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Episode 81: "Say the damn thing!"- Emelie Sanders

In this episode of Return, Caitlan Siegenthaler is joined by Emilie Sanders. Emelie is the wip-smart, queso-loving copy strategist behind Pass the Queso. From flipping thrifted clothes to flipping the script on how we write and sell, Emilie brings the kind of wisdom we all wish everyone had on the internet.

They get into everything from motherhood and marketing to why clarity beats cleverness—and how the best copy doesn’t try to sound smart, it just sounds like you. If your messaging feels a little “meh,” your brand voice is on mute, or you’ve got 27 abandoned email drafts in your notes app… this episode will hit. Plus, you might lol so hard your cat will wonder what is really going on in your headphones.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why clarity in messaging beats cleverness
• How to use humor in your copy without losing your edge
• The underrated power of iteration (and what it really looks like)
• Why building a brand you like matters more than “the algorithm”
• How Emily uses productized newsletters to grow her list (and income)
• What to prioritize as a mom, entrepreneur, and human with limited hours

Key Takeaways:

• Iteration is the heartbeat of a growing business
• “Say the damn thing”—authenticity always wins
• You don’t need to be everywhere; you need to be clear
• Branding is an inside job
• Let your messaging evolve as you evolve

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Emily Sanders and Her Journey
02:52 – From Reselling to Copywriting: The Evolution
05:59 – The Importance of Iteration in Business
08:58 – Finding Your Unique Voice in Copywriting
11:49 – The Power of Humor in Marketing
14:43 – Building a Brand: Pass the Queso
17:47 – Copywriting Tips for Beginners
20:44 – The Role of Community in Business
23:32 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
26:48 – The Power of Direct Communication
30:51 – Crafting Compelling Emails
36:08 – The Art of Productized Newsletters
40:53 – Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
46:47 – Returning to Yourself: Self-Care and Identity

Links & Resources:

• Work with Emelie: passthequeso.com
• Grab Caitlan’s free Human Design & IFS mini-course: caitlansiegenthaler.com/resources
• The Return Podcast is edited by Mike Sims

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"Stop measuring your success by energy used."

Episode 80: Human Design & Burnout: Why Certain Work Exhausts Projectors, Manifestors & Reflectors

If you’ve ever wondered “Why can’t I just keep up like everyone else?”—this one’s for you. In this solo episode, Caitlan Siegenthaler unpacks the invisible pressure of hustle culture and why it hits energy-sensitive entrepreneurs hardest.

You’ll learn how Human Design can explain your burnout, help you release the guilt around rest, and show you how to work with your energy—not against it. Whether you're a Projector, Manifestor, or Reflector (or serve them), this is a must-listen for building a business that doesn’t drain your soul.

*Discounted Human Design Reading for the First 3 Listeners to Book* This is the only way to access this offer. Click here.

What You'll Learn:

• Why you’re not broken for needing more rest
• How hustle culture feeds burnout (especially for energy-sensitive types)
• The biggest shifts Projectors, Manifestors & Reflectors need to thrive
• How to rebuild self-worth beyond productivity
• What it looks like to build your business around your energy type

Chapters:
00:00 – Why this episode matters
02:08 – Capitalism, worth & why we feel lazy
06:21 – Energy types in Human Design: a breakdown
12:14 – What deconditioning actually looks like
16:25 – Challenges + gifts of Projectors, Manifestors & Reflectors
35:52 – Your energy is the offer
38:19 – Making your business work for you
45:07 – Final words & where to go from here

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Caitlan:
  • Website
  • Instagram
• Book a 90 Minute Deep Dive Session Here
• Next Level Decisions Free Podcast Sign Up Here
• Apply for 1:1 mentorship: caitlansiegenthaler.com/biz-mentorship
• Podcast Editor: Mike Sims

Want more support?
If you're done forcing strategies that burn you out and ready to build a business that actually honors your energy—this is your sign. Apply for the Return Biz Mentorship here and let's build it your way.

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"Trust your feelings & verify."

Episode 79: Overthinking, Dating & Decision-Making with Shelby Alkire

In this episode of Return, Caitlan Siegenthaler sits down with Shelby Alkire to unpack the tangled web of overthinking in dating and relationships. From second-guessing every text to carrying the weight of past wounds, they explore how trauma, social media, and self-doubt shape how we show up in love.

They also dive into Human Design as a powerful tool for understanding your decision-making style—especially if you have emotional authority—and how to make more aligned, self-trusting choices in relationships. This conversation is equal parts validating and empowering for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their head when it comes to matters of the heart.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why overthinking feels so familiar in dating
• How trauma and self-doubt drive patterns of over-analysis

• The role social media plays in distorting our relationship expectations

• How to balance intentionality with fun when dating

• How Human Design supports clearer, more confident decision-making

• The difference between emotional, sacral, splenic, and self-projected authority

• Why low-stakes decision-making practice is a game changer

• What it means to trust yourself in love

💌 Sign up for the July 14th Dating Workshop with Caitlan & Shelby:

⁠https://enchanting-shadow-994.myflodesk.com/nk15j3ymwt⁠

Trust yourself and have great dates!

Chapters:
02:57 – Understanding Overthinking Patterns
06:10 – The Divergence of Dating Paths
08:57 – Balancing Intentionality and Fun
11:58 – The Impact of Social Media
14:53 – Human Design & Overthinking
17:46 – The Role of Trauma in Dating
21:00 – Recognizing Relationship Patterns
23:55 – Self-Doubt & Decision Paralysis
27:00 – Human Design in Practice
29:20 – How Decision-Making Authority Works
36:16 – Exploring Authority Types
44:54 – Applying Human Design to Relationships
51:18 – Building Trust Through Daily Practice

Connect with Shelby:

• Shelby's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbychantilly/

  Shelby's Website:

https://shelbychantilly.com/about

Want to learn how to trust yourself?

Sign up for Caitlan's free podcast called Next Level Decisions:

https://enchanting-shadow-994.myflodesk.com/nextlevelpod

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s overthinking their love life, too.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe—every bit helps spread the word. And remember: your clarity is already within you. Let’s help you trust it. ✨

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Episode 78: "I had to be quiet to stay safe" -Jalon Johnson

What happens when the quiet kid grows up to hold space for healing on a mic? In this episode of Return, Caitlan sits down with Jalon Johnson—host of the Not Your Ordinary Parts podcast—for a powerful conversation on childhood wounds, emotional healing, and what it means to truly come home to yourself.

Jalon opens up about his journey through imposter syndrome, anxiety, and the unspoken grief that shaped his early life. He shares how therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) helped him understand his parts, redefine masculinity, and embrace vulnerability as a strength—not a liability.

This is an episode about crying for the first time after a year of silence. About the bravery of setting boundaries even when it costs you old relationships. And about the radical truth that healing is your birthright.

Whether you’re new to therapy, navigating inner child work, or exploring your voice in a louder world—this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• • How childhood survival strategies shape adult relationships
  • Why imposter syndrome sticks around (even after success)
  • The role of podcasting as a tool for healing and expression
  • How IFS therapy can help you meet your inner child with compassion
  • What it means to be emotionally available and masculine
  • Why authenticity is the true path to connection and self-acceptance

• 
  

  Chapters:
  00:00 — Introduction and Imposter Syndrome
  03:03 — Childhood Experiences and Sensitivity
  05:50 — The Role of Anxiety in Personal Growth
  08:48 — Podcasting as a Healing Journey
  11:48 — Holding Space for Others14:55 — Navigating Boundaries and Relationships
  17:58 — The Impact of Therapy on Personal Growth
  20:58 — Courage to Seek Help
  23:51 — The Journey of Healing and Authenticity
  33:13 — The Journey of Self-Acceptance
  39:23 — Understanding Internal Family Systems
  46:17 — The Importance of Therapy
  50:43 — Redefining Masculinity
  01:01:08 — Returning to the True Self

  
  

  If this episode cracked something open for you, you might love Caitlan's 1:1 mentorship container. Only 3 spots available, apply here: https://www.caitlansiegenthaler.com/biz-mentorship

  
  

  Connect with Jalon:

• • Listen to Jalon’s podcast: Not Your Ordinary Parts

• • Follow Jalon on Instagram: @notyourordinaryparts

• 
  

  
  

• If this episode cracked something open for you, we’d love for you to leave a review and share it with someone who’s on their own healing journey.
  

  You’ll be entered to win a free Human Design reading! All you have to do is send a screenshot of your review to @caitlansiegenthaler on IG or hello@caitlansiegenthaler on Instagram.

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Episode 77: How to Build a Business That Fits (Without Burning Out): Lessons from a Former Meta Exec

What happens when you leave big tech, trust your gut, and build a business that’s as intentional as it is innovative? In this episode of Return, Caitlan Siegenthaler sits down with Anya Cheng—founder of Taelor.Style—an AI-powered menswear rental service changing the game in sustainable fashion. From launching Facebook Shopping to disrupting the fashion industry with heart and strategy, Anya shares what it takes to stay aligned while building something bold. This is a conversation about energy, empathy, and unapologetically owning your magic.

Anya opens up about navigating doubt, honoring your energy cycles, and how understanding human behavior (not just data) leads to real innovation. Whether you're feeling scattered, pivoting, or searching for clarity in your own business—this one will remind you that sustainable success starts with returning to yourself.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Anya transitioned from Meta to her own AI startup

• Why customer-centric thinking outperforms flashy branding

• What role empathy plays in both business and personal relationships

• How to focus when your brain wants to chase all the ideas

• The underestimated power of writing things down (yes, really)

• Why your energy source matters more than your productivity hacks

Key Takeaways:

• Self-doubt is part of the entrepreneurial path—clarity comes from movement.

• Real magic happens when you trust your unique gifts.

• Integrity > algorithms

• Energy is personal. Don’t copy someone else’s morning routine.

• Customer feedback isn’t just nice to have—it’s the roadmap.

• Empathy and genuine relationships open unexpected doors.

• Your story, your upbringing, your essence—they’re all part of your magic.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Anya Cheng and Her Journey
03:07 – Overcoming Doubt in Entrepreneurship
06:06 – Strategic Frameworks for Problem Solving
08:54 – Understanding Customer Needs
11:56 – Sustainability in Fashion and Business Insights
15:05 – Collaboration and Community in Business
17:56 – Finding Inspiration Through Connection
20:56 – The Power of Genuine Relationships
24:02 – Navigating Challenges and Staying Authentic
29:03 – Navigating Relationships and Empathy
31:24 – Finding Energy and Inspiration
35:41 – The Birth of Taelor
39:22 – Customer-Centric Decision Making
44:05 – Balancing Work and Personal Energy
47:15 – Returning to Self and Connection

Links & Resources:

Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by expert stylists and AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's.
Experience effortless style with rental and personal styling services:
Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription.
Use code: PODCAST25
Sign up at: https://taelor.style/pages/membership
Armoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription.
Use code: ArmoirexTaelor
Sign up at:

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“The Akashic Records are like the library of your soul.” -Jennifer Spor

#76: WTF are the Akashic Records?

What happens when the life you thought you wanted starts to feel like a cage? In this soul-shaking episode of Return, Caitlan is joined by Jennifer Spor—spiritual coach, Akashic Records expert, and former corporate powerhouse—who walked away from the boardroom and into her purpose.

Together, they dive deep into spiritual awakenings, navigating major life transitions, and how the library of your soul (aka the Akashic Records) can guide you back to yourself. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to actually trust your inner voice—or what happens when you do—this conversation is your sign.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What a spiritual awakening actually feels like (it’s not all crystal baths and light codes)

• How to decode synchronicities and gut feelings without gaslighting yourself

• Why the Akashic Records are the most underrated tool for spiritual guidance and self-discovery

• How to stop "dating" your purpose and marry it already

• Meditation, courage, and connecting with your future self

• Practical ways to use intuition and spiritual tools to transform your career or business

Timestamps & Topics Covered:
00:00 – Meet Jennifer: From corporate grind to soul-led guide
05:07 – The moment everything shifted (aka her spiritual wake-up call)
09:52 – Fear, courage & the sacred WTF of big life changes
15:01 – Synchronicities, breadcrumbs & divine detours
20:12 – WTF are the Akashic Records (and why you might want to open yours)
24:52 – How to access your soul’s guidance without getting lost in the woo
30:06 – Using your spiritual gifts in business (yes, even if you’re a strategist or coach)
34:53 – Final reflections, resources, and your invitation to return to you

Resources & Links:

• Find Jennifer at: https://www.jenniferspor.com

• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jennifer.spor

• Book your own Return Deep Dive: caitlansiegenthaler.com

• Editor: Mike Sims:https://www.instagram.com/mikerobsims/

Don't forget....Still waiting for the “right” time to make that change? Jennifer’s story is proof that trusting your intuition isn’t reckless—it’s revolutionary.
Subscribe, review, and send this to someone who’s one cosmic nudge away from a breakthrough.

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Keywords for the Search Gods:spiritual awakening, Akashic Records, personal transformation, life purpose, intuition, self-discovery, spiritual coaching, synchronicity, meditation for clarity, energy healing, emotional resilience, leaving corporate, spiritual entrepreneurship

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"You're not behind, you're in integrity."

Episode 75: The True Cost of Integrity in Business

In this episode of Return, Caitlan Siegenthaler gets real about integrity in business—the kind that doesn’t just sound good on a sales page, but actually feels good in your body. From marketing tactics that made her soul cringe to public pivots that required big doses of courage, Caitlan shares personal stories and sharp insights about building a business that doesn’t force you to abandon yourself. If you’ve ever questioned a coach’s flashy promise, felt weird about your own launch strategy, or wondered if you’re “behind” for doing things your way, this one’s for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why success without integrity isn’t really success

• How to spot the difference between transparency and performance

• What to do when your strategy starts to feel misaligned

• How integrity shows up (or doesn’t) in the coaching and service provider world

• Why it’s okay—essential, even—to pivot publicly

• What it really means to be in alignment with your business

Key Takeaways:

• Success that costs you your integrity is too expensive

• We need to normalize honesty and transparency in business

• Money made out of misalignment usually has a cost

• Being in integrity isn’t about rigidly sticking to the plan

• If anyone teaches you to bypass your intuition, run

  
  

Chapters:
00:00 – The Cost of Integrity in Business
08:55 – Navigating Change and Public Pivots
14:55 – Finding Integrity in Service Providers
30:00 – Building a Business Without Abandoning Yourself

Links & Resources:

• Explore Caitlan’s business mentorship and Human Design offerings: caitlansiegenthaler.com

• Follow Caitlan on Instagram: @caitlansiegenthaler

• Free resource: Next Level Decisions private podcast → Join here

• Editor: Mike Sims: https://www.instagram.com/mikerobsims/

Outro:
Loved this episode? Leave a review or send it to someone who’s ready to ditch the shoulds and return to real success.
✨ Want to go deeper? Book a 90-minute Deep Dive strategy session and build your business your way: Book here

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Episode 74: Authentic Therapy — How Intuition and Ancient Medicine Are the Real Future of Healing

Ready to go deeper into your own healing and growth journey? Book a Deep Dive Session here — ⁠⁠[Reserve your spot]⁠⁠

In this episode of Return, Caitlan sits down with Casey Stevens, a therapist and conscious coach who blends integrative psychology, energy healing, and ancient medicine to create a more intuitive, authentic healing experience.

They dive into what happens when we ditch rigid therapeutic models and trust the organic intelligence of energy, intuition, and consciousness. From Casey’s personal journey of awakening her intuitive gifts to the practical ways energy work impacts client relationships, this conversation is for anyone who's ready to expand their idea of what healing can actually look like.

Whether you're a therapist, healer, coach, or simply a human on the path of growth, this episode will remind you: healing isn’t linear — it’s alive, evolving, and deeply personal.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why authenticity is crucial for deep healing

• How childhood experiences often shape intuitive gifts

• The energetic exchange that happens in every client relationship

• Why coaching and therapy serve different roles — and how to tell which you need

• What quantum healing really means (no buzzwords, just truth)

• How to maintain a clean energetic field as a practitioner

• The role of intuition in making healing more fluid and effective

• What it looks like to return to yourself after a big life shift

Key Takeaways:

• Healing is an energy exchange, not just a mental process.

• Authenticity strengthens client relationships (and your own self-trust).

• Childhood patterns often reveal hidden intuitive gifts.

• Quantum healing = understanding that everything is energy.

• Coaching and therapy both serve, but they move differently.

• Maintaining your energetic hygiene is essential as a healer or therapist.

• Listening to intuition makes healing less rigid and more real.

• Personal growth is about peeling back the layers — not adding more on.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to the conversation with Casey Stevens
03:01 – The journey to authenticity in therapy
06:10 – Integrating psychology with ancient healing modalities
08:53 – Trusting intuition in the therapeutic process
11:57 – How childhood experiences awaken intuitive gifts
14:52 – Understanding healing as an energetic process
17:54 – Facilitating client journeys without forcing outcomes
20:58 – Coaching vs. therapy: different needs, different seasons
28:50 – Embracing fluid, intuitive healing practices
31:49 – What quantum healing really is (and isn’t)
39:29 – The role of energy work in therapy and coaching
46:04 – Why clean energetic boundaries matter
52:56 – Returning to self through honoring your rhythms

Links & Resources:

• Want to deepen your healing or biz alignment? ⁠[Book a Deep Dive Session here]⁠

• Connect with Casey Stevens: @shrinkbigger
  www.shrinkbigger.com

• Follow Cai