Podcast
Life By Design
Hosted by Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe · EN
Welcome to Life by Design with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe. This podcast is a space for real conversations about well-being, resilience, performance, leadership, and everyday life – and how the small choices you make each day shape the quality of your life. Living a big, beautiful life isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s built in the ordinary moments, the routines that ground us, the acts of self-care that restore us, and the intentional decisions that align us with what matters most. Each week, we take big ideas and turn them into practical habits, tools, and practices you can actually use. Those everyday choices are what allow you to be steady, capable, and even extraordinary when life calls on you. If you’re ready to be intentional about how you show up, what you prioritize, and the life you’re building over time, you’re in the right place. Together, we’ll explore what it truly takes to live well and be well by design. We’re so glad you’re here.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The 4 R’s of Nervous System Recovery
4d ago00:32:28Tap to summarizeFeeling weary, overwhelmed, or caught in a never-ending stress cycle? In this solo episode, Dr. Robyne introduces the Four R's of Nervous System Recovery: Restoration, Regulation, Reflection, and Reimagining. She explores why restoration must come before regulation and shares practical insights to help listeners tune into what their body, heart, mind, and community truly need. Through reflective questions and relatable stories, she encourages a balanced self-awareness that honors both challenge and progress while helping you close stress loops, rebuild capacity, and reimagine what is possible on the other side of hard seasons. Ready, Set, Rest Workshop: Nervous System Recovery for Educators Ready to move from exhaustion to restoration? Join Dr. Robyne for Ready, Set, Rest, a one-hour live workshop designed to help educators recover from a demanding school year, restore their nervous system, and step into summer with greater intention, spaciousness, and well-being. Offered live on June 26 or June 29.Register here: https://drrobyne.ca/ready-set-rest-workshop/Connect with Dr. Robyne: Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
What Do You Want Now? with Matt Young
2w ago00:43:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Robyne sits down with Matt Young, a former professional footballer turned performance coach and keynote speaker, to explore identity, reinvention, and finding purpose after major life transitions. Together, they discuss what it means to move beyond the labels that define us, why asking "What do I want now?" can be more powerful than "What should I do now?", and how to create a life filled with meaning, connection, and possibility.Drawing on lessons from professional football, ultramarathon running, and his own reinvention, Matt shares practical insights on navigating change, challenging self-imposed limits, and building a future that truly lights you up.*** Are you an educator heading into summer exhausted but unsure how to actually rest? Ready, Set, Rest is a one-hour live workshop for educators on nervous system recovery, with a real framework to carry into the summer ahead. June 26 or June 29, live virtually with Dr. Robyne. Register here: https://drrobyne.ca/ready-set-rest-workshop/ Additional Resources: Matt’s Podcast: Elevate Your MindConnect with Matt: Website: https://www.mattyounglc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattyounglc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-young-mitm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattyounglcConnect with Dr. Robyne: Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
Embracing Your Second Summit with Marissa Teeter
3w ago00:35:02Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when you sense there’s something more calling you forward?In this episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with executive coach, business advisor, moderator, podcast host, and keynote speaker Marissa Teeter to explore the courage it takes to bet on yourself and pursue a new chapter. Together, they discuss career pivots, the illusion of certainty, identity beyond job titles, and the stories we tell ourselves about success. They also share practical advice for navigating change, building an exit strategy, and managing the tension between what we feel we “should” do and what truly matters most.*** Are you an educator heading into summer exhausted but unsure how to actually rest? Ready, Set, Rest is a one-hour live workshop for educators on nervous system recovery, with a real framework to carry into the summer ahead. June 26 or June 29, live virtually with Dr. Robyne.Register here: https://drrobyne.ca/ready-set-rest-workshop/ Additional Resources: Marissa’s Podcast: Teeter TalksPrevious episode with Marissa: Trusting Your Future SelfThe Art Of Leadership for WomenConnect with Marissa: Website: https://www.marissateeter.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa.m.teeterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-teeter-2223aa4/Connect with Dr. Robyne: Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
The Story Behind the Hope (Jordana Goldlist Interviews Dr. Robyne)
4w ago01:08:40Tap to summarizeThis week on Life by Design, we're doing something a little different.Rather than sitting in the host's chair, Dr. Robyne is the guest.In this special episode, originally recorded for Jordana Goldlist's podcast, Who Judges the Judge?, Jordana interviews Dr. Robyne about her journey, from struggling in school with undiagnosed ADHD, to being institutionalized at 16, to surviving a near-death car accident, and how her mother’s question, “How do you want to feel?” instead of “What are your goals?” changed everything.Together, they explore the lessons she has learned about healing and belonging, the people who helped her find her way when she could not yet see a future for herself, and the experiences that continue to inform the work she does today with leaders, educators, teams, and high performers around the world. *** If you’re ready to show up for your work, your people, and yourself in a genuinely well way, come hang out, learn, and build better days inside Dr. Robyne's Good Day by Design Community.Visit: https://drrobyne.ca/membership/Additional Resources: Jordana’s Podcast: Who Judges the Judge? Dr. Robyne on the Mark Divine Show I Hope So by Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe Connect with Jordana Goldlist: Website: https://www.jhgcriminallaw.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanagoldlist LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jgoldlist Connect with Dr. Robyne: Website: https://drrobyne.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehd Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/ Disclaimer
Transcribe →
It’s Okay to Want Something Different for Yourself with Dr. Natasha Ramzan
May 2700:42:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Natasha Ramzan joins Dr. Robyne for an honest and thoughtful conversation about ADHD, self-worth, cultural narratives, and the pressure so many people feel to constantly keep going. Together, they unpack why ADHD is often overlooked in women, the impact of masking and self-criticism, and how culture, family expectations, and hustle culture shape our relationship with self-care, rest, and productivity. Through personal stories and grounded insight, this conversation invites us to slow down, become aware of our stories and patterns, and give ourselves permission to move through life differently, guided by our inner voice and what we truly need. *** If you’re ready to show up for your work, your people, and yourself in a genuinely well way, come hang out, learn, and build better days inside Dr. Robyne's Good Day by Design Community. Visit: https://drrobyne.ca/membership/ Additional Resources: Why Does Everybody Hate Me? by Alex PartridgeConnect with Dr. Natasha: Website: https://innervoicetherapy.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.natasharamzan/Connect with Dr. Robyne:Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
The Fear of Hope with Dr. Ross Ellenhorn
May 2000:42:37Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, Dr. Robyne welcomes Dr. Ross Ellenhorn, psychotherapist, social worker, and CEO of one of the most robust community integration programs in the United States, for a deeply thoughtful conversation about hope, mental health, and human connection. Together, they explore the fear of hope and how repeated disappointment can make hoping again feel vulnerable and risky, leading people to protect themselves by staying the same.Drawing from decades of experience supporting individuals navigating psychiatric diagnoses, addiction, and recovery, Dr. Ellenhorn challenges the narrative of “brokenness” and highlights the importance of rebuilding social connection, self-worth, and faith in oneself and others. They also reflect on why embracing different ways of being, cultivating belonging, and caring for each other are not only essential to healing, but acts of resistance and hope in an uncertain world.*** If you’re ready to show up for your work, your people, and yourself in a genuinely well way, come hang out, learn, and build better days inside Dr. Robyne's Good Day by Design Community. Visit: https://drrobyne.ca/membership/Additional Resources:How We Change (And Ten Reasons Why We Don’t) by Ross Ellenhorn, PhDConnect with Dr. Ellenhorn:Website: https://www.ellenhorn.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenhornPACTConnect with Dr. Robyne: Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
I Didn’t Know I Couldn’t with Stu Saunders
May 1300:51:12Tap to summarizeToday on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with community builder and champion for youth Stu Saunders for an uplifting conversation about nurturing the next generation, the magic of creating community, and the courage to dream big, even when you don’t know how things will turn out. Together, they explore the ripple effects of student leadership, the importance of helping young people connect beyond screens, and the life-changing impact of encouragement, belonging, and healthy risk-taking. Through heartfelt stories, from youth conferences and summer camps to documentary filmmaking and a childhood pitch to the Toronto Argonauts, Stu reminds us what becomes possible when people feel seen, supported, and believed in.*** If you’re ready to show up for your work, your people, and yourself in a genuinely well way, come hang out, learn, and build better days inside Dr. Robyne's Good Day by Design Community.Visit: https://drrobyne.ca/membership/Additional Resources: Ward Bingham – MondonationConnect with Stu:Website: https://peregrineleadership.ca/Website: https://theepiccommunity.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stu_saunders70/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-saunders-2783ba137Connect with Dr. Robyne:Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
A Life Shaped by Story and a Mother’s Strength with Ernest Hillen
May 600:32:45Tap to summarizeIn this special episode, Dr. Robyne sits down with Canadian writer, journalist, and longtime Saturday Night editor Ernest Hillen. At 92, he reflects on a life shaped by hardship and resilience, from years in internment camps as a young boy during the Second World War to building a new life in Canada.At the heart of this conversation is a powerful tribute to his mother, a woman whose strength, wisdom, and gift for turning anything into an adventure became a guiding light for her sons, even in the darkest of times. Through his stories, Ernest offers a perspective on what it means to keep going: to find humor where we can, hold onto hope, and move forward when so much is outside of our control. This episode is a reminder of the legacy we carry, the power of the stories that shape us, and the small, steady choices that carry us through. *** Feeling stretched thin or stuck in constant output mode? Join Dr. Robyne’s Day in Quarters workshop and learn how to design your days with intention, so you can show up fully at work, at home, and in life.May 7 & 8 | Two live 55-minute sessions. Save your spot: https://drrobyne.ca/day-in-quarters-workshop/*** If you’re ready to show up for your work, your people, and yourself in a genuinely well way, come hang out, learn, and build better days inside Dr. Robyne's Good Day by Design Community.Visit: https://drrobyne.ca/membership/Additional Resources: The Way of a Boy: A Memoir of Java by Ernest Hillen Small Mercies: A Boy After War by Ernest Hillen A Weekend Memoir by Ernest HillenConnect with Dr. Robyne: Website: https://drrobyne.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehd Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
Self-Worth Beyond Performance with Justin Mize
Apr 2900:42:06Tap to summarizeThis week on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with high-performance coach Justin Mize – someone who knows what it means to push limits, face adversity, and rebuild when everything changes in an instant.From discovering his passion in the adrenaline-fueled world of freestyle motocross to surviving a catastrophic injury that shattered not just his body but also his identity, Justin shares what it really takes to come back physically, mentally, and emotionally.Together, they explore what happens when your sense of worth becomes tied to achievement and external validation, the power of perspective and self-trust, and how to redefine what progress really looks like, especially when you can’t measure it on a scoreboard.This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience is built in the quiet, consistent reps of showing up for yourself, and that shared hope and encouragement can make all the difference.***If you’re ready to show up for your work, your people, and yourself in a genuinely well way, come hang out, learn, and build better days inside Dr. Robyne's Good Day by Design Community. Founding Member pricing ends April 30th.Visit: https://drrobyne.ca/membership/ ***Feeling stretched thin or stuck in constant output mode? Join Dr. Robyne’s Day in Quarters workshop and learn how to design your days with intention, so you can show up fully at work, at home, and in life.May 7 & 8 | Two live 55-minute sessions.Save your spot: https://drrobyne.ca/day-in-quarters-workshop/ Additional Resources: Books by Justin MizeI Hope So by Dr. Robyne Hanley-DafoeConnect with Justin:Website: https://www.justinmize.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinmize/Connect with Dr. Robyne:Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →
Imagining What Could Go Right with Melanie Deziel
Apr 2200:38:48Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, Dr. Robyne sits down with Melanie Deziel, a Creative Systems Architect, author, keynote speaker, and award-winning branded content creator, for a conversation on unlocking creativity and deepening self-understanding in all areas of life.Together, they explore how our systems and environments can stifle or support creative thinking, why the best ideas rarely happen at boardroom tables, and the importance of intentional spaciousness in our days to think, wonder, and reflect. They also talk about how the very imagination that fuels our worries and catastrophizing can just as powerfully be used to envision positive possibilities. Melanie also shares her experience of being diagnosed with autism in adulthood, the clarity it brought, and the freedom that comes from understanding and accommodating how your mind works, and from meeting yourself with grace. *** If you’re ready to show up for your work, your people, and yourself in a genuinely well way, come hang out, learn, and build better days inside Dr. Robyne's Good Day by Design Community. Founding Member pricing is available for a limited time. Visit: https://drrobyne.ca/membership/ Additional Resources: The Content Fuel Framework by Melanie DezielProve It by Melanie DezielCreative Constructs NewsletterLate Diagnosed Diaries NewsletterConnect with Melanie: Website: https://www.melaniedeziel.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/meldezielLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/melaniedezielConnect with Dr. Robyne: Website: https://drrobyne.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_robynehd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_robynehdNewsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/Disclaimer
Transcribe →