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Episode 50

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Published on:

17th Jul 2026

Quick Spoon: Why I love supermarkets on holiday

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.

Transcript
[:

[00:00:07] It's because everything suddenly becomes [00:00:10] interesting the fruit the biscuits with weird names the way people shop I don't think I actually love supermarkets. In fact, I'm pretty sure I [00:00:20] don't. What I think I love is becoming curious again. Hi there, and welcome to People Soup Quick Spoon, real [00:00:30] conversations about work, leadership, and being human. I'm Ross McIntosh, and here's your Quick Spoon.

[:

[00:00:40] At work, our attention becomes incredibly efficient We stop noticing what's familiar But when we're somewhere new, it's like our [00:00:50] curiosity wakes up again

[:

[00:01:07] And it helps counter one of our favorite habits as [00:01:10] human beings

[:

[00:01:17] Visit somewhere ordinary on your [00:01:20] next holiday maybe a supermarket, a cafe or just an ordinary street

[:

[00:01:35] Where else in my life could I benefit from adopting a [00:01:40] beginner's mind? That's your Quick Spoon. Until next time, take care

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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

Profile picture for Ross McIntosh

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.