Rediscovering Connection with Shelley Doyle – Details, episodes & analysis

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
✅ How The Midst is moving from online to offline
✅ Balancing work, family, and creativity—without burning out
✅ Using AI to scale ourselves (without losing our essence)

If you’ve ever felt like midlife was something to “get through” this conversation will make you think again.

🎧 Join us for a fresh, empowering take on middle age.

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Amy Schroeder & the story behind The Midst
02:15 – The origins of The Midst: From personal blog to global movement
05:30 – Midlife is not our parents’ middle age—how we’re redefining it
09:20 – The importance of storytelling & collective voices
12:10 – Transitioning The Midst from digital to in-person events
15:30 – How AI is changing content creation & personal productivity
17:21 – Closing thoughts & where to find The Midst

🔗 Find The Midst Online:
🌍 Website: https://the-midst.com/
📩 Newsletter: The Midst on Substack https://substack.com/@themidst

💬 Connect with Host Shelley Doyle:
🌐 Website: The Communiverse https://thecommuniverse.com/
📌 LinkedIn: /shelleydoyle https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleydoyle/

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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 workplace culture.
25:00 - Personal mission to bring joy into daily life.
30:00 - The nuances of building trust in various work environments.
35:00 - Brett's vision for the future and how she's evolving her offerings.

Key Topics:

• Expatriate Insights on Connection
• Improv for Trust & Camaraderie
• Vulnerability & Honesty in Leadership
• Trust Strategies in Hybrid Work
• Self-Compassion & Personal Joy

Guest Bio:
Brett Macdonald helps community-minded organizations build connection and reignite collaboration on their teams. Through laughter and the power of play, her engaging workshops offer an opportunity to shape – or reshape – essential business skills, camaraderie, and culture. She lives, learns, and plays in Victoria, BC.

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.

Website: brettmacdonald.ca/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brett-mac/

Episodes You Might Enjoy:

#33 - Jaqueline Oliveira Cella - Bridging Work and Well-being: Strategies for the Modern Workforce https://youtu.be/GXo6ZV-Jg2I?si=kDR6b7SaNlUl3H99
#16 - Karen Grosz - How Collaborative Art Can Connect Colleagues, School Friends & Families https://youtu.be/5P_Ny9jmy9Y?si=VoQOgSCTlMUJXWkZ
#7 - Dr. Robin Dunbar - Building Community in the Modern Workplace
https://youtu.be/OUsKHCNmfPA?si=VPGN4ABbo9hlEj6P
#8 Ame-Lia Tamburrini - How to Manage Difficult Conversations
https://youtu.be/DgytXJS7aNI?si=WUgQSoH2eMz1C-dn

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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 with a proven track record across diverse industries and global markets. As Senior Director at e&, Emilia leads HR digital transformation, change management, and employee experience initiatives. With a strong foundation in management consulting, Emilia has driven successful strategies and programs across sectors such as Oil & Gas, Government, and Telecommunications.

Find Emilia Salhotra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliaallen/

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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 wealth locally. During our interview, Seth discusses the importance of thinking local vs. national, being intentional about your place, and understanding thick vs. thin societies.

About Seth Kaplan

Seth Kaplan is the author of "Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time", and a leading expert on fragile states, who consults for international organizations as well as country governments and NGO's.

Find Seth Kaplan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethkaplan28/ 

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

Sotos Poulimnos 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 giants.

About Sotos Poulimnos

Sotos Poulimnos is a passionate talent management professional with rich cross-industry experience and a track record for leading complex transformations. As a Talent Transformation Leader, Lifelong Learning Architect, and DE&I Advocate, Sotos excels in full project lifecycle management, stakeholder engagement, and team coaching. He is deeply invested in the intersection of learning, leadership, and the bottom line, helping organizations lead significant transformations in their work, workforce, and workplace.

Find Sotos Poulimnos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sotospoulimenos/

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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

Nim de Swardt is an advocate for intergenerational friendships and social connection. 

After growing up in a tree house in North Queensland, Australia, Nim lived in four continents and traveled to over 64 countries, before returning and settling back home in Australia. 

Website: https://www.nimdeswardt.com
https://www.reconnect.global/  (use code 'SHELLEY' at checkout)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimdeswardt/

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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 two week retreat turned into a five month co-living experience, and we delve into the importance of creating healthy boundaries to maintain sanity whilst hosting and facilitating workshops for entrepreneurs in beautiful locations around the world. 

About Michelle Maree

As the founder and CEO of The Nomad Escape, in the last six years, Michelle has hosted over 1,000 professionals across 35 retreats and 40 events worldwide, fostering growth, networking, and skill enhancement. 

Michelle believes that success is built on relationships. Passion drives her to connect and transform the lives of remote professionals, teams, and entrepreneurs. 

Website: https://thenomadescape.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-maree-32274a84/ 

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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 this podcast:

Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation https://www.jocrf.org/ 
SpatialChat https://www.spatial.chat/
Pavia.io https://pavia.io/

---

Learn more about Rachel Radway

https://www.rercoaching.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reradway/
https://www.youtube.com/@rachelradway-rercoaching/videos

Rachel Radway’s a certified leadership and executive coach with 25+ years’ leadership experience in tech startups and Fortune 500s, she’s passionate about helping other high-sensory women leaders learn to thrive professionally and personally.

Having lived in nine countries and changed careers a few times, Rachel knows the value of connection. Because so many of the women she works with have told her they feel alone, she created her mastermind, the G.R.I.T. Collaborative, to offer community and a safe space to share, learn, and grow.

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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 that comes with genuine connection - with ourselves and others.

Get in touch with Monika:
Instagram: @monika.jiang 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-jiang/
https://www.monikajiang.org/
https://www.monikajiang.org/sharing-our-loneliness

Through her project 'Sharing Our Loneliness' Monika explores modern loneliness as a personal, collective, and political challenge, aiming  to raise awareness and cultivate third places for dialogue, connection, and community. 

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

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 brand.

Get in touch with Aarti:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartiparmar/
www.aartiparmar.com

Aarti Parmar is an award-winning Certified Brand Strategist and Qualified Coach who loves to educate and activate aspiring legacy leaders to mindfully define their brand to use it with intent, joy, and impact. 

---
I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.

Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.

Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley

About Your Host

Hello you, I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse.

Through our 90-day program, The Social Wealth Roadmap, we empower remote and relocated leaders, founders, and creators build real-world social wealth—so they feel connected, trusted, and supported, both online and offline, no matter where they are in the world.

We also support hybrid and distributed teams, combining cutting-edge research on social well-being and social wealth with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.

Find out more at TheCommuniverse.com or find me on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" is in full swing! Booking now for 2025

To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.