Life By Design

In this week’s episode, Dr. Robyne welcomes Ian Lopatin, co-founder of Spiritual Gangster and Of Course Sanctuary, and a noted entrepreneur in the spirituality space.
Ian shares his non-linear journey from lawyer to yoga instructor to building movements rooted in community, positivity, and joy. Together, they explore how ancient wisdom and modern science intersect, and how our energy, mindset, and daily practices shape the way we experience our lives. Ian offers practical strategies for shifting out of low-energy states, moving beyond stress and scarcity, and cultivating abundance and connection.
You’ll hear reflections on why success alone doesn’t guarantee fulfillment, the importance of infusing goals with emotion, why true wellness is deeply tied to connection, and how cultivating hope can open doors for transformation in ourselves and those around us.
If you’ve felt weighed down by negative energy or disconnected from possibility, this conversation will leave you feeling energized, empowered, and ready to step into a more expansive way of living.
Listener note: This episode includes mention of drugs, alcohol, and suicide. Some listeners may find this content sensitive.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The science and ancient wisdom behind practices that help regulate emotional states and foster connection to the self and others
• How to shift your mindset from lack to abundance, even in challenging times
• Ways to increase your energetic frequency each day, using practices like meditation, journaling, and breathwork
• The connection between your personal state of being and thinking and the reality you experience
• Why hope, connection, and belief are fundamental to creating meaningful change
Additional Resources:
• Spiritual Gangster
• Of Course Sanctuary
• Dr. Joe Dispenza
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

In this episode, Dr. Robyne is joined by Ariana Joy Christie, podcast host, content creator, and mom of three known for her honest reflections on motherhood, wellness, and showing up for yourself in every season of life.
Together, Dr. Robyne and Ariana explore the power of changing course, embracing growth, and finding joy in the everyday, whether that looks like pivoting careers, stepping into new passions, or making wellness practices non-negotiable. Through stories of vulnerability and reckoning, they offer practical wisdom for trusting your intuition, finding agency when life feels overwhelming, and letting go of guilt around self-care, especially for women balancing work, family, and their own dreams.
If you’re ready to break old rules, give yourself permission to choose joy, and model resilience for your loved ones, you'll find inspiration and actionable ideas to help you navigate any season and show up as your most resourced self.
Listener note: This episode includes discussion of depression and mental health. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a trusted person or mental health support resource in your area.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The freedom and power that comes from allowing yourself to change your mind and embrace new paths
• The importance of respecting yourself and making time for your own needs, especially as a caregiver and parent
• Practical reframes for releasing guilt and rewriting outdated self-care “rules”
• How movement, community, and respecting your body can spark joy and support mental wellness
• Why modeling well-being for your kids lays the foundation for their own resilience
• How to navigate criticism and online “noise” with self-compassion and grace
• Small, practical ways to pour into yourself so that you can give more to the people and projects you care about
Additional Resources:
• Ariana’s podcast co-hosted with Renee Reina: Friend Of
• Ariana’s podcast: Your Cup of Joy with Ariana Joy Christie
• Dr. Robyne on Your Cup of Joy with Ariana Joy Christie
• Dr. Robyne’s Psychology Today Post: 3 Ways Women Can Reclaim Their Wellness
• Dr. Robyne’s Psychology Today Post: Small Ways to Care for Yourself When Life Is a Lot
Get in Touch with Ariana:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianajoychristie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arianachristie
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

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne sits down with digital marketing thought leader, educator, and future workforce trainer Kareem Perez for a conversation about the transformative impact of mentorship, mindset, and digital skills in our ever-changing world.
Kareem opens up about his journey founding The Tech Effect and how his unique approach to bridging the gap between untapped talent and opportunity in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces goes beyond just teaching technical digital skills to also addressing mindset and overcoming the hidden blockers to growth.
Together, they explore the differences between mentorship and coaching, and how clarity, courage, and a supportive network can help you step into your potential while staying connected to your core values. You’ll also hear insights on building confidence, taking healthy risks, and the importance of “sending the elevator back down” to support those coming up behind you.
If you’re seeking clarity on your next steps, curious about leveraging technology for good, or simply looking for permission to craft your career and life by design, this episode is filled with actionable insights and wholehearted encouragement.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The difference between mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship
• Strategies for making the most of mentoring relationships
• Why transferable digital skills are essential in a changing job market
• How to build confidence, overcome fear, and take intentional risks
• The value of sharing your story and “sending the elevator back down” to help others
• How to align your work with your core values to protect your well-being
• How technology opens doors for creativity and connection
***
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.
March 18 & 19 | Two live 55-minute sessions.
Save your spot: https://drrobyne.ca/day-in-quarters-workshop/
Additional Resources:
• The Tech Effect Academy: The Mentorship Mastermind
• Give and Take by Adam Grant
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Get in Touch with Kareem:
• Website: https://thetecheffect.ca/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemperez/
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

This week on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with bestselling author, business development expert, and founder of Bunnell Idea Group, Mo Bunnell, for a thoughtful conversation about how to grow your business and career by building genuine relationships rooted in generosity and trust.
Mo shares the research behind why strategic givers often outperform their peers and why the most meaningful growth comes from serving others in intentional and sustainable ways. Together, they explore what it really means to give without strings attached while still being thoughtful about your time, energy, and boundaries.
You will hear practical insights and phrases you can use right away to offer value upfront, make confident asks, and nurture connections that evolve over time. Plus, how three relationship-deepening actions per week can spark momentum, broaden your positive influence, and bring new opportunities your way.
If you’ve ever struggled with the discomfort of selling or simply want a more relationship-centered approach to life and work, this conversation will transform the way you think about giving, asking, and building a path that serves both others and yourself.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The difference between traditional sales and a relationship-driven, service-focused approach to building business
• How operating from a place of abundance and strategic giving can break through scarcity mindsets and foster authentic, valuable connections
• Why the person who makes the most offers of helpfulness is going to win the most business almost every time
• How the highest performers know how to say yes (and no) and size their contributions thoughtfully
• Phrases and conversation starters you can use immediately to build momentum, suggest next steps, and move relationships forward
• Why focusing on three meaningful actions each week can transform your business and life
***
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.
March 18 & 19 | Two live 55-minute sessions.
Save your spot: https://drrobyne.ca/day-in-quarters-workshop/
Additional Resources:
• Give to Grow: Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career by Mo Bunnell
• The Snowball System: How to Win More Business and Turn Clients into Raving Fans by Mo Bunnell
• Free Give to Grow Supplemental Resources: givetogrow.info
• Mo’s Podcast: Real Relationships Real Revenue
• Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant
Get in Touch with Mo:
• Website: https://bunnellideagroup.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/
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

In this episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne welcomes health and self-leadership coach, author, speaker, and podcast host Courtney Townley for a refreshingly honest conversation about the noise and pressure that often surround modern wellness culture. Together, they explore why chasing one-size-fits-all solutions and holding ourselves to unrealistic standards so often leaves us feeling frustrated, disconnected, and farther from true well-being.
This conversation offers a more human way forward: one rooted in authentic self-awareness, radical responsibility, and compassionate curiosity. From the power of “Isn’t that interesting?” as an antidote to self-judgment to the importance of setting healthy boundaries (even when it feels uncomfortable), they share practical insights and small, accessible practices for tuning in, soothing your nervous system, and honoring what you need.
If you’re ready to reclaim your sense of agency, experiment with supportive practices, and explore what genuinely feels nourishing for you, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The importance of self-leadership skills in navigating health and life changes (not just following “cookie-cutter” protocols)
• How emotional well-being is linked to physical health
• Two major pillars of resilience: removing unnecessary stress and leaning into purposeful, growth-building stress
• How curiosity can interrupt self-judgment, build emotional capacity, and spark growth
• Ways to consciously shift your inner narrative
• Why boundaries are an act of respect for yourself, and practical strategies for setting them
• The critical difference between being a “dictator” to your body versus being in relationship with it
• Tips for experimenting with body-based practices so you can find what genuinely supports your regulation and well-being
***
Dr. Robyne’s new book, I Hope So, is now available! Order your copy today by visiting: https://drrobyne.ca/hope/
Additional Resources:
• The Consistency Code: A Midlife Woman’s Guide to Deep Health and Happiness by Courtney Townley
• Courtney’s Podcast: Grace & Grit
• The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
• Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk: Do schools kill creativity?
Get in Touch with Courtney:
• Website: https://graceandgrit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegrit/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-townley-a470a236
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