Zen Founder: Startup. Family. Life.

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 […]

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 Want more content like this? Check out our book.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

In this episode Sherry interviews successful entrepreneur Aaron Houghton. Aaron started his first business at age 17 and sold two companies to private buyers for $169M before his 30th birthday. Despite all this success Aaron realized he still wasn’t happy and in fact the years of growing his businesses took a toll on his health […]

Wildfires, hurricanes, civil unrest, Sherry asks the question: “How do we keep going when the bad news seems endless”? There is a real importance of returning and re-grounding to what is controllable to each of us. This sense of specific targeting a deep connection to your own self is a really helpful counterbalance to the […]

After a brief break from the podcast to put the finishing touches on her upcoming book, Sherry returns to talk about the balance between our internal disciplinarian and nurturer.  Leaning into our own self discipline is important right now because there is so much chaos and disruption in the world and in our personal lives. […]

In these current times people are feeling nostalgia for a time before the pandemic, when you could give hugs, gather with friends, attend concerts, and just be in crowds. Looking back feels different than it did before covid as does looking toward the future. Sherry talks about mental health and our relationship with time. She […]

Rob takes over the podcast this week. He talks about 5 things he’s learned from over 20 years of entrepreneurship in dealing with his own psychology. He admits to making much more mistakes on the personal side than the business side of things and hopes this episode can be of service to anyone juggling the […]

Sherry interviews Jonathan Stark, former software developer and author who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. They discuss at length a book by Alfred Adler as it pertains to its application to entrepreneurs and mental health. The book talks about the basic theories that guide Adler’s work including the struggle […]

Rob joins the podcast again to talk about his current endeavors. They talk about the effect the pandemic has had on the MicroConf conferences, TinySeed batch two updates, and overall stressors.  They also discuss the idea of Rob entering a different phase of his career, from scrappy builder to more well established with a deeper […]

The current state of the world has caused a major shifts in our lives. There has been a shuffling of our businesses, financial situations, lively hoods, relationships and it has been leaving people feeling confused on what they want. Its a value question. what you do want? whats do you fight for? what will you […]