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

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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:

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• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely

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

• Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs

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• Visit Drrobyne.ca

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