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

 

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.

 

This episode focuses on sensuality and sexuality, what to do when our level of desire of intimacy differs from our partner. Though on its surface it doesn’t sound like an entrepreneurial or business problem but Sherry has found in her work with entrepreneurs over the years that the ups and downs of business can have a negative effect the level of focus towards a romantic relationship. Sherry enlists the help of relationship expert Brooke Bergman to shine some light on the topic.

Rob joins Sherry on the podcast to talk about a story that has to do with such a simple question, “how many kids do you have?” Despite the simplicity of the question, for Rob and Sherry the answer is quite complicated. They update you on the journey of integrating a new member into the family, a long battle fighting to keep her (legally), and the heartbreak of having to let go.

To catch up on the full backstory check Episode 146

This week's episode is hosted by Brooke Bergman, a ZenFounder team member and relationship specialist. Brooke talks about some practical ways you can improve your mental health and prevent problems
before they arise. She discusses strategies and dives deep on the differences between flow state and non-flow state exercises.

Due to the covid-19 landscape more people than ever have left their jobs and plan on creating their own opportunities. Having been recently contacted by Intuit Inc. to be involved in a campaign to help raise awareness around the unique challenges and needs of early stage entrepreneurs, Sherry shares her insights on the topic in this episode.

Rob Walling joins Sherry on the podcast to talk about shipping content. He shares his ideas and wisdom of how to setup your life & mindset to consistently create content for yourself and business. He discusses his journey of becoming comfortable in front of the camera and shares tips on how you can do the same.

In this episode Sherry talks about the importance of a reset. Sharing in the new year despite maybe some things staying the same (Covid) and being able to begin a new segment of time with fresh ideas and perspective. A reset offers the opportunity to say this time is different than last time. It is impossible to be a healthy, satisfied, connected person without having the capacity to reset.

Every once in awhile a decision can cause you angst and pull you in many different directions, making it difficult to be clear on whats the best direction to go. In this episode Sherry gives you some strategies to give you more clarifaction of whats going on inside yourself when you’re in the middle of these decisions and how to get the best results.

In this episode Sherry talks about the importance of being able to celebrate well with others. There is tremendous value in being in a role where you are committed to really cheering other people & supporting them in their goals. Sherry gives you 4 reasons why this can be helpful.

In this episode Sherry poses the question, do you plan your life around production that meets a schedule or have some structure with the ability to to wonder as inspiration strikes. At a certain stage in your career you may have less to prove. Strict sheduling can be a recipe for success in business but could also be a recipe for anxiety, and self criticism that is not in keeping with good mental health. Sherry explores the idea of giving yourself space and acceptance to try different strategies when it comes to how you produce.

In this episode Sherry interviews Scott Deluzio. Scott is an entrepreneur in the WordPress space, and army veteran who wrote a book about military life and losing his brother in Afghanistan. They talk a lot about the transition back to civilian life, coping with combat stress & the loss of his brother, and the unhealthy ways he dealt with it all.

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.

 

In this episode Sherry talks about the back to school process for her kids. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, those entrepreneurial traits when they show up in kids can be tricky to navigate in day to day academic life. Going from flexibility and creativity to a more rigid schedule can cause some transitional stress and irritability. Sherry provides some tips for navigating this transitional time.

In this episode Sherry reads you a chapter from her upcoming book titled “Touching Two Worlds: a Guide to Finding Hope In a Landscape of Loss”. The chapter starts with a story from her own life that’s been a teacher about grief & loss and she concludes with a some practical takeaways about how to talk to grieving people.

There is still an uneasiness that’s taken place inside of us, we as the collective are not okay. One of the things that is driving this is the general sense that the voices we hear from leadership cant really be trusted. The pandemic has really unraveled us as a societies ability to feel like our leaders are making good choices (ex.flip-flopping between covid guidelines). Trust is essential to healthy human development. Sherry talks about the importance of consciously cultivating trust, reaching out and connecting to those around you.

As an entrepreneur we tend to stay busy and the practice of stillness is not easy or natural for us. However from a mental health perspective it is very important. A recent vacation reminded Sherry of what a great gift stillness can be. Its serves as a counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of business life. Sherry describes it as letting the mind and the body have a complete break and how she made it a deliberate point of focus this time around.

On a recent canoeing trip with some friends, Sherry found herself lost and unable to navigate using the map she was given. While in the lake the terrain she expected to see wasn’t there, none of the landmarks matched. The whole time she never questioned the map, only herself. Well it turns out that the staff member from the outfitter where she got the map marked the wrong spot. The entire trip she spent navigating a map with the wrong criteria. Sherry equates this situation to the business world in which entrepreneurs can often ignore indicators or red flags or explain it away. Questions such as do i have the right team, do i have product market fit, is this partnership working? When things aren’t adding up its important to find the actual cause and this is where an external observer (coach. mastermind, therapist) can help give a larger perspective.

 

As entrepreneurs who do anything in public, we seize to be individuals in the mind of the collective(general population/customers). We become part of a public conversation, which can blur the lines of what our customers want for us and what we want for ourselves. Sherry warns entrepreneurs to be careful to listen to the ques of your minds and bodies and what its telling you. You may be tired, burned out, depressed, these may be signs to step away, sell, or do something different. No matter how loud the noise, the collective will never know whats best for you and your business better than you do.

 

In this episode Sherry does a deep dive into Imposter Syndrome. Imposter Syndrome can be best summarized as the thought, “i don’t belong here”. It’s a gap between our self assessment and our assessment of the room were in or people around us and whether or not were qualified to be there. There’s an importance of recognizing this in yourself as it can hold you back from interactions, conversations and building deeper relationships. Sherry talks about some work arounds that can help if you’re suffering from condition.

In this episode Sherry talks about entrepreneurs and business owners being victims of cruel and untrue online attacks. Attacks that can get to the core of the credibility of a business.  These type of attacks are designed to destroy your business reputation that you’ve worked so hard to build up over time. Sherry discusses the levels of dysfunction this can cause you as a person and to your business when your livelihood is threatened.  She gives some tips and steps to take to prepare if you are ever faced with this kind of attack.

MINDCURE

In the past 1.5 years, people have been thrust into virtual work places due to the pandemic and the question arises, what will be the new normal? Will we stay remote or be heading back to the office, and what situation best fits the individual needs? Can there be a way to combine strategies for a more hybrid approach? Sherry attempts to answer these questions along with author, entrepreneur, and CEO of global partner marketing agency: Acceleration Partners, Bob Glazer.

Robert Glazer.com

How To Thrive In The Virtual Workplace Book

In this episode Sherry talks about the mental health power of rites of passage. Most of these rites of passage are ceremonies that are tied to things like education (ex.gradations). Many adult rites of passages go unnoticed or un-celebrated. The challenge for adult development is we don’t have many markers that tell us we’ve moved from one phase of development to another. Sherry tackles this topic and explores the idea of celebrating aging as a badge of honor.

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.

Rob joins the podcast to talk with Sherry on the subject of feedback. No matter what you’re building or putting into the world you’re going to get feedback. He brings up the question, “at what point do you react and change things based on that feedback”? They discuss how to judge whether or not the feedback is useful and what criteria to use to do so.

 

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a new(ish) form of treatment for depression, PTSD, and a variety of other mental health conditions that has been gaining popularity as of late. Sherry talks about the pros/cons, how it works, and what situations are right for it to be applied. She also shares her own individual experience of trying the treatment.

Assignments are often used in teams and coaching relationships to give a quick snapshot of an individuals trends, characteristics and values. The Enneagram is a common psychometric assessment that has become widely available, in the form of books, courses, and products that help you learn more about yourself, team, and family. As a clinical psychologist, Sherry has some concerns about the ways these assignments are being used. Approaching this topic with experience in psychological testing she sheds light on the
subject as well as shares her own experiences taking some of these assignments herself.

In this episode Sherry interviews Craig Hewitt of Castos, about what its been like for him and his family to living abroad in France for the past 5 years, especially as the pandemic has changed community life around the world. They also talk about the growth of his company and the ways people are using podcasts to increase the strength of connections given the new challenges.

Rogue Startups Podcast

 

In this episode Sherry talks about a new addition to the family this year, their dog Gus. There are many studies linking mental health benefits to owning a dog, including providing a sense of companionship, connection, and combating loneliness. Sherry interviews her son about some of his favorite things he loves about having a dog.

 

In this episode Rob returns to the podcast to give some updates on what he has been working on. They discuss the expansion of MicroConf On-Air and his podcast (Startups For The Rest Of Us) as well as the progress being made on his new upcoming book. Sherry also gives updates on her journey finding a publisher for her new book.

 

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Sherry talks about what she is learning running her business/professional life and through trapeze training. For her trapeze training is her play. Play is important to how she conceptualizes well being and mental health. Play helps people feel hopeful, helps people rest, and restores motivation. In this episode Sherry gives some lessons trapeze has taught her that can be applied to your business.

In this episode Sherry asks the question, how do people heal in the aftermath of terrible experiences? So many of us are in the process of trying to recalibrate and reorient after a time of major upheaval, and grief. Sherry shares a personal story that she hopes can provide insight and demonstrate some key components for healing.

Sherry talks with Emily Fletcher, the founder of Ziva Meditation and a leading expert in meditation for performance. They talk about Emily’s upcoming program zivaKIDS!, a new resource that helps kids learn to meditate.

zivaKIDS!

 

Sherry talks with David Burkus, author and former business school professor who holds a doctorate in strategic leadership, about his new book “Leading From Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams”. They discuss the opportunities of having a fully remote company, building culture remotely, tracking productivity and more.

David’s Book

 

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

 

Today’s episode is a throwback to a pair of previous episodes that focused on the practice of taking a founder’s retreat. A retreat is a foundational  practice that really helps establish mental heath and clarity that can change the tone of your both personal and professional life.

Sherry’s Retreat Book

Sherry talks about the experience of having a conversation with a friend who holds a different political view. In that conversation they touched on all the hot topic issues happening in America today. Sherry identifies three components that made the exchange meaningful. Having trust, empathy, and humility is are the key components to finding our way back to having hard, meaningful conversations politically, personally and professionally.

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

Sherry talks with Erik Kerr, founder of LifeTraq, about his companies approach to tackling mental health conditions including addiction through wearable technology.  Erik explains the types of real-time data they collect, how to gamify it, and all the different applications for this technology.

LifeTraq

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There is real value in just getting back to work and refusing the distractions. Sherry talks about the importance of getting back to work and not being shamed for it. Just trying to buckle down and do work amidst this huge disruption that is the pandemic.

 

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

In the final episode of this year Sherry talks about the importance of both looking back and setting your sights on whats to come. The ability to shift energy into the future, set intentions, and build momentum is an important mental health tool. Since change is the only constant, you must be able to enter the mental practice of change. Sherry created and gave her family members a questionnaire to help them think through their desires for the coming year. She shares some of the questions and topics of discussion.

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

In this episode Sherry is joined by her friend Alon, a Toronto based entrepreneur, to talk about holiday traditions & religious traditions and the value that they have had at different times in their lives. They explore the ways traditions we had as children can shape us as adults and professionals. They also discuss the changes they will make this year to their traditions due to the pandemic.

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

Sherry talks about the death of Tony Hsieh, American internet entrepreneur,venture capitalist, and CEO of Zappos. Though she didn’t know him personally she followed his work and things he did outside of business. Sherry challenges the myth that if you have wealth and fame that you’re exempt from self destruction. The truth is no amount of financial wealth, prestige, success, relationship guarantees our immunity from self destruction. With suicide rates rising, its important to not walk around with the delusion that you don’t have that capacity. Tell the truth about it so you can make sure it stays dormant and these stories will hopefully make you aware and careful of the painful places that live inside of you.

Sherry and guest Jeff Banman have a conversation about the nature of trauma. Jeff is a former solider, CIA agent , and firefighter who has a lot of experience in the subject. They discuss Jeff’s idea of trauma/PTSD as a “love wound” versus an event, as well as early life trauma and why its so important.

Operational Mindset Foundation

JeffBanman.com

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

Sherry starts a new series of episodes, with co-host Alon, that provides guidance, support, and strategies for their community of entrepreneurial friends. They talk with friend Eric Rosenberg who struggles with his weight and has recently started a new diet program. Some of the things they touch include valuing yourself, self-discipline, finding balance, taking time and energy for self-care, and the history of trauma in your DNA and how it can affect the present.

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

With the continued chaotic state of things and the US election thrown in the mix now, Sherry talks about the ways in which our bodies handle stress. The way we respond to stressors that are outside of our control is hardwired. When the body is overwhelmed it stops doing fight or flight and moves into numbing/detachment. Having done some new training in this area, Sherry is newly aware of the dangers of the numbing response. It feels good to detach in the short term but can present some dangers in the long run. She talks about how to observe what your body is doing and choose a counterbalance response.

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

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.

 

Sherry returns after a brief break from the podcast to talk about burnout. Having been feeling it herself she talks about the effects burnout can have on our neurological health and our bodies. While most people think burnout is the result of working too hard too long,  it can also stem from a sense of hopelessness and meaninglessness. Sherry describes what symptoms to look for as well as some simple solutions.

Want more content like this? Check out our book.

Sherry interviews Dr. Michael Freeman, a psychiatrist, psychologist, consultant and former CEO. Dr. Freeman has done extensive and ongoing research of collecting data on the mental health of entrepreneurs. In this conversation they talk about what he has learned  over time in the mental health field about the entrepreneurial mindset. They discuss the biological and personality traits that are very common in entrepreneurs.

Research Project Survey

Touched with Fire Research Report

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Covid has forced parents into a unique situation in that whether you chose to home school your kids or not, its something everyone is now dealing with.  Parents now have a higher demand on their time than ever before with this new model. Sherry and Rob talk about some of the best practices surrounding the challenge of how to help support kids in school/home-school/distance learning, while trying to maintain some level of professional productivity.

Want more content like this? Check out our book.