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.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Spot of Tea and a Dash of Hope (Part 1)
2w ago00:43:11Tap to summarizeThis special episode was recorded live at a tea party celebrating the launch of Dr. Robyne's latest book, I Hope So: How to Choose Hope Even When It's Hard. Joined by her dear friend Natalie Davison and a room full of thoughtful guests, they explore what it means to choose hope, the stories that inspired the book, and why hope is something we can strengthen, even in life's hardest seasons. You'll hear the difference between hope and optimism, the power of belonging, and why sometimes we need to borrow hope from others until we can hold it ourselves. Additional Resources: I Hope So by Dr. Robyne Hanley-DafoeDr. Robyne on The Mark Divine ShowConnect with Natalie Davison: Website: https://nataliedavison.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_i_davison/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/natalie-davisonConnect 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
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Choosing Joy and Breaking Old Patterns with Amanda Gore
3w ago00:35:32Tap to summarizeWhat stories have been quietly shaping your life for years without you even realizing it?Today on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne is joined by leadership keynote speaker, author, and joy expert Amanda Gore for a conversation about joy, fear, and the stories we tell ourselves. Together, they explore how childhood beliefs continue to influence our adult lives, why fear often sits beneath our reactions to change, and how awareness, gratitude, and compassion can help us rewrite the narratives that no longer serve us.If you've ever struggled with people-pleasing, self-judgment, or the feeling that you need to hold everything together, Amanda offers thoughtful perspective and practical tools for moving toward greater joy and inner peace. Additional Resources: Joy Is an Inside Job by Amanda Gore & Lenore LewisYour Erroneous Zones by Wayne DyerConnect with Amanda: Website: https://amandagore.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandagorejoy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalgore/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/amandagoretvConnect 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
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From the Streets to One of Canada's Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers with Jordana Goldlist
4w ago00:51:56Tap to summarizeToday on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne is joined by criminal defence lawyer Jordana H. Goldlist. From surviving addiction and living on the streets as a teenager to becoming one of Canada's leading criminal defence lawyers, Jordana's journey shows that reinvention happens one courageous step at a time and that creating distance from the environments that keep us stuck can open the door to a different future.Together, they discuss the realities of addiction, recovery, and the criminal justice system. It's a conversation about the power of hope, support, and honest dialogue, and recognizing that a person's hardest season does not erase their potential or define their entire story.Additional Resources: Jordana’s Podcast: Who Judges the Judge?Jordana’s TEDx Talk: Who Judges the Judge?Dr. Robyne on Who Judges the Judge?Connect with Jordana: Website: https://www.jhgcriminallaw.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanagoldlistLinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jgoldlistConnect 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
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Finding Lightness in the Hard: Humor, Hope, and Wholehearted Living with Jessica Holmes
Jul 800:43:28Tap to summarizeIn this uplifting episode, Dr. Robyne welcomes comedian and mental health and well-being expert Jessica Holmes for a conversation about the power of humor and wholehearted living. Together, they explore why joy can feel so out of reach during difficult seasons, and how simple practices like sharing a laugh, telling a story, or looking at a challenge through a different lens can offer real relief.Through personal rituals, family moments, and the science behind noticing the funny, the hopeful, and the simply kind, they share practical ways to lighten hard days without minimizing them. You'll also hear why asking our loved ones what they truly need can strengthen our relationships and why we were never meant to carry life's challenges alone.Additional Resources: Depression the Comedy by Jessica HolmesI Hope So by Dr. Robyne Hanley-DafoeConnect with Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicaholmes.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyfunholmes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-holmes-50ab90202/ 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
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Owning Your Story and Creating Your Next Chapter with Brad Smith
Jul 100:51:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with nationally syndicated radio host, former CFL player, and media personality Brad Smith for a thoughtful conversation about growth, reinvention, and owning your story. Together, they explore how to embrace the opportunities in front of you, learn from the past without being defined by it, and navigate the complexities of life with ADHD. They also discuss handling criticism, the power of self-awareness, and why so many high performers find themselves chasing a feeling they can never quite recreate. Additional Resources: Brad’s Podcast: No BS with Brad SmithPrevious episode with Dr. Ross Ellenhorn: The Fear of HopeWhy Does Everybody Hate Me? by Alex PartridgeConnect with Brad: Website: https://www.nobswithbs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradcsmith/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
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The 4 R’s of Nervous System Recovery
Jun 2400:32:28Tap 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
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What Do You Want Now? with Matt Young
Jun 1700:43:29Tap 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
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Embracing Your Second Summit with Marissa Teeter
Jun 1000:35:02Tap 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
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The Story Behind the Hope (Jordana Goldlist Interviews Dr. Robyne)
Jun 301:08:40Tap 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
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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
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