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

Season 2 Episode 7 Have a listen as I have a go at reflecting on my values over a period of four days. This exercise is based upon an approach developed and described by Jonny Line in Episode 2 (Season 2). I was reminded about it by a tweet from Dr Sally Bradley who said she was using it with clients as part of their gratitude practice. This episode also begins with a bumper crop of reviews, a bit of singing (sorry) and finishes with a snippet of live flamenco guitar. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 6 Dr Mike Sinclair is Clinical Director of the City Psychology Group, Consultant Counselling Psychologist, ACT practitioner and author. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation including: Mike's journey into ACT - which included a bold trip to Nevada in the early days; How he uses ACT in his personal and professional life; How he uses ACT with high performers in the City. He has also developed a takeaway especially for his appearance on People Soup and has a cracking, client generated metaphor which we could all use. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 - Episode 5 Why do I talk about the skill of noticing so much? Listen on to hear why noticing is so important - both in terms of how we're showing up in the world through our behaviour and being aware of what our mind is producing in terms of thoughts, emotions, memories and urges. I then move on to different ways that we can strengthen the skill of noticing. I also respond to a question from this week from a workshop participant who asked if I was trying to create a workplace full of happy robots! Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2: Episode 4 Ross presents some evidence on gender differences in organisations. Amongst other findings he covers 'Think Manager Think Male' and the glass cliff (where women can be put in precarious leadership positions). Drawing upon a Harvard Business Review he agrees that the route to leadership for women and other minorities is more labyrinthine than a ceiling. He finishes with a paper that suggests it's time to introduce positive discrimination to accelerate gender equality. The take away is a clarion call - to flag micro-behaviours - both good and bad. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2: Episode 3 In this episode I talk about mental health at work - particularly in relation to men. I share some developments on the podcast and look at my wobble over this last week. I then focuses on one research paper. The research showed that when men experience psychological distress they are two times more likely to seek support if a friend or family member has shared their own experience of seeking help. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk http://www.projecteightyfour.com/ https://www.samaritans.org/

Season 2 Episode 2 In this episode I speak to my friend, Jonny Line, who is an exciting new voice in organisational psychology. Jonny begins by reflecting on a particular skill that he draws upon in a variety of scenarios at work and then considers his own experience of using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). He describes the three step approach he has developed to support himself in noticing when he's expressed his core values of self development, creativity, fairness and supportiveness. He also sets out a way in which we can potentially enhance our efficacy in expressing what's important through turning our values on ourselves, based upon a model of positive social action. The challenge from Jonny is "how can you live out your values with others by turning them in on yourself." Jonny's ideas have taken my own practise to a new level so I'd really encourage you to have a go. We also consider what our own personal theme tunes might be and there is a chance to win one of three sets of values cards. We're so proud of this episode here at People Soup - it really brings together some of our values around the creation of the podcast, which include being of service to our listeners and guests, and creating a space of connection, friendship, love, learning and fun. Show notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk

Season 2 - Episode 1 Ross chats with Dr Nic Hooper - Senior Lecturer in Psychology at University of West England (UWE), ACT Researcher & Practitioner and co-creator of the the 2019 Diary for Valued Action. The boys cover a lot of ground in their conversation - Nic talks about how he discovered ACT and the impact it has had on his life. He describes his motivation to produce the Diary for Valued Action and gives us a glimpse into some of his other projects, finishing with a powerful take-away. Show notes with all the links to the diary and Nic's social media at http://www.rossmcintosh.co.uk/2018/08/dr-nic-hooper-act-diary-for-valued.html This is our first episode recorded over Skype. The sound quality is not perfect, it improves in the second half and we're learning new skills with each episode.

Episode 16 Going on holiday - listen to this essential guide to the science of vacations before you go! Shannon Horan is a PhD student at City, University of London and specialises, amongst other things, in exploring work recovery through vacations. You can hear about the theory of vacations from work, get an insight into Shannon's research, get some top tips and there's an opportunity to get involved in Shannon's next study. All in 22 minutes. If you're interested in work recovery check out Episode 6 - Getting Unplugged.

Episode 15 I welcome Dr Paul Flaxman to People Soup. We talk about the upcoming ACBS Conference in Montreal and give a glimpse of the research we'll be presenting about ACT Training in the Workplace. At the conference we're also planning to share the development of our ACT in the Workplace protocol. Episode notes at www.rossmcintosh.co.uk