Episode 405: How to Regulate Big Emotions

Ever find yourself saying things you regret in the heat of the moment? Or spiraling after a client complaint, a bad email, or your kid melting down in public? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Sherry Walling breaks down how high performers lose control of big emotions—and how to get it back. Inside this episode: – What’s actually happening in your body when you get triggered – How to catch your reaction early—before your nervous system hijacks your behavior – Simple ways to calm your body fast (breathwork, water, scent, music) – What past experiences may be quietly running the show when you feel attacked or out of control Whether you’re a founder, a parent, or both—this is the toolkit for staying regulated when life gets hard.  

Do you ever feel like you’re at war with yourself? One part of you wants to hustle, scale, dominate the market.Another part wants to sell the business, move to the woods, and sleep 10 hours a night.And then there’s the voice panicking about churn, cash flow, and that very unhappy customer email you can’t stop thinking about. You're not broken. You're not alone. You're just... human. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Sherry Walling introduces a powerful framework you probably haven’t tried: Internal Family Systems (IFS). This psychological model helps founders better understand their competing inner voices—and make smarter, more aligned decisions. Inside this episode: – Why some parts of you want to grow your business—and others want to burn it all down – The real reason ignoring your “inner child” can lead to burnout – How to recognize fear-based decision-making before it wrecks your strategy – A practical exercise to map your Internal Founder System #FounderLife #...

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

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.

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.  

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

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  

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 "...

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