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CNN 5 Good Things

CNN Podcastswww.cnn.com
How about a break — for your ears? At CNN, we know the news can be a lot to take in. So each week, 5 Good Things offers you a respite from the heavy headlines and intense news cycle. Treat yourself to something fun and uplifting every Saturday as we share the bright side of life from all over the globe.
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Episodes

A Big Baby Penguin with an Even Bigger Following

We're following Pesto, a baby penguin that's turning heads and charming hearts in Australia. One man is running coast to coast to honor a veteran's last wish. Leaf peeping season is here, and Virginia state parks are making it easier for colorblind visitors to enjoy it. A Miss Universe contestant breaks through an age-old barrier. Plus, this performer is taking the mascot experience to a whole new level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 05, 202413 min

A New View of Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’

Some new research might convince you to try dabbling in arts and crafts. Scientists have learned that the swirls in Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night” painting don't appear to be random. A pet cat wandered almost 1,000 miles back home. Why conservationists brought huge elephant sculptures to New York City. Plus, school is back in session, we’re revisiting why some parents of elementary school kids in upstate New York like getting calls from the principal’s office. Learn more about your ad choices...

Sep 28, 202413 min

A First For Kentucky, a High School Mariachi Band

Students at a Kentucky high school that wouldn’t have been interested in band before now play in the state’s first mariachi band. Nora Langdon is considered one of the best senior powerlifters in the world and wants to inspire others to keep exercising. An Arizona woman is named a CNN Hero for supporting Native American foster youth and families. A team of student engineers in Zurich have developed a robotic fish that can help scientists study ocean ecosystems in a new way. Plus, how astronauts ...

Sep 21, 202413 min

A Woman Bikes 700 Miles to Honor Her Late Brother’s Memory

A woman went on a 700-mile bike ride to raise awareness about substance abuse after her brother died from fentanyl poisoning. Scientists have figured out a way to turn banana waste into denim and clean energy for rural communities in Pakistan. A stay-at-home mom in Michigan dresses up like a clown to pick up trash and her neighbors love her message. The San Diego Zoo is celebrating the birth of an endangered tiger cub. Plus, a Chicago man takes a more scenic route to work downtown. Learn more ab...

Sep 14, 202413 min

The Armless Archer Wins Historic Gold at the Paralympics

We’ll highlight some extraordinary accomplishments from Team USA athletes at the Paralympics. A six-year-old boy couldn’t wait to tell everyone at a hospital in Ohio that he was getting a new heart. Hear what some football teams are doing that could help protect players from concussions. Patients with the most common and deadly form of brain cancer can soon seek more affordable treatment. Plus, how a school in Wisconsin made their students feel like movie stars on their first day back. Learn mor...

Sep 07, 202413 min

MLB All-Star Joins Backyard Wiffle Ball Game

Two male flamingos coupled up and achieved a rare feat: successfully hatching an egg together. An MLB catcher made some kids’ days by showing up to play wiffle ball. The FDA just cleared a new device that could stop severe bleeding in seconds and potentially save countless lives. The world’s oldest man celebrated his birthday this week. Plus, eight marching bands from HBCUs showcased their skills at the 10th annual National Battle of the Bands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

Aug 31, 202412 min

A Teen Invents a Bar of Soap That Could Treat Skin Cancer

TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year invented a potential treatment for skin cancer. A mother delivered her baby on the side of a highway in Colorado with help from 911. Scientists developed a new light-absorbing material that can turn everyday objects into solar panels. Thousands of people showed up to an open casting call in New Jersey for Happy Gilmore 2. Plus, the city that has so many street cats, adoring locals have set up a museum dedicated to them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...

Aug 24, 202412 min

The ‘Dream Orchestra’ Gives Refugees a Chance to Build a New Life

Our latest CNN Hero is an orchestra conductor, who’s helping more than 300 refugees and immigrants find purpose and hope through music. Dogs are spreading seeds at an urban nature reserve in the UK. Scientists are floating a new theory about how Egypt’s oldest pyramid may have been built. A 12-year-old boy in Massachusetts got his ice cream stand shut down, so the community stepped up to help him raise money for his brother’s special needs hockey team. And, a new village in Tanzania for vulnerab...

Aug 17, 202413 min

Every Animal at a Shelter Got Homes Before Tropical Storm Debby

A community in South Carolina rallied together to make sure every single animal at a local shelter had a foster home as Tropical Storm Debby approached. You could see new wild fruits in the grocery store soon since researchers cracked an ancient mystery about thorny plants like roses. A family in Massachusetts going through a tough time was surprised by an act of kindness and a heartfelt note. As the Paris Olympics comes to a close, some exceptional athletes share what it feels like to live out ...

Aug 10, 202412 min

TikTok Says This Car Dealership’s Videos Are Emmy-Worthy

TikTok thinks these two employees at a New York car dealership deserve Emmys for their viral parodies of the sitcom “The Office.” Recent studies highlight how dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented, diagnosed and treated. New York City wants to form a new ‘rat pack.’ A history buff took a chance and bought a piece of tent that supposedly belonged to George Washington—and he was shocked it was the real deal. Plus, two US women’s sports teams have a rapper and a former NFL player as som...

Aug 03, 202413 min

Why This Olympics Marks a Big Moment for Women’s Sports

The Summer Olympics happening now in Paris marks a new milestone for gender equality in sports. A Parisian amateur chef whips up free meals and viral videos to help feed people living on the streets. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton used AI to reclaim her voice after a degenerative disease took away her ability to speak. A high school cross country team gives shelter dogs some exercise while they train. Plus, a taco stand in Mexico City earned one of the most prestigious culinary honors. Learn more...

Jul 27, 202411 min

All Aboard the Googly-Eyed Train

Payton McGriff is one of CNN’s Heroes for her work providing girls in Togo with the uniforms and supplies they need to transform their lives with education. Boston commutes got a little more whimsical after two friends lobbied for some googly eyes on the city’s trains. Breakdancing is making its Olympic debut this summer – meet the athlete that’s representing Team USA. Two stay-at-home moms in Virginia turned their love for flowers into a project that spreads joy and prevents waste. Plus, the pl...

Jul 20, 202412 min

We Can Sip Wine Because the Dinosaurs Died

The first CNN Hero of 2024 founded a nonprofit that teaches kids with troubled pasts how to train homeless dogs to help get them adopted. Quincy Wilson is making history ahead of the Paris Summer Olympics. In Maine, a children’s clothing store buys back its clothes and repurposes them, so they don’t end up in landfills. Divers and a marine biologist are helping save sharks from the two issues that threaten their existence. Plus, how the demise of the dinosaurs may have helped grapes thrive. Lear...

Jul 13, 202412 min

America’s Best Towns to Visit

CNN Travel has released its list of America's Best Towns to Visit – and we're spotlighting local legends, unique attractions, and innovative food that make the top five places stand out. Dasha – a rising country music star – performed at spots all over her hometown of San Luis Obispo, California that's considered a throwback West Coast paradise. No. 4 Portland, Maine is known for its fresh seafood, and no one knows its seafood like Virginia Oliver—the state’s oldest lobster trapper. A unique par...

Jul 06, 202412 min

How a National Park is Making the Outdoors More Inclusive

A dad’s offer to be a stand-in parent for LGBTQ couples has grown into a global network of allies. A family of Taekwondo athletes sprang into action to save a woman from being assaulted. In Missouri, a small-town fire department’s bank account was running out, until a 91-year-old man gave them a game-changing donation. Visitors with disabilities can explore the Great Smoky Mountains in new ways. Plus, what are the best US towns to visit this summer? We’ll share some of CNN Travel’s top 10. For s...

Jun 29, 202413 min

5-Year-Old Becomes Youngest to Get a Bionic Arm

A 5-year-old superhero fan born without a left hand now has a bionic arm that looks like Iron Man’s. “Grandmother of Juneteenth” Opal Lee moved into her new house on the lot of her childhood home she had to flee over 80 years ago. A wildlife photographer snapped the first photo of a newborn white bison calf that fulfills a hopeful Lakota prophecy. A potentially habitable planet the size of Earth has been discovered. Plus, the world’s largest 3D printer is building homes made from wood fiber in M...

Jun 22, 202413 min

Irish Kids’ Rap Song is ‘The Spark’ You Need

Creative kids in Ireland are celebrating a holiday by performing their viral rap song. A World War II veteran marries his bride in a special place. A Tiktoker surprises immigrant workers with free trips to Disneyland. In Oregon, a man was stranded in a ravine after his truck crashed, until his dog saved the day. Plus, a campus legend with whiskers has a doctorate degree. For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for CNN's The Good Stuff newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Jun 15, 202412 min

Scientists Have Made Chocolate Healthier

A 5-year-old boy gets a second chance at life, after his former preschool teacher decided to donate part of her liver to him. A nonprofit that wants to rid the oceans of plastic marks a major milestone. Kids experiencing homelessness get to celebrate their birthdays with epic parties. Neighborhoods across North America are using old newspaper boxes to swap free movies. Plus, would you eat chocolate that’s more nutritious and sustainable to make? For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for C...

Jun 08, 202413 min

Fan Gets a Lift to a Coldplay Concert from Chris Martin

Two young pandas are coming to DC’s National Zoo from China. A local news anchor shares his journey as a Black gay man in the news industry during a live broadcast. Divers help a couple find a wedding ring that was lost for 25 years. Mount Everest climber sets record for fastest ascent by a woman. Hear why a Coldplay fan will never forget the lead singer's random act of kindness. For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for CNN's The Good Stuff newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Jun 01, 202411 min

A Chicago Teen Earns a Doctorate Degree

A Chicago teenager became the youngest person in her university’s history to earn a doctorate degree. The discovery of a long-lost branch of the Nile River could help solve a mystery of the pyramids. Think you could win a ‘do nothing’ contest? CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta gives us advice on the keys to happiness. Plus, a 90-year-old man becomes the oldest person to reach the edge of space—and accomplishes a goal he’s had for more than 60 years. For some more goodness on Satur...

May 25, 202411 min

Can Bacteria be the Future of Fashion?

A couple is growing their family by adopting all five siblings who grew up in foster care together. Nimble – a mixed-breed dog – made history and a rescue mutt stole hearts at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. A street librarian is getting creative to increase access to free books for kids in Baltimore. A family outing turned into a rare fossil find of a brand-new species that existed right after the dinosaurs went extinct. Plus, could handbags made with bacteria help clean up the fashion in...

May 18, 202411 min

An Eighth Grader Saves His School Bus by Taking the Wheel

13-year-old Landon Goldberg and his younger brother Lyric started a band with their dad, and their performances have gone viral! An eighth grader sprang into action to save his school bus from crashing in Wisconsin. An orangutan does something scientists have never seen a wild animal do before. A nurse chose to work instead of attending her graduation, so her co-workers decided to surprise her. And some students organized a prom at their high school for senior citizens in New Jersey. For some mo...

May 11, 202411 min

Why We Should Be Buzzing About the Bees

An 11-year-old boy can hear now, thanks to a breakthrough gene therapy. A newlywed couple and their guests made the most of it, after a tornado ripped through a town in Nebraska the day before their wedding. The US honeybee population is at an all-time high. An Ohio mom who’s paralyzed from the waist down is learning how to walk again alongside her toddler. Plus, is adjusting a giraffe a pain in the neck? For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for CNN's The Good Stuff newsletter. Learn mor...

May 04, 202410 min

What if we Could Speak to Whales?

Elementary school kids show us a few kind words can go a long way with their cheerful hotline. A chain of cafés that employs people with intellectual and development disabilities just opened a US location. Scientists had a conversation with a whale for the very first time. Some students cut loose at prom and supported a good cause, after a celebrity with a special tie to the school showed up. And, what if there was internet on the moon? For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for CNN's The ...

Apr 27, 202411 min

How the WNBA Draft is Inspiring the Next Generation

Three college recruits reflect on the WNBA draft and the moment the sport is having right now. A family in Oklahoma granted their son’s wish to get a pet octopus, but they had no idea she would end up giving birth! A college dorm surprises their hall’s security guard with the gift of a lifetime. Why a recent gift comes just in time for the iconic cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC. Plus, would you ride to the edge of space in a helium balloon? For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for...

Apr 20, 202411 min

The Island Where Goats Outnumber People

94-year-old Joy Ryan and her grandson have a new travel goal, after she became the oldest person to visit all 63 US national parks. An Arkansas community teams up so a legally blind man never has to walk five miles to work. Flowers and futures are blooming on the southside of Chicago. The way we get tattoos today may resemble how humans got tatted up 5,000 years ago. Plus, what happens when a small island has more goats than people? For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for CNN's The Good...

Apr 13, 202411 min

Hundreds of Couples Are Eloping During the Eclipse

We'll tell you how some of the millions of people planning to watch the total eclipse in the US next week are preparing. One Oklahoma man is on a mission to keep paying off student lunch debt in honor of his late wife. The first man to live with a pig kidney transplant is at home recovering. People experiencing homelessness in Phoenix are able take showers and do laundry for free. Plus, what if you could fly to another country and be home in time for dinner? For some more goodness on Saturdays, ...

Apr 06, 202410 min

A Happy Ending for a Furry Wedding Crasher

College students are loving a new course they're taking that's teaching them how to be happier. A cat-loving couple adopts the kitty who crashed their wedding. A children’s nursery inside a home for older adults in the UK has led to some heartwarming friendships. An iconic movie prop that's fueled a hot debate for decades sold at an auction for big bucks. Plus, why are people bringing PowerPoints to parties? For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for CNN's The Good Stuff newsletter . Learn...

Mar 30, 202411 min

Dapper Day, ‘Assume I Can,’ March Meowness & more

Some very fashionable third graders started a weekly trend of dressing to the nines at school. The star of the viral campaign for World Down Syndrome Day reflects on the ad’s empowering message. For most people, March is for basketball... but for this library, it’s all about cats for a good cause! A DJ and a cancer survivor team up to cheer patients up at a children’s hospital. Plus, how much do you love your favorite book... enough to go to an immersive event? For some more goodness on Saturday...

Mar 23, 202411 min

Sailing into history, surprise wedding, luck of the Irish & more

Sailor Cole Brauer became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself. A catholic schoolteacher in Minnesota pulled off an epic surprise by getting married in front of the whole school. Guinness brewery is doing more for the Irish than slinging pints this St. Patrick’s Day. Scientists discover tons of new deep-sea species. Plus, what if every weekend was a three-day weekend? For some more goodness on Saturdays, sign up for CNN's The Good Stuff newsletter . Learn more abo...

Mar 16, 202410 min
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