The Soft Startup

Em Conrad
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

The Soft Startup is all about redefining what it means to be a startup founder and CEO. For decades, startup founders have been characterized as the pinnacle of hustle culture. I'm here to challenge that as living, breathing proof that you can work a day job, prioritize R&R, and found a successful startup. Join me every week as I share tips on how to found a startup as a normal person with a good idea while staying sane.

Episodes

  1. Post-Holiday Blues: How to Get out of a Founder Funk

    12/26/2025

    Post-Holiday Blues: How to Get out of a Founder Funk

    Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or quietly wondering if you’re cut out for entrepreneurship? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode of The Soft Startup Podcast, we’re talking honestly about the founder funk: that heavy, foggy season where momentum stalls, confidence dips, and everything feels harder than it should. We’ll unpack: What a founder funk actually is (and why it’s so common for bootstrapped entrepreneurs)The difference between burnout, boredom, and misalignmentGentle, practical ways to get unstuck without hustling harder or forcing motivationHow to reconnect with your original vision—or evolve it without guiltSmall mindset and strategy shifts that can help you move forward againIf you’re building a business slowly, sustainably, and on your own terms—but feel like you’ve lost your spark—this episode is your reminder that you can pause, recalibrate, and keep going. ✨ Perfect for: early-stage founders, solopreneurs, creatives, and anyone building a business while trying to protect their energy. Connect with me & continue the conversation: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoftstartupTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesoftstartupIf this episode resonated, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a founder friend who might be in their own funk right now.

    21 min
  2. Winter Arc, but Make it Chic

    12/19/2025

    Winter Arc, but Make it Chic

    We all want to take our goals seriously, but how do we do it while we enter the holiday season? Here's a guide to achieve your Winter Arc, Double Down December, etc., while staying sane!

    22 min
  3. How to Startup When You Literally Have $0

    12/04/2025

    How to Startup When You Literally Have $0

    You're a normal person with a normal paycheck (or less) and you have a great idea... but how do you turn it into a business? In this episode, I go over a high-level overview of how you can go from zero to hero with literally $0 to your name. If you liked this episode and want to learn more, please listen along at The Soft Startup wherever you get your podcasts and follow on Instagram or TikTok @thesoftstartup My TikTok Link My Instagram Link Links to References Mentioned: The Lean Startup by Eric RiesMichela Allocca's Don't Depend on Daddy PodcastMichela Allocca's Break Your Budget InstagramMichela Allocca's Break Your Budget SiteKatie Gatti Tassin's Money With Katie PodcastKatie Gatti Tassin's Money With Katie InstagramKatie Gatti Tassin's Money With Katie Site

    20 min
  4. Soft CEO Diaries: The Art and Discipline of Essentialism

    11/26/2025

    Soft CEO Diaries: The Art and Discipline of Essentialism

    As a startup founder, there are SO many plates to spin in the air... How do you manage it all? Welcome to the first episode of the Soft CEO Diaries where I start with arguably the most important tip for work-life balance as a founder: priorities. Much of this episode is inspired by Essentialism by Greg McKeown, so I highly recommend reading his book if you want a deep dive into the art and discipline of essentialism. Follow along at: Instagram: @thesoftstartup TikTok: @thesoftstartup Feel free to DM or leave a comment wherever you listen to podcasts for feedback or questions!

    9 min
  5. How to Startup: Idea Validation - Flop or Not?

    11/19/2025

    How to Startup: Idea Validation - Flop or Not?

    Before you start a business, you have to make sure your idea is validated. Aka, is your idea a flop or not? In this episode, I take you through the process of idea validation step-by-step to make sure your business flourishes. Please reach out with any comments or questions in the comments, or DM me @thesoftstartup on Instagram or TikTok!

    14 min
  6. Introduction to The Soft Startup

    11/18/2025

    Introduction to The Soft Startup

    The Soft Startup is a podcast dedicated to teaching you how to found a startup without losing your sanity. Join me every week to learn tricks of the trade from a startup founder and CEO, as well as ways to maintain work-life balance. Instagram: @thesoftstartup TikTok: @thesoftstartup

    1 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

The Soft Startup is all about redefining what it means to be a startup founder and CEO. For decades, startup founders have been characterized as the pinnacle of hustle culture. I'm here to challenge that as living, breathing proof that you can work a day job, prioritize R&R, and found a successful startup. Join me every week as I share tips on how to found a startup as a normal person with a good idea while staying sane.

Information

  • Creator
    Em Conrad
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © EMRAD LLC 2025
  • Show Website
    The Soft Startup