The Power of Listening at Work with Miranda Birch

The Power of Listening at Work with Miranda Birch

Author: People Soup March 11, 2026 Duration: 41:10

Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 47 of People Soup.

Listening is one of the most powerful communication skills at work — yet it’s often the one we practice least.

What happens when someone really listens to you at work?

In this episode of People Soup, Ross McIntosh talks with Miranda Birch — former BBC journalist and founder of The Richest Conversations — about the power of listening and why better conversations can transform how we work together.

Drawing on her career in broadcasting and interviewing, Miranda shares what journalism can teach us about communication at work, leadership conversations, and creating the space where people feel heard and understood.

Ross and Miranda explore:

  1. Why deep listening is becoming a rare skill at work
  2. How great interviewers build trust and rapport quickly
  3. What leaders can learn from broadcast journalism techniques
  4. The connection between conversations, confidence, and wellbeing
  5. How simple moments of connection — even saying hello — can have a powerful impact.

You’ll also hear Miranda’s reflections on growing up surrounded by radio, her journey into the BBC, and how curiosity and listening shaped her approach to storytelling.

If you’re interested in better communication at work, leadership skills, coaching conversations, or workplace wellbeing, this episode is packed with insights you can use straight away.

So get a brew on, settle in, and enjoy part one of Ross’s conversation with Miranda Birch.

About People Soup

People Soup is a podcast that mixes stories, science and a sprinkle of daftness to explore what helps people thrive at work and beyond. Drawing on behavioural science — especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Ross shares practical ideas to help you build a better work life.


Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

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

He's now also on Bluesky

The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE


Ever wonder why we do the things we do, especially at work or when trying to lead others? People Soup digs into that question, but it doesn’t stop at theory. Each episode is built on a foundation of behavioural science, which means you’ll get more than just interesting stories-you’ll get a clearer understanding of the human ingredients that make up our daily interactions. The conversations here feel real and unscripted, often touching on the messy, rewarding, and sometimes frustrating experience of simply being human. You’ll find that this podcast operates at the intersection of our professional ambitions and our personal well-being, exploring how they influence each other in ways we might not immediately see. It’s for anyone who has left a meeting baffled by a colleague’s reaction, struggled to motivate a team, or just wanted to navigate their own goals with a bit more clarity and less friction. The ideas discussed are deliberately practical, designed to be used almost immediately, whether you’re looking to improve a process, a relationship, or your own mindset. Tune in for a blend of thoughtful analysis and actionable insight that aims to make the complex recipe of human behaviour a little easier to understand and work with.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

People Soup
Podcast Episodes
Same words, different meaning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23
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…
“I’m just…”: the language that shrinks how we show up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18
“I’m just…”It’s a phrase that shows up in many workplaces — often without much thought.But this seemingly small piece of language can have a significant impact.In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores how the word “just” can s…
You’re Not “a Creative” (And Other Labels That Stick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21
“You’re not a creative.”It’s a simple phrase — but one that can have a lasting impact.In this Quick Spoon, inspired by a conversation with Jess Lee, Ross explores how quickly we label people at work, and how those labels…
Quick Spoon: When grief stops you [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:20
Grief can stop us in our tracks — but it can also shape what we do next.In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares a deeply human moment about loss, connection, and continuing forward.People Soup: Real conversations about…
Quick Spoon: Get comfortable being uncomfortable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56
If you could learn one skill to change your life — this might be it.In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard explains why willingness — not confidence — is the real key to growth.A simple practice you can try immediately.Peopl…
Quick Spoon: When your brain makes success feel like a mistake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44
Ever noticed how your mind talks you out of big opportunities?In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares what happened when a TEDx opportunity triggered a spiral of self-doubt — and what we can learn from it.People Soup:…
Quick Spoon: What would your ‘J’ do? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:46
When you’re stuck, whose voice would help you move forward?In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard introduces the “J” exercise — a simple way to act in line with your values.Who’s your “J”?People Soup: Real conversations abou…
Quick Spoon: Values over fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07
You don’t need fear to disappear before you act.In this Quick Spoon, Jill Stoddard shares what it looks like to take action in the presence of fear — guided by your values.People Soup: Real conversations about work, lead…
Quick Spoon: You Are Not Your Thoughts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24
We often treat our thoughts as facts — but what if they’re just… thoughts?In this Quick Spoon, Dr. Jill Stoddard explores how creating space from your thinking can change your actions.Less autopilot. More choice.People S…