From Broadway red carpets to spiritual psychology at Columbia, Emily McGill has walked a wild, winding path.
In this episode, Emily – also known as the Ivy League Witch – shares how she moved from being a successful Broadway publicist to embracing her work as a spiritual psychologist, tarot reader, and creator of the Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot.
We explore what it really feels like to shed an old identity, unmask neurodivergence in high-pressure workplaces, and reintroduce yourself to people as you change. Emily also reframes tarot as a psychological tool – “like texting yourself a meme from your subconscious” – rather than a fortune-telling gimmick, and shares insights from her Master’s thesis at Columbia on tarot as a tool for self-reflection.
At the end of the episode, Emily offers a playful “pick-a-card” reading just for listeners, using the Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot deck that weaves together Broadway archetypes, theatre history and spiritual symbolism.
In this episode, we explore:
Emily’s journey from theatre kid to Broadway publicist to Ivy League Witch
Masking neurodivergence in traditional PR culture – and what happens when you stop
The uncomfortable, brave work of reintroducing yourself as your identity shifts
Tarot as a mirror and psychological tool, not a prediction machine
Insights from Emily’s Master’s thesis on tarot and increased clarity for clients
How the Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot brings together theatre archetypes and the major arcana
A live “pick-a-card” reading for listeners using The Hermit and The Magician
Connect with Emily
Instagram (spiritual psychology & tarot): @emilyannemcg
Website: emilymcgillentertainment.com
Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot: via Emily’s website and linked from her Instagram
Connect with Jordan & the podcast
Podcast: Sacred Stories of the Spirit
Website: jordanharcourthughes.com
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