In this three-part series, the Moonshots Podcast takes a deep dive into the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, the creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This foundational framework—The 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness—offers practical, timeless guidance for living with greater awareness, clarity, and emotional intelligence.

Whether you're seeking more presence in your personal life, resilience in your work, or deeper insight into yourself, this series explores how to build those capacities through the simple, yet powerful principles of mindfulness.

Episode 280 – Part 1: Beginner’s Mind, Non-Judging, and Acceptance

In the first episode of the series, Mike and Mark unpack the first three attitudes in Jon Kabat-Zinn’s model. These core concepts help shape how we relate to ourselves, others, and the present moment.

1. Beginner’s Mind (Clip: 2m08)
Kabat-Zinn encourages us to approach each moment as if it were new, free from assumptions and past experiences. The idea is to cultivate a fresh, curious perspective—even toward familiar situations. This mindset opens the door to deeper learning, more meaningful relationships, and renewed appreciation for the everyday.

Key insight: When we let go of the belief that we already know, we create space for true discovery.

2. Non-Judging (Clip: 3m35)
Modern life trains us to evaluate everything constantly—our performance, thoughts, feelings, and the world around us. Kabat-Zinn teaches that non-judging is the practice of noticing these thoughts without getting caught up in them. It’s not about suppressing judgment but becoming aware of its automatic nature and choosing not to engage with it.

Key insight: By observing our thoughts without attaching labels, we create the mental freedom to respond instead of react.

3. Acceptance (Clip: 2m46)
Acceptance is often misunderstood as passivity. Kabat-Zinn reframes it as an active engagement with reality. Instead of resisting what is happening, we learn to meet it fully. This doesn’t mean we approve of everything—it means we begin with clarity and honesty, which is the first step toward meaningful change.

Key insight: Acceptance allows us to stop fighting reality and start responding to it with intention.

Why These Attitudes Matter

Beginner’s mind, non-judging, and acceptance form the bedrock of a mindful life. Practiced together, they help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve emotional regulation. These are not abstract ideas—they are habits of attention and perception that anyone can develop.

This episode offers real-world reflections and actionable takeaways to begin integrating mindfulness into your daily routine.

Coming Soon in the Series

• Episode 281 (Part 2): Patience, Trust, and Non-Striving
• Episode 282 (Part 3): Letting Go and Gratitude

Links
Website: https://www.moonshots.io

YouTube: Coming soon
Become a Member: https://www.patreon.com/Moonshots

• Mike
• Edwin Deitch
• Jamie Dorward
• Emily Rose Banks
• Malcolm Magee
• Natalie
• Ryan N.
• Marco-Ken Möller
• 孤鸿 月影
• Fabian
• Jasper Verkaart
• Andy Pilara
• ola
• Austin Hammatt
• Zachary Phillips
• Mike Leigh Cooper
• Gayla Schiff
• Laura KE
• Roar Nikolay Ytre-Eide
• Stef
• Roger von Holdt
• venkata reddy
• Ingram Casey
• Ola
• rahul grover
• Ravi Govender
• Craig Lindsay
• Steve Woollard
• Deborah Spahr
• Samoela
• Jo Hatchard
• Kalman Cseh
• Berg De Bleecker
• Paul Acquaah
• MrBonjour
• Konnor Ah kuoi
• Marjan Modara
• Dietmar Baur
• Bob Nolley

In this thought-provoking episode of the Moonshots Podcast, join our hosts, Mike and Mark, as they dive deep into Brené Brown's impactful work, Dare to Lead. This episode promises to enlighten and inspire. It is structured around four captivating clips that bring Brené Brown's insights directly to you.

Buy The Book on Amazon https://geni.us/Daretolead

Become a Moonshot Member https://www.patreon.com/Moonshots

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/6BVWVyVrp4I

Summary:https://www.apolloadvisor.com/dare-to-lead-by-brene-brown/

INTRO: The episode begins with an engaging introduction to Brené Brown’s philosophy, setting the stage for discussing the importance of vulnerability in leadership.

Clip 1: Brené Brown shares her wisdom, focusing on showing vulnerability. She highlights how embracing our vulnerabilities can act as a catalyst for courage, inspiring those around us. This segment, titled "Courage is Contagious," lasts a little over two minutes but packs a powerful message about the strength found in openness.

Clip 2: The conversation then moves to the "The 7 Pillars of Trust," a cornerstone of Brené's teachings. Through a memorable acronym, B.R.A.V.I.N.G., this segment simplifies the complex behaviors essential for building trust in any relationship. At just over three minutes, this clip provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of these critical principles.

Clip 3: FourMinuteBooks takes the stage to distill another of Brené’s valuable lessons on the power of focus through adversity. By narrowing down your core values, this one-minute and thirteen-second clip emphasizes how a clear understanding of what truly matters can guide leaders through challenging times.

OUTRO: Brené Brown wraps up the show with a powerful message on the influence of leadership. "Inspire others today" is not just a call to action; it's a reminder of every leader's power to make a difference. This closing segment encourages listeners to step into their potential and lead with intention.

Buy The Book on Amazon https://geni.us/Daretolead

Become a Moonshot Member https://www.patreon.com/Moonshots

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/YpSfbYTJDK4

Summary:https://www.apolloadvisor.com/dare-to-lead-by-brene-brown/

Throughout the episode, Mike and Mark facilitate a dynamic exploration of Brené Brown's Dare to Lead, weaving together her expert insights with their reflections. Whether you're a long-time follower of Brené Brown or new to her work, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, vulnerability, and the courage to be authentic. Don't miss this deep dive into the heart of transformative leadership practices.

• Mike
• Edwin Deitch
• Jamie Dorward
• Emily Rose Banks
• Malcolm Magee
• Natalie
• Ryan N.
• Marco-Ken Möller
• 孤鸿 月影
• Fabian
• Jasper Verkaart
• Andy Pilara
• ola
• Austin Hammatt
• Zachary Phillips
• Mike Leigh Cooper
• Gayla Schiff
• Laura KE
• Roar Nikolay Ytre-Eide
• Stef
• Roger von Holdt
• venkata reddy
• Ingram Casey
• Ola
• rahul grover
• Ravi Govender
• Craig Lindsay
• Steve Woollard
• Deborah Spahr
• Samoela
• Jo Hatchard
• Kalman Cseh
• Berg De Bleecker
• Paul Acquaah
• MrBonjour
• Konnor Ah kuoi
• Marjan Modara
• Dietmar Baur
• Bob Nolley

In this deeply reflective episode, hosts Mike and Mark unpack Joseph Nguyen’s powerful insights from Don’t Believe Everything You Think. Together, they explore how our relationship with thought directly shapes our inner peace, emotions, and even our identity. With a carefully curated set of clips and commentary, this episode invites listeners to step outside their minds and reconnect with who they truly are beneath all the noise.

Key Concepts & Insights:

• Thoughts are not reality – They only have power when we believe them.
• Intention drives emotion – What you seek emotionally is a mirror of what you believe you need.
• High-stakes pragmatism – When the pressure’s on, we need tools to pause, not react.
• Your true self is always present – The world nudges us gently (or forcefully) back to now.

Episode Clip Guide:

INTRO: "Thoughts Are Harmless Until You Believe Them" (30s)

Joseph Nguyen opens the show with a grounding insight: thoughts themselves are neutral, but the moment we take them as truth, they begin to shape our emotional and mental state. Mike and Mark reflect on how this concept redefines our inner critic—not as an enemy to be fought, but as a voice to be observed.

Clip: "How Your Intention Determines Your Emotion" (2m56)

In this more extended clip, Nguyen walks us through how our deepest intentions dictate how we feel in any given moment. For example, if we seek validation, we’ll feel insecure when we don’t receive it. This segment brings clarity to emotional patterns and offers a simple way to reclaim our power: by changing our intention.

Mike and Mark explore how this plays out in leadership, relationships, and personal growth—making this clip one of the most actionable insights in the episode.

⚙️ Clip: Productivity Game – “PAUSE” (2m57)

This brilliant interlude from Productivity Game complements Nguyen’s message by introducing the acronym P.A.U.S.E. as a practical strategy for high-pressure moments:

• P – Perceive the moment
• A – Acknowledge your emotion
• U – Understand the trigger
• S – Shift your intention
• E – Execute with clarity

Mark highlights how even high-performing individuals fall into cognitive traps—and how pausing can lead to more thoughtful and practical decisions.

OUTRO: "Stop Putting So Much Pressure on Yourself" (2m03)

Joseph closes out the conversation with a heartfelt reminder: life will keep prompting you to return to presence, to return to yourself. This clip is less about mindset and more about self-compassion. Nguyen encourages us to let go of the constant need to strive, achieve, or “fix” ourselves—and instead, to trust the wisdom of the present moment.

Mike and Mark reflect on how this idea challenges the "always-on" productivity culture and helps us redefine success on our own terms.

🔗 Resources & Links

• 🌐 Website: Moonshots.io
• 📘 Book Summary: Apollo Advisor – Don’t Believe Everything You Think
• 📺 YouTube Episode: Watch on YouTube

🎧 Become a Moonshots Member to access early episodes, bonus content, and more:
👉 Join us on Patreon

• Mike
• Edwin Deitch
• Jamie Dorward
• Emily Rose Banks
• Malcolm Magee
• Natalie
• Ryan N.
• Marco-Ken Möller
• 孤鸿 月影
• Fabian
• Jasper Verkaart
• Andy Pilara
• ola
• Austin Hammatt
• Zachary Phillips
• Mike Leigh Cooper
• Gayla Schiff
• Laura KE
• Roar Nikolay Ytre-Eide
• Stef
• Roger von Holdt
• venkata reddy
• Ingram Casey
• Ola
• rahul grover
• Ravi Govender
• Craig Lindsay
• Steve Woollard
• Deborah Spahr
• Samoela
• Jo Hatchard
• Kalman Cseh
• Berg De Bleecker
• Paul Acquaah
• MrBonjour
• Konnor Ah kuoi
• Marjan Modara
• Dietmar Baur
• Bob Nolley