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The ZenFounder podcast is a combination of interviews with successful entrepreneurs, conversations with experts, and honest reflections on entrepreneur life, focused on helping entrepreneurs practice better mental health. Forbes called it one of the 12 best podcasts for entrepreneurs.
Host, Dr. Sherry Walling, is a clinical psychologist, coach for entrepreneurs and startups, and best-selling author. She is an expert in trauma, stress and burnout, and her research has been published in academic journals such as the Journal of Traumatic Stress. She has also endured being married to a serial entrepreneur for 23 years.
Host, Dr. Sherry Walling, is a clinical psychologist, coach for entrepreneurs and startups, and best-selling author. She is an expert in trauma, stress and burnout, and her research has been published in academic journals such as the Journal of Traumatic Stress. She has also endured being married to a serial entrepreneur for 23 years.
271 Episodes
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Entrepreneurs are great at leading teams, making decisions, and optimizing time. But what happens when those same skills show up at home—and start to hurt your closest relationships?
In this episode, Dr. Walling shares the 4 entrepreneurial mindsets that often cause trouble at home—and what you can do differently.
Self-importance around time – why treating family moments as “below you” creates distance.
Productivity over presence – how chasing efficiency can crowd out play.
Reviewing family members like employees – why constant appraisal kills safety and connection.
Expecting instant implementation – what happens when you “CEO” at home.
And last, the best lessons you can actually learn from family life — lessons that will make you a stronger, more human leader.
Entrepreneurs are keen to push themselves to grow and become the best version of themselves. As early adopters, they’re often open to immersive experiences that accelerate their personal and professional development.
But when it comes to non-ordinary state experiences like psychedelics, deep retreats, even personal breakthroughs, too many skip the most essential part: integration.
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling breaks down exactly what it means to integrate a transformative experience into your daily life. Whether you're navigating a psychedelic journey or simply returning from an immersive retreat, this conversation offers practical tips for slowing down, listening in, and making your growth real.
You'll learn:
How to decipher the kinds of “messages” you receive during a journey
How to build a 4-month plan around new values, habits, or intentions
Why busyness is the enemy of growth—and how to build in space for listening
Subscribe to Sherry’s newsletter: tinyurl.com/ZenFounder
Is Entrepreneurship a Creative Act?
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling shares what producing a full-scale circus show taught her about the creative process of entrepreneurship. From the vulnerability of putting your work in public to the emotional risk of innovation, Sherry explores how the mindset of an artist can unlock better products, deeper audience connection, and long-term fulfillment as a founder.
#Entrepreneurship #CreativeLeadership #MentalHealth #Startups #Founders #Vulnerability #CreatorEconomy
Did you know that 27% of Americans are actively estranged from at least one family member?In a world where ideological division is high and screens are the most consistent recipient of our attention, our families are quietly fracturing.
In this special episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Sherry Walling reflects on the beautiful, painful, complicated terrain of family life.
Inside this episode:
– Why family can be our deepest source of pain—and our greatest opportunity for healing
– The psychological dynamics of individuation, estrangement, and reconciliation
– A radical practice for staying close: becoming a neutral observer
Whether you're in the thick of parenting, navigating loss, or redefining what family means to you, this episode is an invitation to reflect, feel, and begin again.
Learn more about the Familia circus show: https://www.touchingtwoworlds.com/familiaRead the book: https://www.touchingtwoworlds.com/free-chapters
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Do you ever ask yourself what you really want?Not what’s profitable. Not what’s a good business decision. Not what’s righteous, or best for your team.
Just… what you want.
In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Sherry Walling invites you into a deeply personal—and radically freeing—conversation about desire. As a founder or leader, you’ve been trained to prioritize discipline, service, and strategy. But too often, that comes at the cost of your own longing.
Inside this episode:
Why desire isn’t hedonism—it’s data
A framework for “desiring well”
The reason most humans fear giving in to desire
Want deeper support in your founder journey?
Ever find yourself saying things you regret in the heat of the moment? Or spiraling after a client complaint, a bad email, or your kid melting down in public?
In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Sherry Walling breaks down how high performers lose control of big emotions—and how to get it back.
Inside this episode: – What’s actually happening in your body when you get triggered – How to catch your reaction early—before your nervous system hijacks your behavior – Simple ways to calm your body fast (breathwork, water, scent, music) – What past experiences may be quietly running the show when you feel attacked or out of control
Whether you’re a founder, a parent, or both—this is the toolkit for staying regulated when life gets hard.
Do you ever feel like you’re at war with yourself?
One part of you wants to hustle, scale, dominate the market.Another part wants to sell the business, move to the woods, and sleep 10 hours a night.And then there’s the voice panicking about churn, cash flow, and that very unhappy customer email you can’t stop thinking about.
You're not broken. You're not alone. You're just... human.
In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Sherry Walling introduces a powerful framework you probably haven’t tried: Internal Family Systems (IFS).
This psychological model helps founders better understand their competing inner voices—and make smarter, more aligned decisions.
Inside this episode: – Why some parts of you want to grow your business—and others want to burn it all down – The real reason ignoring your “inner child” can lead to burnout – How to recognize fear-based decision-making before it wrecks your strategy – A practical exercise to map your Internal Founder System
#FounderLife #...
Entrepreneurship is lonely—but it doesn’t have to be.
In this video, Dr. Sherry Walling dives into one of the most overlooked challenges in the entrepreneurial journey: finding your people.
Starting, growing, and even exiting a business can be incredibly isolating. That loneliness can quietly erode both your mental health and your ability to lead. In this episode, you'll learn:
The difference between networking and true friendship
Why proximity, attention, and shared play are essential to adult friendships
How relationships are foundational to both mental health and business success
Whether you’re craving deeper connections, wondering why your friendships feel thin, or simply looking to feel less alone in your work—this one’s for you.
Learn more about Sherry’s upcoming Touching Two Worlds: Familia circus show—an original performance about the power of relationships: www.touchingtwoworlds.com/upcoming-shows
Is Traditional Therapy Failing Entrepreneurs?
Therapy is an invaluable tool—but is it always the best fit for high performers, founders, and creatives? In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling shares her honest critique of traditional psychotherapy, highlighting five key concerns:
The Pathology Trap – Why therapy often focuses on diagnosing problems instead of amplifying strengths. It Takes Too Long – Why conventional therapy can be slow-moving and how alternative approaches, like psychedelics, may be more effective for rapid breakthroughs. Hyper-Focus on Hurt – How therapy can make people more sensitive to pain without equipping them to move forward. The Risk of Self-Absorption – When therapy over-validates personal experiences without placing them in a larger context of relationships and responsibilities.
Entrepreneurs thrive on independence, resilience, and figuring things out on their own. But when it comes to launching a book, a product, or a business—going solo can actually hold you back.
Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a growth strategy.
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling breaks down why founders struggle to ask for help, how to do it effectively, and why the success of your work depends on it.
You’ve built something incredible. But when it’s time to sell, are you unknowingly making your exit harder than it needs to be?
Most founders focus on the financial side of an exit—negotiating terms, securing the best deal, maximizing their payout. But what about the psychological side? If you’re not prepared, selling your business can feel like losing a piece of yourself—leading to bad deals, self-sabotage, and regret.
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling, clinical psychologist and entrepreneur, breaks down seven factor that shape how you feel about an exit, including some common self-sabotage situations and how to avoid them.
You’ll learn: The identity trap: why over-identifying with your business makes letting go so painful The hidden rebel: how your own psychology could push you to blow up a good deal Why money mindset matters—and how it shapes your exit experience
Dr. Sherry Walling has spent years balancing life as a psychologist, entrepreneur, and parent. She’s married to a tech founder, has been immersed in the startup world for decades, and has raised two kids who’ve never known a traditional 9-to-5 household.
In this episode, she shares what she’s learned about raising resilient, adaptable kids in an entrepreneurial home—the good, the hard, and the unexpected.
She talks about: How kids absorb resilience by watching their parents handle risk and uncertainty Why getting kids involved in the business builds confidence and independence The role of financial literacy in raising self-reliant kids How to instill a growth mindset that helps them tackle challenges head-on
Growing up in an entrepreneurial household can be a gift—not something kids have to navigate. When done well, it helps them think creatively, solve problems, and develop confidence in themselves.
Watch now to hear her insights, stories, and practical tips for raising kids in an entrepreneurial world. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on business, mental health, and family life!
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling dives into how physically demanding hobbies can revolutionize the way you approach your business and life. Whether it’s aerial arts, rock climbing, kite surfing, or long-distance running, these activities offer more than just physical benefits—they reshape your mindset.
Here’s what you’ll learn: How embodied learning fosters better intuitive decision-making. Why rapid feedback cycles in hobbies teach resilience and adaptability. How to use physical challenges to master stress regulation.
From building confidence to navigating setbacks, physically demanding hobbies can profoundly influence your entrepreneurial journey, giving you tools to stay sharp, resilient, and energized.
Looking to add some physical play to your life?
Join us on May 23rd and 24th, 2025, for the Touching Two Worlds Circus Show—an awe-inspiring performance you won't forget.
And don’t miss the Circus Day Adventure on May 25th!Experience the thrill of flying trapeze, acrobatics, and even circus horse riding. Learn more and sign up at touchingtwoworlds.com
Are you stuck in the gap between where you are and where you want to be?You sense the next chapter of your life, business, or relationships calling to you—but the path forward feels unclear.
Fear of disruption, lack of mastery, and the weight of commitments often hold us back from stepping into our fullest selves.
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling shares how to navigate the space between where you are and where you want to be. She challenges you to move past fear and embrace a life of bold, embodied aliveness.
Learn how fear keeps us small—and what you can do about it. Discover why the "perfect time" for change doesn’t exist—and how strategy and courage can bridge the gap. Find out how to balance soul-level growth while honoring your commitments.
This episode is a must-watch if you're ready to stop holding back and step fully into who you’re meant to be.
Listen now and learn how to bridge the possibility gap.
The Poem read by Dr. Walling is "...
Do you ever feel like your work is pulling you away from your family?
For entrepreneurs and high performers, busy seasons are inevitable—whether you’re scaling a business, traveling for work, or navigating a major life transition. But maintaining deep, meaningful connections with your family doesn’t have to fall by the wayside.
In this episode, I share insights into:
The power of micro-moments How shared rituals and hobbies can create lasting memories Strategies for involving your family in your entrepreneurial vision—and why it matters. Practical tools like shared calendars and outsourcing to make room for quality time.
Learn how to stay present and intentional with the people who matter most, even in the busiest of seasons. If you’ve ever felt the tension between your personal and professional lives, this episode will inspire you to build a bridge between them.
#EntrepreneurLife #FamilyFirst #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingTips #Entrepreneurship #MindfulLiving
What does it mean to be "selfish"? For many, the word carries a negative connotation—one of neglecting others for personal gain. But what if being "selfish" was seen as a necessary part of self-care, self-development, and living a deeply fulfilling life?
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling, clinical psychologist and mental health advocate for entrepreneurs and high performers, explores the complex relationship we have with selfishness.
She dives into: How self-care, boundaries, and joy can fuel meaningful service to others. The sacred responsibility we all have to craft and care for our “selves.” Why prioritizing your own needs doesn’t diminish others—it creates abundance.
Learn why self-care is not just a personal luxury but a foundational act of love for those around you. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to be “selfish” and craft a life of intentionality and joy, this episode is for you.
Explore More:Subscribe to Dr. Sherry’s newsletter at zenfounder.com
Are Psychedelics Right for You? 5 Questions to Ask Before You Begin
Psychedelics hold incredible potential for healing, growth, and creativity—but they aren’t for everyone. In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling, clinical psychologist and expert on the mental well-being of entrepreneurs and high performers, unpacks the nuanced considerations you need to make before diving into psychedelic-supported therapy.
You’ll learn:
How to evaluate if you’re ready for the changes psychedelics can bring
The importance of intention—whether you’re healing trauma or doing a creative exploration
Why personal responsibility is crucial when stepping off traditional medical paths
Medical and psychological factors to assess
How to choose a safe and qualified guide for your journey
Psychedelics are powerful tools that demand careful thought and preparation. This episode offers a balanced perspective on how to approach them with respect, safety, and clarity.
Ready to deepen your connection to yourself and the world around you? Contact Dr. Sherry at ZenFounder.com/contact.
Is a Mental Health Day Worth It? Absolutely. Here’s Why.
Taking a mental health day might seem like a luxury your team can’t afford—especially for small businesses or startups—but the truth is, the benefits far outweigh the costs. In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling explores how intentional mental health days can prevent burnout, build resilience, and foster a stronger, more cohesive team.
You'll learn: Five scenarios where mental health days make the biggest impact Budget-friendly ways to design meaningful mental health days How to recognize when your team needs a break and what to do about it
Investing in mental well-being isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for the long-term health of your team—and, by extension, your business. Ready to lead with intention? Connect with Dr. Sherry at ZenFounder.com/contact.
#mentalhealth #entrepreneurs #leadership #burnout #teamwork #smallbusiness #mindset
Feeling lonely at the top? Being a high performer, your awesomeness could be isolating you. In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling discusses the unique loneliness that comes with success and how to find your tribe.
You'll learn:
How to find your tribe (even if it's uncomfortable)
How to overcome the fear of being "too much"
Three strategies to create a safe space for your awesomeness to flourish
Dr. Sherry Walling is on a mission to help you stop playing small and embrace your awesomeness! Want to connect? Reach out at zenfounder.com/contact
Leave a comment below! What are your biggest struggles with feeling lonely at the top?
#entrepreneur #loneliness #success #motivation #mindset #community
Does the constant hustle make you struggle to stay present in your daily life?
In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling dives deep into the concept of consciousness, exploring its many layers, and explaining how practices like mindfulness, meditation, and even psychedelic medicine can help you become more aware and present.
Episode highlights:
Learn how expanding your consciousness can improve your decision-making and creativity.
Explore the connection between consciousness and emotional well-being.
Practical tips on how to start practicing presence and mindfulness.
Whether you aim to sharpen your intuition for better daily decision-making or seek to elevate your capacity for joy, this episode offers valuable insights to support you on this journey.
#Consciousness #Mindfulness #Entrepreneurship
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what do i do if i am starting up with my own funds with a 1 year kid living in a budget?