We Need Outside Interests that Consume Us

We Need Outside Interests that Consume Us

Author: Startups.com April 21, 2025 Duration: 50:24

Dive into the common struggle founders face with burnout and the inability to truly relax. Ryan and Will  share their personal experiences and discuss how traditional relaxation methods often fail for them. Instead, they highlight the importance of finding other meaningful and challenging obsessions outside of work to channel their energy. From woodworking and home-building to martial arts, they explore how these activities can provide a sense of accomplishment, progression, and actual mental rest, ultimately making them better and more effective in their startup journeys. Tune in to gain insights on how to recharge as a founder by embracing big, consuming projects that challenge and fulfill you.

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:

00:44 The Struggle with Relaxation
01:36 Failed Attempts at Relaxation
03:32 Vacation Dilemmas
05:52 The Need for Mental Engagement
09:47 The Importance of Completion
14:07 Finding New Problems to Solve
22:10 Woodworking as a Solution
24:13 The Obsession Begins: From Birdhouses to Building a House
24:48 The Challenge of Building a House from Scratch
25:35 Balancing Work and Passion Projects
26:31 The Importance of Completion and Physical Activity
27:53 Managing Overwhelm and Finding Solutions
29:14 The Power of Small, Consistent Efforts
30:22 The Role of Meaningful Side Projects
33:17 The Need for Mental and Physical Challenges
36:21 The Value of Overwhelming Projects


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
The Spectrum of Investor Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:24
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the complexities of handling feedback from investors, emphasizing the critical need for founders to properly qualify and assess the advi…
$10K Per Month isn't Just Revenue. It's Life Support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:52
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why earning atleast $10,000 per month is one of the most important milestones in your startup career. They stress the need to do whatever it takes to keep your…
Why Do VCs Keep Giving "failed" Founders Money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:42
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why investors choose to invest on “failed” founders. They debunk the myth that failure marks the end of a founder's journey and shows why giving people a secon…
If It Makes Money, It Makes Sense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:09
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the importance of generating revenue and being willing to do whatever it takes to move a startup forward. They discuss why it's crucial for entrepreneurs to pr…
The Hidden Treasure of Failed Startups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:48
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the hidden treasure of failed startups. From redefining valuation to creative acquisition strategies, they share insights on salvaging value from adversity. Tu…
My Competitors Just Raised Funds - Am I Screwed? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about what happens if your competitor got funded. Join as they discuss the common concern of competitors securing funds and share valuable perspectives on why this m…
Can Having Zero Experience Be a Huge Asset? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:53
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan explore whether lacking prior experience can be a game-changer for startup founders. Having zero experience means you're new to something, and surprisingly, that can be a…
What If I Build a Startup That Just Makes Money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:19
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about whether a founder should focus on building a startup that just makes money. Ever thought about ditching the whole fundraising craze and simply building a start…
How to Get Rockstar Startup Advisors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:07
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you can get rockstar advisors for your startup. Discover the common mistakes people make when they are getting people to be their advisors and what are the bes…