Episode Summary
Picture an icy, pre-dawn seaside where a ragtag bunch plunges into freezing water, bonds over silly world-record attempts, and turns a regular newsletter into a launchpad for an unbreakable community.
That’s the spirit Mark Masters brings to the mic.
He and Bernie rip the polite mask off traditional business gatherings, showing how real connections happen when you’re terrified and slightly ridiculous—like tossing Ferrero Rocher in your mouth at breakneck speed.
Mark’s platform, You Are The Media, is all about sharing genuine moments: sending a weekly email that’s personal, relevant, and never phoned in; hosting events that swap stuffy pleasantries for honest laughter, and daring folks to see each other as more than LinkedIn profiles.
Along the way, they encourage every coworking space to open its doors, especially on European coworking Day 2025.
Because if life’s too short for tedious coffee hours and ‘don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards’, it’s too short to keep quiet about what brings us together.
Timeline Highlights
[0:05] – Emily’s quick intro about Third Place Works and how to connect.
[0:27] – Bernie welcomes Mark Masters for a memorable holiday episode.
[1:17] – Mark shares the real purpose behind You Are The Media.
[3:12] – Bernie’s memory of anti-networking events and authentic stories.
[5:43] – Mark’s childhood tale sparked a belief in choosing your path.
[10:19] – Ideas on bringing fun and connection into coworking events.
[15:56] – Why curated experiences beat generic “business-only” gatherings.
[20:13] – European coworking Day and why local events matter.
[25:06] – Mark’s take on sending weekly newsletters and building trust.
[31:19] – Details on Creator Day and how it bridges learning and belonging.
Finding Belonging Through Shared Risks
Mark explains how going beyond typical business gatherings allows deeper bonds to form.
Whether it’s a cold-water swim or a Ferrero Rocher challenge, doing tough things together helps people genuinely see each other.
For Mark, these shared experiences beat standard networking and lead to real friendships.
Why Email Matters More Than Ever
Both Bernie and Mark stress that a consistent newsletter can be a simple yet powerful way to connect with people who genuinely care about your work.
Mark sends “You Are The Media” newsletter every Thursday, and Bernie shares how frequent emails keep conversations alive.
The point isn’t hitting the perfect open rate but showing folks you’re committed.
Events That Feel Authentic
Mark encourages coworking spaces to skip the endless event calendar.
Instead, he suggests focusing on a handful of gatherings that spark a genuine connection.
By choosing experiences that bring people out of their shells, hosts can create environments that feel more like a community than a random meetup.
European Coworking Day and Community Growth
Bernie highlights European coworking Day on 17 May 2025 as a chance for spaces to welcome the public—even if it’s just a simple coffee hangout.
Mark supports opening doors wide, especially for those who might think coworking is only for big cities.
The goal is to invite fresh faces into the world of community-driven work.
Creator Day 2025
Mark’s annual Creator Day returns on 15 May 2025 in Poole.
This event blends speaker sessions with hands-on group work, letting people push through creative roadblocks together.
Mark believes this format helps folks build skill and confidence and ends with a well-earned beach party.
Links & Resources
One more thing
Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.
Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.
These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.
We hope this resonates with you.
If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.
Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.
Community is the key 🔑
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