Episode 19

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Published on:

5th May 2026

Quick Spoon: When the threat system takes over

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.

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Transcript

QS2 When the Threat System Takes Over

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[00:00:18] [00:00:20] airplanes, people just seeming to be driven by their threat systems. I looked at that as [00:00:30] their threat systems were just driving the bus and that they were being swept along for the ride and, who among us [00:00:40] hasn't had their threat system take over and have them do things

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[00:00:45]

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[00:01:03] This one's about why we sometimes react in ways we later regret.

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[00:01:22] So maybe just notice this week, When pressure rises, what signs tell you your threat system might be taking [00:01:30] over?

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About the Podcast

People Soup
Real conversations about work, leadership and being human.
Grounded in behavioural science, each episode is packed with practical ideas you can put into practice straight away.

The name People Soup comes from a quote by Abraham Maslow:

"A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting."

I've always loved that idea. Creativity isn't confined to art. It shows up in how we live, work, lead and relate to one another.

Work can sometimes feel like a soup: a rich, sometimes bewildering mix of people, personalities, decisions, pressures, relationships and unexpected challenges. Every day we're trying to make sense of the ingredients we've been given.

Behavioural science doesn't remove the complexity, but it gives us practical ways to navigate it. It offers ideas, skills and evidence-based tools that help us respond more effectively—to ourselves, to other people and to the situations we face.

That's what People Soup is all about.

Through conversations, solo episodes and practical tools, People Soup explores how behavioural science—and particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—can help us lead, work and live with greater purpose, psychological flexibility and practical wisdom.

About your host

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Ross McIntosh

I'm Ross McIntosh, a business psychologist, coach and facilitator, with over 30 years' experience helping people thrive at work.

People Soup grew from a simple belief: work is an important part of life, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of our wellbeing, our relationships or our values.

Each episode explores the realities of work, leadership and being human through the lens of behavioural science. Sometimes that's a conversation with an inspiring guest. Sometimes it's a short "Quick Spoon" offering a practical idea you can put into practice straight away.

My work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps people develop psychological flexibility: the ability to stay purposeful, adaptable and effective, even when life gets messy.

Whether you're leading a team, supporting others, or simply trying to navigate the pressures of modern work, my hope is that People Soup gives you practical tools, fresh perspectives and the confidence to take your next meaningful step.

A few things about me
Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.
Fellow of the Association for Coaching.
Research collaborator with City St George's, University of London.
Speaker, facilitator and leadership development consultant.
Founder and Host of the People Soup podcast.

When I'm not recording the podcast or working with clients, you'll usually find me reading, cycling, improving my Spanish, or enjoying life in southern Spain with my husband.