How Mindfulness Shapes Music: Valerie June in Conversation with Jon Kabat-Zinn

In this episode of Podsongs, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June sits down with world-renowned mindfulness teacher and author Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).Together, they explore mindfulness, meditation, breath, creativity and music as practices of awareness and connection. Valerie shares how meditation has shaped her daily life and artistic process, while Jon reflects on the philosophy of mindfulness, the idea of “the story of me,” and why presence matters more than ever in a fast-paced, overstimulated world.This deep, wide-ranging conversation touches on music as meditation, spiritual experience, activism, environmental responsibility, and the power of small, conscious actions. The interview also lays the groundwork for a new song, A Rest Between Breaths, written in direct response to the insights shared during the conversation.Whether you’re interested in mindfulness meditation, breathwork, conscious creativity, or the intersection of music and spirituality, this episode offers rare depth, warmth and practical wisdom.Listen to the song inspired by this episode:A Rest Between Breaths – Valerie JuneSpotify pre-save: https://ffm.to/arestbetweenbreathsAbout PodsongsPodsongs is a unique podcast created and hosted by Jack Stafford, pairing musicians with thinkers, writers and cultural figures they admire. Each episode begins with a long-form conversation and ends with an original song inspired by the exchange. Podsongs was recorded at Goldmine Records in Vallo della Lucania, Italy.More information:Podsongs: https://podsongs.com/Valerie June: https://www.valeriejune.comJon Kabat-Zinn: https://jonkabat-zinn.com/Chapters00:00 Valerie June & Jon Kabat-Zinn on Podsongs00:55 Creativity, music and inspiration02:46 Mindfulness in everyday life04:14 Breath, meditation and awareness07:54 Valerie June’s mindfulness journey09:10 Music as meditation15:21 Spiritual experience and presence17:48 Introducing Jon Kabat-Zinn26:06 Mindfulness, music and meaning53:54 Memory, family and tradition54:26 Mindfulness and liberation55:47 Activism and small actions57:06 Meditation and global awareness59:20 Generational responsibility and the environment01:00:26 The simplicity of meditation01:01:19 Human interconnectedness01:08:30 Art, science and mindfulness01:29:08 Breath in yoga and meditation01:42:36 Final reflectionsSubscribe for more conversations on mindfulness, music, creativity and change.