Resiliency Redefined
Welcome to Resiliency Redefined with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe! Each week, we dive into informative, energetic, and inspiring conversations about resilience, well-being, performance, education, business, parenting, and everything in between. Together, we’ll unpack big ideas and transform them into practical habits, tools, strategies, and tactics you can use every day. This isn’t about chasing perfection or ‘being your best self’—it’s about discovering what’s best FOR yourself. Are you ready to discover what it takes to be truly well? You are in the RIGHT place! I’m so excited you’re here—let’s get started!
Steady and Ready for Back-to-School

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.
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Dr. Robyne’s Psychology Today artic...Understanding Your Go-To Coping Strategies

When stress or discomfort shows up, how do you respond? In this episode, Dr. Robyne breaks down four common coping strategies—escaping, avoiding, ignoring, and delaying—and reveals why every behavior serves a purpose. You’ll discover how to spot your own patterns, recognize whether they’re helping or hindering your well-being and long-term goals, and shift from autopilot to intentional action. Plus, a reminder that rest and recovery are vital parts of resilience.
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Previous episode on accountability: Accountability Starts with You Previous episode on having difficult conversations: How to Have a Difficult ConversationGet i...
The Hidden Reasons Behind Self-Sabotage and What to Do About It

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne explores the surprising reasons why we sometimes get in our own way and limit our own success. From external pressures like Tall Poppy Syndrome, which can lead us to dim our light, to internal drivers like our need for control, she reveals how self-sabotaging behaviors often show up as protective responses to fear, judgment, and uncertainty.
You’ll learn how to spot the practiced excuses that hold you back, why the right supporters are essential for growth, and how to reignite your belief in your own capability. This episode is an invi...
Why Self-Esteem Fluctuates and How to Anchor It Internally

In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne explores how easily our self-esteem can become entangled with outside validation—and what it takes to return to a more grounded, steady sense of worth. She unpacks the difference between genuine and contingent self-esteem and examines the many ways we learn to measure our value. Dr. Robyne guides you through a process for recognizing when your self-worth is being shaped by external forces, interrupting old narratives, and building a new foundation rooted in self-trust and inner alignment.
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Previous episode on accountability and improving self-esteem: Accountability Starts with...5 Guiding Principles for Real, Restorative Self-Care

Self-care can feel hard in a world that rewards doing more, faster, and without rest. Between the pressure to push through and the endless noise about what self-care should look like, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually restores us.
In this episode, Dr. Robyne cuts through the confusion and challenges the myths surrounding self-care and recovery. She shares five guiding principles to help you reclaim self-care as a consistent practice that’s deeply restorative and uniquely yours.
With relatable stories and practical takeaways, this conversation invites you to meet yourself where you are...
Accountability Starts with You

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne unpacks what it really means to hold ourselves—and others—accountable. She begins with the foundation of self-accountability: knowing your values, defining your personal “line,” and recognizing when you’re operating above or below it. Through relatable stories and honest reflection, she explores how clarity, integrity, and well-expressed expectations shape how we lead, parent, and show up for ourselves and others, and she highlights how consistent follow-through builds lasting self-trust.
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Previous episode on having difficult conversations: How to Have a Difficult ConversationGet in Touch with Dr. Robyne: <...
The Little Things Aren't So Little After All

In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne invites us to pause and reflect on how we can slow down and make what matters most truly matter—even amidst the relentless busyness and pressures of everyday life. She unpacks societal expectations that can leave us feeling guilty, exhausted, or not “enough,” and offers gentle, practical ways to shift from chasing perfection to cultivating presence. Through personal stories and grounded insights, she explores how simple actions like keeping promises, aligning with our values, showing kindness, and appreciating the small moments can create a lasting impact.
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Legacy b...Finding Focus When the Noise Gets Loud

Do you ever feel like the endless noise and negative self-talk are getting in the way of your success and well-being? In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne unpacks how unhelpful mental noise and repeated thought patterns can quietly shape our beliefs, energy, and sense of self. She explores how worry becomes background noise, why beliefs are often just well-worn thoughts, and how curiosity can loosen the grip of negative thinking. You’ll learn how building habits of mind can help restore clarity—and discover simple questions to filter your inner dialogue, stay on course, and focus on what matters most. ...
How to Have a Difficult Conversation

In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne shares a practical, grounded approach to navigating difficult conversations. She walks through what to consider before the conversation, how to stay clear and focused during it, and why communication rooted in intention and care can be not just productive, but relationship-building.
Whether you’re facing conflict at work or tackling a tough topic with someone you care about, this episode offers insight, practical language, and strategies to help you move through the conversation with more steadiness and clarity. Plus, a reminder that sometimes, choosing to walk away is the most...
The Truth About Happiness

In this episode, Dr. Robyne explores the science behind happiness—what it is, what it’s not, and how much of it we can actually influence. She shares how our brain’s neurochemistry responds to small, daily actions, why the “arrival fallacy” keeps us chasing fulfillment that never quite lands, and how grief and joy can coexist. Through honest reflections and everyday strategies, Dr. Robyne invites us to design rituals of meaning, savor life’s small joys, and align with what truly matters for a deeper sense of contentment today, not just someday.
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Next Stress Wisely Lab: Ju...
Your Personal Permission Slip to Feel Well

In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne explores the value of self-care in the midst of life’s chaos. She highlights the importance of matching your self-care with the type of rest and renewal you truly need—whether physical, emotional, or cognitive—and invites you to rethink the role of intuition in your daily life. She also offers a powerful reframe: instead of setting goals that leave you feeling behind, what if you set intentions that begin with how you want to feel? Plus, learn why giving yourself literal permission to prioritize your well-being may be the most radica...
Self-Care When Life Feels Hard

When life is calm, self-care can feel simple. But what happens when everything feels off track, heavy, or overwhelming? In this episode, Dr. Robyne walks you through the EASE framework as a roadmap to help simplify self-care during tough times. She shares practical and sustainable strategies for tending to your head, heart, and body without overcomplicating the process. This episode is a gentle reminder to meet yourself where you are, not where you think you “should” be.
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Next Stress Wisely Lab: July 8th, 2025
Join Dr. Robyne for a 90-minute, research-backed experience designed to help yo...
Why Self-Awareness Is More Than Knowing Your Flaws

What does it really mean to be self-aware? In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne unpacks what it really means to see yourself clearly and kindly. She walks through the four archetypes of self-awareness, explains the difference between internal and external awareness, and shares why recognizing your strengths and what’s working well is just as important as noticing where there’s room to grow. You’ll also hear practical ways to give feedback with care and how inviting in trusted perspectives can help you uncover what you may not always see on your own.
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If you’re lea...
Sleep Strategies Made Simple

How do you prepare your mind and body for rest? In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne is talking about sleep—an often-overlooked piece of well-being and performance. She explores how our morning habits, the way we wind down, and even what we do with our worries can dramatically impact the quality of our sleep. With practical insights and strategies, she shows how creating supportive habits around sleep can help you feel more rested and better equipped to show up fully in your life and work.
If you’re leading a team and asking, “How do I build...
Sleep: The Missing Piece of High Performance

In this episode, Dr. Robyne dives into one of the most crucial foundations of our well-being, performance, and long-term success: sleep. While hustle culture glorifies 5 a.m. wake-ups and sleepless nights, research tells a different story—one where most adults need eight hours of quality sleep to truly operate at their best.
She explores the science behind the powerful processes that unfold while we sleep and how a lack of sleep can quietly impact our health, productivity, and decision-making. You’ll also hear practical tips for recharging with naps—like the quick “power nap” or the deeply restorative...
How Nature Soothes Our Weary Nervous Systems

In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne explores the deeply restorative effects of nature on our mental health and overall well-being. She unpacks the science behind how stepping outside—and escaping a world of 90-degree angles—can lower stress hormones, boost mood, and spark creativity. From morning sunlight and birdsong to the calming rhythm of water and the mesmerizing patterns of fractals, she highlights subtle yet powerful ways nature can help soothe and regulate our nervous systems.
While time outdoors isn’t a cure-all, this episode is a gentle reminder: you’re just one moment in nature aw...
The Four C's of Engagement

In this episode, Dr. Robyne introduces the “Four C’s of Engagement”—Crashing, Coasting, Cruising, and Championing—as a practical model for understanding motivation and momentum in the workplace and beyond. She explores how each state impacts our resiliency and performance and offers targeted strategies for leaders to support engagement at every level—from urgent intervention and clear goal setting to development opportunities and meaningful recognition. Plus, actionable tips for having constructive, non-adversarial conversations with those who need support the most.
Stress Wisely Labs:
Stress is inevitable, but burnout doesn’t have to be. Stress Wisely Labs are...
Small Practices, Big Impact: Habits That Transform Your Well-Being and Everyday Life

This week on Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne continues the conversation around habits—those small, repeated actions that quietly shape the quality of our lives. Inspired by listener questions, she explores why our habits matter so much and where to even begin when it feels overwhelming to make positive changes.
She introduces the concept of the “health hierarchy,” explaining how focusing on foundational habits can make adopting other healthy behaviors much easier. Dr. Robyne shares the small but transformative habits that shape her everyday life across the eight realms of wellness—covering everything from morning walks and “watering your mistake...
Your Habits Make Up the Quality of Your Life

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne dives deep into the science of habit formation—exploring why we do what we do and how to create change that actually sticks. She breaks down the ABC model of behavior, explains how habit stacking can unlock big changes, and highlights why your self-talk and environment may matter more than you realize. You'll learn practical, science-backed strategies to build habits that feel easy, satisfying, and move you closer to your goals and the version of yourself you’re working toward. Plus, Dr. Robyne shares her 3-2-1 method for productivity and reveals the single m...
Navigating Change: Why It Feels Hard and How We Adapt

How do we get better at navigating change? In this episode, Dr. Robyne unpacks the psychology behind our reactions to change—why some of us resist it while others embrace it. She explores the impact of our personal history with change, the importance of acknowledging and addressing fear points, and the power of agency in navigating change seasons.
Whether you’re leading a team through uncertainty or facing personal shifts, you’ll gain practical insights on building change readiness, adjusting your perspective, and trusting in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
Get in Touch wi...
The Right Insight at the Right Time: Finding Your Unlock

Have you ever had a moment where something just clicked—and suddenly, you saw everything differently? In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne dives into the power of unlocks and “aha” moments—those unexpected moments that shift our perspective, open new pathways, and allow us to move forward in ways we didn’t realize we needed.
With a mix of storytelling and science, she explores how our brains build knowledge—unpacking the psychology behind schemas, neuroplasticity, and inner dialogue, and how just the right insight at the right time can change the game.
Stress Wisely Labs: <...
The Power of Reinvention: Stretching into New Possibilities

In this episode, Dr. Robyne explores the powerful process of reinvention—how we evolve in our roles, careers, and identities, and what it takes to embrace change. Whether prompted by uncertainty, stress, or a deep longing for something more, reinvention challenges us to let go of the familiar and step into something greater. Dr. Robyne discusses why we tend to cling to the familiar, how reframing our identity can fuel transformation, and why stepping into our full potential is worth the discomfort. Plus, an introduction to her latest project, Stress Wisely Labs!
Stress Wisely Labs:
Stres...
Championing Women's Success in the Workplace

How do we truly support and advocate for women in professional spaces? In today’s episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne explores the challenges, biases, and structural barriers that women face in the workplace. She reflects on her personal experiences and highlights the power of storytelling in driving change. From mentorship and collaboration to the value of encouragement and workplace flexibility, Dr. Robyne unpacks how we can all, regardless of gender, champion women’s success.
If you’re committed to building a more equitable, supportive work environment—or if you’ve ever felt the pressure to work as if you d...
Breaking the Guilt Cycle and Rewriting the Rules of Self-Care for Women

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’r...
Burnout Part 2: The Rest You Didn't Know You Needed

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne continues the conversation on burnout by diving into practical strategies for recovery. While sleep and physical rest are important, she highlights that true recovery goes beyond that. From emotional and social rest to productivity and spiritual rest, she shares science-backed ways to restore a weary nervous system.
Listen in to learn small but powerful practices that will help you protect your energy and well-being so you can keep showing up for what matters most.
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Burnout Part 1: The Curse of the Strong Quote referenced: “We are not human bei...Burnout Part 1: The Curse of the Strong

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 firs...
Just Get to the Shore

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne explores how emotions shape our experiences and how we can support ourselves when they become overwhelming. Instead of trying to problem-solve or force solutions in moments of distress and heightened emotions, she encourages us to first focus on “just getting to the shore”—a place of steadiness and regulation. This conversation will help you recognize how self-awareness, empathy, and compassion can bring greater clarity when you’re not well-resourced enough to handle what’s in front of you—allowing you to move forward with more confidence and ease.
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Previous episode...Social Comparison: Wired into Us, But Not in Control of Us

Why do we compare ourselves to others? It’s wired into us for survival—but in today’s hyper-connected world, it often leaves us feeling like we’re never enough. In this episode, Dr. Robyne unpacks the evolutionary roots of social comparison and why it’s both a natural instinct and a modern challenge. She shares strategies for how to recognize when it’s hurting rather than helping, what we can do to stop it from pulling us off course, and how to turn it into a tool for growth and motivation.
If you’re someone who tends to get p...
Love, Connection, and the Relationships That Are Good for Your Nervous System

In this Valentine’s Day-inspired episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne is talking about love. She dives into the science of attachment, exploring how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with others throughout our lives and why we’re drawn to certain people. She also discusses how the nervous system signals safety and trust, the importance of showing up for the relationships that matter most, and the power of relationship repair. Plus, a reminder to celebrate the longest relationship you’ll ever have—the one with yourself.
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Watch episodes on...When Life Is a Lot

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you need a break from your own life or even yourself? In this episode, Dr. Robyne explores the reality of resilience when life feels relentless and the curveballs keep coming. She unpacks the importance of leaning into self-care—even when it doesn’t feel like it’s working—addresses how social comparison adds to overwhelm, and offers strategies for honoring your energy levels and simplifying when things feel like too much. This episode is packed with powerful reminders that you’re not alone and that sometimes, doing less is the key to finding your way back t...
From Vulnerability to Strength: How to Cultivate a Sense of Safety

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.
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Dr. James RouseGet in Touch with Dr. Ro...
Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap

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.
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Watch episodes on YouTube Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely...The Stress Bucket Concept: Understanding Your Limits and Finding Balance

Is your stress bucket overflowing? From big rocks like grief and illness to life’s daily stressors, our buckets can feel perpetually full, leaving us overwhelmed and depleted. In this episode, Dr. Robyne explores the concept of the stress bucket and shares compassionate, research-backed practices for finding relief. Discover how to identify your most pressing stressors and cultivate physical, emotional, and environmental strategies to lighten your load and create more space, ease, and well-being in your life.
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Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely Dr. Robyne’s Psychology Today article: Buckets Full of StressNavigating Life's Transitions: Embrace the Discomfort

How do you transition from hustle to rest, from holidays to routine, or from work to home life? Transitions can often feel daunting, but in today’s episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne shares personal insights and actionable strategies to help you navigate them with greater ease and compassion.
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...Calm Seas Don’t Make Strong Sailors

In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne challenges the common narrative around self-care, stress, and resilience in the face of systemic and organizational challenges. Plus, she tackles the big question: Do we need to experience adversity to build resilience? Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or helping others do the same, you’ll find something meaningful to take away from today’s episode.
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Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress WiselyGet in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
Watch episodes on YouTube Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm Get Dr. Robyne’s...No “New Year, New You” This Year

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.
Additio...
Holiday Hoopla

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.
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In Time Podcast with Peter Katz a...Your Life Moves in the Direction of Your Strongest Emotion

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.
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Raise Your Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best by Alan...Breaking Down Stigma and Rewriting the Narrative

In today’s episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne dives into a critical barrier to living a resilient life: stigma. She explores the origins of stigma, its societal consequences, and its deeply personal impact, revealing the powerful ways labels shape the narratives we carry about ourselves and others. With compassion and insight, Dr. Robyne shares her personal experiences with learning disabilities and ADHD and encourages you to challenge any limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Tune in to discover how rewriting these narratives can help you chase your boldest, brightest future.
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Dr. Roby...Betting on Yourself and Moving Forward with Fear

Fear wears many faces—fear of rejection, judgment, failure—but ultimately, it is a survival mechanism designed to keep us safe. In this episode of Resiliency Redefined, Dr. Robyne reflects on how fear has shaped pivotal moments in her life, including the launch of her first book, a career shift, and the launch of this podcast. She shares personal stories of playing it safe, the ways unchecked fear can hold us back, and the life-changing lesson her son taught her about betting on herself. Discover how reimagining your relationship with fear can empower you to step into your full pote...