First Aired May 2026

Health is about more than the physical. Confidence, connection, and belonging are all important parts of overall well-being. 

In Season 2 Episode 1 of Healthy In The Garden State, we explore the importance of social and emotional wellness through two inspiring New Jersey organizations helping young people thrive: Girls on the Run and The Miracle Project.

From movement and mentorship to music, theater, and self-expression, this episode highlights how community-based programs can help build resilience, self-esteem, communication skills, and lasting confidence.

At Girls on the Run, girls learn lessons about leadership, healthy relationships, emotional wellness, and goal-setting, with physical activity as a tool for empowerment, not competition.

At The Miracle Project, young people with autism and other special needs discover confidence, friendship, creativity, and belonging through theater, music, dance, and storytelling.

This episode is a reminder that health is not one-dimensional. It’s physical, social, emotional, and deeply connected to the communities around us.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to support more stories highlighting health, wellness, and community across New Jersey.

What programs or experiences helped build your confidence growing up? Let us know.

🌿 Healthy In The Garden State explores the people, places, and resources helping New Jersey residents live healthier, more connected lives.

Host & Producer: Kate Cherichello Tente
Director & Production: Isaac Perez, NJ360tv
Intern: Gabriella Lamboy

Thank you to our Season Presenting Sponsor, Hunterdon Health.
Thank you to our Episode Presenting Sponsor, Solara Suncare.

Links Related to this Episode:

Girls On The Run (locations throughout NJ)

The Miracle Project at Mayo PAC in Morristown

Recommended searches:

Children’s Theatre Programs in NJ

After School Confidence-building Programs in NJ

Music Enrichment for Children

Teen Programs Free in ___ County

First Aired October 2025

Starting with brain injury prevention, awareness, and support…and ending with host Kate and her little one taking part in the fun of a toddler music class, we explore brain health from multiple angles in this episode of Healthy In The Garden State.

-The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey is a crucial resource in raising awareness and funds regarding #braininjuryprevention. Healthy In The Garden State visits their Concussion Awareness Day event at Metuchen High School and has the opportunity to hear from a panel sharing important information on keeping our brains safe, via personal stories and science-backed research.

-Next we join BIANJ at one of their annual walks where we hear from staff and people affected by traumatic brain injury, and feel the love and support for this cause.

-To finish, Kate and her toddler experience a music class first-hand. With Miss Bee’s Explorers Playgroup, they have a blast singing, tapping, and shaking with other children and caregivers, and talk about how music positively impacts the brain in so many ways.

On each episode of #HealthyInTheGardenState, join your host, Kate Cherichello Tente, as she explores all that #NewJersey has to offer in regards to supporting healthy living. From gyms to hospitals to farms to kitchens and more, we find insights, information, and inspiration from people and places helping to make NJ the healthiest it can be.
All episodes stream free here on YouTube.

📍 Resources & Links:
Visit our website: www.healthyinthegardenstate.com
Sign up for our newsletter for future episode updates!

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: / @healthyinthegardenstate

Special thanks to Hunterdon Health, Season Sponsor of Healthy In The Garden State.

Host: Kate Cherichello Tente
Production: NJ360tv
Director: Isaac Perez
Intern: Kelly Booth

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:03 – Brain Injury Alliance of NJ
01:26 – Interview with the CEO of Brain Injury Alliance of NJ
04:00 – Brain Injury Alliance of NJ at Metuchen HS
04:53 – Interview with the Board President of Brain Injury Alliance of NJ
06:30 – HS Student Concussion Story
08:30 – Brain Injury Alliance of NJ at Metuchen HS Cont.
11:08 – Interview with Sen. Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.
12:21 – Brain Injury Alliance Walk
15:15 – Our Sponsor, Hunterdon Health
15:57 – The Power of Music
16:48 – Explorers Play Group Play Program
18:04 – Interview with Brandi “Miss Bee” Kaye
23:42 – Neuroscience of the Brain as it Relates to Music
24:52 – Additional Resources!

Disclaimer:
The content provided in “Healthy in the Garden State” is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as medical, fitness, or nutritional advice and should not be interpreted as such. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new health, wellness, fitness, or nutrition program.

Participation in any activities or use of information presented in this program is voluntary and at your own risk. The producers, hosts, guests, and affiliated organizations of “Healthy in the Garden State” are not liable for any injury, condition, or damages arising from the use or misuse of this content.

#njwellness #gardenstate #brainhealth #braininjuryalliance #music #braininjuryprevention #healthyinthegardenstate #healthyliving

**This episode is one of our Telly Award-winning episodes!**

Links Related to Episode:

Brain Injury Alliance of NJ

Concussion Awareness Now, additional brain health information

WHO on Brain Health

Miss Bee’s Explorers Playgroup

From NIH.gov: The transformative power of music: Insights into neuroplasticity, health, and disease

From Harvard.edu: Music and the Brain