What if one of the most powerful tools for youth wellness wasn’t found in a clinic or a classroom, but in music?
In this episode of What the Health Just Happened?, we’re on site at the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus with Katherine Boling, Director of Operations, and Susana Cruz, Board Chair, to explore how music, community, and joy come together to support kids’ mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Yes, the performances are world-class. But the deeper impact lies in the life skills being built every day. Confidence, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and belonging. From toddlers to teens, and even adults, JCC creates an environment where people feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.
In this conversation, we cover:
→ How Jacksonville Children’s Chorus serves singers from 18 months through adulthood, including virtual programming reaching families globally
→ Why “Joy!” is a core value and how joy directly supports confidence, resilience, and mental health
→ The leadership, teamwork, and communication skills kids develop through choral singing
→ How JCC stayed open during COVID and why connection mattered for kids’ mental health during isolation
→ What it takes to become part of the touring choir and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences it creates, including international performances
→ How the organization makes participation accessible through scholarships and regional rehearsal sites
→ Why music and arts programs offer a powerful alternative for kids who may not connect with traditional sports
→ Upcoming community events supporting the mission, including the Best Bet Poker Tournament, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and Dancing with the Stars
If you’re a parent looking for meaningful opportunities for your child, a community leader invested in youth development, or someone who believes wellness includes creativity and connection, this episode offers a powerful reminder of what’s possible when joy leads the way.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com