CNN 5 Good Things

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Starting August 8, 2026 all new episodes can be found over in the CNN 5 Things feed. Search "CNN 5 Things" wherever you get your podcasts. 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.

  1. 5 days ago

    A Pilot Throws a Surprise Airport Concert

    This commercial airline pilot has a second career leaves passengers smiling after they land. Happy hour at one assisted living facility was on the rocks until this octogenarian stepped in. As CNN Heroes celebrates 20 years, we revisit a 2012 Hero who turned sports into a path to recovery. The winners of the “world coolest marathon” share what it takes to run at the top of the globe. Plus, one psychologist explains why making fewer decisions might lead to a happier life.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson, Leying Tang   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Jackson Loo, Christie O'Reilly, James Mazzullo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. 18 Jul

    The Warm Welcome Outlasting the World Cup

    This 12-year-old bull rider from Australia is bucking expectations as she chases a world title. Rapper Pitbull and thousands of his fans came together to party and set a world record. A dinosaur fossil left in a drawer for decades turned out to be the first one discovered on this continent. New opportunities for at-risk youth are blooming after two CNN Heroes team up to do even more good. Plus, the World Cup is winding down, but the connections it sparked are outlasting the tournament.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Hilary Whiteman, Samantha Lindell, Kathleen Toner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. 11 Jul

    The Woman Who Conquered the Pacific in Record Time

    No one has carried their partner to more world championship wins than this Finnish man. Meet one of this year’s CNN Heroes who offers more than a roof over the heads of people experiencing homelessness in Syracuse, New York. Kelsey Pfendler completed a record-breaking row from California to Hawaii. These furry airport employees in West Virginia have helped solve a costly problem that's plagued aviation for decades. Plus, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take this neuroscientist’s advice.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Bryce Urbany, Christie O'Reilly, Meg Dunn , Kareem El Damanhoury Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. 4 Jul

    Inside America's 250th Birthday Time Capsule 

    An acclaimed pianist gathered thousands of people’s thoughts and reflections of what it means to be an American. Hundreds of items are being preserved in a capsule that captures America’s 250 years. A legendary locomotive and a grassroots running community are making coast-to-coast trips with a whistle and a flag you can’t miss. Plus, these towns from CNN’s annual list prove some of America’s best destinations are off the beaten path.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.   Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Andy Buck, Linda Gaudino, Deb Brunswick  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. 27 Jun

    Ever Wonder What a Plant Sounds Like?

    Two families linked by one lifesaving gift finally meet face-to-face for the first time. World Cup fever is transforming cities across the US, especially one small college town in Kansas. A new music festival is giving an iconic legacy a fresh chapter. If you thought twins were rare, this family from Texas begs to differ. One composer found a way to turn nature into beautiful music with a deeply personal mission.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson, Ifeoma Dike  Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Phil Clarke Hill, David Rind  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. 20 Jun

    The World Cup Watch Party Nobody Saw Coming

    Their home team didn’t qualify for the World Cup, so a local pub found a new team to support in a heartwarming way. Meet the young fashion designer turning heads and breaking records. The inspiration for a first-of-its-kind role for this musician started with a Disney classic. US adults struggle with money basics... learn how these students are investing into their future. Plus, want a more meaningful life? A happiness expert says you're probably avoiding the answer.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Lacey Russell, Madeline Holcombe  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. 13 Jun

    The World Cup Adventure Months in the Making

    Three longtime friends crossed two continents by bike to cheer on their favorite team at the World Cup. Would you go to a Mango Tango? Hundreds of people did in San Fransisco. This futuristic bionic arm is making daily life a little easier and a lot more fun for one New Yorker. Meet the 12-year-old with an uncanny ability to imitate birds. Plus, how a Boston reporter is making people fall in love with local journalism.    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Paola Ortiz and Hazel Tang  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. 6 Jun

    The Superfans are Ready for the NBA Finals

    The NBA Finals have begun – we hear from some of the teams’ most devoted fans. A promising new pancreatic cancer treatment is giving doctors and patients hope. These nature-loving neighbors in California are celebrating a special milestone. This teacher went the distance for his students with disabilities before he retired – literally. Plus, meet the search-and-rescue specialist with whiskers, webbed feet and a growing fan base.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Starting August 8, 2026 all new episodes can be found over in the CNN 5 Things feed. Search "CNN 5 Things" wherever you get your podcasts. 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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