#39 - Mark Saxby - Reclaiming Connection: Beyond Screens

Rediscovering Connection with Shelley Doyle

In this episode of Rediscovering Connection, I chat with Mark Saxby, a UK-based journalist-turned-social-media-reformer who’s on a mission to help us use technology intentionally—without letting it steal our time or joy. From his “Be More Colin” campaign to his work with kids through Positive Social, Mark shares how stepping back from screens can unlock richer relationships, better mental health, and a life lived on our terms.
We dive into:
✅ Why social media doesn’t always deliver the connection we crave—and what does
✅ How Mark turned Twitter into a tool for real-world friendships
✅ The “Be More Colin” movement: reclaiming focus at work and home
✅ Protecting kids from the addictive pull of smartphones
✅ Finding balance between personal expression and professional presence online
If you’ve ever felt glued to your phone—or wondered how to break free—this conversation offers practical, uplifting ideas to rethink your relationship with tech.
🎙️Tune in for a refreshing take on living well in a digital world.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Mark Saxby and his mission to rethink social media
03:15 – From journalism to social media: Mark’s journey and aha moment
07:00 – The power of Twitter for building real-life connections
11:30 – Why we overshare online—and how pulling back sparks better conversations
15:45 – “Be More Colin”: Cutting phone time to boost work and life satisfaction
20:00 – Social media’s impact on kids: Insights from Positive Social
25:30 – Setting boundaries: Tips for parents and personal phone audits
30:15 – Personal vs. professional online: Where to focus your energy
34:00 – Mark’s passion for speaking and winning people over
37:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Mark
Links
Find Mark Saxby Online:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marksaxby
Email: [email protected]
Positive Social: https://positivesocial.org.uk/

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I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your own life.
Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.
Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley
About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse™, learning designer, facilitator, and host of the Rediscovering Connection podcast. My Master’s research focused on the relational investments of remote and hybrid leaders, published with a financial services firm and supported by Mitacs. With 20 years of international business and communications leadership, I now help remote and relocated leaders feel more socially wealthy - personally and professionally, online and offline - through programs, consulting, and training.
I have 5 spots available in my program Social Wealth Activation, starting w/c Dec 1st. Email: [email protected] to request info.
Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

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