The Founder Hard Reset

The Founder Hard Reset

Author: Startups.com November 25, 2025 Duration: 25:53

Ever felt like vacations just aren't cutting it when it comes to startup burnout? In this episode, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter dive deep into why burnout is inevitable for founders and how quick fixes like vacations often fail to address the root of the issue. They explore how to truly recover and maintain that all-important spark in your work. Learn why it's crucial to inventory what drains and fuels your energy, and how making meaningful changes—not just taking time off—can lead to sustainable recovery. Real-life examples and practical advice make this a must-listen for any founder feeling the grind.

Resources:
Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
Website
https://www.startups.com/begin
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

Join our Network of Top Founders
Wil Schroter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
Ryan Rutan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

What to listen for:
00:34 The Misconception of Business Success and Burnout
01:00 Personal Stories of Burnout
02:10 The Ineffectiveness of Vacations
03:49 The Importance of Meaning in Work
04:11 Personal Struggles with Burnout
07:27 The Real Cause of Burnout
10:23 Balancing Tasks to Prevent Burnout
11:59 The Battle Within: Struggles in the Workplace
12:58 Startup Expectations vs. Reality
13:46 Finding Energy and Avoiding Burnout
15:34 The Importance of Positive Energy
18:22 Active Breaks for Founders
22:32 Identifying and Addressing Burnout
25:31 Join the Startups.com Community


Building a company is far more chaotic and personal than any business school case study lets on. Startup Therapy from Startups.com digs into that reality, moving past polished success stories to focus on the raw, unvarnished journey. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan, who have each navigated these trenches themselves, lead conversations that feel more like essential conversations between founders than a standard interview show. They tackle the specific pressures that come with trying to transform an idea into something meaningful-the financial strain, the team dynamics, the personal sacrifices, and the frequent moments of doubt that rarely make the keynote speech. This podcast operates on a simple premise: the best guidance comes from those who have been there, not from abstract theory. Each episode is a candid session, dissecting the professional hurdles and the intense emotional toll that founders manage daily. You’ll hear direct talk about fundraising fails, partnership conflicts, burnout, and the small victories that keep everything moving forward. It’s a resource for anyone in the thick of building something, offering practical perspectives and a sense of shared experience when the path gets especially tough. The dialogue is straightforward and focused on actionable insight, providing a genuine look at the resilience required to change the world, one startup at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Startup Therapy
Podcast Episodes
Does LOCATION matter for your startup? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:57
Ryan and Will discuss the evolution of startup location strategies. They reminisce about the bygone era when relocating to major hubs like San Francisco was essential for success due to access to talent, investors, and n…
Are The Sacrifices Worth It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:45
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, the guys tackle the big question: was the entrepreneurial journey worth it? They discuss the sacrifices, the missed experiences, and the immense pressures that come with be…
Are Founders Forged Over Youth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:45
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss how childhood experiences influence the entrepreneurial journey. They explore why many founders' origin stories trace back to their ear…
Assets OVER Exits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
In this episode of Startup Therapy, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter challenge the startup world's focus on big exits and venture capital. They highlight the benefits of cash-flowing businesses, showing how consistent profi…
You Only Have to Be Right Once [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, Ryan and Will chat about how startup success isn’t always a straight path. They use Mark Cuban’s story as a prime example, showing why sticking it out for the long run is s…
What Would I do Differently [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
In this episode of The Startup Therapy, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the 'what if' scenarios that often preoccupy founders. Will shares personal milestones, showing how taking bigger risks shaped his journey. The…
When Can I Afford to GAMBLE? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:41
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter dive into an interesting perspective: taking risks in entrepreneurship is actually a luxury, not the norm. They break down what it really costs…
Can Founders Find Contentment? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:19
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter delve into the anxiety surrounding contentment in the startup ecosystem. They question the conventional wisdom that equates contentment with s…
Why do Investors FIRE Founders? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:48
Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter discuss the complexities and challenges faced by startup founders, particularly the frequent occurrence of founders being replaced by investors. The conversation delves into the motivations…
The Burden of Unrealistic Expectations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:00
In this episode Ryan and Will delve into the intense pressures faced by founders from investors, peers, and the startup community. They discuss how these external expectations often drive founders to pursue goals misalig…