In 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 Holmes

• I Hope So by Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

Connect 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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

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In 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 Smith

• Previous episode with Dr. Ross Ellenhorn: The Fear of Hope

• Why Does Everybody Hate Me? by Alex Partridge

Connect 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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

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Feeling 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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

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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.

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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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

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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 Talks

• Previous episode with Marissa: Trusting Your Future Self

• The Art Of Leadership for Women

Connect with Marissa: 

• Website: https://www.marissateeter.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa.m.teeter

• LinkedIn: 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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

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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. 

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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

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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

Disclaimer

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.

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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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

Disclaimer 

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.

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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_robynehd

• Newsletter: https://drrobyne.ca/newsletter/

Disclaimer

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. 

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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/

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