Return on Intuition

Erin McMahon
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

In a world where AI is ever-present, information never stops, and external opinions flood our feeds, it’s easy to lose touch with the one voice that truly knows: your own. Return to Intuition is a podcast for conscious leaders, working parents, creatives, and seekers who are ready to pause the noise and tune back in. Hosted by Erin McMahon—marketing executive, mother of two, and intuitive seeker—this show explores how reconnecting with your inner voice can transform the way you lead, parent, create, and live. Each episode offers grounded insight, personal reflection, and meaningful conversations with founders, intuitive leaders, and thoughtful creators navigating growth, ambition, and soul-aligned choices in a fast-changing world. Let’s face the future knowing our greatest guide is within—and talk to each other about how to use the world around us to build the best every day and an even better future.

  1. How to Use Intuition When Everything's Changing (Fall Transitions, Leadership & Letting Go)

    09/03/2025

    How to Use Intuition When Everything's Changing (Fall Transitions, Leadership & Letting Go)

    What if the restlessness you feel during transitions—new seasons, career shifts, life changes—isn't anxiety, but your intuition trying to guide you forward? What if I told you that my biggest breakthroughs in business and life came not from pushing through transitions, but from learning to read them like a map? For years, I fought against change. I white-knuckled through career pivots, motherhood transitions, even seasonal shifts—believing that control equaled success. But here's what I discovered: when I stopped forcing outcomes and started flowing with natural rhythms, my intuition became my competitive advantage. In this episode, I'm sharing how fall taught me to trust transitions, why my running career revealed the power of letting go, and how leadership lessons from Coach K and elite athletes transformed my approach to business and intuition. 🎯 What You'll Learn: Why transitions are your intuition's strongest moments (and how to listen)The surprising connection between seasonal changes and business breakthroughsHow elite athletes use intuition to outperform pure talentThe Kundalini practice that changed my relationship with controlWhy "forcing it" blocks success and "flowing" accelerates itSimple ways to distinguish between fear and intuitive guidance during change💡 Key Takeaway: Transitions aren't obstacles to overcome—they're invitations to evolve. When you honor the season you're in (literally and metaphorically), your intuition becomes clearer and your path forward reveals itself. Perfect for: Leaders navigating change, entrepreneurs in transition, working parents juggling seasons of life, and anyone who wants to trust their gut during uncertain times. 🎧 Resources Mentioned: Kundalini yoga for intuitive developmentCoach K's leadership philosophyShane Battier's "no-stats All-Star" approachThe Inner Game of Tennis principles Connect with me: Visit erinm.xyz for marketing consulting and intuitive guidance that bridges business strategy with inner wisdom or follow @erinlmcmahon 📍 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes every week. (00:00) - Welcome: When Change Becomes Your Teacher (00:45) - Why Fall Transitions Mirror Inner Growth (05:11) - The Kundalini Awakening That Changed Everything (07:25) - Athletic Wisdom: What Running Taught Me About Intuition (12:54) - JJ Redick & The Power of Transition Seasons (19:16) - Inner Game: Silencing the Critic to Hear Your Intuition (24:13) - Reading Your Own Seasons of Growth (26:50) - Your Intuitive Edge: Daily Practices for Change

    28 min
  2. How to Trust Your Intuition When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

    08/20/2025

    How to Trust Your Intuition When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

    What if the life plan you’ve been following—the one shaped by family expectations, timelines, and “shoulds”—isn’t really yours at all? What if I told you that every "wrong" turn in my life led me exactly where I needed to be? For years, I lived by other people's blueprints. I took French because my mom did. I chased consulting jobs because they looked impressive on paper. I followed timelines that felt foreign to my soul. But here's what I discovered: my biggest breakthroughs came when I stopped forcing the plan and started following my intuition. In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey from external validation to inner knowing—including how ignoring my gut kept me stuck, and how trusting it landed me at Google and beyond. 🎯 What You'll Learn: Why following family expectations and societal timelines can derail your true pathHow I turned career "failures" into unexpected opportunitiesThe red door vs. yellow door exercise that transforms how you view setbacksSimple daily practices to strengthen your intuitive decision-makingWhy embracing uncertainty is the key to authentic success 💡 Key Takeaway: Your intuition knows things your logical mind hasn't figured out yet. When you learn to trust it, life becomes less about forcing outcomes and more about flowing toward your highest potential. Perfect for: Business leaders, working parents, and anyone feeling stuck between what they "should" do and what feels right. 🎧 Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lisa Miller's visualization techniqueThe Gilded Age insights on structure vs. change Connect with me: Visit erinm.xyz for marketing consulting and intuitive guidance that bridges business strategy with inner wisdom or ping on instagram @erinlmcmahon 📍 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes every week.

    28 min
  3. The 48-Hour Decision That Broke My Perfectionist Brain—And Set Me Free

    08/12/2025

    The 48-Hour Decision That Broke My Perfectionist Brain—And Set Me Free

    What if the voice telling you to 'be responsible' is actually holding you back from your best life? I almost let my perfectly color-coded calendar rob me of one of the most soul-filling experiences of my year—all because my ego brain insisted it was "too much" Main Content: Fresh off a trip abroad and knee-deep in the demands of work, parenting, and a packed schedule, I was faced with a choice: stick to my safe, predictable routine or say yes to an unplanned, whirlwind trip to see my best friend and meet her new baby. In this episode of Return on Intuition, I'm opening up about the internal tug-of-war between my "ego brain" that clings to structure and that deeper knowing that urged me to just GO. I'll share how leaning into that instinct—despite the logistical chaos—brought soul-level joy, strengthened my trust in myself, and reminded me why the smallest, most spontaneous decisions can be life-changing. Whether you're contemplating a major life shift or simply craving more alignment in your day-to-day, this story is your reminder: intuition thrives when we have the courage to act. 💡 THE BIG INSIGHT: The decisions that scare your ego often feed your soul the most. 🔍 What I'm Sharing: How I learned to recognize the difference between fear-based resistance and true intuitive guidanceWhy taking small, low-stakes risks prepared me for bigger, bolder movesMy simple practices for quieting the noise to hear my inner voice more clearlyThe surprising ripple effects of saying "yes" to what lights you upHow to take aligned action without overhauling your entire life overnight🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe for weekly reflections on clarity, courage, and the rewards of intuitive living. (00:00) - Welcome Back to Return on Intuition (00:46) - Last-Minute Travel Plans After a Change of Schedule (02:32) - The Support System That Made Spontaneous Travel Possible (04:57) - Reconnecting with Friends & Navigating Motherhood Together (05:39) - Why Listening to Your Intuition Matters (08:08) - Quick Wins from Acting on Gut Instincts (09:56) - Patience When Your Intuition Takes Time to Pay Off (12:08) - Taking Courageous Action Toward Life Changes (15:14) - Micro-Steps to Overcome Fear and Embrace Change (17:23) - Gratitude, Friendship & Soul-Nourishing Experiences (18:34) - Final Takeaways: Trust Your Gut & Make Bold Choices

    20 min
  4. Dopamine, Deadlines & Discernment: Reclaiming Focus in an AI-Paced World

    07/18/2025

    Dopamine, Deadlines & Discernment: Reclaiming Focus in an AI-Paced World

    Erin is back—and with fresh insight. After stepping away for a short break, she returns not just recharged, but clear-eyed about how easily we lose ourselves in the frenzy of modern productivity. In this reflective episode of Return on Intuition, marketing leader, AI strategist, and working mom Erin McMahon explores the tension between action and intention, dopamine hits and deeper focus, and the ever-growing influence of AI on our sense of progress. From daily task juggling to long-term impact, she candidly shares how easy it is to default into busywork that feels productive but leaves us unfulfilled—and how reconnecting to our inner compass can shift everything. Whether you're navigating deadlines, creative blocks, parenting overload, or digital overwhelm, this episode offers both grounding and guidance. 🔍 You’ll learn: Why dopamine-driven productivity can feel satisfying—but sabotage your deeper goalsHow to balance short-term wins with long-term impactThe real role AI plays in your workflow—and how to stay in the driver’s seatSimple practices to re-engage with your intuition (even in a noisy, tech-saturated day)How discernment can become your most valuable leadership skill ✨ Perfect for: high-achievers, creators, team leads, working parents, and anyone feeling the pressure to “keep up” while craving something more intentional and meaningful. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe for weekly reflections on clarity, creativity, and the power of intuitive leadership. (00:00) - Welcome to Return on Intuition (01:38) - Craving Control: How the Brain Gets Addicted to the “To-Do” List (03:28) - Intentional Time Management vs. Task Hopping (05:11) - The AI Shortcut / What It Helps and What It Can’t Replace (06:21) - Discernment Is the Real Superpower (08:08) - Setting Boundaries Between Tools and Intuition (10:31) - Parallel Processing and the Creative Mind (11:14) - Big Picture Questions: What Do You Really Want to Do? (13:31) - The 80/20 Rule and Finding Your True Impact (16:20) - Meditation, Movement, and Mental Check-Ins (19:19) - Return to Your Inner Compass / The Highest ROI (20:46) - What’s Next on the Podcast

    22 min
  5. The Gorilla in the Room: Seeing Beyond the Obvious

    06/24/2025

    The Gorilla in the Room: Seeing Beyond the Obvious

    What if the most important signals in your life are the ones you’re not noticing? In this thought-provoking episode of Return on Intuition, host Erin McMahon—a marketing leader, AI strategist, and mother of two—dives into how our attention shapes our reality. Drawing on the famed Invisible Gorilla experiment, behavioral science, and real-world moments from work and parenting, she reveals why what you don’t notice might be your greatest untapped advantage. Whether you’re a leader trying to make better decisions, a creative craving more clarity, or a parent navigating everyday chaos, this episode invites you to widen your awareness and listen more deeply—to yourself and the world around you. 🔍 You’ll learn: How your brain’s filters impact decision-making and connectionWhy narrow focus can block intuition—and how to rebalanceThe neuroscience behind the Reticular Activating System (RAS)Surprising links between parenting, AI, and perceptionPractical ways to shift into a more intuitive, present mindset✨ Perfect for: curious leaders, growth-minded creatives, parents, and anyone ready to reclaim their attention and intuition in an always-on world. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe for weekly drops on attention, awareness, and intentional living. (00:00) - Welcome to Return on Intuition (01:53) - The Invisible Gorilla: What We Miss When We Focus Too Narrowly (05:59) - The Reticular Activating System: Why We See What We Expect to See (08:56) - Making Space for Intuition in a Noisy World (11:51) - AI, Parenting, and the Gorilla We Might Be Missing (13:48) - The Power of Awareness: Designing a More Intentional Life

    17 min

  6. 06/19/2025

    The Quiet Power of Intuition: What It Feels Like and How to Trust It

    What is intuition, really—and how can you tell it apart from anxiety, overthinking, or impulse? In this solo episode of Return on Intuition, Erin peels back the mystery around intuition and brings it into real life. She explores how intuition often speaks softly—not with urgency or fear, but with a quiet consistency that guides us gently toward aligned choices. Through relatable stories and grounded practices, Erin breaks down the subtle energy of inner knowing and how it differs from the noise of stress, overthinking, or societal pressure. From processing emotions and tuning into the body, to breathwork and letting go of outside judgment, this episode is a powerful roadmap to reconnecting with your deeper self. You’ll Discover: The key differences between intuition, anxiety, and impulseHow intuition speaks through the body—not the brainSimple ways to practice intuitive decision-making every dayBreathwork, presence, and somatic tools to quiet the noiseWhy intuition is essential for leaders, creatives, and changemakers✨ Perfect for leaders, creatives, and seekers who want to make more aligned, authentic decisions in a noisy, hyper-analytical world. 🎧 Subscribe to Return on Intuition for future episodes on energy, awareness, and embodied leadership. 👉 Now streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. (00:00) - Welcome to Return on Intuition / What Is Intuition, Really? (01:02) - Why Intuition Is Hard to Trust in a Rational World (02:01) - Awareness and Energy: The First Clues of Intuition (03:08) - Gabor Maté and Energy Absorption in Everyday Life (04:16) - Anxiety vs. Intuition: How to Spot the Difference (06:17) - How to Test and Build Trust in Your Inner Knowing (08:24) - Asking Better Questions to Understand Intuition (11:15) - Letting Go of External Judgments and Shoulds (12:40) - Using Intuition for Small Daily Decisions (14:28) - Logic vs. Instinct: Which One Is Actually Leading You? (15:38) - Why the Future Is Never Certain—So Listen Inward (16:39) - Final Thoughts / Trust Your Inner Voice

    19 min
  7. Don’t Force the Leap - Feel It: The Quiet Confidence of Intuitive Readiness

    06/12/2025

    Don’t Force the Leap - Feel It: The Quiet Confidence of Intuitive Readiness

    What if your biggest breakthrough isn’t about pushing harder—but knowing when not to? In this solo episode, Erin shares a personal story that flips our usual ideas of success and participation. When her toddler unexpectedly steps into his moment on the soccer field, Erin is reminded of the quiet power of intuition—not the pressure to perform, but the pull to act when it truly feels right. This isn’t just about parenting or sports. It’s about how we show up in leadership, creativity, and life. Erin explores the tension between instinct and intuition, the noisy push of shoulds versus the steady whisper of “now’s the time.” You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to recognize your own readiness—and how to trust it. You’ll Discover: Why stepping back isn’t the same as holding backHow to tell the difference between fear and intuitive timingWhat it really means to follow the “pull” of your next leapThe mindset shift that makes growth feel expansive—not forced✨ Perfect for thoughtful leaders, parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating uncertainty with heart and self-trust.🎧 Subscribe to Return on Intuition for weekly reflections on meaningful growth, mindful leadership, and purpose-driven living. 👉 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    9 min

  8. EPISODE 22

    Return on Intuition: Why Gut Instinct Is the Ultimate Growth Strategy

    In a world drowning in data, AI advice, and endless “expert” opinions — what if your most powerful guide is actually… your intuition? Welcome to Return on Intuition, the newly reimagined podcast hosted by Erin McMahon— marketing leader, startup advisor, and mom of two. This trailer episode isn’t just a welcome — it’s a bold invitation to reconnect with the deepest, smartest part of yourself.  Erin has spent years building brands and leading in fast-paced, logic-driven environments. But here’s the truth she couldn’t ignore: the best decisions — in business, parenting, and purpose — don’t just come from data. They come from within. In just a few minutes, you'll hear about: Why the podcast is evolving in nameWhy intuition needs to be the priority strategy toolThe balance of heart and strategy in leadership and lifeA new lens on growth that honors both data and the unseenWhether you're a founder, marketer, tech builder, or parent navigating the chaos — this space is for those who want to listen inward while building outward. 💡 Ready to unlock the edge you didn’t know you had? 👉 Follow to explore marketing in the AI era, soulful brand strategy, parenting through purpose, and leading with intuition. Let’s lead with heart — and seek the magic together.

    3 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

In a world where AI is ever-present, information never stops, and external opinions flood our feeds, it’s easy to lose touch with the one voice that truly knows: your own. Return to Intuition is a podcast for conscious leaders, working parents, creatives, and seekers who are ready to pause the noise and tune back in. Hosted by Erin McMahon—marketing executive, mother of two, and intuitive seeker—this show explores how reconnecting with your inner voice can transform the way you lead, parent, create, and live. Each episode offers grounded insight, personal reflection, and meaningful conversations with founders, intuitive leaders, and thoughtful creators navigating growth, ambition, and soul-aligned choices in a fast-changing world. Let’s face the future knowing our greatest guide is within—and talk to each other about how to use the world around us to build the best every day and an even better future.

Information

  • Creator
    Erin McMahon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Erin McMahon
  • Show Website
    Return on Intuition