Life By Design

Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
  • 4.9 (41)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. What Do You Want Now? with Matt Young

    14 hrs ago

    What Do You Want Now? with Matt Young

    In 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 Mind Connect 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/@mattyounglc 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

    43 min
  2. Embracing Your Second Summit with Marissa Teeter

    Jun 10

    Embracing Your Second Summit with Marissa Teeter

    What 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 Women Connect 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

    35 min
  3. The Story Behind the Hope (Jordana Goldlist Interviews Dr. Robyne)

    Jun 3

    The Story Behind the Hope (Jordana Goldlist Interviews Dr. Robyne)

    This 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

    1h 9m
  4. It’s Okay to Want Something Different for Yourself with Dr. Natasha Ramzan

    May 27

    It’s Okay to Want Something Different for Yourself with Dr. Natasha Ramzan

    In 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 Partridge Connect 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

    42 min
  5. The Fear of Hope with Dr. Ross Ellenhorn

    May 20

    The Fear of Hope with Dr. Ross Ellenhorn

    In 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, PhD Connect with Dr. Ellenhorn: Website: https://www.ellenhorn.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenhornPACT 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

    43 min
  6. I Didn’t Know I Couldn’t with Stu Saunders

    May 13

    I Didn’t Know I Couldn’t with Stu Saunders

    Today 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 – Mondonation Connect 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-2783ba137 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

    51 min
  7. A Life Shaped by Story and a Mother’s Strength with Ernest Hillen

    May 6

    A Life Shaped by Story and a Mother’s Strength with Ernest Hillen

    In 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 Hillen 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

    33 min
  8. Self-Worth Beyond Performance with Justin Mize

    Apr 29

    Self-Worth Beyond Performance with Justin Mize

    This 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-Dafoe Connect 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

    42 min
See All (94)

4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
  • Show Website
    Life By Design

You Might Also Like