I cope?

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Dr Amanda Super recalls a nurse telling her:

“You're being very hard on yourself.”

That comment helped Amanda discover self-compassion — and it got me thinking about how differently we sometimes speak to ourselves compared with the way we'd speak to someone we care about.

So here's something to try:

Imagine a close friend is in the same situation as you.

What would you say to them?

How would you speak to them?

What tone would you use?

And then ask yourself:

What would it be like to speak to myself in the same way?

A small exercise — but potentially a useful way to notice how we treat ourselves when things get difficult.

This Quick Spoon comes from my conversation with Dr Amanda Super about self-compassion, ambition, boundaries and being human at work.

Listen to the full conversation on People Soup.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Can you be ambitious and self-compassionate? Dr Amanda Super06 sept. 202600:38:26

What if being kinder to yourself doesn't make you less ambitious — but helps you work, recover and live more sustainably?

In this episode of People Soup, I talk to Dr Amanda Super, an occupational and coaching psychologist, author and founder of Creating Compassion. Amanda specialises in self-compassion and compassionate leadership, working with organisations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Amanda's own journey into this work is fascinating.

At 19, she had flunked her A-levels and was struggling with her confidence. Psychological support helped change the trajectory of her life. Years later, when she became seriously unwell and needed major surgery, a nurse pointed out something Amanda hadn't recognised herself:

"You're being very hard on yourself."

That moment led Amanda to discover self-compassion — and ultimately changed both her personal life and professional direction.

In our conversation, we explore:

  • What self-compassion actually means — and what it doesn't mean
  • Why we're often caught between threat and drive, with too little access to recovery and soothing
  • How workplace culture can reinforce perfectionism, productivity and the pressure to keep going
  • The three elements of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity and self-kindness
  • Whether it's possible to be ambitious and self-compassionate at the same time
  • How self-compassion can help us develop healthier boundaries
  • What Amanda means by fierce self-compassion
  • The costs of constantly criticising ourselves
  • Amanda's practical RAIN exercise for difficult moments
  • Why recovery is productive
  • And why self-compassion might simply give us permission to include ourselves as well as everybody else.

There's also a lovely conversation about Amanda's choice of walk-on music, Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles — a song that reminds her of her grandmother and represents the movement from darkness towards warmth, hope and light.

A practical idea from Amanda

When you notice you're having a strong emotional response to something, pause and ask:

What do I need right now?

Amanda also introduces RAIN:

R — Recognise what's happening

A — Allow the feeling to be present

I — Investigate what's triggered the response

N — Natural awareness

And then, in Amanda's self-compassionate version:

Recognise that anyone would find this difficult, and ask,

How can I be kind to myself right now?

She also leaves us with a simple reminder, recovery can be productive.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Give yourself permission to stop31 juil. 202600:01:31

I'm taking a short break from People Soup during August.

Before I do, I'd like to leave you with one final invitation.

Give yourself permission to stop.

Not forever.

Perhaps for ten minutes.

An afternoon.

Or even a few weeks.

In this final People Soup Quick Spoon before the summer break, Ross McIntosh reflects on what happens when we pause—and what we might notice if we resist the urge to keep going.

Here's something to try

Give yourself permission to stop something. Then simply notice what shows up.

  • Perhaps it's the urge to stay productive.
  • Perhaps it's the thought: "I should be doing something."
  • Or perhaps you'll notice something you couldn't see because you were too busy carrying on.

People Soup will return in September.

Thank you for listening, watching, sharing and being part of the conversation.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: If your holiday had a soundtrack?26 juil. 202600:01:01

If your holiday had a soundtrack, what would it be?

Music has an extraordinary ability to transport us back to particular moments in our lives.

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Ross invites you to use that deliberately: choose one song that represents not simply where you're going, but how you'd like to be while you're there.

Curious? Present? Connected?

Here's something to try

Choose one song and play it each morning during your holiday.

Then, months later, when you hear it by chance, pause for a moment.

Perhaps it won't just remind you where you were.

Perhaps it'll remind you who you were.

What song would you choose?

Quick Spoon: The holiday that changed nothing23 juil. 202600:01:04

Have you ever unpacked your suitcase and, within three days, felt as though you'd never been away?

Recovery isn't simply about taking time away from work. What we do with that time matters too.

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Ross invites you to think about what you might bring home from your holiday—other than souvenirs and dirty washing.

Perhaps it's reading for ten minutes.

Walking after dinner.

Leaving your phone in another room.

Here's something to try

Before your holiday ends, ask yourself:

What's one thing I'd like to bring back with me other than souvenirs?

Don't just bring home memories.

Bring home one new way of living.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Who do you want people to experience?21 juil. 202600:01:09

We can spend ages planning a holiday.

Where we'll go. What we'll eat. What we'll see.

But perhaps there's another question worth asking:

Who do I want people to experience on this holiday?

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Ross McIntosh invites you to shift the focus from what you want to do to how you want to show up.

Patient? Curious? Playful? Present?

Here's something to try

Before your next break, choose three words that describe how you'd really like to show up.

Then, each evening, simply notice:

How did I move towards expressing those qualities in my behaviour today?

It's not about getting it right all the time. It's about choosing the direction you want to travel in.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: What will your photographs say about you?19 juil. 202600:01:08

This holiday, don't just photograph where you went.

Photograph what you noticed.

In this People Soup Quick Spoon, Ross McIntosh explores how taking one intentional photograph each day can become an exercise in awareness rather than documentation.

Instead of collecting pictures of famous landmarks, collect moments of attention—those small details you would probably have walked past if you'd stayed on autopilot.

Here's something to try

Each day, take one photograph of something you only noticed because you slowed down.

When you get home, don't ask:

"Where was I?"

Instead ask:

"What was I paying attention to?"

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Why I love supermarkets on holiday17 juil. 202600:01:45

One of Ross's favourite places to visit on holiday isn't a famous landmark...

It's the local supermarket.

Why?

Because holidays have a wonderful way of awakening our curiosity.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores the idea of beginner's mind - approaching ordinary places as if you're seeing them for the very first time—and why curiosity helps us become more present.

Here's something to try

On your next holiday, visit somewhere completely ordinary—a supermarket, a café or simply a street you've never walked before.

Then explore it with extraordinary curiosity.

Finally, ask yourself:

Where else in my life could I benefit from adopting a beginner's mind?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: My body's on holiday, my mind missed the flight15 juil. 202600:01:47

Have you ever arrived on holiday, only to find your mind is still back at work?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores psychological detachment - one of the key ingredients of effective recovery. It's not just about leaving work physically; it's about leaving it mentally too.

Ross shares one simple ritual to help you make the transition into your holiday with a little more intention.

Here's something to try

Before you finish work:

  • Write down what's still outstanding.
  • Leave yourself a note for your first day back.
  • Identify your priorities.
  • Remind yourself why your work matters.

Then close the laptop and let your work have somewhere safe to stay while you're away.

Question: What helps you switch off from work before a holiday?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Recover on purpose: the holiday matrix13 juil. 202600:12:20

What if your next holiday wasn't simply time away from work — but an opportunity to reconnect with what matters?

In this solo episode, Ross explores why recovery is much more than rest. Drawing on behavioural science, the Job Demands-Resources Model and research into leisure time recovery, he shares a fresh perspective on why holidays can help us rebuild one of our most important leadership capacities: our psychological flexibility.

Ross introduces the holiday matrix—a simple coaching tool to help you recover with intention rather than drift through your break on autopilot.

Whether you're travelling abroad, enjoying a staycation or simply taking a few days away from work, this episode offers practical ideas to help you return feeling more present, curious and connected.

In this episode, Ross explores:

  • Why leaders can become less psychologically flexible when they're under sustained pressure or exhausted
  • What the Job Demands-Resources Model tells us about recovery
  • The four key ingredients of leisure time recovery:
  • Psychological detachment
  • Relaxation
  • Mastery
  • Control
  • Why curiosity might be one of the first signs that you're genuinely switching off
  • How to use the Holiday Matrix to recover on purpose
  • Simple daily practices to help you reconnect with what matters

Three invitations for your next holiday

✔ Create a simple ritual that marks the beginning of your break.

✔ Take one photograph each day of something you only noticed because you slowed down.

✔ Choose a song that becomes the soundtrack to your holiday—and let it remind you how you want to show up during this precious time.

Reflection question

Which side of the Matrix deserves more of your attention and energy on this holiday?

Resources mentioned

  • Job Demands-Resources Model
  • Leisure Time Recovery research (including the work of Sabine Sonnentag and colleagues)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • The McIntosh ACT Leadership Framework

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Are you managing your energy?10 juil. 202600:01:42

Most of us have a way of managing our time.

A diary.

A calendar.

A to-do list.

But how often do we give the same attention to our energy?

In this Quick Spoon, chartered coaching psychologist Dr Rose Aghdami shares a simple but powerful idea: if we think of energy as a limited resource, perhaps it deserves managing just as carefully as our time.

This Quick Spoon is taken from my full conversation with Dr Rose Aghdami, author of How to FUEL Your Resilience.

If you'd like to hear the complete conversation, you'll find it wherever you listen to People Soup.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Are you thriving or just surviving?08 juil. 202600:01:33

Sometimes the signs that we're running low on resilience aren't dramatic.

  • We're still turning up.
  • Still getting through the to-do list.
  • Still appearing to cope.

But underneath, something feels different.

In this Quick Spoon, chartered coaching psychologist Dr Rose Aghdami shares some of the subtle warning signs that we might be running on empty, and invites us to ask a simple but powerful question:

Am I thriving, or am I simply surviving?

This Quick Spoon is taken from my full conversation with Dr Rose Aghdami, author of How to FUEL Your Resilience.

If you'd like to hear the complete conversation, you'll find it wherever you listen to People Soup.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: The question that changed my career06 juil. 202600:01:37

Sometimes the questions that shape our careers don't come from research papers or textbooks.

They come from the people we meet.

In this Quick Spoon, chartered coaching psychologist Dr Rose Aghdami shares the client conversation that transformed the direction of her work.

After hearing a client ask, "So you mean work can make you ill?", Rose found herself asking another question:

If work can contribute to poor mental health, could it also become a place where people thrive?

This Quick Spoon is taken from my full conversation with Dr Rose Aghdami, author of How to FUEL Your Resilience.

If you'd like to hear the complete conversation, you'll find it wherever you listen to People Soup.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: What resilience really means03 juil. 202600:01:31

What does resilience really mean?

For many of us, the word has become associated with pushing through, staying strong and simply carrying on, whatever life throws at us.

In this Quick Spoon, chartered coaching psychologist Dr Rose Aghdami offers a different perspective.

Rather than seeing resilience as suppressing difficult emotions, Rose suggests that resilience starts with acknowledging them. Feeling worried, overwhelmed or vulnerable doesn't mean you've failed—it means you're human.

This Quick Spoon is taken from my full conversation with Dr Rose Aghdami, author of How to FUEL Your Resilience.

If you'd like to hear the complete conversation, you'll find it wherever you listen to People Soup.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Resilience starts with staying human | Dr Rose Aghdami01 juil. 202600:34:35

What does resilience really mean?

For many people, the word has become associated with simply pushing through, coping no matter what, or carrying on regardless. But what if resilience isn't about becoming tougher at all?

In this episode I'm joined by chartered coaching psychologist Dr Rose Aghdami, author of How to FUEL Your Resilience.

Together we explore why resilience has developed such a mixed reputation at work, how one conversation with a client changed the direction of Rose's career, and why staying human might be the most resilient thing we can do.

Rose also introduces her practical 'FUEL' model and shares simple ways to recognise when we're running on empty, protect our energy, and respond more intentionally when work and life become challenging.

In this episode we explore:

  • Why resilience sometimes gets a bad reputation
  • The client conversation that changed Rose's career
  • Why resilience starts with staying human
  • The FUEL model for building resilience
  • Recognising the signs you're running on empty
  • Why managing your energy matters just as much as managing your time
  • Practical ideas you can try this week

About Rose

Dr Rose Aghdami is a chartered coaching psychologist, speaker and author specialising in resilience, wellbeing and professional performance. She works with individuals and organisations to help people thrive in demanding environments.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Three questions before you take action29 juin 202600:01:30

We often assume that if we're not taking action, the problem must be motivation.

But what if there's more to it than that?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a practical framework shared by organisational psychologist Dr Joe Gray, based on the work of Professor Sharon Parker.

Before judging ourselves for not following through, Joe suggests asking three simple questions:

  • Can I do it?
  • Do I have a reason to do it?
  • Do I have the energy to do it?

Together, they offer a more compassionate and practical way of understanding what's getting in the way.

Something to Reflect On

Think about one thing you've been putting off.

Then ask yourself:

  • Can I do it?
  • Do I have a reason to do it?
  • Do I have the energy to do it?

Which answer reveals the real barrier?

Listen to the Full Episode

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray

Quick Spoon: Proactivity might not be what you think26 juin 202600:01:34

What does it really mean to be proactive?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a key insight from his conversation with business psychologist and author, Dr Joanne Gray.

Many organisations say they want proactive employees, but we often confuse proactivity with simply being helpful or saying yes to every request.

Jo explains that real proactivity is different. It's about spotting opportunities to improve things, taking initiative, and creating positive change before someone asks you to.

Ross explores the difference between reacting to what's already happening and making space to shape what happens next.

Something to Reflect On

Am I spending most of my time responding to what's already happening...

...or am I creating even a small amount of change for the future?

Listen to the Full Episode

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Four words that changed everything24 juin 202600:01:28

Sometimes the people closest to us can see things we've become blind to.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a powerful moment from his conversation with organisational psychologist Dr Joanne Gray.

After years in a demanding corporate role, Joe made the decision to leave. When she shared the news with her Dad, his response was immediate:

"Thank God for that."

Those four words revealed something important. While Joe had been pushing on, those closest to her had already noticed the impact that work was having on her wellbeing.

This Quick Spoon explores perspective, self-awareness, and the value of having people in our lives who are willing to tell us the truth when we need to hear it.

Something to reflect upon

Who are the people in your life who tell you the truth when you need to hear it?

And when was the last time you listened?

Listen to the Full Episode

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: The signs you might be ignoring22 juin 202600:01:34

What happens when your body starts telling you something you don't want to hear?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a moment from his conversation with business psychologist, consultant and author, Dr Joe Gray.

While working in a demanding corporate role, Jo began experiencing a persistent "flicky eye". What seemed like a minor irritation turned out to be a sign that something deeper was going on.

It's a reminder that warning signs don't always arrive as a crisis. Sometimes they show up as tension, disrupted sleep, irritability, or a feeling of being permanently switched on.

Ross explores how easy it is to normalise these signals and offers a simple reflection to help us pay attention before small signs become bigger problems.

Something to Reflect On

What signal might your body be sending you that you've stopped paying attention to?

Listen to the Full Episode

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray via the link below!

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray17 juin 202600:27:38

What happens when success no longer feels quite right?

In this episode of People Soup, Ross speaks with organisational psychologist, consultant and author Dr Joanne Gray.

Joe shares the story of a major career transition that took her from a senior corporate leadership role into the world of business psychology and consulting. Along the way, she reflects on the warning signs she experienced, the role of values in shaping career decisions, and the moment she realised something had to change.

The conversation then explores Joe's work on workplace proactivity – what it really means, why organisations often struggle to create the conditions for it, and how leaders can unintentionally shut it down.

You'll also hear a simple and practical framework that can help us think about taking action when something matters.

In this episode

  • Joanne's journey from corporate leadership to organisational psychology
  • Recognising the signs of exhaustion and burnout
  • What happens when workplace culture no longer aligns with your values
  • Why proactivity is more than simply being helpful
  • The difference between reactive and proactive work
  • Why proactivity can sometimes become another workplace demand
  • The Can Do, Reason To, Energised To framework
  • Leadership, psychological safety and fairness
  • Joanne's walk-on music choice

A question to reflect on

When you're considering a change, taking initiative or speaking up, ask yourself:

  • Can I do it?
  • Do I have a reason to do it?
  • Do I have the energy to do it?

Walk-on Music

Everybody's Free (To Feel Good) – Rozalla

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Pressure reveals what's running us15 juin 202600:01:00

Pressure has a way of revealing patterns we'd rather not see.

  • Defensiveness.
  • Control.
  • Avoidance.
  • Reactivity.

But these experiences aren't signs that we've failed.

They're opportunities to notice what's driving our behaviour.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores one of the central ideas behind psychological flexibility: once we notice what's running us, we create the possibility of choosing differently.

And that's where leadership begins.

Key Quote

"Pressure doesn't reveal who we are. Pressure reveals what's running us."

Reflection Questions

The next time you feel pressure building:

What is driving me right now?

And what matters here?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Let your light shine12 juin 202600:01:00

Starting a new role, joining a new team or entering a different culture can be unsettling.

The expectations feel different.

The responses you receive aren't what you expected.

And sometimes, without realising it, you start holding back.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores a common misunderstanding about adaptability. It's not about becoming smaller or suppressing what matters to you. It's about finding a way to express what matters in a way that fits the context.

Reflection Questions

Where are you currently holding back more than you'd like?

What's one small way you could contribute more visibly this week?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Avoidance rarely feels like avoidance10 juin 202600:01:01

Avoidance Rarely Feels Like Avoidance

Most workplace avoidance isn't dramatic.

It's the difficult conversation that gets pushed into next week.

And then the week after.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores one of the most common patterns he sees in leadership and the workplace: avoiding discomfort while convincing ourselves we're waiting for the right moment, more information or greater certainty.

The challenge?

Discomfort often grows when left unattended.

Reflection Question

What's one conversation you've been postponing?

And what's the smallest possible step you could take today?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: When we avoid disappointing others08 juin 202600:01:07

Success doesn't always feel like success.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a coaching conversation with someone who appeared to have everything going for them: successful, respected and on track for a remarkable career.

Yet something wasn't right.

As they explored what mattered most, a powerful pattern emerged. Many of their decisions weren't moving them towards what they valued. Instead, they were helping them avoid disappointing other people.

It's a trap that many of us fall into, especially when we're caring, conscientious and ambitious.

Reflection Question

Think about a decision you're currently wrestling with.

Are you moving towards something important, or away from someone else's disappointment?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Awareness often begins with a metaphorical itch05 juin 202600:01:06

You can't lead beyond what you notice and awareness often begins with a metaphorical itch.

A feeling that something isn't quite right. Something isn't fitting. Something needs attention.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a question that changed what he started paying attention to and explores why awareness can be uncomfortable, but essential for growth and leadership.

Reflection Question - What have you been noticing recently that you've been tempted to brush aside?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: The leadership skill that's going out of fashion03 juin 202600:01:05

We're encouraged to be quick, responsive and always on.

But what happens when urgency becomes identity, reaction becomes leadership and speed becomes a virtue?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on why he believes the pause is becoming an unfashionable leadership skill—and why that might be a problem.

Discover why the pause sits at the heart of Ross's leadership framework and a simple practice to help create more choice in moments that matter.

Reflection Question

Pause for 5 seconds and as yourself - what's needed here?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Why good leaders go off track - A People Soup special #101 juin 202600:13:41

Why do good people do things they later regret?

It's a question that's fascinated me for years.

Before I became a coach, studied organisational psychology, or discovered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I spent years in HR leadership. One of my roles was leading the Conduct and Discipline Team in a large government department in the UK Civil Service. In that job I became increasingly curious about what really drives human behaviour.

In this special solo episode, I share my working hypothesis about leadership:

Under pressure, leaders often default to behaviours designed to reduce discomfort rather than create impact.

I explore six common patterns of psychologically inflexible leadership and introduce my leadership framework, built around three core skills topped and tailed by the Pause and the Review Loop:

  • Pause
  • Awareness
  • Authentic Action
  • Adaptability
  • and the Review Loop.

Along the way, I share stories from my own leadership journey, including:

  • What I learned from conduct and discipline cases
  • A memorable disagreement with a tech startup founder about the value of pausing
  • The conversation with my husband that changed what I paid attention to
  • Lessons from coaching senior leaders through moments of challenge and transition
  • Why authenticity became such an important part of my leadership philosophy

This episode is both a reflection on leadership and an invitation to consider what might be running you when pressure shows up.

In this episode
  • Why leaders are not exempt from being human
  • Six common ways leaders can drift off course
  • Why the pause is a leadership superpower
  • The importance of awareness and noticing what matters
  • Values, authenticity and courageous action
  • Adapting without abandoning yourself
  • Why reflection turns experience into wisdom
  • What ACT has taught me about leadership and human behaviour

Key quote

"Pressure doesn't reveal who we are. Pressure reveals what's running us."

Reflection question

When pressure rises, what patterns show up most often for you?

Resources

You can find an illustration of my ACT-based Leadership Framework in the show notes.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Leadership starts feeling difficult29 mai 202600:01:51

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores the fourth skill in the McIntosh Leadership Framework: Adaptability.

Inspired by a candid reflection from Gabriella Braun, this episode explores what happens when leadership becomes uncertain, messy, political, and deeply human.

So many leadership books promise certainty, control, and easy answers.

But real leadership often starts feeling difficult at exactly the moment complexity arrives.

Ross reflects on what leaders can do when pressure rises, certainty disappears, and their usual ways of coping stop working.

And he shares one practical question that can help turn pressure into purposeful action.

In this Quick Spoon

🥄 Why leadership becomes harder under uncertainty

🥄 What happens when leaders grip tighter under pressure

🥄 The hidden link between rigidity and reduced impact

🥄 A practical reflection question to try this week

Key reflection

“Who do I want to be in this moment?”

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: What's love got to do with it?27 mai 202600:01:29

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores the third skill in the McIntosh Leadership Framework: Authentic Action.

Inspired by a powerful insight from Gabriella Braun, this episode looks at the tension leaders face between acting from fear… or acting from what matters most.

Gabriella describes how every workplace contains both constructive and destructive forces — and how leadership often involves helping people move towards the constructive side.

Ross reflects on what this can mean in practice during difficult conversations, moments of tension, and everyday leadership decisions.

Because authentic leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort.

It’s about acting with clarity, courage, and humanity.

In this Quick Spoon

🥄 Why leadership is more than decision-making

🥄 The difference between acting from fear and acting from values

🥄 Why love and courage belong in leadership conversations

🥄 A practical reflection to try before your next difficult conversation

Key reflection

“What would love and courage look like here?”

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: I always had an eye looking in25 mai 202600:01:09

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores the second skill in the McIntosh Leadership Framework: Awareness.

Inspired by a reflection from Gabriella Braun, this episode looks at the leadership power of noticing what’s happening beneath the surface — in ourselves, in teams, and in the wider system around us.

So often, leaders feel pressure to speak quickly, solve problems, and drive action.

But what if better leadership sometimes starts with noticing more… and saying less?

Ross shares a practical experiment to help leaders develop awareness in meetings, conversations, and everyday workplace dynamics.

In this Quick Spoon

🥄 Why awareness is a core leadership skill

🥄 The hidden dynamics we often miss in meetings

🥄 How curiosity can change a room

🥄 A practical experiment to try this week

Key reflection

“You can’t lead beyond what you notice.”

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Why did I react like that?22 mai 202600:01:13

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores the first skill in the McIntosh Leadership Framework: Pause.

Inspired by a powerful reflection from Gabriella Braun, this episode looks at those moments when our reactions feel immediate, emotional, and difficult to control.

Why does one comment roll off our backs… while another lingers all day?

And what might change if, instead of reacting automatically, we paused long enough to notice what’s happening inside us?

Ross shares a simple practical experiment to help leaders interrupt autopilot, create choice, and respond with greater awareness and intention.

In this Quick Spoon

🥄 Why our reactions at work can feel instant

🥄 The leadership power of pausing before reacting

🥄 How to interrupt autopilot and habitual responses

🥄 A simple reflection question to try this week

Key reflection

“Between stimulus and response… that’s where your leadership lives.”

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.

Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: That difficult person at work20 mai 202600:01:25

Every workplace seems to have one.

The difficult colleague.

The challenging client.

The person who pushes your buttons before they’ve even opened their mouth.

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore a different way of responding to difficult people at work.

Not by excusing behaviour.

Not by pretending it’s easy.

But by asking a different question:

What if compassion reduced your suffering… not just theirs?

A practical reflection on threat responses, workplace relationships, and how seeing people differently might change the impact they have on us.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Why work feels so personal with Gabriella Braun18 mai 202600:21:04

In this episode of People Soup, Ross is joined by consultant, psychoanalytic thinker, and author Gabriella Braun for a deeply human conversation about why work can feel so personal.

Drawing on her remarkable book All That We Are, Gabriella explores what really happens beneath the surface in teams, organisations, and leadership.

Together, Ross and Gabriella explore:

  • Why we can’t simply “leave our emotions at home”
  • How Gabriella’s experience as the child of immigrants shaped her ability to observe human systems
  • The leadership experience that left her “floundering”… and sparked a lifelong curiosity about organisational life
  • Why so many workplaces are carrying hidden distress
  • What leaders learned about vulnerability during COVID
  • Why psychoanalytic thinking has so much to offer the workplace
  • The deeply personal writing journey behind All That We Are
  • Why leaders may be helping their organisations choose between constructive and destructive forces every single day

And finally…

Why love may have a lot more to do with leadership than we often admit.

Originally released in 2023. Reimagined and re-edited for the new People Soup format in 2026.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Speak to three people15 mai 202600:01:29

What do you do when anxiety shows up… right when something matters?

A networking event.

A room full of strangers.

A voice in your head saying:

“Your Spanish isn’t good enough.”

In this Quick Spoon, I share a very real moment from a networking event for psychologists in Seville—where social anxiety showed up… and so did the urge to run.

But instead of waiting to feel confident…

I tried something smaller.

Something more workable.

Speak to three people.

That was the goal.

Not confidence.

Not perfection.

Just one small, values-based action.

A practical reflection on anxiety, workable goals, and taking action—even when your mind is telling you otherwise.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.

Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: If I was at my absolute best...13 mai 202600:01:25

What do you do in those moments when emotions are running high?

An awkward conversation.

A difficult email.

A family disagreement.

A colleague who’s pushing your buttons.

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore one simple question that can create a little more space… and a little more choice:

“If I was at my absolute best right now… what would I want to do?”

Not…

What do I feel like doing?

Not…

What would be easiest?

But…

What would my best self choose?

A practical reflection on values, choice, and how to respond—rather than simply react—when things get challenging.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Pain is part of being human11 mai 202600:01:34

What if the goal was never to become stress-free?

Or anxiety-free.

Or grief-free.

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we challenge a myth that many of us still buy into:

That difficult emotions are somehow a sign that something’s gone wrong.

Eric offers a different perspective:

Painful emotions aren’t a design flaw.

They’re part of being human.

And the real skill may not be fighting what we feel…but learning how to notice it with a little more awareness—and a little more compassion.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

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Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Get off autopilot09 mai 202600:01:33

Ever noticed how pressure can shrink your options?

A difficult conversation.

An awkward email.

A deadline.

A piece of feedback you weren’t expecting.

And suddenly… you’re reacting before you’ve even realised it.

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore what he describes as one of the most crucial skills in mental health:

Getting off autopilot.

Taking a pause.

Calling a timeout.

And choosing a response that’s…

Helpful, not harmful.

A short practical reflection on choice, self-awareness, and creating a little more space when life gets challenging.

Because that space, creates options.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

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Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Locked out of the controls07 mai 202600:01:30

Why do we sometimes react in ways that don’t feel like us?

Why do we say things we later regret, shut down under pressure, or act against our values?

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore a powerful idea:

Sometimes, in difficult moments…

“We’re locked out of the controls.”

And if that’s true…

Beating ourselves up probably isn’t the answer.

Awareness might be.

A practical reflection on self-compassion, threat responses, and how to choose a response that’s guided by your values—not just your emotions.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: When the threat system takes over05 mai 202600:01:35

Why do good people sometimes say things they later regret?

Why do we shut down, snap, or go into fight mode when pressure rises?

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore a powerful idea:

Sometimes it’s not weakness.

Sometimes your threat system is driving the bus.

And when that happens, we can find ourselves reacting in ways that don’t reflect who we want to be.

A practical and compassionate reminder that awareness creates choice… especially in difficult moments.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: We don't choose who we become03 mai 202600:01:18

Why do some people push our buttons so easily?

And what if compassion wasn’t about excusing behaviour… but understanding how people are shaped?

In this Quick Spoon from my conversation with Dr Eric Goodman, we explore a powerful idea:

None of us chose our genetics.

None of us chose our upbringing.

None of us chose the experiences that shaped us.

But…

We do have some say in who we become next.

A thought-provoking reflection on compassion, responsibility, and how we respond to difficult people—at work and beyond.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: The power of the pause, creating space to choose01 mai 202600:01:23

When life and work feel busy, speed can become the default.

We move quickly from one conversation to the next, reacting, deciding, replying, and solving without much space in between.

In this final Quick Spoon from Ross’ conversation with Jessica Lee, we explore the value of something simple:

The pause.

A pause can create enough distance to notice what matters, respond with more intention, and choose how we want to show up.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic.

Sometimes it’s one breath.

Sometimes it’s one question.

Sometimes it’s a few seconds before replying.

Small pauses can create meaningful change.

What This Episode Explores

  • Why constant speed can reduce clarity
  • How pauses create better choices
  • The link between awareness and behaviour
  • A practical tool for leaders and teams
  • How small moments can change outcomes

Key Idea

The pause creates space — and space creates choice.

Reflection

Where could you create a small pause today?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

How to Stay at Your Best When Life Is at Its Worst with Dr Eric Goodman29 avr. 202600:24:59

Dr. Eric Goodman joins Ross McIntosh for a practical and powerful conversation about how we respond when life feels overwhelming.

Why do smart, capable people sometimes say things they regret, shut down under pressure, or react in ways that don’t reflect who they want to be?

Eric explains how our threat system can take over, why that’s completely human, and what we can do to regain choice in difficult moments.

Together, Ross and Eric explore:

  • Why we all go on autopilot sometimes
  • How the threat system can “drive the bus”
  • Why painful emotions are part of being human
  • A simple sequence for getting grounded under pressure
  • How self-compassion can reduce suffering without removing difficulty
  • One question that can guide wiser action:

“If I was at my absolute best, what would I want to do now?”

  • How to deal with difficult people at work
  • Eric’s memorable acronym: AFGO – Another F*ing Growth Opportunity**

This episode is full of practical ideas for work, leadership and everyday life.

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Why leadership feels so hard27 avr. 202600:01:22

Leadership roles often come with more pressure than preparation.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on why leadership can feel so difficult — especially when people step into bigger roles and suddenly face new expectations.

They may still be doing their day job. Still managing people.

But now they’re also expected to think strategically, communicate differently, make bigger decisions, and carry wider responsibility.

All at once.

For many people, the challenge is not capability.

It’s the gap between what the role demands and the support available.

If leadership feels hard at times, it may not be a personal failing. It may be a sign that the expectations need to be re-examined.

What This Episode Explores

  • Why leadership roles can feel overwhelming
  • The shift from manager to broader leadership responsibilities
  • The gap between expectations and support
  • Why difficulty doesn’t equal failure
  • A practical reflection for regaining clarity

Key Idea

👉 Leadership often feels hard when expectations rise faster than support.

Reflection

What actually matters right now?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.


Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Leadership isn't a title: what are you modelling?25 avr. 202600:01:15

“I’m just a manager.”

“They’re a leader.”

These phrases reveal a common assumption at work: that leadership belongs to people with titles.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores a different perspective.

Leadership often starts long before someone joins a senior team or receives a promotion. It shows up in behaviour, communication, consistency, and how people respond under pressure.

People notice more than we think.

They notice how we treat colleagues, how we make decisions, what we reward, and what we tolerate.

Which means leadership may already be happening — whether we realise it or not.

What This Episode Explores

  • Why leadership is often confused with hierarchy
  • The difference between title and influence
  • How behaviour shapes culture
  • Why people are always watching leaders (formal or informal)
  • A simple reflection on personal impact at work

Key Idea

Leadership doesn’t start with a title. It starts with behaviour.

Reflection

What are you modelling — whether you realise it or not?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.

Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

Quick Spoon: Same words, different meaning23 avr. 202600:01:23

A single word can mean different things to different people.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross shares a simple example from a conversation with Jess — where saying “sorry” meant something very different depending on the cultural context.

What felt normal in one place was interpreted completely differently in another.

And this kind of misunderstanding happens more often than we realise.

At work, we tend to assume that our way of communicating is the standard — when in reality, it’s just what we’re used to.

When something feels off — too direct, too soft, or slightly uncomfortable — it’s easy to label it as wrong.

But often, it’s simply different.

What This Episode Explores

  • How the same words can carry different meanings
  • The role of cultural and contextual differences in communication
  • Why we assume our communication style is “normal”
  • How misinterpretation can happen at work
  • A simple shift in perspective

Key Idea

What feels “normal” to us is often just familiar.

Reflection

What might be different — rather than wrong?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following People Soup, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with someone who might find it useful.

Every recommendation helps more people discover practical, evidence-based conversations about work, leadership and being human.

Here's the People Soup Website.

And you can subscribe to the People Soup YouTube Channel here.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life.

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