ZenFounder

As entrepreneurs, we are constantly pushing the limits of what we can do in a day, but what happens when we don’t know how to truly rest and restore?  In this video, Dr. Sherry Walling dives deep into the importance of rest in the cycle of high performance, revealing why it is integral to sustaining long-term productivity and avoiding the pitfalls of burnout. What you'll learn: Misconceptions about rest (and why scrolling on your phone doesn't count.) The psychological and physical benefits of disconnecting, embracing nature, and nurturing your sensory experiences. Overlooked strategies that high performers use to recharge, reset, and integrate restorative rest into your busy life. No more excuses, entrepreneurs. You c

Is your mental health treatment compromising your sexual well-being? Discover the nuanced impacts of SSRIs on your sex life and why psilocybin can be a groundbreaking ally in battling depression without diminishing your capacity for joy and pleasure. In this video, we explore: The challenge of depression and anxiety on sexual intimacy. The often overlooked side effects of SSRIs on sexual desire and pleasure. Insights from recent research on psilocybin vs. SSRIs and their effects on sexual experience, and how psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy could revolutionize the sex life of those struggling with depression. For more detailed information and insights, check out the research article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49817-4 Let's connect! If

In this episode, Dr. Walling explores the fine line between being an emotionally intelligent leader and falling into the trap of people-pleasing.If you are an entrepreneur who is pouring your heart, soul, and intellect into your work, recognizing the signs of people-pleasing and taking steps to maintain your inner compass is vital. So, where do we draw the line between being a considerate leader and compromising our well-being for others' approval?Listen to the episode to discover 5 key signs that you are a people-pleasing leader and how that affects your company's future. Are you feeling lost in the hustle, unsure of who you are in the middle of the demands of leadership? As one of the world's only clinical psychologists focused on the mental health of entrepreneurs, Dr. Sherry Walling blends elite research training, extensive psychotherapy experience, and firsthand entrepreneurial insight to support you. Connect with us at zenfounder.com/contact for personalized support.

Are you and your partner finding yourselves stuck in the same cycle of conflicts and misunderstandings, no matter how hard you try to break free? In today's video, Dr. Walling delves into the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for couples, especially those in the entrepreneurial space who may find their relationships challenged by the unique pressures of their lifestyle. She explores how substances like MDMA can offer a profound opportunity for couples to reconnect, communicate more effectively, and heal longstanding issues by fostering an environment of empathy, trust, and understanding. Throughout this video, we'll discuss: The science behind MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and how it can lower defenses, allowing for deeper emotional connections. Benefits for couples, including those with a history of conflict or those simply seeking to deepen their bond. The importance of professional guidance in navigating this therapeutic journey. The current legal landscape and research status of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the US

Do you often find yourself caught in the relentless cycle of overthinking, where anxiety and repetitive thoughts leave you feeling like a hamster on a wheel?  In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling explores how to transform your thought process from overthinking to deep thinking: a productive, inspired state of mind that moves ideas forward with momentum.   Putting your thought process into action and actively engaging your mind in problem-solving is a powerful asset. Whether you're crafting your next big business move or navigating personal challenges, the strategies shared in this episode will teach you how to use your intellectual power effectively.  At ZenFounder, we specialize in guiding individuals out of the spiral of overthinking and into a state of flow—essential for a thriving business and a fulfilling life. Contact us and take the first step toward a more impactful and purpose-driven life.  

Have you ever considered how the simple act of touch can transform your mental health? Touch, an often ignored aspect of human functioning, is crucial for development, emotional regulation, and immune function.  In this episode, Dr. Walling discusses the barriers to incorporating more touch into our lives and explores why entrepreneurs often struggle with isolation and difficulty asking for and accepting touch.   Learn how to create opportunities for touch, and understand why it should be an essential part of your mental health regimen. If you or someone you know is finding it difficult to integrate touch into their relationships, Brooke Bergman Parr, ZenFounder’s relationship expert, is here to help. She specializes in helping entrepreneur couples enhance intimacy and connection. Reach out for a consultation with Brooke and bring touch back into your life.

As entrepreneurs, although we understand that a fulfilling life goes beyond work and productivity, we often struggle to make time for play. However, did you know that engaging in hobbies that energize you, rather than consume your time, can actually boost your peak performance? In this insightful episode, Dr. Walling presents powerful arguments for why play should be an essential, non-negotiable part of your life. Key Highlights: Learn how engaging in hobbies can be a vital tool for regulating your nervous system, ensuring a balanced state of homeostasis essential for optimal functioning. Understand the impact of neurological diversification through play on preventing burnout and fostering a resilient, adaptable brain. Embrace the significance of hobbies in shaping your identity beyond work and productivity.

Do you feel caught in the cycle of overworking? Are you constantly pushing the limits of your mind and body to get things done? In this video, Dr. Sherry Walling unpacks the complex psychology of overworking, a common challenge in the entrepreneurial world. Drawing from her professional insights and personal experiences, Dr. Walling helps you identify the signs, understand the drivers, and rethink the common narratives around overworking. Episode Highlights: -Do you end your days feeling as if you've climbed Mount Everest? Dr. Walling explores what emotional exhaustion means and why it's a red flag. -Morning Energy Alert: Understanding your morning mood can be a key indicator of overworking. -Are you driven by a need to prove your worth, or perhaps a fear of scarcity? Explore 4 common psychological drivers behind the urge to overwork. If you feel it's time to explore a more balanced approach to work and life, contact us at zenfounder.com/contact. We’d love to be of help in your journey. If you find this episode insightful, consider subscribing to Dr. Walling's newsletter for more content on entrepreneur

Join Dr. Sherry Walling in this compelling episode as she explores the often-missed connection between nurturing a romantic relationship and achieving business success.  Drawing from her extensive experience as a clinical psychologist and insights from her own marriage to an entrepreneur, Dr. Walling offers a unique perspective on the challenges and strategies for keeping love alive in the demanding world of business. In this episode, you will learn: What happens in the brain of an entrepreneur when they think of their business. How to avoid letting your business become a 'third wheel' in your romantic bond. How practicing focused attention can save your connection with your partner. The impact of mutual hobbies on enhancing your relationship.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sherry Walling dives into a vital yet often overlooked aspect of leadership: the power of forgiveness. This discussion challenges the traditional perception of forgiveness being a weakness but as a key to resilience, effective leadership, and personal growth. Episode highlights: Learn why forgiving someone is distinct from re-entering a relationship with them. Discover how forgiveness is primarily an internal journey, focusing on self-healing rather than external reconciliation. Uncover the importance of forgiving oneself as a step towards overall healing and better decision-making in business and life. Are you navigating life feeling like there are emotional landmines buried within you, ready to be triggered at any moment? If unresolved forgiveness issues are keeping you in a state of constant vigilance, draining your energy and preventing you from being fully present and authentic in your life and work, it's time to seek change. Don't let the burdens of the past hold you back any longer. Reach out to us at

Did you know that entrepreneurs typically operate in a constant high-arousal state, because of the pressure of their role? In this insightful episode, Dr. Sherry Walling unveils effective strategies for entrepreneurs and high performers to manage anxiety. She draws from her experience with veterans and high-stress professionals to offer the 'Three B's' approach: Breath, Body, and Brain. Discover how our body and brain can misinterpret danger, leading to heightened anxiety states even in the absence of real threats, and how simple techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can activate the vagus nerve, a key player in calming the body's fight or flight response.

How often do you find the voice in your head is your toughest critic? And can you turn it into your biggest cheerleader? In this video, Dr. Sherry Walling delves into a familiar struggle for many entrepreneurs: the harsh inner voice that often holds us back more than it pushes us forward.What we're exploring: How our past, particularly our upbringing and parental influences, shape our internal dialogue. The nature of self-criticism versus self-coaching and their impact on your personal and professional life. Practical insights on transforming that critical inner voice into a constructive, supportive coach. If you're ready to shift your inner narrative from critical to empowering, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling delves into the fascinating world of Sigmund Freud's psychological theories and their unexpected relevance for today's entrepreneurs. Discover how his groundbreaking contributions to understanding early childhood, internal conflict, and the unconscious mind continue to resonate in modern psychology and significantly influence our success in business and in life.   Explore how Freud's theories can be adapted and applied in today's entrepreneurial landscape to promote success, self-awareness, and mental well-being.   #FreudianTheory #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessPsychology #LeadershipDevelopment   Stay ahead in your mental health journey with Dr. Sherry Walling’s ZenFounder newsletter. Tailored for high performers, you’ll receive exclusive insights on mental wellness, bonus content from her books, and early access to upcoming events and workshops. Subscribe now!    

Did you know your mental health and how you navigate your personal journey have immense implications for the collective well-being? In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling explores the sense of heaviness that many of us are experiencing, not just in our personal lives but in our communities and across the globe, to question the traditional view of mental health as an individual metric, instead considering its collective impact. Discover how individual actions contribute to alleviating global suffering and enhancing collective well-being. Gain insights on self-talk, self-care, and political activism to improve both personal and societal mental health, starting with you to uplift the collective.   #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalIsPolitical  

Ever wondered why sometimes, as a fully grown adult, you suddenly feel like a seven-year-old again, especially in high-stress situations like a board meeting or while making an important decision? In this episode, Sherry explores the fascinating world of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a model that reveals how different parts of our past experiences and emotions continue to live within us and influence our present actions.Join her as she delves into the groundbreaking work of Dr. Richard Schwartz, the creator of the IFS model, to discuss how 'Exiles', 'Firefighters', and 'Managers' within us play a significant role in our daily lives. Key Highlights:Understand how childhood experiences can resurface in adulthood, influencing our reactions and decisions in surprising ways.Get a grasp on the concept of 'Exiles', 'Firefighters', and 'Managers' – parts of our psyche that interact in complex ways, shaping our behavior and emotional responses.Plus a real-life story of an entrepreneur whose business challenges during COVID-19 revealed deeper, underlying childhood fears and motivations.Whether you're an entrepreneur facing business challenges, a professional navigating career change, or simply curious about personal growth, this discussion will shed light on how childhood experiences can affect your emotional response today.

In her latest episode, Dr. Sherry Walling delves into the emotional blend of joy and grief that the holidays often bring. She discusses the varying experiences of grief from year to year and the importance of recognizing that there is no universal way to handle it.Dr. Walling also explores the idea of 'aliveness' within grief - the pursuit of joy, laughter, and connection amidst sorrow. This episode is a profound conversation about embracing the complexities of our emotions during this season.If you or someone you know is facing grief this holiday season, Dr. Walling invites you to join this intimate discussion. She also encourages you to explore her book, 'Touching Two Worlds,' for deeper insights into her personal journey with grief and loss. A resource she hopes will bring comfort and understanding to your own path. Available now: https://a.co/d/8iRP1Up #TouchingTwoWorlds #HolidayGrief

In this insightful episode, Sherry delves into the profound lesson of how your focus determines your future, especially in the challenging world of entrepreneurship. Drawing from unique experiences in circus arts, she explores the critical role of where you set your gaze and how it can shape the trajectory of your personal and professional life. Highlights: Learn how directing your gaze impacts your business and life goals. Explore why not defining your focus can be more daunting than facing potential failure. Tips on how to envision and articulate your life goals for long-term fulfillment. Remember, your momentum goes where your gaze goes. So, where are you looking? Are you focused on what truly matters to you?

Sherry discusses the impact of neurodivergence on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that these distinctive traits can serve as both assets and obstacles in our business endeavors. While neurodivergence can be considered a superpower, harnessing its benefits necessitates additional effort, deliberate attention, assistance, and training to mitigate potential challenges it may pose to the life of a company.

In a world seemingly inundated with the shadows of depression, worry, and loneliness, it's easy to feel like we're caught in a whirlwind of chaos. Sherry with her naturally optimistic outlook, gives some actionable antidotes to this chaos you can apply for yourself and those around you.

Sherry explores the reasons why one might hesitate to embrace therapy. Many individuals harbor reservations or anxieties about delving into substantial personal development efforts. This reluctance may stem from the realization that as we evolve, our entire world undergoes transformation, necessitating a readiness for change. Therapy, albeit beneficial, can evoke trepidation. Opening up and revealing the most intimate aspects of one's thoughts and life can be daunting. Yet, there's an additional, somewhat humorous, reason to be wary of therapy—what if it actually works? Sherry sheds light on the potential upheaval and disruptions that can accompany successful therapy and change, providing insights into various possibilities and outcomes for listeners to consider.