Choosing hope sounds simple until you're trapped in a sinking car. You're underwater. The vehicle is going down. You have seconds to get yourself out or die here. You make it to the surface. A stranger pulls you the rest of the way. Thirty years later, a Navy SEAL tells you something nobody ever said: you put yourself in a position to be saveable. That reframe changes everything about what hope actually means.

Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe spent 30 years studying what happened after that accident. The discovery: hope isn't genetic luck. It's a practice. People who stay hope-filled have habits, rituals, protocols that keep them forward-facing even when nothing looks okay. The difference between hope and optimism? Optimism attaches to outcomes (I hope I get the job). Hope trusts the process (I'm doing my part, it'll figure itself out). Commander Mark Devine's reframe after hearing her story: you didn't just survive, you put yourself in a position to be saveable.

The artificial urgency you create isn't real. Hedonic adaptation means you're wired to always want more, to chase the next thing, but slowing down reveals what actually matters. Fresh French fries. A good cup of coffee. The question that changes your morning: what can I be excited about today? Hope becomes accessible when you stop making it complicated and start making it a practice.

Topics: choosing hope, hope as a practice, resiliency habits, hedonic adaptation, overcoming artificial urgency

GUEST: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe | @‌dr_robynehd | drrobyne.ca/hope

Originally aired on 2026-01-27

Choosing hope sounds simple until you're trapped in a sinking car. You're underwater. The vehicle is going down. You have seconds to get yourself out or die here. You make it to the surface. A stranger pulls you the rest of the way. Thirty years later, a Navy SEAL tells you something nobody ever said: you put yourself in a position to be saveable. That reframe changes everything about what hope actually means.
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe spent 30 years studying what happened after that accident. The discovery: hope isn't genetic luck. It's a practice. People who stay hope-filled have habits, rituals, protocols that keep them forward-facing even when nothing looks okay. The difference between hope and optimism? Optimism attaches to outcomes (I hope I get the job). Hope trusts the process (I'm doing my part, it'll figure itself out). Commander Mark Devine's reframe after hearing her story: you didn't just survive, you put yourself in a position to be saveable.
The artificial urgency you create isn't real. Hedonic adaptation means you're wired to always want more, to chase the next thing, but slowing down reveals what actually matters. Fresh French fries. A good cup of coffee. The question that changes your morning: what can I be excited about today? Hope becomes accessible when you stop making it complicated and start making it a practice.
Topics: choosing hope, hope as a practice, resiliency habits, hedonic adaptation, overcoming artificial urgency
GUEST: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe | @&zwnj;dr_robynehd |<a href="http://drrobyne.ca/hope"> drrobyne.ca/hope</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-27

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.