
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Est. Listeners
Insufficient chart data. Estimates will improve as the show charts.
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
N/A🎙 Daily cadence·331 episodes·Last published 3d ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
N/A - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
N/A
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 15 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
What if I'm the Best, but don't know it?
Jun 23, 2026
54m 31s
Founders Don't Retire
Jun 15, 2026
33m 48s
The Right Time to Start is Right Now
Jun 8, 2026
38m 10s
The Most Expensive Equity Doesn't go to Investors
Jun 1, 2026
46m 21s
How to be Great at Worrying
May 25, 2026
35m 55s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/23/26 | ![]() What if I'm the Best, but don't know it? | What if building a company is the fastest way to find out what you’re actually capable of? This episode explores how startups don’t just get built by founders—startups build founders by forcing them into new roles like finance, sales, marketing, design, legal, and leadership, often before they feel ready. Will shares how real stakes (like cash flow and payroll) turned “I’m bad at math” into practical financial skill, and why getting to ~80% proficiency across key areas creates leverage, better decision-making, and protection against getting bullshitted. The conversation digs into how exposure and environment unlock hidden potential (from Lars Ulrich’s story to personal career turning points), why most “I can’t” is really “I haven’t,” and how repeated reps, feedback, and humility turn competence into confidence—plus a cautionary backup-dancer story about confidence without practice.What to listen for:02:10 Creating Your Own Role03:59 From Math Failure to Finance07:04 Asking Dumb Money Questions09:35 Become What Company Needs10:47 The 80 Percent Rule11:42 Agency Skills Stack15:12 Cross Skill Superpowers16:44 No One Can Bullshit You19:05 AI as Private Tutor20:13 Exposure Creates Greatness27:03 Defining Moments Reframed29:18 Dad Versus Computers32:48 Reinventing Your Identity39:26 Founder Reinvention Loop42:27 Craftsmanship And Parenting45:36 Dance Off Reality Check52:28 What If And Keep MovingResources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ | 54m 31s | ||||||
| 6/15/26 | ![]() Founders Don't Retire | What if “retirement” for founders isn’t about stopping work, but finally getting relief? The conversation unpacks why builders rarely stop building: founders are wired to create, not to consume, and the fantasy of beach life usually shows up at a low-energy point when what’s really needed is recovery. They compare founder burnout to wanting the finish line without running the race, and note how exits often lead from “margaritas” to “domain names” within months because the calling returns once the nervous system resets. The key reframe: separate a recovery plan from a retirement plan, and define “retirement” as creating on your own terms—less panic, fewer hated parts (like investor pressure or endless hours), more control, and a sustainable way to keep doing the work you love.What to listen for:00:49 Builder DNA and Relief00:57 Carpenter Story and Pain03:06 Four Minute Founder Brain04:31 Broken Retirement Dream05:13 Reload and Retire Again06:31 Beach Metaphor Explained09:58 Athletes vs Founder Longevity12:00 Vacation Checklist Trap15:35 No Substitute for Mission17:29 Finish Line Fantasy18:45 Recovery Not Retirement20:35 Builders Need Purpose25:14 Retired But Uncharged27:00 Creation Over Consumption30:16 Retirement On Your Terms32:26 Design Better CircuitsResources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ | 33m 48s | ||||||
| 6/8/26 | ![]() The Right Time to Start is Right Now✨ | startup readinessmarket feedback+4 | — | Startups.com | — | startuplaunch+5 | — | 38m 10s | |
| 6/1/26 | ![]() The Most Expensive Equity Doesn't go to Investors✨ | equity distributionfounder challenges+3 | — | Startups.com | — | equityfounders+5 | — | 46m 21s | |
| 5/25/26 | ![]() How to be Great at Worrying✨ | worryfounders+4 | Will | Startups.com | — | worryingstartup+5 | — | 35m 55s | |
| 5/18/26 | ![]() Can Startups Be a Team of One?✨ | AI in startupsone-person companies+4 | — | AIStartups.com | — | startupsAI+7 | — | 43m 05s | |
| 5/11/26 | ![]() Why are we Really Building a Startup✨ | founder motivationsstartup challenges+3 | RyanWill | — | — | startupfounder+6 | — | 33m 43s | |
| 4/14/26 | ![]() We Rarely "Control" Our Startups✨ | startup controlequity+3 | — | Startups.com | — | controlequity+5 | — | 46m 35s | |
| 4/6/26 | ![]() Founders Need Finish Lines✨ | founder challengesarrival fallacy+3 | — | — | — | milestonesrestlessness+5 | — | 38m 33s | |
| 3/23/26 | ![]() What Should My Expectations Be?✨ | founder happinessexpectations management+3 | — | Startups.com | — | expectationsfounder happiness+5 | — | 47m 47s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 3/2/26 | ![]() What Actually Happens When A Founder Runs Out of Gas?✨ | founder burnoutrecovery strategies+4 | — | Startups.comAtlas Shrugged | — | burnoutfounders+5 | — | 34m 11s | |
| 2/23/26 | ![]() The Value of Distraction✨ | distractionstartup path+4 | — | Fundablestartups.com+1 | — | distractionstartup+6 | — | 35m 04s | |
| 2/16/26 | ![]() Master Failure✨ | failurestartups+4 | — | Startups.com | — | failurestartups+5 | — | 36m 07s | |
| 2/9/26 | ![]() We Can't Predict the Future Anymore✨ | AI in startupsbusiness transformation+4 | — | Startups.comStartup Therapy Podcast+1 | — | AIstartups+5 | — | 37m 36s | |
| 2/2/26 | ![]() We wanted efficiency. We got isolation.✨ | efficiencyhuman connection+5 | — | Startups.com | — | efficiencyisolation+5 | — | 41m 45s | |
| 12/3/25 | ![]() Are startups the future of employment?✨ | AI impact on employmentstartups+4 | — | Startups.com | — | AIstartups+5 | — | 47m 03s | |
| 11/25/25 | ![]() The Founder Hard Reset✨ | startup burnoutfounder recovery+4 | — | Startups.comStartup Therapy Podcast+1 | — | burnoutfounders+5 | — | 25m 53s | |
| 11/17/25 | ![]() Is there a line between Founder optimism and delusion? | Can founders turn delusion into success? In this episode, Ryan and Will discuss the essential role of optimism in startups. Drawing parallels between founders and firefighters, the duo explores how belief against all odds drives entrepreneurs forward. They explain how maintaining optimism is not just about having a positive outlook but about creating momentum from minor wins and leveraging chaos as an opportunity. The hosts also address the fine line between optimism and dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of an 'educated wish.' Whether you're battling to raise funds or struggling to maintain morale, this episode delves into why a founder’s unyielding belief is crucial for startup survival and growth.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:07 The Delusional Optimism of Founders01:02 Creating and Living in a Fantasy02:00 Running Toward Chaos04:54 The Passion and Drive of Founders05:59 The Reality of Startup Life12:08 The Role of Belief and Proof14:31 Finding Optimism in Small Wins16:40 Persistence in the Face of Rejection18:56 The Power of Hope in Business19:52 The Role of Optimism in Startups21:41 Balancing Optimism and Honesty23:03 The Fine Line Between Optimism and Deception26:07 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership28:55 The Role of Optimism in Overcoming Challenges32:05 The Founder's Mindset: Manufacturing Optimism | 37m 40s | ||||||
| 11/7/25 | ![]() Prioritize Productivity Over Popularity | Ever find yourself caught in the trap of confusing visibility with progress? In this episode, we'll delve into why seeking attention can often feel like momentum but doesn't necessarily translate to business traction. Will Schroter shares a cautionary tale from his own experience, revealing how his focus on brand-building and networking kept him from truly building his company. We explore the fine line between personal branding and productivity, and why many founders need to prioritize the latter to achieve real success. It's a reminder that until your product and business are fully developed, every external interaction could be costing you more than it's worth.00:30 The Trap of Visibility: A Personal Story02:24 The Illusion of Popularity vs. Productivity06:21 The Modern-Day Equivalent: Social Media09:24 Balancing Publicity and Productivity11:23 Cautionary Tales and Lessons Learned12:55 The Importance of Focus and Balance14:48 Earning the Right to Brand Build15:29 The Pitfalls of Prioritizing Popularity Over Business16:07 The Honeymoon Period of Venture Funding17:40 The Dangers of Personal Branding for Founders18:47 When Personal Views Hurt Business21:39 Balancing Personal and Company Brand23:48 Focus on Building the Business First30:22 The Cost of External InteractionsResources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for: | 31m 59s | ||||||
| 10/27/25 | ![]() Better is Better than Bigger | Is getting bigger always better for startups? This episode dives into the hidden costs of scaling up and how growth can sometimes make a company worse, not better. Ryan and Will discuss the trade-offs between size and quality, using examples like Google and PayPal. They explore how rapid growth can diminish company culture, slow down decision-making, and introduce inefficiencies. The conversation also covers personal experiences in startup growth, emphasizing the importance of optimizing for better rather than just bigger. Whether it's adding more staff or raising capital, they advocate for making decisions that enhance company quality and founder life satisfaction.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:14 The Myth of Bigger is Better00:43 Examples of Companies That Grew and Suffered02:00 The Hidden Costs of Scaling05:08 Personal Experiences with Growth Challenges13:01 The Importance of Freedom and Quality17:18 The Hidden Costs of Growth17:58 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life20:39 Defining Non-Negotiables for Better Business22:33 Scaling with Soul: Maintaining Company Culture24:41 Quality Over Quantity: Making Strategic Decisions28:07 The Power of Saying No31:15 Sticking to Your Values for Sustainable Growth | 35m 39s | ||||||
| 10/22/25 | ![]() Founder Authenticity: Use with Caution | Ever wonder if being your authentic self at work might sometimes do more harm than good? The delicate balance of authenticity and diplomacy in leadership. From discussing the rare contexts where pure honesty works, to sharing personal anecdotes about navigating the consequences of unfiltered truth, this episode unpacks how transparency can impact your team, brand, and personal relationships. Find out why being your true self might only be great advice 6% of the time and how effective communication can save you from unintended fallout.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:01:01 The Consequences of Unfiltered Honesty01:26 Generational Differences in Professionalism02:44 The Power Dynamics of Founders04:45 Balancing Honesty and Diplomacy06:01 The Luxury of Honesty and Risk08:04 The Importance of Filtering Communication12:56 The Duality of Professional Personas15:21 The Consequences of Honesty in Leadership16:19 Balancing Honesty and Diplomacy17:10 The Importance of Empathy in Communication18:26 The Cost of Unfiltered Honesty19:51 Frameworks for Effective Communication20:55 Lessons from the Terminator: Choosing Responses Wisely22:07 The Role of Diplomacy in Leadership28:17 The Medium Matters: Hot, Warm, and Cold Communication29:56 Prioritizing Outcomes Over Authenticity | 31m 17s | ||||||
| 10/14/25 | ![]() Founders, Embrace Your Flaws | Are you convinced that you need to fix all your flaws as a founder? In this episode, we explore why that's not necessarily true. Ryan and Will dive deep into the idea that both startups and their founders are loaded with problems, some of which aren't really 'problems' at all but hidden superpowers. From obsessive tendencies to ADHD, they discuss how to harness these traits for success rather than trying to fix them. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, they touch on the influence of pharmaceutical marketing, the role of social media in shaping perceptions, and the importance of finding context for your strengths. This episode challenges you to rethink how you view your weaknesses and offers a fresh perspective on founder self-acceptance and leveraging inherent traits for entrepreneurial success.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:33 Founders and Their Problems01:15 Pharmaceutical Industry Insights02:36 Social Media and Problem Creation03:46 Personal Struggles of Founders05:07 Overthinking and Control Issues11:15 ADHD and Academic Challenges17:11 Harnessing Obsessiveness for Success20:40 Evaluating Self-Help Advice21:09 Struggles with Attention Span21:31 Learning Outside Traditional Education22:15 Emphasizing Strengths Over Weaknesses23:29 Founders and Their Strengths28:08 Anxiety as a Superpower34:46 The Importance of Context in Learning38:36 Self-Acceptance and Utilizing Strengths | 41m 29s | ||||||
| 10/6/25 | ![]() Is Remote Culture, Actually Culture? | Have you ever wondered if remote work is better than being in the office? Ryan and Will dive into their experiences and how their work culture has evolved over 20 years. They discuss the pros and cons of remote work, the importance of autonomy, and how remote setups have stripped away some of the overhead, revealing who truly thrives in this environment. They also explore whether it's possible to create a strong company culture remotely and how the shift has amplified the best and worst in employees. Tune in as they break down their journey from being die-hard office goers to embracing the flexibility and autonomy of remote work.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:36 The Shift from Office to Remote Work01:01 Challenges of Remote Work01:57 Socialization and Remote Work04:42 Remote Work Rituals and Failures07:26 Digital Culture and Transactional Work12:06 Evolving Company Culture19:14 The Evolution of Workplace Culture19:34 Starting Fresh: Can We Be Transactional?20:20 The New Culture: Autonomy and Responsibility21:37 Balancing Work and Personal Life23:49 The Value and Challenges of Remote Culture25:34 Autonomy: The Ultimate Compensation26:10 Remote Work: Amplifying Strengths and Weaknesses32:13 The Social Aspect of Work37:22 The Future of Work: Remote vs. In-Office | 38m 39s | ||||||
| 9/29/25 | ![]() Can I Hand Off My Startup? | Ever dreamt of handing off your startup to a killer operator and sipping margaritas while the money keeps rolling in? It sounds perfect, but reality often has other plans. In this episode, we break down why passing on the reins isn't as smooth as it seems—from the slow degradation of everyday tasks to the irreplaceable instinct and urgency a founder brings. Discover why certain roles and tasks can be handed off successfully while others, like maintaining culture and strategic vision, often falter without the founder's unique touch. Tune in for practical advice on what you can actually hand off and what you should keep a close eye on to keep your startup thriving.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:06 The Dream of Handing Off a Startup00:54 Early Days and Initial Success02:14 The Startup Dream and Its Challenges03:47 The Reality of Handing Off a Startup05:09 The Slow Decline: Signs and Symptoms07:48 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned17:00 The Boiled Frog Syndrome19:45 The Timeless Nature of Startup Challenges20:25 The Disconnect Between Perception and Reality20:53 The Unique Metabolism of Founders22:06 The Importance of Ownership and Passion25:01 Handing Off Responsibilities: What Works and What Doesn't27:43 The Irreplaceable Elements of Leadership32:58 The Impact of Founder Presence on Company Culture39:06 The Inherent Urgency of Founders | 42m 26s | ||||||
| 9/22/25 | ![]() Did I Just Get Promoted or Fired? | Ever wonder what happens when a founder gets 'promoted' out of the CEO role? Ryan and Will dive into the tricky terrain of founder transitions, exploring how it feels to be nudged into roles like Chief Vision Officer or Chairman—positions that often come when a new CEO is brought in. They discuss the emotions involved, the motivations of investors, and the strategies for turning this awkward moment into an opportunity. Whether you're in the thick of this situation or just want to be prepared, this episode provides valuable insights on maintaining dignity, negotiating effectively, and leveraging a graceful exit for future success.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:24 The Founder Promotion Dilemma01:07 Personal Experience with Founder Titles02:26 The Gary Coleman Effect03:21 The CEO Replacement Backfire05:29 The Emotional and Financial Impact of Founder Reassignment10:44 Board Mechanics and Founder Control13:06 Investor Strategies and Founder Leverage18:34 Facing the Reality of Founder Reassignment23:17 Famous Comebacks: Steve Jobs, Howard Schultz, and Jack Dorsey24:36 The Emotional Toll of Being Replaced25:10 Turning Emotions into Positive Actions25:46 Negotiating Your Exit Strategy30:54 Crafting Your New Role31:55 The Importance of Maintaining Relationships37:00 The Worst and Best Case Scenarios | 42m 29s | ||||||
Showing 25 of 338
Pitch Fit is a Pro feature
See how bookable this show is for guests, which brands already advertise, the per-episode ad value, and the best-fit guest and sponsor profile. The numbers are blurred on the free plan.
How readily this show books outside guests like you.
How proven this show is for host-read sponsorships.
For Guests
ProFor Advertisers
ProUpgrade to Pro to unlock guest cadence, sponsor categories, fit scores, and per-episode ad value for this show.
