Design Review - podcast for Engineering Your Life

I met Kelli Boyden in the weird corner of LinkedIn and knew within five minutes I needed to have her on the show.Kelli spent 25 years as an attorney fighting for people being pushed out of their homes and denied insurance coverage by systems that were never designed to let them in. Then she walked away, went to Cornell, got an MS in pharmaceutical science, and built something entirely new.In this conversation we talk about fighting big systems, the cost of being nice for too long, and finding your people by simply being yourself.And somewhere in the middle of it all, Kelli asks me if I know anyone who teaches a workshop on boundaries.I might have mentioned one - join us June 19 and 26. Here is the link to register: http://www.engineeringyourlife.net/boundaries-workshop Engineering Your Life: https://www.engineeringyourlife.comConnect with Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliboyden/Kelli's website: https://kelliboyden.com

Podcast Season 2, Episode 5 - with Amber Hubert - 4/14/2026I met Ambra Hubert because she put out an idea in the Weird LinkedIn community. A spontaneous, creative, truly wonderful idea to publish a Zine for and about and BY the community. I had no idea what a "Zine" was - I had never even seen one! But Ambra was so warm and generous and enthusiastic, and the contributions poured in. At the last minute, I felt the call of inspiration and submitted a hand drawn sketch drawn on Engineering Computation pad. And now I can call myself a published artist.That experience introduced me to Ambra, and, in doing so, made it clear to me that I wanted to meet her, so I instigated a coffee chat. (This is often how I end up meeting podcast guests!) 5 minutes into our chat about life, survived trauma, and creativity I knew I was not going to accept "No" to my podcast invitation. Luckily, she didn't put up a fight!Ambra is a lifelong creative who made a sharp turn into business - working in corporate communications, heading up community at a startup, co-founded a poetry press, started and edited a zine, and is now running a weekly newsletter that helps people tell the stories of personal transformation and taking their own sharp turns. She has lived in five countries, speaks three languages, and brings all of herself into everything she does.In this conversation, we talk about what it means to show up as yourself in a space that was never designed for that. We talk about Weird LinkedIn - not as a hashtag, but as a genuine act of rebellion against performative connection. We talk about the Weird Professional Zine, and Permission Slips newsletter and how community became Ambra’s drug of choice. We talk about the things that just pop into your head. About the side quests that felt like detours but turned out to be preparation. About why people don’t answer the hard questions about themselves - and what community has to do with finally being willing to show up authentically.Somewhere in the middle of all of this, we both realized that what we’re each doing - in our own ways - is very much related at its core: Helping people feel safe enough to be real.Connect with Ambra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambra-hubert/Permission Slips: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/permission-slips-7419778664252338176/Weird Professional : https://lnkd.in/g6a34bJFEngineering Your Life: https://www.engineeringyourlife.net 

Podcast Season 2, Episode 4 - with Jason Koster - 2/27/2026Jason Koster is a friend I've known for many years. We used to hike and backpack all over Arizona. He joined me for more stretches of the Arizona Trail than anyone else. And when I decided to gear up for a 23-day traverse of the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Jason said yes to joining me, lugging a high resolution camera and tripod to take epic photos of the sights on the highest altitude scenic trail in the US.It is my pleasure to introduce my listeners to Jason - who embodies both the soul of an artist and the engineering ingenuity involved in solving problems as they arise. Jason is a photographic artist. And what started as a way to share beautiful places with his parents became something much larger - panoramic landscape photography that doesn’t just capture a scene, each image tells a story.A conversation between light and shadow, rock and water, the left side and the right side of a world that doesn’t fully fit in a frame. This conversation is ostensibly about his panoramic landscape photography project. But it became something else entirely - something bigger and more meaningful.We talked about what 23 days in the wilderness does to a person. About the songs that get stuck in your head when fear creeps in. About filtering water and how it somehow feels like cheating death. About broken spoons, blown-out boot laces, and duct tape as a life philosophy. We talk very seriously about how life (and the trail) is truly about the journey and not the destination - and how the landmarks you spend months anticipating can't quite compare to the quiet miracle of just being out in nature and wonder. And we talk about what it means to be an engineer learning to live more like an artist. To plan enough to survive - and be open enough to for transformation.This episode is an adventure in and of itself. Buckle up and enjoy!Connect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-koster-photography/Jason's website: www.kosterart.netEngineering Your Life: www.engineeringyourlife.net

Podcast Season 2, Episode 3 - with Darren Lyons - 2/11/2026I’m really glad to welcome Darren Lyons back to Design Review. And I knew when we started talking again that this conversation was going to go somewhere good. Darren and I met through our Jungian life coaching program at CreativeMind University - where we got to know each other deeply, coached each other, and discovered just how much our paths overlapped. He is such a grounded and quietly wise man. And what he’s building with Lyons Life Coaching (LLC, LLC ;-)) is something the world genuinely needs right now.In this episode, we talk about the people Darren works with - high performing professionals who have achieved much on the outside, but are quietly running on empty on the inside. People who know they want more, but feel like there is nothing left in the tank to get there. We talk about slowing down in a world that only rewards speeding up. About the difference between doing and being. About addiction - not just to substances, but to work, to screens, and to busyness itself - as a way of avoiding the present. We talk about trees. About yin and yang. About Winnie the Pooh and Taoism - and about why, if you could have figured it out yourself, you already would have.This episode is truly a conversation between two people who have done the work and are still doing it.I think you’ll feel that.Connect with Darren: www.linkedin.com/in/darren-lyons-54584891/Engineering Your Life: www.engineeringyourlife.net

Podcast Season 2, Episode 2 - with Tim Perreira - 1/21/2026This is the second half of one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had so far on Design Review. You may find that this part will land more clearly if you listen to part one first, but please listen/watch in the order that works for you! Tim Perreira’s story - from origin through depression, rock bottom, and reset to walking across America - sets the stage for everything we discuss in this segment.In part 2, we talk about the Integrated Man, Tim's new men's organization, as a living program - what it actually looks like, how it’s structured, who it’s for, as well as why Tim and his business partner Chris built it the way they did. We talk about the role of community, of ongoing support, of having people who show up for you even when you are tempted to isolate.Tim and I also talk about what it means to have coaches when you are a coach - and why that matters more than most people realize. And we talk about shadow work. About projection. About the subtle scaffolding beneath our thoughts that shapes how we see the world, how we treat others, and how we treat ourselves.Near the end of this conversation, I told Tim that I really felt witnessed by him, and I meant it. I think you'll get a lot out of this episode - I know I did.Connect with Tim: www.linkedin.com/in/timperreira/The Integrated Man: www.theintegratedman.comEngineering Your Life: www.engineeringyourlife.net

Podcast Season 2, Episode 2 - with Tim Perreira - 1/21/2026I met Tim on LinkedIn almost two years ago. He shared openly - about his work with men, his own struggles, and about a vulnerability that few people show. And something in me knew I needed to meet him.Then I found out he was walking across America. Not just walking, but walking the entire distance without listening to music or podcasts. With nothing but presence, intention, and a willingness to surrender to whatever the road had to offer.When I heard he was going to be walking through Arizona, I volunteered to help. I spent three days with Tim near the beginning of his walk - ferrying his gear, meeting him at the end of each day's walk, and talking over dinner before turning in. It was special. It was an honor to support this man and his mission.This episode shares the beginning of that story. We delve into Tim’s path - from collegiate athlete to corporate sales, from rock bottom to inner work to coaching men, and to walking across North America. We talk about what it means to be in a world that doesn't teach men how to connect. We talk about The Integrated Man, the community he’s building with his partner Chris. And we begin to go somewhere I wasn’t entirely expecting - into the nature of consciousness, non-dualism, and what it means to really realize that we are not just walking through nature.We are nature.This one moved me deeply.I think it may move you too.** Please stay tuned for part 2, releasing soon!  Please follow/subscribe to be notified when it is released. **Connect with Tim: www.linkedin.com/in/timperreira/The Integrated Man:  www.theintegratedman.coEngineering Your Life: www.engineringyourlife.net

In this episode of the Design Review podcast, Robert Haines speaks with Zachary Byrd about his coaching practice, Kykeon Coaching, and the Tesseract model he developed for self-discovery and personal growth. Zach shares his journey of transformation, the importance of spirituality and relationships, and how the Tesseract model serves as a tool for assessing one's aliveness. The conversation delves into the significance of crafting one's own myth, the role of inflection points in life, and the practical applications of the Tesseract model in coaching. Zach invites listeners to explore their own journeys and offers opportunities for collaboration.Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybyrd/See more of EYL: https://www.engineeringyourlife.net/

In this episode of Design Review Podcast, Robert Haines and Michael Sutherland engage in a deep conversation about self-discovery, creativity, and the importance of community. Michael shares his journey after being laid off, emphasizing the need to embrace discomfort and growth. They discuss the power of storytelling in connecting with others and the significance of authenticity in personal and professional life. Michael introduces the Reframe Project, a community initiative aimed at fostering critical thinking and collaboration among diverse individuals. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity, the challenges of societal expectations, and the vision for a future that embraces individuality and connection.Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flectionpoint/See more of EYL: https://www.engineeringyourlife.net/

In this episode of Design Review, Robert Haines and Sara Shahmohammad explore the complexities of life experiences, personal transformations, and the impact of change on relationships. They discuss how life's challenges can lead to profound insights and growth, as well as the emotional reactions that accompany significant life changes such as immigration. The conversation delves into the nature of human connections and how individuals often perceive their relationships through the lens of their own experiences. In this conversation, Robert and Sara explore the profound impacts of major life changes, the journey of surrendering control, and the transformative power of loss. They discuss how these experiences lead to greater self-awareness, empathy, and authentic love, ultimately embracing the messiness of life as a path to Freedom.Connect with Sara:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-shahmohammad/See more of EYL: www.engineeringyourlife.net

In this episode, Robert Haines interviews Bernadette Fah, who discusses her innovative concept of the 'Maximum Viable Person' and how it relates to personal growth and mental health. Bernadette shares her journey with neurodivergence and how it inspired her to create an AI Chief of Staff that helps individuals manage their tasks and mental well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and the collective responsibility for individual well-being. Bernadette also shares insights on the challenges of prototyping her product and her aspirations for the future.Robert's contact infoemail:  [email protected]:  www.linkedin.com/in/robert-haines-a072334Bernadette's contact infoLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-fah/See more of EYL: www.engineeringyourlife.net

In this episode of the Design Review podcast, host Robert Haines speaks with Dani Maldonado, a social media expert and entrepreneur. Dani shares his journey into social media management, the launch of his new project, Your Social Media Academy, and the importance of authenticity in online interactions. He discusses the challenges faced by individuals in today's economy and the need for accessible social media education. The conversation also covers practical advice on finding virtual assistants and effective time management strategies for entrepreneurs. In this engaging conversation, Dani and Robert explore the transformative role of AI in content creation, the importance of vulnerability in personal branding, and the delicate balance between authenticity and professionalism in the digital space. They share personal experiences of failure and success, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. The discussion also touches on the significance of genuine connections and collaborations in the ever-evolving landscape of social media and coaching.Connect with Dani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-maldonado419/See more of EYL: https://www.engineeringyourlife.net/

Podcast Season 2, Episode 1 - with Sara Berry - 1/7/2026I met Sara Berry in the most fitting way possible - right in the middle of her own becoming. She was deep into her 100-post challenge, showing up on her very first livestream with our mutual friend Steven Rockwood. Steven was the first person to ever bring me onto a podcast, and the two of them together had this energy I fell in love with immediately - accessible, sincere, human in the best way.And then there were their alter egos - Lucky the penguin and Dingo the flamingo - which told me everything I needed to know. These were people who didn’t take themselves too seriously, who let play be part of the work, who made visibility feel safe.Since that day, Sara has been this steady, generous presence in my world. No big dramatic moment, no sudden shift - just a slow, consistent confirmation of who she is. The kind of person who shows up in your comments, cheers you on, and makes the internet feel a little more like community.And that’s exactly what she teaches. Not video, really - but visibility. The courage to be seen before you feel ready. The practice of showing up imperfectly. The gentle truth that most of what’s in our way is… us.In this conversation, we talk about what it actually means to step out from behind perfectionism, overthinking, and high-achiever wiring - and into your own voice. Sara’s story is one of learning to stop hiding from her own brilliance, and helping others do the same.I’m delighted for you to meet her.Get to know Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berry-sara/Learn more about EYL: https://www.engineeringyourlife.net/To watch full video: https://youtu.be/qjshDrq2yic?si=wZcxUREMvT-pkwW7

In this episode of Design Review, Robert Haines sits down with Holly Pyle - jazz looping vocalist, vocal coach, and mindset coach - for a deeply honest conversation about voice, vulnerability, and authenticity.Holly shares her journey from perfectionism and self-pressure to a way of singing and living rooted in presence, permission, and emotional integrity. Together, they explore the difference between performative vulnerability and the kind of vulnerability that actually heals.This conversation dives into how voice training touches on inner wisdom, how being perfect and "pretty" can be inauthentic, and how creative pursuits mirror inner work. They also unpack fear, emotional safety, and what it means to feel threatened even when no real danger is present - because sometimes, as they put it, the caller is in the house.If you’re navigating growth, healing, or learning to trust your own voice - literally or metaphorically - this episode offers thoughtful insight grounded in lived experience.Get to know Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-pyle-b342378a/Learn more about EYL: https://www.engineeringyourlife.net/Watch the full YouTube video: https://youtu.be/FmGsnFbltqM

Podcast episode – with April K. Mills, founder of Engine-for-ChangeI met April after a suggestion and introduction from my friend and colleague, Hilbert Robinson, when we were discussing organizational transformation. When Hilbert recommends that I meet someone, I know I need to connect—and that was absolutely true about April!In this episode, I sit down with April, a nuclear engineer turned change accelerator, to explore the art of driving meaningful change. April shares her journey—from a young nuclear engineer at the shipyard to founding Engine-for-Change.Our discussion pulls many examples from observations and insights in her first book, Everyone Is a Change Agent: A Guide to the Change Agent Essentials.Whether you’re in engineering, sales, community work, or any field that navigates change, this conversation invites you to discover your inner Change Agent and make the powerful difference that is uniquely yours to make—with what you have right now.Connect with April: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilkmills/Learn more about EYL: https://www.engineeringyourlife.net/

Podcast episode #16 – with Rev. Lezli GoodwinIn this conversation, I sit down with my spiritual mentor, Rev. Lezli Goodwin, to explore what it truly means to grow conscious, courageous spiritual leaders. We covered a lot of ground, but three themes rose to the surface:•⁠  ⁠What is “good enough?” — letting go of perfectionism and embracing the spiritual freedom of allowing what is.•⁠  ⁠Coaching leadership — how spiritual leaders learn to see beneath the surface and guide others from clarity rather than reactivity.•⁠  ⁠Acceptance as empowerment — the shift from resisting life to recognizing that anything created through our thinking can be uncreated and recreated.If you’ve ever wrestled with the pressure to “get it right,” or wondered how spiritual principles meet real-life leadership, this episode offers grounded wisdom and deeply practical takeaways.Tune in to explore the inner work behind spiritual leadership, self-compassion, and living in alignment with universal principles.

Podcast episode #15 – with Cat O’ShaughnessyI’ve long been a fan of Cat’s posts—her vulnerable shares, her commitment to psychologically safe and equitable workplaces, and the blend of extraordinary wit and compassion she brings to every conversation. She is one of the most articulate and authentic creators on LinkedIn, and I’m honored to have her on Design Review.From very different backgrounds, we’ve come to share remarkably similar life views. In this episode, we explore self-discovery, personal branding, and the power of returning to one’s true self—both personally and professionally. Cat’s voice and leadership are a gift, and I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation.🎧 Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that challenges norms and celebrates authenticity.

I first met Astor in the LinkedIn coaching community and was quite impressed with her take on supporting innovation, a particular passion of mine. Her posts and comments resonated with me equally from their technical depth as well as their uplifting message.  To be honest, I also wanted to connect because we both identified as nerds while growing up, in all that that entails.Astor brings decades of career expertise to her mission of empowering founders, helping them navigate challenges while staying true to their vision. In this episode, we talk about what it means to combine professional experience with authentic care, and how that blend can create space for founders to thrive.If you’re interested in innovation, leadership, or simply hearing from someone committed to uplifting others, I think you'll find this conversation inspiring!Connect with Astor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lordeastorwest/

In this episode, Robert Haines sits down with Ian Mai, the founder of “ADHD Wired for More," an ADHD-informed coaching business. Ian shares his transformative journey, discussing how he overcame challenges with ADHD and numbing behaviors to develop a coaching philosophy that empowers others. Tune in to explore insights on managing ADHD, the importance of serving others, and the power of focusing on what truly lights you up. This conversation delves into personal growth, resilience, and finding purpose beyond external achievements.Connect with Ian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mai-coaching/https://www.ianmai.co/

Podcast episode #12 – with Christopher Parsons, founder of The Silent CEOI first noticed Christopher here on LinkedIn—he wasn’t the loudest voice in the feed, but whenever he commented or reacted, his words carried real weight. Curious, I reached out, and our first exchange about silence resonated deeply with both my meditation practice and my appreciation for sacred stillness.In this episode, Christopher shares how silence—once both a companion and a challenge—became the foundation of his work as The Silent CEO. We explore how embracing stillness can heal, empower, and reshape the way we show up in a noisy world.Recording this conversation with him was grounding in itself. Christopher has a gift, and you are invited to receive it through this episode.Connect with Christopher:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-parsons-269b1b210/

In this episode of "Design Review," host Robert Haines welcomes Darren Lyons, a life coach with a transformative journey from addiction recovery to founding Lyons Life Coaching LLC. Robert shares how he met Darren during their Jungian Life Coach training at CreativeMind University, where Darren's approach and lessons deeply resonated with him. Darren shares his personal story of overcoming alcoholism, the importance of internal motivation, and how he helps clients find their true purpose. Together, they explore the power of change, the role of spirituality, and the impact of a supportive community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about personal growth and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.Connect with Darren:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-lyons-54584891/https://www.linkedin.com/services/page/4a8a13339431011607/

Join us in Episode 10 of Design Review as Robert Haines welcomes Tanya Roberts, a passionate advocate for neurodivergence. Dive into Tanya's journey from struggling with traditional meditation to creating a unique mindfulness practice tailored for autistic and ADHD individuals. Discover how Tanya's innovative approach blends movement, fidgeting, and sensory play to help others find their zen. Explore the power of community, the challenges of self-discovery, and the transformative impact of embracing one's true self. Don't miss this insightful conversation on mindfulness, self-acceptance, and the journey to living authentically.Get to know Tanya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluefinch604/mindfullydifferent.caLink to full episode: https://youtu.be/EGF3-mV2Ob8Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EYL_Robert_Haines

In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea Linge, co-founder of Becoming the Bridge, to discuss the transformative power of community and personal growth. Chelsea shares her journey from a career in sales to finding her true calling in the personal development space. Discover how embracing vulnerability and surrendering to life's flow can lead to profound breakthroughs and a more aligned, fulfilling life. 🌟 #BecomingTheBridge #PersonalGrowth #CommunityPower"Get to know Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsealinge/https://www.becomingthebridge.co/

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Stephanie Scheller, champion of the viral hit Spud the Frozen Potato and founder of ADHD i-OS. Stephanie shares her journey of creating content that resonates with the ADHD community and beyond.We delve into her innovative approach to event production, designed to harness the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals. We also talk about identity, creative process, and what it really means to build systems that work for our brains.Whether you're neurodivergent or simply curious, this episode offers valuable insights, lots of laughs, and a whole lot of Spud.Link to full episode: https://youtu.be/JmbcC9S_PlMCheck out ADHD i-OS: https://www.growdisrupt.com/the-adhd-i-osWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EYL_Robert_HainesConnect with Stephanie:linkedin.com/in/stephanieschellerhttps://www.growdisrupt.com/https://www.growdisrupt.com/the-adhd-i-osSpud videos:https://youtube.com/shorts/fKREFBN1f_w?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/shorts/3Xojf4z8shA?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/shorts/7Gc7dA31cTU?feature=share

In this captivating episode of the Design Review podcast, host Robert Haines sits down with Alix Erie to explore the profound personal journeys in consciousness. From Alix's experiences in particle physics and yoga ashrams to Robert's transformation through engineering and spirituality, they delve into the intersection of science, spirituality, and personal growth. Discover how their unique paths have shaped their understanding of consciousness and the quest for a higher purpose. This conversation was sparked by a chance meeting on the island of Kaua'i, where Robert was officiating a wedding and enjoying a spiritual retreat. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between the objective and subjective realms of existence. Learn about Alix's nonprofit, the Advancement of Civilization Effort, and check her out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancement-of-civilization-effort/