ZenFounder

Sherry Walling
  • 4.9 (81)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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ZenFounder

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.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 403: Feeling Alone in Business? How to Find Your People

    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

    14 min

  2. MAR 21

    Episode 402: 5 Criticisms of Traditional Therapy

    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.

    19 min

  3. MAR 14

    Episode 401: Why Founders FAIL at Asking for Help (And How to Fix It)

    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.

    19 min

  4. MAR 7

    Episode 400: 7 Factors That Shape How You Feel About Your Exit

    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

    20 min

  5. FEB 28

    Episode 399: 5 Ways Entrepreneurial Households Support Resilient Kids

    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!

    21 min

  6. FEB 15

    Episode 398: 3 Ways Demanding Hobbies Can Revolutionize Your Entrepreneurial Mindset

    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

    16 min

  7. FEB 7

    Episode 397: The Possibility Gap: What’s Stopping You From Living the Life You Want?

    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 "...

    16 min

  8. JAN 31

    Episode 396: 5 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Stay Connected With Family

    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

    21 min
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    4.9
    out of 5
    81 Ratings

    About

    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.

    Information

    • Creator
      Sherry Walling
    • Years Active
      2015 - 2025
    • Episodes
      200
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2021 ZenFounder
    • Show Website
      ZenFounder

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