Songwriter Leroy Stagger speaks with writer Alistair McIntosh about the mental-health strain many experienced during COVID, the need for community, and how the “pause” helped Leroy slow down, reconnect with spirituality, and better understand his purpose as a touring musician. Leroy credits Alistair’s books, especially Soil and Soul and Poacher’s Pilgrimage, along with authors and artists like Patti Smith, Nick Cave, and others, for shaping his thinking about kindness, poetry, and a “divine inner reality.” Alistair discusses the Scottish bardic tradition, the “carrying stream,” mentoring through people, visions, and dreams, and the idea that spiritual insight is a gift of grace rather than willpower. They explore prayer as “holding others in God,” the dark night of the soul, interconnectedness, and keeping “one eye on the ground and the other on the stars,” then close with plans for Leroy to write a song inspired by the conversation.

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/carryme-ls00:00 Welcome and Apology01:03 Mental Health and Modern Life02:11 COVID Pause and Self Discovery05:03 Books That Sparked Spirituality07:30 Patti Smith and Communal Faith13:58 Finding the Bardic Calling18:09 Origins of a Writer22:44 Carrying Stream and Fairy Hill25:17 Second Sight Story32:57 Divine Inner Reality36:07 Community Love and Beauty41:30 Grace and Dark Night44:18 God Come to My Heart46:50 Mantra and Grace47:38 Interfaith Mountain Paths49:48 Prayer in Torture54:06 God Carry Me56:34 Grounded and Starbound59:19 Aftershow and Next Guests01:02:30 Studio Talk and Songwriting01:07:56 Closing Song Snippet

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.

⁠Alastair Campbell⁠ joins host ⁠Jack Stafford⁠ and musician ⁠Allman Brown⁠ for a rare and deeply human conversation on Podsongs.

Known for his central role in New Labour and his openness about mental health, Campbell reflects on vulnerability, resilience and leadership under pressure. The discussion moves from mental health in politics and the emotional weight of decision-making to Brexit, legacy and comparisons between past and present political leaders. Music weaves throughout the episode, offering insight into creativity, survival and Campbell’s lifelong love of sound — including an unexpected passion for bagpipes.A thoughtful, wide-ranging podcast episode exploring politics, mental health and the power of music to shape who we become.

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/livingbetter

00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:10 Discussing Alistair Campbell's Inspiration01:45 Mental Health and Vulnerability02:51 The Impact of Podcasts03:46 Music Industry Challenges11:10 Boarding School Experiences15:08 Songwriting and Creative Process24:53 Alistair Campbell Joins the Conversation31:46 Defining Bravery and Personal Growth34:05 Political Vulnerability and Empathy37:52 Mental Health in Politics48:40 Creative Processes and Inspirations01:00:30 Legacy and Historical Impact01:09:22 Tony Blair's Legacy Beyond Iraq01:10:15 Angela Merkel and the Fluidity of Legacy01:11:34 Emotionality in Politics: Blair vs. Modern Leaders01:12:30 Keir Starmer and the Modern Political Landscape01:13:40 The Weight of Leadership Decisions01:16:58 Understanding Brexit and Political Discontent01:26:19 The British Empire and Education01:28:10 Reflections on Global Political Shifts01:30:36 Podcast Wrap-Up and Future Plans// SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Newsletter, donations and download the song for €/$1 @ https://podsongs.com// LINKS //Website: https://podsongs.comPodcast episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodesSongs: https://podsongs.com/musicSpotify artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32FYyRx1y1ex3jHHAgLMC7?si=4Nv7WW85SbSPZvCsj1o7IgSpotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sN1viy82HPiNTVX2YBxpq?si=1b84c2b9bdea4656// SOCIAL //Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsongsInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsongsFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs