If we find ourselves off track in life, how can we ground ourselves and find our flow again?

When Josh Groban first stepped on stage as a shy 7th grader assigned a solo by his music teacher, his own mother didn’t know he could sing. Fast-forward three decades, and Josh has sold 35 million records worldwide. Josh’s rise to fame as a singer, songwriter and actor happened relatively quickly, he says, and along the way, he sometimes lost sight of what he cared about, pursued the wrong things, and experienced loneliness and depression. Through those difficult times, Josh sought therapy and built deeper connections with loved ones and learned to turn to them for support.

In this episode, Dr. Murthy and Josh Groban explore the challenges of navigating life when it becomes overwhelming, the power of the arts to heal, the importance the arts for young people, and how music has the power to transport us.

(07:09 ) Did Josh ever imagine his music could bring healing for people?

(09:30 ) Why are teachers so important for young artists?

(08:18 ) How Josh dealt with self-doubt

(23:01 ) What helped ground Josh as his fame grew?

(27:03 ) How does Josh know when he’s chasing the right things?

(33:34 ) How does Josh find the balance between hustle and flow?

(40:32 ) The isolation of fame

(49:43 ) The courage to work with a therapist

(55:30 ) The power behind Josh’s song “River”

(01:04 ) What do the arts do for our mental health & well-being?

(01:07:36 ) How is Josh Groban supporting the arts for young people?

(01:10:12 ) Why does Dr. Murthy feel so connected to Josh Groban?

(01:13:36 ) Why should we pursue experiencing the arts in our lives?

(01:17:02 ) Where has Dr. Murthy turned for inspiration or solace in music?

(01:18:47 ) Can we create more access to the arts for young people and turn STEM to STEAM?

Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls 

Josh Groban, Singer and Actor

Instagram: @joshgroban

Facebook: @joshgroban

About Josh Groban

Josh Groban possesses one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music. A powerhouse vocalist and dynamic renaissance man, he has sold over 35 million albums worldwide. ATony, EMMY, and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist, his catalog spans a series of chart-topping blockbuster albums, including “Josh Groban” (5x-platinum), “Closer” (6x-platinum), “Noël” (6x-platinum), “Awake” (2x-platinum), “Illuminations”, “All That Echoes” (gold), “Stages” (gold), his first UK #1 album, “Bridges”, and his most recent release, “Harmony”. Along the way, he has packed arenas throughout North America, Europe, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Asia.

Groban made his Broadway debut in 2016 with a starring role in “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” for which he garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Lead Actor In A Musical. In the spring of 2023, Josh took to Broadway once again, performing in the highly anticipated revival of “Sweeney Todd”, playing the title role which earned him Tony and GRAMMY Nominations along with widespread acclaim.

Groban is also a known presence on television, with appearances on “Glee”, “The Simpsons”, “The Office”, “CSI: NY, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, and “The Crazy Ones” as well as in the feature films “Coffee Town”, “Muppets Most Wanted”, and “Crazy, Stupid, Love”. In addition, he starred in the NETFLIX series “The Good Cop” in 2018.

In 2022, he returned to the hallowed stage of Radio City Music Hall for his Great Big Radio City Show residency and launched a nation-wide live tour. Also that year, Groban also starred in ABC’s special “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” as none other than the Beast.

Groban remains an active arts education philanthropist and advocate, and his Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness.