In this episode of the Jo Willow Rose Podcast, we explore the power of intuition through both science and real-life experience.

Intuition is often described as a “gut feeling,” but research shows it is far more than that. Psychologist Daniel Kahneman, in his book “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, explains how our brains use what he calls System 1 thinking, a fast, automatic process that draws from patterns and past experiences to guide decisions without conscious effort.

Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, in “Descartes’ Error”, introduces the Somatic Marker Hypothesis, showing that our bodies store emotional memories and use them to influence decision-making. What we feel physically such as a sense of ease or discomfort, can be an important signal guiding us toward or away from certain choices.

In addition, neuroscientist John-Dylan Haynes and his team at the Max Planck Institute demonstrated that the brain can begin forming decisions seconds before we become consciously aware of them, highlighting that intuitive processing happens beneath the surface of our awareness.

Through the story of Mary, this episode brings these ideas to life. Her quiet inner knowing that something was no longer aligned reflects how the brain and body work together to recognize patterns, process experiences, and guide us toward better outcomes.

This episode is a reminder that intuition is not random or unreliable. It is informed by your lived experiences, supported by science, and available to you at all times.

When you learn to trust it, you begin to move with greater clarity, confidence, and alignment.