Rediscovering Connection with Shelley Doyle

Rachel Miller is one of the UK's leading voices on internal communication and founder of All Things IC.

In this conversation we cover:

We also get into the evidence: in my research with 1,218 remote and hybrid leaders, the sweet spot for office presence came through at one to two days a week, a...

Tristan Claridge is the founder and president of the International Social Capital Association. In my final episode of Rediscovering Connection in 2025, we explore how Social Capital works, why it can never be transactional, and why authenticity and attention are the real foundations of strong relationships.

Listen to our conversation for greater clarity, perspective, and a reframe of how we think about Social Capital and Social Wealth today, including:

✨What social capital is (and what it isn’t)
✨Why social capital only functions when social needs are met
✨How authenticity and “obs listening” strengthen connection

In this episode of Rediscovering Connection, I sit down with Professor Corey Keyes - renowned sociologist, pioneering mental health researcher, and author of “Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down.” Corey shares the real story behind his work on languishing and flourishing, the power of social fitness, and why connection is far more than counting friends or likes.

We explore:
✅ Why social wellbeing is always the hardest to achieve - and the most overlooked key to happiness
✅ Flourishing vs. mental health: why “feeling fine” is not enough
✅ The science of mea...

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 Mo...

In this bite-sized episode, I sit down with Amy Schroeder, founder of The Midst, an online magazine that’s redefining what it means to thrive in midlife.

Amy shares how a personal blog about perimenopause turned into a global community of women living midlife on their own terms. We talk about the power of honest storytelling, the importance of connection, and why midlife isn’t a time to slow down—it’s a time to step fully into who we are.

We also dive into:
✅ How midlife is the longest and most transformative stage of life

Welcome to "Rediscovering Connection," where we explore the power of play and improvisation with Brett Macdonald, a former teacher turned improv expert. In this 40-minute journey, we delve into how improv can reshape organizational culture, enhance team collaboration, and foster deep personal connections.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Brett Macdonald and her work in improv.
05:00 - Brett's journey from teaching to improv facilitation.
10:00 - The impact of expatriate experiences on personal and professional growth.
15:00 - How improv builds instant connections through vulnerability and trust.
20:00 - The role of shared experiences in...

Welcome to "Rediscovering Connection," where we delve into the essence of human interaction with Pete Bombaci, the visionary founder of GenWell, Canada's human connection movement. In this 52-minute deep dive, we explore the transformative impact of genuine human connection on individual well-being and organizational culture.

Whether you're a leader seeking to nurture a more connected and healthier team, or an individual looking to enrich your personal relationships, this episode is made for you.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Pete Bombaci and GenWell's mission.
05:00 - The catalyst for starting GenWell: A story from...

In this episode of "Rediscovering Connection," Shelley Doyle dives deep into the world of virtual community building with award-winning community builder, artist, author, and emcee, Trish Tonaj. From the East Coast of Canada to the global stage, Trish shares her journey through entrepreneurship, law, and beyond, illustrating how she has used storytelling to connect and empower entrepreneurs worldwide.

We explore the inception of "Share Your Stories," a platform that's grown from a passion project into a vibrant entrepreneurial community that spans five continents, offering visibility and networking opportunities without any financial exchange.

Key topics include:<...

In this special episode of "Rediscovering Connection," host Shelley Doyle explores the heartfelt initiative "Journey to Joy" which is open to everyone this Christmas, with guests Wayne Greenway and Natalie Grand, connecting from the East Coast of Canada to Switzerland.

This episode delves into the essence of combating loneliness during the holiday season, focusing on a unique 10-day online workshop designed to foster resilience and connection.

Wayne Greenway, founder of Career Aviators and a Career Management Consultant with over 25 years of experience in resilience-building, and Nathalie Grand, a therapist and resilience...

Jaqueline Oliveira Cella is an innovative force in employee health and well-being. As the founder of wellBe Consulting, she's at the forefront of advocating for health equity within organizations.

In this episode of "Rediscovering Connection," we delve into the intricacies of balancing professional life with personal health and caregiving responsibilities. Jaqueline shares her insights on:

>> Navigating the Modern Workforce: Strategies to bridge the gap between work commitments and personal well-being.
>> Digital Health Innovations: How technology can support mental and physical health in our increasingly virtual work environments.
>> Empowering Through Health: The impact of...

Ashley Chang is the pioneering Founder and CEO of Sundays, an innovative service providing executive assistance specifically for ambitious parents. 

In this episode of Rediscovering Connection, Ashley shares her motivation behind starting Sundays, inspired by her mother's experience balancing career and family in the tech-driven environment of the San Francisco Bay Area during the 80s. 

Ashley delves into how Sundays alleviates the mental load for parents by handling life operations, or "life ops," allowing them to reclaim time for what matters most - family and joy. 

We explore Sundays strategic decision to employ loc...

Dr. Kiffer Card is a dedicated researcher focused on the social and environmental factors that shape our human health and wellbeing.

Kiffer is the Scientific Director for the Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health, the Director of Research for GenWell and serves as an Assistant Professor within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University.

In this episode of Rediscovering Connection, we explore the genetic roots of loneliness and social connection, the potential of psychedelic medicine as a game-changer, rejection sensitivity, positive gossiping, the power of friendship groups, and self-determination theory for successful...

Eben Pingree is the CEO and co-founder of Kinsome, an innovative app designed to connect children and their grandparents, no matter the distance. 

Inspired by his own family's struggles with Alzheimer's, Eben reveals how Kinsome facilitates audio interactions to help grandparents get to know their grandchildren - and vice versa. 

This episode is ideal for parents of 6 - 11 year old's, who live away from their grandparents, and want them to build a relationship.

About Eben Pingree:

Eben has founded several companies in the Consumer Social space, while also serving in Product le...

Christina Marz is a holistic psychologist living in Ecuador. Originally from Bavaria in Germany, Christina promotes the connection to horses for emotional healing and personal development. We talk about fighting imposter syndrome to launch an international school, why AI copy has no sparkle, and how horses read human intentions and feed our intuition. 

This episode is ideal for coaches, therapists and horse lovers. 

About Christina Marz:

Inspired by her own childhood experience Christina Marz has created an international school for Horse Guided Empowerment® and shares her ideas as a speaker, author and mentor.

Emilia Salhotra is a HR and Digital transformation leader based in the UAE. Originally from Metro Detroit, Emilia has been leading complex digital transformations in Dubai for the last 7 years. We talk about the challenges of keeping hybrid teams connected, AI use cases - in HR, digital etiquette tips for global teams, and using technology to foster connections - in our personal and professional lives.

This episode is ideal for global leaders navigating digital change and seeking to enhance team cohesion.

About Emilia Salhotra:

Emilia Salhotra is a digital transformation and change leader...

Join us for a compelling episode of Rediscovering Connection with Seth Kaplan, a leading expert on fragile states and Professor of International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

We delve into the art of building resilient neighborhoods through active community involvement and local volunteerism. Seth shares profound insights on the role of embodied relationships and social capital, drawing from his extensive research and personal experiences.

This episode is perfect for anyone considering where they want to put down roots or wondering how to integrate into their community, with practical insights on building your social...

Sotos Poulimenos is a Director at Sun Life, and an expert in global talent management, learning, and transformation.

This episode is perfect for leaders and anyone interested in understanding how workplace culture is shaped by people and their sense of belonging, rather than physical office spaces.

During our interview, Sotos discusses the rise of hybrid work models, the impact of the pandemic on work-life balance, and the dangers of strict return-to-office mandates. He shares insights on the benefits of remote work, employee incentives that can attract and retain high performers, and the influence of corporate...

Nim de Swardt is an Intergenerational Connection Expert, Speaker, Connection Facilitator, Writer and Advisor who co-founded a conversation card deck, named RE-CONNECT.

This episode is perfect for facilitators, and anyone wanting to deepen their conversations and discover the benefits of age diversity in our friendships.

During our interview, Nim reveals that connecting across generations, no matter what age you are, can improve your health, she shares personal stories that highlight the mutual benefits of these connections, why RE-CONNECT was born and how it's now making waves at conferences. 

About Nim de Swardt

Michelle Maree is the founder and CEO of The Nomad Escape, which runs retreats around the world for digital nomads. She recently launched a digital community, exclusively for location independent entrepreneurs.

As a member of Michelle's "Inner Circle" I felt well-placed to explore the strategic thought behind launching her community - including group size and price point. Why now was the right time to launch, and how running retreats and being at the heart of her own online community impacts her social wellbeing. 

During our interview, Michelle shares her unique experience of the pandemic, when a...

Rachel Radway is a high sensory introvert, coach, facilitator, and author of “Perceptive: The Power and Potential of High Sensory Perception” (2025). 

Highly perceptive herself, Rachel has faced all the challenges that come with this trait (which affects around 20% of people) and she now coaches high sensory female leaders to lean into the gifts that this trait offers, so they can thrive professionally and personally.

During our conversation, we talk about leaning into our innate abilities, supporting our social wellbeing, exploring the Metaverse and reconnecting through letter writing.

Some platforms and communities we discuss on th...

Welcome to Rediscovering Connection!

Have you ever found yourself in a room full of people and yet felt utterly alone? In this episode, I speak to Monika Jiang, a writer, facilitator, and community builder, who  joins me in a heart-to-heart on the silent epidemic of modern loneliness and our hunger for authentic connection. 

We strip away the facade of social media's promised connectivity, and the importance of creating spaces, on-and-offline, to share stories about our human experience.

Join us for a soulful exploration as we journey towards understanding loneliness and embracing the growth th...

Welcome to Rediscovering Connection!

In this episode I speak to Aarti Palmer, a brand strategist, who spent 10 years in Malaysia before returning to the UK, and finding her ikigai.

We navigate topics of authenticity vs AI, our online/offline personality, and getting used to local customs, even when they go against our natural impulse! 

Aarti shares valuable insights on creating the foundations of your personal brand, and the importance of only sharing what feels comfortable on social media. 

Tune in for an engaging discussion on connecting with and through our personal br...

Billy Lahr is a mindfulness and meditation teacher who splits his time between the USA and Seoul (South Korea) where he's built a thriving expat community.

In this episode Billy shares the joy of mid-career reinventions, we celebrate the serendipitous nature of life, sharing chance encounters, and the potent synergy of saying 'yes' to life's offerings.

Find Billy on LinkedIn 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billylahr/

Listen to his Mindful Midlife Crisis podcast
https://www.mindfulmidlifecrisis.com/

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#18 – Josephine Palermo  – How Retreats Enliven Our Soul a...

Chris Chandler Yates is a US expat currently living in New Zealand. Once a police officer, Chris has transitioned into running Masterminds, and these aren't your typical business gatherings – some even involve motorcycles!

My interest in Masterminds was piqued through Napoleon Hill's "Think & Grow Rich," and in this episode, Chris and I delve into the intricacies of curating and participating in Masterminds, whether in person or online.

Chris sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of loneliness among ex-cops, leading him to create a unique not-for-profit Mastermind called "The Debriefing Room." This safe space allows current an...

If you've ever dreamed of running your own retreat or simply want to peek behind the scenes, then this episode of Rediscovering Connection is made for you!

Join me as I dive deep into conversation with Josephine Palermo, an executive coach, consultant, and bestselling author of "Rising to Feminine Power: The Lasso of Truth."

Together, we explore the art of holding space for guests before, during, and after their retreat experiences, offering insights into navigating post-event blues and ways to transition from work mode to lover mode when we work from home.

Ever...

Ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly build community wherever they go? My latest podcast guest, Priya Rose, reveals the secret!

Priya Rose is the founder of Fractal NYC, a movement that emulates the community vibe of campus life in the city.

Priya and her husband are on a mission to grow Fractal NYC to a thousand members in Brooklyn and in this episode, we talk about creating a decentralized community in New York City, that hosts infinite events, the co living movement in San Francisco, and how you can get a community of...

In this episode we learn how collaborative art connects workplace teams, school children, and families, with facilitator, author and TEDx speaker Karen Grosz.

After working with 80,000 people in this way, Karen reveals what's next - taking collaborative art into VR.

Listen as Karen and I discuss the optimal number of participants for collaborative canvas painting and 'quiet leadership'.

Join us in this for this exploration into the transformative power of art and the deep connections it nurtures in educational environments, the workplace and the home.

Find Karen on LinkedIn
Or...

As a parent juggling a career and family life, I was delighted to reconnect with my former colleague Emma Padden, the founder of PR Mums.

Emma and I swap PR agency stories, some so absurd they defy belief, underscoring the urgency for a shift towards valuing mental health and sustainable work practices. Listen as we craft the future of work through laughter and shared experiences.

Wrapping up, we unpack the enigma of nurturing company culture in a world where home offices are the new boardrooms.

Our heartfelt conversation reveals the trials and triumphs...

Are you ready to discover the transformative power of silence and art? Get ready to have your perceptions shifted in this intriguing episode where we welcome Karen Grosz, the champion of a fascinating movement called Quiet Leadership. Karen shakes up traditional notions of leadership with her innovative approach, where she guides four people to create art together for 13 minutes, creating a deep bond and sparking creativity in the process. From schools to businesses, her method has shown to have a profound effect on team dynamics and personal growth.

We take the conversation beyond the canvas, exploring the...

Join me for a profound exploration of the soul alongside Nicole Starbuck, a Psychic Empath and Quantum Healer, who opens the doors to a world where embracing your spiritual gifts transforms lives. 

Our latest episode captures the essence of connection, as Nicole shares the pivotal moment of her spiritual awakening at a Sedona retreat, which steered her toward a path of offering psychic readings and healing sessions. Together, we discuss the magnetic pull of finding your tribe and the unmistakable recognition of kindred spirits. 

We examine the serendipitous signs that nudge us toward our destined pa...

Ever felt trapped in expectations, striving for perfection that always seems out of reach? Our guest, Shuang-Min Chang, lived this struggle.

She was successful, but far from fulfilled.

Hear her compelling transformation from a recovering perfectionist to a person thriving in authenticity and connection.  Shuang-Min's journey took her across continents, from India to Italy to China, a nomadic journey which started with a life-altering encounter in Vancouver at the age of 16.

Shuang-Min shares how she learned to relinquish control, embrace change, and open herself up to the universe's guidance. You'll be moved by h...

Candice Neveu is a success coach for mid-career professionals. 

In this episode of Rediscovering Connection, Candice shares valuable insights for anyone thinking of making a mid-career transition.

Candice shares her recent TEDx journey and we discuss bridging the gap between physical connection, virtual communities, and integrating technology into our personal relationships. 

Connect with Candice on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-neveu-a055034b/

Or visit her website:
https://improveyourself.ca/

I hope this conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your life, and to design for it on...

Cindi Buckley is the author of Love Awakens You. 

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore how trusting your intuition and inviting higher guidance, can lead to a less lonely and more fulfilling life.

What if you could lift the veil of fear and embrace the transformative power of love?

Cindi graces us with a beautiful meditation practice from her book, to help you find inner peace and guide you towards your 'home'.

Mentioned in this episode:

Disappearance of the Universe
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/601004/the-disappearance-of-the-universe-by-gary-r-renard/9781401905668

A...

Nichole Hamilton is the leader of The Kidz Coach in Australia, with a personal mission to provide families with the tools for reconnection and healing.

If you've ever wondered how cold therapy could help neurodivergent children, Nicole's experiences and insights are a must-listen.

Nichole shares how she uses positive language, embodiment, and hypno-play, to help the children she works with process their emotions and provide a blueprint for other parents.

Join us for a 20 minute Soul Talk and learn how you can introduce holistic healing practices into your family's life.

Find...

In our first fireside, we welcome my friend Erin Miller, a home teacher, into an intimate chat about the power of connection and how the art of communication can transform our relationships and ultimately, our lives. 

I hope this conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your life, and to design for it on purpose.

About Your Host

Hello, I'm Shelley Doyle, host of the Rediscovering Connection podcast, Researcher and Social Wealth Strategist.

My research explores how our social connections shape our social health, leadership and everyday life, grounded i...

Ame-Lia Tamburrini is a Speaker, Author, and Facilitator whose passionate about Inclusive Leadership and belonging and delivers her work through Circles.

In this episode of Rediscovering Connection, we deep dive into:
- How circles can connect us - in personal and professional settings
- Preparing for difficult conversations, and
- Creating a sense of belonging at work - particularly when we work remotely.

Have you ever struggled to create connection or belonging, whether professionally or personally? Ame-Lia shares how transformative circle work can facilitate that sense of belonging, helping us to navigate...

Part 2 of our Podcast with Dr Robin Dunbar - renowned anthropologist, Head of the Social and Evolutionary Neuroscience Research at the University of Oxford, and the mind behind Dunbar's Number - focuses on community building and loneliness in the modern workplace.

In this episode, Robin compares organizations to intimate villages, we dive into the history of community in the workplace, and the profound impact of remote work on team dynamics.

We discuss the challenges of maintaining team cohesion in a remote work environment and strategies to keep team dynamics alive.

And we question...

Dr Robin Dunbar is a renowned anthropologist, Head of the Social and Evolutionary Neuroscience Research at the University of Oxford, and the mind behind Dunbar's Number. 

In this episode of Rediscovering Connection we explore the secrets of lasting friendship and the intriguing world of social interaction. 

Do you ever wonder what it takes to cultivate and maintain lasting friendships? Have you considered the profound impact of social connections on your wellbeing? 

Robin enlightens us on the significance of having a tight-knit group of friends for optimum health and happiness. Diving into virtual friendships, tru...

Join me for a captivating conversation with Richard Bartlett, a community builder, whose personal journey has inspired him to help others find connection and solidarity in an increasingly digital world.

Richard shares his experiences of growing up in a close-knit, religious community in New Zealand, his struggle with loneliness after leaving his home, and how his involvement in the Occupy Movement sparked an interest in cooperative, non-hierarchical connections.

Rich unveils his unique community-building framework, micro solidarity, which he has used to create a network of community organizers and even a Micro Solidarity Summer Camp in...

Ever feel like you've lost yourself, with your career and family life dominating your attention? Trust me, I've been there. But the past 18 months have changed it all. I've been on a journey self-discovery and eye-opening experiences - here's a taste of how my experiences continue to enrich my program and offerings.

My mission is to help you establish 5-15 aligned friends and social connections, scientifically proven to enhance wellbeing, happiness, and combat loneliness. 

Join me on retreat at a stunning lakeside setting, to begin your powerful 90 day activation. Balancing inner work and relaxation, we'll e...