
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 5, 2024 • 15min
Episode 389: How to Truly Disconnect: Productive Rest vs Mindless Scrolling
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 can't afford not to rest. Turn off your phone, step away from the screen, and embrace truly restorative practices that will help you thrive in business and life.

Mar 22, 2024 • 14min
Episode 388: SSRIs vs. Psilocybin: The Impact of Depression Treatment on Your Sex Life
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 you're navigating these challenges and looking for personalized support, reach out at zenfounder.com/contact. We specialize in helping high-.performers thrive in both business and personal life.

Mar 15, 2024 • 21min
Episode 387: 5 Signs That You Are a People-Pleasing Leader
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.

Mar 8, 2024 • 13min
Episode 386: Is Your Relationship Stuck? Psychedelic-assisted Therapy for Couples
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
At ZenFounder, we understand the complexities of balancing a relationship with entrepreneurial demands. If you're looking to explore new avenues to enhance your relationship, reach out to ZenFounder for a consultation. Let's work together to bring touch, love, and deeper connection back into your life

Mar 1, 2024 • 17min
Episode 385: How to Break Free from Overthinking & Dive into Deep Thinking
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.

Feb 23, 2024 • 13min
Episode 384: The Transformative Power of Touch
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.

Feb 16, 2024 • 20min
Episode 383: Why High Performers Need Play, Movement, and (Strange) Hobbies
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.
Gain insights into how hobbies, especially those involving movement, can enrich your life, boost your creativity, and enhance your overall well-being.
Ready to see play in practice? Curious about trying out a hobby that's anything but ordinary?
Join Dr. Walling for the 'Touching Two Worlds: Integration' Circus Show + Trapeze Experience in Minneapolis on May 4th. The “Skydancer’s Package” offers you the chance to actively participate in a trapeze class and rediscover the joy of play.
Here's what you can expect:
Reconnect with your body and explore the boundaries of what you thought was possible for yourself.
Shift your focus from the mind to the body, a unique perspective that can be especially valuable for entrepreneurs.
Our world-class coaches will guide you through every step, from the moment you climb onto the platform to the exhilarating leap. It's a transformation from "I can't" to "I did it!" in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Click here for all the details and to secure your spot in this exhilarating adventure.

Feb 9, 2024 • 20min
Episode 382: The Psychology Of Overworking: 4 Key Drivers Behind The Urge To Hustle
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 entrepreneurship, mental health, and sustainable success: zenfounder.com/#newsletter.

Feb 2, 2024 • 22min
Episode 381: Can Love Survive A Startup? 4 Steps To Business-Proof Your Love Life
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.
This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and their partners, providing essential guidance for thriving in both love and business. Tune in to transform the way you perceive and manage your most valuable partnership!

Jan 26, 2024 • 21min
Episode 380: Is Resentment Holding You Back?
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 zenfounder.com/contact and embark on a journey to reclaim your clarity, energy, and purpose.