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: mark@statussocial.co.uk
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™, Social Wealth Strategist and host of the Rediscovering Connection podcast.
If this conversation sparked your curiosity to delve deeper, I support organisations by working with HR, L&D and People & Culture leaders to turn disconnection into measurable Social Health, using the principles of Social Wealth to build socially healthy, high-trust teams.
One way this work comes to life is through my Social Wealth Workshop. This is an interactive, strengths-based session designed for innovative leaders and teams who want to better understand how Social Wealth functions, and how it can be activated to support social health at work.
Email: shelley@communiverse.vip to request info.
Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.
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