In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne welcomes author, personal branding strategist, and entrepreneur Rory Vaden for a practical and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to create lasting change, both for ourselves and for the people we serve. Together, they explore why the highest performers don’t chase shortcuts but instead commit to doing the difficult, meaningful work others often avoid. Rory shares his “take the stairs” philosophy, reminding us that real progress comes from consistently choosing long-term results over immediate comfort.

You’ll hear why enjoyment isn’t a requirement for meaningful action, how the “pain paradox” reveals that tough choices today often create an easier future, and why unglamorous, boring habits can radically transform your life. They also discuss why hope isn’t just a soft skill but a tactical advantage, and how shifting your thinking from “Is it possible?” to “How could it be possible?” unlocks new pathways and opportunities.

If you’re ready to redefine your habits, design your future with intention, or find the courage to share your story, this episode is your invitation to think long-term, commit to the work, embrace the messy middle, and trust that every setback is preparing you for something greater.

Listener note: This conversation includes mention of suicide. If this topic feels sensitive for you, please take care while listening.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The four levels of influence and how understanding them can multiply your impact

• Why the highest performers aren’t chasing shortcuts

• The “pain paradox” and how embracing tough moments now leads to easier, more fulfilled living later

• How hope is both a strategy and a superpower for leadership, personal growth, and resilience

• Tactical mindset shifts to help you ask better questions and unlock new possibilities

• Why you’re most powerfully positioned to serve the person you once were

• What it truly means to unlearn limitation, reprogram your thinking, and step into identities you once thought impossible

***

Dr. Robyne’s new book, I Hope So, is now available! Order your copy today by visiting: https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Additional Resources:

• Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success by Rory Vaden

• Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time by Rory Vaden

• Wealthy and Well-Known: Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Reputation into Revenue by Rory & AJ Vaden

• Rory’s podcast with his wife AJ: Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast

• TEDx Talk: How to Multiply Your Time | Rory Vaden

• Have a calling on your heart and interested in learning more about how to turn your passion into a business? - Request a free brand call with Brand Builders Group by visiting www.freebrandcall.com/lifebydesign

Get in Touch with Rory:

• Website: https://roryvaden.com/

• Website (Brand Builders Group): https://brandbuildersgroup.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roryvaden/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roryvaden

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoryVadenYT/videos

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

• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

How do we protect hope and keep our hearts open when the world feels heavy and uncertain?

In this week’s episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne is joined by Dr. James Rouse, a high-performance coach, author, speaker, and functional medicine doctor, for a heart-opening conversation about hope and purposeful living in challenging times.

Together, they explore the science and soul behind hope as a collective remedy, the importance of giving ourselves permission to embrace possibility, and practical strategies for giving cortisol a job and channeling stress into meaningful action. From the transformative practice of “soft eyes” – seeing ourselves and others with compassion – to riding the natural rhythms of our day, Dr. James shares actionable insights to help us find strength, joy, and openness, especially when we’re tempted to turn inward or shrink in the face of adversity.

This conversation is a call to stand audaciously in hope, to care deeply, and to become a disruptive force for good, no matter how dark or loud the world becomes. Whether you’re searching for a dose of hope or practical self-care, you’re invited into a field beyond right and wrong, where you can meet yourself and others with love, openness, and the courage to co-create big, bright futures.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How embracing hope, even in times of adversity and uncertainty, is a science-backed remedy for personal and collective resilience

• What it means to protect hope, and why humanity needs this heroic activity now more than ever

• How to give cortisol a job and finish the stress cycle through high noticing, intentional practices, and meaning-making

• The power of “soft eyes” as a daily practice for self-compassion, trust, and agency

• Why giving yourself permission to care, stay open, and love deeply transforms personal relationships and leadership

• The importance of showing up with authenticity, audacious hope, and collaborative spirit, even when the world asks us to turn down our light

***

Dr. Robyne’s new book, I Hope So, is now available! Order your copy today by visiting: https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Additional Resources:

• Dr. James’s Podcast with wife Dr. Debra Rouse: Love & Life Elevated

• Books by Dr. James Rouse

• Dr. James’s Free Resources

Get in Touch with Dr. James:

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

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjamesrouse/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjamesrouse/

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

• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

Today on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with entrepreneur, author, and membership expert Stu McLaren for an energizing conversation about the power and potential of building authentic communities.

Stu shares the origins of his passion for helping entrepreneurs create sustainable, engaged membership communities, along with the experiences that shaped his approach. From releasing guilt around money and reframing it as a vehicle for generosity and impact, to offering a clear framework for evaluating membership market potential and attracting your people, Stu brings grounded insights and real-world examples for anyone looking to grow their work with intention.

You’ll hear reflections on the power of asking for help, the role of community in personal and professional resiliency and success, and why serving even one person well can spark momentum and meaningful transformation.

This episode is an invitation to lead with purpose, build spaces where people feel they belong, and remember that the good we put into the world expands when we step up, serve, and aren’t afraid to ask.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why memberships are more than just transactions, and how they become part of your identity

• How defining community values shapes engagement and long-term retention

• Insights on overcoming money guilt and reframing profit as a pathway for generosity and impact

• Three key indicators to know if your idea is membership-worthy

• How to navigate resistance and setbacks, and why the courage to ask unlocks support and possibility

• Why qualitative data, such as personal stories and case studies, can be just as powerful as big numbers when building trust with your audience

• Insights on managing boundaries, prioritizing family, and aligning your work with your core values

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Additional Resources:

• Predictable Profits by Stu McLaren

• Stu’s Podcast: Marketing Your Business

• Stu’s Nonprofit: Village Impact

• Stu on The ONE Thing Podcast with Jay Papasan

Get in Touch with Stu:

• Website: http://membership.io/

• Website: http://stu.me/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stumclaren/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stumclaren/

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne welcomes Coach Carey, a keynote speaker, life coach, and EDI consultant who thoughtfully weaves lived experience, professional expertise, and deep compassion into everything she shares.

Together, they explore the evolving understanding of resilience and what it means to cultivate self-awareness in a noisy, distracted world. Rather than pushing through at all costs, this conversation reframes resilience as knowing when to rest, reflect, and set boundaries that honor your energy.

Coach Carey shares her transformative “giving from the overflow” philosophy, encouraging us to nurture ourselves first so we can genuinely support others. She also shares practical tools, like her four-question self-inventory, to help you notice patterns, identify what energizes and drains you, and intentionally create more space for what fuels your well-being.

They also speak openly about their lived experiences with ADHD, offering thoughtful insights into attention, distraction, and the importance of finding what truly works for you.

This episode is your permission slip to rediscover joy through playful restoration, honor your limits without apology, and approach growth with compassion and curiosity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why giving from your overflow is more sustainable than pouring from a full cup

• How honest self-inventory questions can help you track patterns, boost self-awareness, and make meaningful change

• The importance of choosing what you consume (including social media, entertainment, and even conversations) to protect your well-being

• Strategies for refueling your energy

• Why aligning your tasks with your energy (and giving yourself compassion on low days) can transform productivity

• Practical ways to manage ADHD, distractions, and information overwhelm

• Why showing up authentically is its own superpower

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Get in Touch with Coach Carey:

• Website: www.careycoach.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach.carey/

• LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/coachcarey

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

In this insightful episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne is joined by licensed clinical social worker, author, and business consultant Debra Roberts for a meaningful conversation about communication and the small, intentional shifts that can strengthen relationships at home, at work, and everywhere in between.

They explore how our upbringing shapes the way we express ourselves, the common traps we fall into during difficult conversations, and how a few practical strategies can help us build personal agency and ask for what we need with greater clarity and confidence.

They also discuss concrete, compassionate ways to raise awareness, both in ourselves and others, without confrontation or blame, and offer real-life examples of how subtle changes in language and approach can lead to better outcomes.

This episode is filled with accessible, real-world insights you can put into practice right away, whether you’re working to voice your needs more clearly, set healthier boundaries, or bring more kindness and understanding into your everyday conversations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How foundational communication skills are often missing from early education, and how this impacts our relationships

• The role of assumptions and narratives in how we approach conversations

• Simple but powerful practices for building self-awareness and personal agency, even in moments of stress or conflict

• Strategies to gently raise others’ self-awareness and strengthen conversations without triggering defensiveness

• The transformative impact of intentionally choosing when (and how) to engage in difficult conversations

• Why the way we speak matters as much as, if not more than, the message itself

• Why changing your communication patterns can prompt positive changes in those around you and help build healthy relationships, both personally and professionally

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Additional Resources:

• The Relationship Protocol: How to Talk, Defuse and Build Healthier Relationships by Debra Roberts, LCSW

• Get 10% off Debra’s program My Communication Tools by visiting mycommunicationtools.com and using coupon code MCT10RHD at checkout

Get in Touch with Debra:

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

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraroberts_lcsw/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-roberts-99b620b3/

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

In this episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with entrepreneur, podcast host, and creator Scott D. Clary for a conversation about the realities of success and what it really takes to build something meaningful over time.

Together, they explore the mindset behind the “10-year rule,” a long-term approach that reshapes not only how we pursue goals, but how we navigate discomfort, setbacks, and seasons of imbalance. They discuss the power of designing supportive environments and systems that make consistent action easier, as well as the role of an inner circle that both challenges and champions your growth. Plus, why being willing to start imperfectly, put in the reps, and keep iterating is the key to progress.

Whether you’re building a business, creating content, or developing any habit, this episode offers practical insight into the real “price of entry” for starting something new, and steady encouragement to keep going, especially on the hard days.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Scott’s approach to content creation and communicating ideas in ways that resonate

• The “10-year rule,” and how committing long-term transforms your mindset, expectations, and approach to setbacks

• The difference between motivation and discipline, and how to design your life for follow-through

• Why having a trusted circle that challenges and champions you is critical to leveling up both personally and professionally

• Why there may be seasons where you have to prioritize building over balance

• The power of adapting, iterating, and learning as you go, and how to leverage real feedback and data to sharpen your edge

• Why we’re living in the golden age of entrepreneurship, opportunity, and creativity

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Additional Resources:

• Scott’s Podcast: Success Story with Scott D. Clary

• If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World with Dorie Clark

Get in Touch with Scott:

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

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/scottdclary

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/scottdclary

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/scottdclary

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

In this week’s episode, marking the start of Season 2, Dr. Robyne is joined by fitness and nutrition coach, business owner, and podcast host Brad Jensen, also known as The Sober Bodybuilder, for a grounded conversation at the intersection of physical wellness, mental health, and human resilience.

Brad shares openly about his decade-long struggle with addiction, how hitting rock bottom became a turning point, and the role fitness played in his recovery and sustained sobriety as he rebuilt his life from the ground up.

Together, they explore the dangers of wellness misinformation, the deeper reasons we pursue health and well-being, and why beginning the day with simple rituals that nourish the mind, body, and spirit can help us show up more fully for ourselves and for the people who are counting on us.

Filled with honest reflections and moments of levity, this episode is a reminder that transformation is possible. Whether you’re starting over for the first time or the thirtieth, hope, joy, and purpose can be rebuilt, one intentional day at a time.

Listener note: This episode includes discussion of addiction, substance use, and recovery. Some listeners may find this content sensitive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• That personal comebacks are possible

• It’s never too late to start fresh or build something meaningful

• Why humor is a powerful part of resilience

• What it can look like to support a loved one navigating addiction and recovery

• Why fulfillment and happiness cannot be found solely through external achievements

• The risks of health trends and misinformation on social media

• Real, rooted reasons to pursue fitness and well-being

• How morning rituals that nourish the mind, body, and spirit help you show up better for yourself and those counting on you

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Additional Resources:

• Brad’s Podcast: The Brad Jensen Show

• Past episode mentioned: Leadership and Resilience from the Inside Out with Mark Divine

• Dublin City University study on social media health and wellness trends

Get in Touch with Brad:

• Website: https://becomenextlevel.com/coaches/brad/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberbodybuilder/

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

In this week’s episode, Dr. Robyne is joined by workplace culture expert, founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, author, and keynote speaker Heather R. Younger for an uplifting conversation about leadership, hope, and well-being.

Together, they explore the importance of aligning actions with core values, holding yourself accountable with compassion, and moving from "waiting for permission” to becoming your own green light. They unpack the hidden costs of social comparison and how reframing comparison into celebration can invite learning, connection, and collaboration. Their conversation also highlights the power of intentionally choosing hope as a steadying force in uncertain times, creating space for possibility, growth, and purposeful action.

Through real-world stories and actionable insights, this episode offers encouragement and practical ways to cultivate strength, steadiness, and unshakable leadership, so you can show up for yourself and for others at your best.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why self-leadership is the root of caring leadership

• How knowing and living by your values creates alignment

• Why waiting for permission or “a green light” from others can keep us from living and leading fully

• The importance of developing practical self-care routines that enable sustainable performance and leadership

• The distinction between hope and optimism, and why hope is the remedy the world needs right now

• The importance of collaboration and community in personal and professional growth

• Simple mindset shifts and strategies for managing overwhelm, reframing social comparison, and showing up authentically for yourself and those around you

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

Additional Resources:

• Heather’s Podcast: Becoming Unshakable

• The Art of Self-Leadership: Discover the Power Within You and Learn to Lead Yourself by Heather R. Younger

• Books by Heather R. Younger

• Dr. James Rouse

• Dr. Jen Wolkin

Get in Touch with Heather:

• Website: https://heatheryounger.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

In this final episode of the year, Dr. Robyne invites us to set aside the relentless pressures of “new year, new you,” and instead approach January with greater self-compassion and a gentler pace.

She reflects on the familiar cycle of well-intentioned resolutions that often don’t last and shares practical guidance for building habits that feel sustainable and aligned with our genuine capacity, energy, and the feelings we truly want to cultivate.

Rather than wiping the slate clean or striving for a total reset, she also offers a tender reminder that there is wisdom and hard-earned learning worth carrying forward from both the challenges and the bright moments of the year behind us.

Plus, a fresh perspective on what we’re really searching for in the “scavenger hunt” of life in 2026, and why hope might be the key.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why many resolutions are abandoned by mid-January, and how to approach change with more kindness and realistic expectations

• Why January doesn’t have to represent a dramatic “fresh start” and how to bring last year’s hard-earned wisdom forward

• The concept of “feeling casting” and designing your days with intention

• Practical strategies for holding difficult conversations

• Insights on habit formation: understanding cues, behaviors, and the role of rewards and reinforcements

• The power of self-awareness and positive reinforcement in creating lasting behavioral change

• How to use curiosity instead of judgment when reflecting on your own behaviors and routines

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

***

Next Stress Wisely Lab: January 12, 2026

Join Dr. Robyne for a 90-minute, research-informed experience designed to help you understand your habits, shift what’s no longer serving you, and build routines that better support how you want to feel and show up in your days.

There’s a spot waiting for you.

Bring a friend for free with our 2-for-1 offer: add two tickets to your cart and use coupon code 2for1 at checkout.

Learn more and register today: https://drrobyne.ca/stress-wisely-labs/

Additional Resources:

• Previous episode mentioned: How to Have a Difficult Conversation

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer

In this gentle solo episode, Dr. Robyne invites you to pause amid the busyness of the season, offering a warm, compassionate space to simply exhale.

She reflects on the complexity of the holidays, from the full spectrum of emotions and the pressure to make everything magical, to the messy, sometimes uncomfortable “in-between” days that follow. Along the way, she shares thoughtful invitations for protecting your peace, setting meaningful boundaries, holding big emotions with compassion, and honoring time for rest and recovery.

Whether you find yourself celebrating, recalibrating, or simply catching your breath, this is your gentle reminder to make what matters most matter most, cherish your progress, and nurture hope as you enter the new year.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the holiday season can feel overwhelming and full of complex emotions

• Why rest might feel uncomfortable if you thrive on busyness

• How to make peace with productivity guilt and accept that you’ve already done enough

• Strategies for giving yourself spaciousness and setting boundaries

• How adjusting expectations can help protect your peace

• A gentle approach to big emotions

• The power and necessity of self-kindness and self-care

• How to use this season for planting little seeds of hope for the future

• The value of community and connection in difficult times

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

***

Next Stress Wisely Lab: January 12, 2026

Join Dr. Robyne for a 90-minute, research-informed experience designed to help you understand your habits, shift what’s no longer serving you, and build routines that better support how you want to feel and show up in your days.

There’s a spot waiting for you.

Bring a friend for free with our 2-for-1 offer: add two tickets to your cart and use coupon code 2for1 at checkout.

Learn more and register today: https://drrobyne.ca/stress-wisely-labs/

Additional Resources:

• Dr. James Rouse

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

• Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

• 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

Disclaimer