Life By Design – Details, episodes & analysis
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Life By Design
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
Frequency: 1 episode/124d. Total Eps: 91

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.
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See all- https://www.instagram.com/
8012 shares
- https://www.instagram.com/catandnat
1736 shares
- https://linkedin.com/in/scottdclary
667 shares
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynehd/
319 shares
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See allScore global : 69%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Becoming Who You Want to Be with Brian Ford
Season 2 · Episode 84
mercredi 8 avril 2026 • Duration 38:25
Today on Life by Design, behavior change expert Brian Ford joins Dr. Robyne for a conversation about the realities behind personal development and how we truly transform our lives.
They explore why consuming self-help content leads to little change without consistent action, how setting clear standards, rather than relying on lofty goals alone, can help close the gap between intention and behavior, and how self-sabotage often shows up in subtle ways.
Together, they highlight the importance of recognizing your impulses, adapting commitments to match your capacity, and practicing honest self-reflection so you can build consistency, strengthen self-trust, and reinforce the identity you want to embody.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you want to become, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to help you create lasting change.
Additional Resources:
- Brian's Podcast – Self Improvement Daily
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
- 21 Day Super Habits Challenge (Starts April 13th)
Connect with Brian:
- Instagram: @bford.purpose
- LinkedIn: Brian Ford
Connect with Dr. Robyne:
- Website: https://drrobyne.ca/
- Instagram: @dr_robynehd
- LinkedIn: drrobynehd
- YouTube: @dr_robynehd
- Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/
The One Thing Holding You Back the Most with Dr. Andy Galpin
Season 2 · Episode 83
mercredi 1 avril 2026 • Duration 44:08
On this episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne is joined by human performance scientist Dr. Andy Galpin for an insightful and actionable conversation about managing well-being and pursuing health goals, especially when navigating stressful, demanding seasons.
From deciding your priorities ahead of time and identifying your biggest anchor to understanding the power of prioritizing one thing or going all in, Dr. Andy shares practical wisdom and real-world examples to help you focus on what truly moves the needle and confidently let go of what is no longer serving you. They also explore when tools like wearables are helpful versus when they add more noise than value, along with practical advice for parents, coaches, and those supporting young athletes during peak season.
Whether you’re feeling under-resourced, overwhelmed by information, or unsure where to start improving your well-being, this conversation is a reminder that clarity reduces friction, and that doing one thing well, consistently, can create meaningful change over time.
Additional Resources:
- Dr. Andy’s Podcast – Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin
- Dr. Andy’s Newsletter – The Catalyst
- Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard by Ken Rideout
- The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Connect with Dr. Andy:
- Website: https://www.andygalpin.com/
- Instagram: @drandygalpin
- LinkedIn: Andy Galpin
- YouTube: @drandygalpin
Connect with Dr. Robyne:
- Website: https://drrobyne.ca/
- Instagram: @dr_robynehd
- LinkedIn: drrobynehd
- YouTube: @dr_robynehd
- Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/
Burnout Part 1: The Curse of the Strong
Episode 23
mercredi 5 mars 2025 • Duration 24:15
In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne sheds light on what burnout really is, why it happens, and how it affects us. She unpacks the three key signs—exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy—and explains how burnout isn’t about weakness; it’s often the curse of the strong. She also highlights that burnout isn’t only about long hours and heavy workloads—it's the time spent living and working outside of our values that contributes to it.
If you find yourself approaching the edges of burnout or deep in it, this conversation will help you take the first steps toward feeling better.
Additional Resources:
- Burnout Part 2: The Rest You Didn't Know You Needed
- Dr. Robyne’s Psychology Today article: Reframing Burnout: 7 Perspective Shifts
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Anchor Labs, a collection of digital courses by Dr. Robyne
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
From Vulnerability to Strength: How to Cultivate a Sense of Safety
Episode 18
mercredi 29 janvier 2025 • Duration 26:10
What does it mean to feel safe? In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne unpacks the concept of safety as it relates to psychology and stress—what it looks like, feels like, and how we can cultivate it in our lives. She discusses how our attachment styles shape the ways we seek or create safety, the importance of tuning in to our nervous system and trusting our instincts, and how to foster a sense of ease and security within ourselves and in the world around us.
Additional Resources:
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Anchor Labs, a collection of digital courses by Dr. Robyne
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
No “New Year, New You” This Year
Episode 13
jeudi 26 décembre 2024 • Duration 30:32
As we step into a new year, many of us feel the pressure to set lofty resolutions—only to abandon them weeks later. In this episode, Dr. Robyne challenges the “New Year, New You” mindset and explores a fresh approach to setting goals. Rather than chasing perfection or rigid resolutions, she invites you to focus on how you want to feel in 2025 and to start by finding the micro-habits that will truly serve your well-being. Tune in to learn how to approach this season of new beginnings with kindness, clarity, and confidence in who you already are.
Additional Resources:
- Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating by Christy Harrison
- Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach (4th ed.) by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Anchor Labs, a collection of digital courses by Dr. Robyne
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Breaking the Guilt Cycle and Rewriting the Rules of Self-Care for Women
Episode 25
mercredi 19 mars 2025 • Duration 29:17
In this episode, Dr. Robyne explores the historical context of women’s roles in society and highlights the incredible strides women have made—while also shedding light on the weight of the invisible labor many still carry. She unpacks the deep-rooted guilt that often accompanies prioritizing oneself, challenges the notion of self-care as a luxury, and reframes it as an essential act of self-stewardship. With practical insights for tending to your mind, heart, and body, this conversation is a call to action for women to care for themselves as fiercely as they do for everyone else.
Whether you’re juggling multiple roles or seeking ways to better show up for yourself and others, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered.
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Anchor Labs, a collection of digital courses by Dr. Robyne
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap
Episode 17
mercredi 22 janvier 2025 • Duration 20:34
In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne explores the “knowing-doing gap”—the space between knowing what’s best for us and actually putting it into practice. Using relatable examples, she unpacks why we sometimes struggle to follow through, how all behaviors serve a purpose, and how self-awareness, curiosity, and intentionality can help us bridge the gap. Plus, the power of “feeling-setting” and mapping your day in a way that supports your desired feelings.
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Anchor Labs, a collection of digital courses by Dr. Robyne
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Steady and Ready for Back-to-School
Episode 48
mercredi 27 août 2025 • Duration 32:16
How do we support our kids—and ourselves—during the back-to-school transition? In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne reflects on how to navigate the chaos of mornings, the pressure of grades, and the letting-go moments of big transitions. She shares practical tips for building routines, fostering independence, and balancing future goals with being present in the now.
Whether you’re parenting littles, middles, or bigs, this episode is filled with strategies, stories, and encouragement to help your children thrive while remembering that your well-being matters, too.
Additional Resources:
- Dr. Robyne’s Psychology Today article: The Essential Role of Self-Care for Parents and Supporters
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Holiday Hoopla
Episode 12
mercredi 18 décembre 2024 • Duration 25:19
For some, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. For others, they’re fraught with big emotions, complex expectations, and invisible labour. In this special listener-requested episode, Dr. Robyne shares practical tips for managing holiday busyness, setting healthy boundaries, and creating meaningful experiences. Whether you thrive on the hustle or feel weighed down by grief or the invisible labour of the season, this conversation holds space for it all and will inspire you to focus on what truly matters while letting go of what doesn’t.
Additional Resources:
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Anchor Labs, a collection of digital courses by Dr. Robyne
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Your Life Moves in the Direction of Your Strongest Emotion
Episode 11
mercredi 18 décembre 2024 • Duration 30:20
In this episode, Dr. Robyne dives into the world of emotions—their power, purpose, and how they shape our lived experiences. From the 90-second shelf life of many emotions to the challenges of unprocessed emotions lingering in our bodies and the profound impact of grief, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you identify, process, and navigate big emotions in a way that fosters resilience and well-being. Plus, explore the concept of your “emotional home” and how it influences your daily life.
Additional Resources:
- Raise Your Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best by Alan Stein Jr.
- The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
- Watch episodes on YouTube
- Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
- Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
- Join Anchor Labs, a collection of digital courses by Dr. Robyne
- Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
- Visit Drrobyne.ca
- Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week









