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For many of us, mindful breathing sounds simple—but practicing it consistently can feel surprisingly difficult. Our minds wander, screens distract us, and stress pulls us away from the body.
In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo sits down with Dr. Stefanie Broes, CEO and founder of Moonbird, a handheld, tactile breathing device designed to make slow, conscious breathing feel natural, safe, and embodied.
Moonbird quite literally breathes with you: it expands and contracts in your hand to guide your inhale and exhale—helping you calm anxiety, sleep more deeply, and regulate your nervous system through HRV-coherent breathing.
Whether you're a therapist, mindfulness teacher, parent, or someone seeking more ease in your own emotional life, this conversation offers accessible insights into how touch, breath, and embodiment reshape our relationship with stress.
Sponsored by our Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program
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Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, Sean and Stefanie explore the science and simplicity behind slow breathing, why tactile tools can make mindfulness more trauma-sensitive, and how clinicians are using Moonbird to support clients with stress, anxiety, and sleep challenges.
Highlights:
| Timestamp | Section Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | Welcome to the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast | Sean introduces the theme of embodied breathing and explains why Moonbird is revolutionizing how people connect with the breath. |
| 01:00 | Stefanie Broes’ Story: From Insomnia to Breathwork | Stefanie shares her personal struggle with high stress, sleeplessness, and discovering slow breathing as her most reliable tool for emotional balance. |
| 04:30 | The Science of Slow Breathing | How slow, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and supports calm, clarity, and emotional resilience. |
| 06:00 | How Moonbird Was Born | From early “avocado-shaped prototypes” to a clinically informed tactile tool, Stefanie shares how Moonbird came to life. |
| 09:30 | Why Touch Matters for Mindfulness | Touch anchors awareness in the body, helping people with anxiety, trauma histories, or racing thoughts settle more quickly than with visual-only tools. |
| 12:00 | From Tracking to Acting | Why the world doesn’t need more data alone—we need embodied ways to regulate stress, not just monitor it. |
| 15:00 | Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Explained | A breakdown of HRV coherence as a key marker for stress recovery and how HRV-based breathing supports emotional regulation and sleep. |
| 18:00 | Breathwork vs Mindfulness of Breathing | Are they the same or complementary? Stefanie and Sean explore how these practices align with classical mindfulness teachings. |
| 22:00 | Custom Breathing Rhythms in the Moonbird App | How users and clinicians personalize breathing rhythms for anxiety relief, sleep support, grounding, and regulation. |
| 25:00 | Therapeutic Settings | How counselors, psychologists, and somatic practitioners incorporate Moonbird to help clients stay grounded in their bodies. |
| 30:00 | Moonbird for Kids & Classrooms | Introducing “Moonbuddy,” a kid-friendly version that teaches children how to self-soothe and regulate emotions through touch-based breathing. |
| 35:00 | Embodiment & Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness | Why tactile breathing tools can make mindfulness safer and more accessible for those who feel overwhelmed by traditional practices. |
| 37:00 | Sean on Mindfulness & Clear Comprehension | Sean reflects on teachings from Satipaṭṭhāna and Ānāpānasati, discussing clear knowing and staying grounded through the breath. |
| 39:30 | The Future of Breath Tech | Stefanie talks about upcoming innovations in tactile, screen-free breath technology designed to help people breathe with presence. |
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Tactile Tools Can Deepen Mindfulness
Touch provides immediate grounding, especially for people who struggle with dissociation, anxiety, or screen fatigue.
2. Slow Breathing Activates the Relaxation Response
Just 4–6 breaths per minute can shift the nervous system into calm and improve HRV.
3. Embodied Awareness Is Essential
Mindfulness isn’t only mental—it’s a full-body experience that invites safety, presence, and emotional clarity.
4. Therapists Are Using Moonbird in Clinical Work
Counselors integrate Moonbird into sessions to support clients with anxiety, panic patterns, sleep issues, and trauma recovery.
5. Kids Benefit from Tactile Breathing Tools
The Moonbuddy helps children develop self-regulation through play-based embodiment.
About Dr. Stefanie Broes
Dr. Stefanie Broes is a medical scientist, pharmacologist, and the founder & CEO of Moonbird, a handheld breathing companion designed to make breathwork simple, intuitive, and embodied. With a passion for mental wellbeing and accessible stress-relief tools, Stefanie bridges science, design, and mindfulness to support people of all ages in reconnecting with their breath.
