CNN 5 Good Things

The Firsts, Fastest, and Most-Evers on Everest 30.05.2026 16min

A sixth grader from Virginia isn’t a sore loser at this year’s Spelling Bee. Several climbers etched their names into the history books this month on the tallest mountain in the world.A 6-year-old from Gloucester, England got creative to raise money for charity in honor of his dog. A Michigan welder is set to make history at the “Olympics of skilled trades.” Plus, scientists may have finally solved the mystery of the T. Rex’s tiny arms. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Chelsea Cook, Coy Wire, Laura Jackson, Isa Soares Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Porch-to-Porch Concert Crawl 23.05.2026 14min

This Massachusetts neighborhood is setting the soundtrack for Memorial Day weekend, one porch at a time. We’re also celebrating World Turtle Day with a turtle whisperer in Florida. A children’s hospital rolled out the red carpet for teen cancer patients. Graduates from a historically Black college in Atlanta are making history together. Plus, we check on America’s favorite feathery power couple and the efforts of elementary school kids to save their nest. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Lisa Wong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A “Ted Lasso” Star Scores A Real-Life Soccer Contract 16.05.2026 13min

Turns out “fútbol is life” wasn’t just a line for this “Ted Lasso” star. A commencement speaker gave graduates more than words of wisdom. We’ll tell you how mountain gorillas rebounded from the brink of extinction. A new children’s book honors the Chinese immigrant behind America’s Famous Bing cherry. Plus, meet the man traveling the world without ever stepping on a plane. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Calling All Moms to the Dance Floor! 09.05.2026 13min

Hear why thousands of moms across the country are lining up for a night out. It’s Teacher Appreciation Week: meet the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. A two-year-old boy who was born profoundly deaf can now hear, thanks to a new FDA-approved gene therapy. An iconic TV personality just turned 100. And, how a community in Idaho celebrated a young leukemia survivor's birthday. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Deborah Brunswick, Hazel Tang, Madeleine Stix, Jim Schiffman, Elliott Proctor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Off-The-Track Kentucky Derby Comeback 02.05.2026 15min

This stallion season manager is celebrating a second chance at life at the 152nd Kentucky Derby. How one man is keeping a promise to his late grandmother ⁠at full speed.⁠ A family-owned supermarket is taking a page from NPR’s book with its own version of “Tiny Desk concerts.” This ancient "miracle tree" could solve a very modern pollution problem. Plus, meet ⁠the oncologist⁠ bringing life-saving care to places that don’t have it. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She’s Cancer-Free After Taking This Treatment 25.04.2026 13min

A dad is teaching young boys in his community hard and soft skills for adulthood. A potentially game-changing treatment could help fight one of the deadliest cancers. The answer to the world’s plastic problem could be floating around in the ocean. Meet the woman shattering the glass ceiling in European sports. And just days after an attempted school shooting, students found a way to thank a hero at prom. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Sebastian Shukla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Real-Life Romance from a “Heated Rivalry” 18.04.2026 15min

On one of the biggest stages in music, history was made. A "Heated Rivalry" lookalike contest turned into a real-life rom com. These ecosystem engineers are already hard at work helping combat climate change. This technology allowed a blind man to train and race for a marathon differently. Plus, why basketball fans love the G.O.A.T. debate. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Show Runner: Felicia Patinkin Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Editorial Support: Jasmine Amjad, Sophie Garnett, Jocelyn Contreras, Erick E. Beltran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dating Trend That Ditches the Apps 11.04.2026 13min

Some singles are skipping swiping and letting their friends take the lead on their love life. Two first responders thousands of miles apart are now connected forever by a life-saving choice. Two brothers in the Bay Area started a school program that helps families and the planet. A lost border collie was rescued after a hiking trip gone wrong. Plus, one of the most memorable phone numbers in music is being used in a new way. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Vote for 5 Good Things for a Webby here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Victoria Fleischer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 8-Year-Old Behind Artemis II’s Moon Mascot 04.04.2026 15min

She once worked at this hospital as a janitor – now she’s returning for her residency. The Artemis II mission is historic – hear how an 8-year-old became a part of it. Scientists are seeing a phenomenon for the first time in the wild, and it’s offering new clues about how species can adapt to climate change. A major study examines the role spirituality and religion play in addiction recovery. And a high school freshman made it onto the ballot in this state’s gubernatorial race. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Vote for 5 Good Things for a Webby here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Matt Martinez Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Amanda Swinhart, Giana Asterito Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Hit Show That is Making ‘Zillennials’ Nostalgic 28.03.2026 13min

The countdown to the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League’s season starts. These critical pollinators are making a major comeback. Trauma doctors say the first patient in the world to receive this treatment wouldn’t be here today without it. What started as an idea behind bars turned into a service for people in need in Philadelphia. Plus, a show that still hits home 20 years later. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Jacqueline Howard, Sofía Hanalei Sanchez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Rhode Island Community’s ‘Miracle on Ice’ 21.03.2026 14min

A group of dads in London are learning a new skill to connect with their daughters and each other. Two pay phones nearly 3,000 miles apart are bridging a generational gap. A new breakthrough device is helping patients manage Parkinson’s disease in a more personalized way. After a devastating tragedy, a high school boys' hockey team in Rhode Island finished their season in a way that feels like a movie. Plus, a sweet update on the world's favorite baby monkey. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Graham Hurley, Hanako Montgomery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following the Tracks of a Tiger Comeback 14.03.2026 15min

A legendary US Paralympian adds to her medal collection. CNN trekked deep into Thailand’s jungles to follow the surprising journey of a young tiger that’s giving conservationists hope. How the singer behind the hit song from “K-Pop Demon Hunters” reinvented herself after rejection. A car salesman found a way to stand out at his job, and his videos have gone viral. Plus, college students nationwide are training puppies with a purpose. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Allison Cho, Coy Wire, Will Ripley, Rosanna Philpott, Xavian Wu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Foster Kid Came for Surgery. He Left With a Family 07.03.2026 14min

He’s a software engineer by day – but in his free time, he cleans up trash in the San Francisco Bay area. A heartbreaking moment in a hospital room led to a ripple effect of kindness for six siblings in foster care. This app helps foster kids understand their rights. Mother-daughter divers made a surprising discovery in the Great Barrier Reef. A 77-year-old man with a motorcycle says now is the best time to chase a world record. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Randi Kaye, Tamara Hardingham-Gill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Latest Parenting Trend is a Throwback 28.02.2026 14min

A goldendoodle left at an airport gets lifted up by local heroes. A Texas swim team makes major waves for a beloved custodian. Giant tortoises return to the Galápagos after nearly 200 years. Parents are dialing back screen time with retro tech. Plus, Team USA’s women’s hockey Olympic champs are hearing from their biggest fans – thanks to a hotline. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Vanessa Yurkevich, Lacey Russell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Farm Animals That Can Fight Crime, No Prob-llama 21.02.2026 15min

An act of kindness led to a friendship between a Nigerian immigrant and a 92-year-old veteran. Police in rural England caught their suspect, thanks to a herd of llamas. This 77-year-old museum curator learned a new language to reach young art lovers. We’ll break down some of the greatness you might have missed this week from Milano Cortina Games. Plus, could this fun winter sport make an Olympic comeback? Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Liberty Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He Forgot They Were Married, So He Proposed Again 14.02.2026 16min

A man with Alzheimer's marries his wife of nearly 40 years a second time. The Buddhist monks completed their 2,300-mile “Walk of Peace” and left us with a mindfulness ritual we could all try. This engineer aims to give breast cancer survivors their bodies back. This Nebraskan quit her job to row across the Atlantic by herself and set a race record. Plus, from the ice to the slopes, the incredible Olympic moments from this week. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Victor Blackwell, Kit Maher, Waan Chomchuen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meet the Olympic Athletes Already Making History 07.02.2026 15min

The Milan Cortina Winter Games have begun, and some athletes have already made history. We tell you how one state went from the bottom to the top for fourth grade reading and math. A project born out of a family’s loss hopes to save lives by publishing letters written by strangers with reasons to stay. This shellfish was extinct for over 200 years in Dublin Bay until now – and the reason it’s back might surprise you. Plus, a teenage boy is being called a hero after a family kayaking trip turned dangerous. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson, Joshan Chana Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Samantha Lindell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She Was Depressed for Decades Until She Tried This 31.01.2026 13min

This album started as a family project and turned into a Grammy nomination. The internet rallied behind a 92-year-old woman still working to make ends meet. An FDA-cleared brain treatment is offering hope to people with depression who’ve tried everything else. Meet the crew tasked with fighting and preventing wildfire disasters in Los Angeles. Plus, these divers rescued a ray and what happened next shocked them. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Cindy Von Quednow, Hyan de Freitas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Pig Organ Pioneer Found His Match 24.01.2026 14min

One of the only pig kidney recipients in the world just made medical history, again. Cursive is making a comeback nationwide, but these middle schoolers were ahead of the curve. A group of Buddhist monks are walking across the US with an inspiring message. We tell you about a TikTok trend that’s encouraging to cut down on screen time. Plus, as Hollywood spotlights table tennis, an American phenom shares how the sport changed her life. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Kameryn Griesser, Melani Bonilla, and Andy Buck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Teen Faced the Dark Side of AI and Fought Back 17.01.2026 15min

What started as a random video turned into a movement for women in perimenopause and beyond. A teen is using her own traumatic experience to educate schools and her peers about the dangers of deepfakes. Barbie just got more inclusive. If your dog perks up when you talk, new research might explain why. Plus, how bereaved parents continued their child’s legacy. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson, Joshan Chana Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices