People Soup - Behavioural Science For A More Meaningful Way To Work

Season 3 Episode 32 P-Soupers - what a privilege it was to welcome Rikke Kjelgaard to People Soup. Rikke is a licensed psychologist, an expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a multi-passionate entrepreneur, a devoted public speaker, a writer, a behavioural nerd, the chief rock'n'roller in her own company and an unshakable optimist with ONE mission: helping people become the person they most want to be. In this episode we hear a bit about Rikke's career, how she discovered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a pivotal moment in her life and her work values which shine through for all to witness. Rikke's honesty and openness is truly inspirational - I hope you enjoy listening. Shownotes at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2020/08/rikke-kjelgaard-part-1.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/ Linktree - for links to many other p

Season 3 Episode 31 P-Soupers – thanks for tuning in – this week – it’s part two of my chat with clinical psychologist and brilliant human, Dr Ray Owen. In the opening moments of this episode you'll hear a clip from Ray - talking about arriving well in a conversation – whether it’s a palliative care nurse about to have a really difficult and emotional conversation with a fellow human or a manager, preparing for a difficult performance conversation – we can prepare to arrive well in both of these scenarios. We cover loads more in our chat – you’ll hear about his workshop at the ACBS UK & ROI in November which is called "ACT for Long Term Health Conditions - Adjustment to Long Term Health Conditions: how Psychological Flexibility can help." Please note - the main content was recorded and edited before the latest announcement about the conference. The conference will now be a two day event on 16 & 17 November and the pre-conference workshops will now be incorporated into those two days. You can find

Season 3 Episode 30 P-Soupers – this week – it’s part one of my chat with clinical psychologist and fabulous human, Dr Ray Owen. We cover loads in our conversation: * you’ll hear a bit about Ray’s career – a story which he holds lightly, * his books - Facing the Storm and Living with the Enemy, * his work in long term health conditions and palliative care – and how * he discovered ACT and contextual behavioural science, * and he choses his song – which is a not only a belter – it also has an important message for us all. Shownotes at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2020/06/dr-ray-owen-part-1.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/ Linktree - for links to many other podcast platforms and apps - linktr.ee/PeopleSoup

Season 3 Episode 29 It’s part 2 of my conversation with Dr Shane McLoughlin. In this episode we really delve into Shane’s research on the impact of SMART Training – first of all – what is it? And secondly, the impact of SMART training on general cognitive ability in school kids. Listen on to hear us speculate on the potential impact of SMART for the working population as organisations become increasingly more complex and jobs become more cognitively demanding. And we’ll finish with Shane’s song selection and a cracking takeaway. This conversation was such a pleasure – Shane is open, honest, thought provoking and humble as well as being great fun. Show Notes 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/ Linktree - for links to many other podcast platforms and apps - linktr.ee/PeopleSoup

Season 3 Episode 28 It was great to welcome Shane to People Soup. Blimey what an interesting fella. He's currently a lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University after completing his PhD at the University of Chichester. Shane's interested in exploring the potential in merging the fields of behavioural analysis and differential psychology. He really set me thinking about a whole host of organisational issues and my stance in the workplace. Other topics we discussed include Shane’s experience of imposter syndrome, his preparedness to be wrong - spoiler alert – Shane says he’s been wrong about things many times. We also chatter about his willingness to share ideas with psychological communities outside of his own immediate discipline and his view of the primary function of a good scientist. He also talks a little about his research on the impact of SMART training – which we’ll delve into more in part 2. We finish with a tale of his sporting prowess which may or may not give us clues to his stance as a res

Season 3 Episode 27 P-Soupers – this week we have an experimental episode – it started with a conversation with Louise Gardner – aka – my ACT Auntie and your ACT Auntie – where we were reminiscing about our childhood TV and in particular an animation called Mr Benn – which made us decide to record a conversation – well I say conversation – you may find it to be a gentle ramble – where we reflect upon one episode – Mr Benn and the Red Knight – and relate it to us as humans – particularly our values in life. As you might expect – there are several diversions along the way – including the legendary Mrs Slocombe from Are you being served? Just in case you want to watch the episode of Mr Benn first - here's the link to the episode on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJuj_ZT8pjU I’ve called this episode – Mr Benn, Lou and Ross too. Shownotes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk Twitter https://twitter.com/PeopleSoupPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/people.soup/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplesoupp

Season 3 Episode 26 Or...All about Organisational Flexibility. I’m starting with a quote from Walt Whitman today – “I am large, I contain multitudes." I think this quote encapsulates the complexity of both organisations AND the people within them Here's part 2 of my conversation with Dr Annie Gascoyne. In part one we heard about Annie’s fascinating career history, how she’s worked in radically different organisations and she talked about pivotal moments, like going back to Uni and how she found herself in the surprising position of embarking upon a PhD. In this episode we’re diving into that same PhD research - you’ll hear Annie introduce and expand on organisational flexibility as a concept and its component processes – which I think is highly relevant in these extraordinary times. I think you’ll find that organisational flexibility provides a useful and practical lens to consider the challenges that all organisations face. In the shownotes you'll find two useful diagrams, one represe

Season 3 Episode 25 Today's episode is part 1 of my conversation with Dr Annie Gascoyne. Annie’s PhD research explored psychological flexibility AND organisational flexibility and we’ll explore that in much more detail next week. In this episode we hear about Annie’s fascinating career history, it’s varied and spans radically different organisations, she talks about pivotal moments, like going back to Uni and how she found herself in the surprising position of embarking upon a PhD. Shownotes at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2020/04/dr-annie-gascoyne-part-1.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/ Linktree - for links to many other podcast platforms and apps - linktr.ee/PeopleSoup

Season 3 Episode 24 Hey P-Soupers - I almost called this episode 'Help, my caveman brain's on fire' but I thought that might be a bit niche. This is a check in with our previous guest, behaviour change expert, Registered Clinical Psychologist and author, Dr Dayna Lee-Baggley. We check-in on a whole range of topics to support ourselves and each other in these challenging times. Topics include: * how our brains are processing the information that we're being bombarded with and why our caveman mind is on fire; * how our frontal lobe battery might also be getting drained; * how we can think about the response to coronavirus as a war, where we're all working together towards the same goal; * reminding ourselves of our own values in physical isolation - we're supporting the most vulnerable in society and those caring for them; * how we can encourage emotional connection during physical isolation; * how we can create routine and purpose; * how we can take this time to re-evaluate what's important. In 10

Season 3 Episode 23 Hey P-Soupers! I wanted to present a simple and useful resource for these extraordinary times and I also bring a very special guest - my 84 year old Dad, Big G. We have a chat about Basic Psychological Needs Theory which states that people strive to satisfy three innate needs, namely autonomy, belonging and competence (in every area of life). * Autonomy - is about the need to feel that our pursuits are self governed and self endorsed. Or in other words, to feel we have control over what we do. * Belonging - is about being connected socially and feeling integrated into a social group. * Competence - is about the need to be effective in our efforts; so we feel like we're developing skills and gaining knowledge. Some researchers called Deci and Ryan assert that needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy are universal – they are essential, regardless of culture and life domain (Deci and Ryan, 1985b, 2000; Ryan and Deci, 2002). Have a listen to hear how my Dad has been approach

Season 3 Episode 22 It's Part 2 of my conversation with Dr Ian Tyndall. He's a cognitive-behavioural psychologist at the University of Chichester and is the head honcho of the Functional Behavioural Science Laboratory. In part two we delve into Ian’s research – we cover ostracism, SMART brain training for kids and adults which is fabulous work with enormous potential. It was also the subject of research by Dr Shane Mccloughlin who I'm hoping will be a future guest. There is such a breadth of content here as Ian goes on to reflect on measures in contextual behavioural science, some research exploring the experience of homeless people in Milan and their current work looking at the rise in sexually transmitted infection in the over 45s. Ian and his collaborators truly impact on society. He even makes reference to two films – There’s something about Mary and The Mask. And to top it all – there’s a cracking takeaway. Shownotes at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2020/03/dr-ian-tyndall-part-2.html Connect with Ros

Season 3 Episode 21 On Friday I had the great opportunity to visit the University of Chichester and speak to some of their Masters Students about ACT in the workplace and coaching. I was invited by Ian Tyndall, who is a cognitive behavioural psychologist and senior lecturer there, as well as running the Functional Behavioural Science Laboratory. Of course I was keen to grab Ian as a guest and the conversation was fabulous. He's such a warm and generous man and can tell a story like no other. Listen on to hear more about: * why he would have never predicted a career which involved speaking in public, something that he now loves, * his exploration of how language impacts anxiety and our response to stressful events, * a pivotal moment about his interview at the University of Chichester, * and a moment when he experienced a difficult performance review. We conclude Part 1 with Ian reflecting on the importance of being kind and compassionate in our collaborations with each other - and with ourselves.

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 s

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=ni

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

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 t

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 foundi