Episodes

  • The TikToker Who Changed a Veteran’s Life

    The TikToker Who Changed a Veteran’s Life
    Dec 6 2025
    A prison and a ministry hosted its first-ever daddy–daughter dance. One creator’s mission to spread kindness turned into a financial lifeline for an 88-year-old working veteran. Two Brooklyn teens saw a broken system and built a tool thousands are using. New research suggests your teenage brain might have stuck around way past high school. Plus, these fun monthly sessions make boring tasks way more bearable. 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: Samantha Lindell, Jo Parker, Elliott Proctor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • This Fifth Grader Won a Gubernatorial Race

    This Fifth Grader Won a Gubernatorial Race
    Nov 29 2025
    A wild turkey is thriving in the last place you’d expect – and the locals are obsessed. Hear what Nebraska’s first kid governor’s platform is. Beachcombers in western Australia found two letters in a bottle written by World War I soldiers. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree gets a magical second life you might not expect. Plus, the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year will be announced soon – meet the finalists and cast your votes. 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: Chip Grabow, Mia Blackman, Christie O’Reilly, Kathleen Toner, Meg Dunn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • Want Better Sleep? Stop Trying So Hard

    Want Better Sleep? Stop Trying So Hard
    Nov 22 2025
    This student-led choir grew out of a pro-democracy movement in Tunisia. If your mind races the night before a big moment, try these tips from David Beckham’s sleep coach. These newlyweds from Illinois found love in a YMCA pool. A partnership showed up in a warm way for the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. Plus, everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving story will hit a heartwarming milestone. 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: McKenna Ewen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    15 mins
  • A Love Story for the Record Books

    A Love Story for the Record Books
    Nov 15 2025
    Hear why this school in Ohio has students speaking up. From painting to songwriting, this veteran helps others heal. A Sydney-based scientist is leading the fight to restore the largest living structure on the planet. The “Tall Tour” and its attendees reach new heights. Plus, this couple fell in love in 1941 – today, they’re world record holders. 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: Jasmine Amjad and Meghan Dunn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • How a Boat Full of Goats Saved an Island

    How a Boat Full of Goats Saved an Island
    Nov 8 2025
    People step up nationwide to help feed their neighbors who rely on SNAP benefits. New research shows why you should go on walks more often. A forbidden book changed this former prisoner's life – now he's on a mission to bring libraries to prisons nationwide. Find out how goats are helping restore a Tennessee island. Plus, the 2025 Hero Dog of the Year was a stray three years ago. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • This Grandma Went From Beginner Swimmer to Record Breaker

    This Grandma Went From Beginner Swimmer to Record Breaker
    Nov 1 2025
    Meet the blind athletes calling balls and strikes — and pushing to make baseball a Paralympic sport. In Texas, one man’s costume giveaway is helping families in need dress up for Halloween. A US Air Force sergeant reunites with her beloved K-9 partner. In Minnesota, a young girl makes a miraculous recovery just in time for her 13th birthday. Plus, an 80-year-old triathlete made history. 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: Randi Kaye, Nicole Bozorgmir, Deborah Brunswick, Madeline Stix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    15 mins
  • Some Good News That’s Totally Nuts

    Some Good News That’s Totally Nuts
    Oct 25 2025
    A wildlife expert performed a tiny transplant surgery. A Texas volleyball team serves an epic surprise for their school’s beloved custodian. New research brings good news to parents hoping to prevent peanut allergies. A retired computer technician in Florida is paying it forward to people in need. And in Chicago, second chances are in full bloom for at-risk youth, thanks to this CNN Hero. 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: Dan Dzula, Kathleen Toner, Christie O’Reilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • Hundreds of Spooky Displays for a Sweet Cause

    Hundreds of Spooky Displays for a Sweet Cause
    Oct 18 2025
    What started as a dad’s epic Halloween display turned into a nationwide movement that raised spirits – and nearly $1 million – for kids with cancer. Meet the fish with mysterious markings that have anglers and scientists hooked. This cheese expert from Philadelphia made history at the Cheese Olympics. High school students in New York City got to chef for the country’s largest school district. Plus, Italy's oldest barista on how she's brewed up joy for generations. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo PolancoProducer: Eryn MathewsonShowrunner: Faiz JamilSenior Producer: Felicia PatinkinEditorial Support: Maya Blackstone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    14 mins