It’s a complete energy shift from last week! In this episode, Jasmine and Michael carry on, no matter the incompetence of Velda Johansson or the government. Michael shouts out Illinois Zoomers and forgets the delightful Tony! Tony, you will have to join us at Judy’s!

The hosts talk smiles and recent joyous occasions. Our news hounds bring positive stories of solar power, gene therapy, tortoise safety, koala conservancy, free public transportation for kids, street safety, and wildlife wonders.

The Wheel of Topics has our hosts talking about their bucket lists (though it’s pretty much one broad item for both Jasmine and Michael). The segment concludes with Michael looking for someone to take care of him without a tether. We end the episode, as always, with what is currently bringing joy, a hilarious weekly affirmation, and pleasantries.

So, if you are in the giving mood without wanting anything in return, hit up that email and join us for this week’s pleasant conversation.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Meet Bernd das Brot, a depressed German loaf of bread that’s spent 25 years as a TV cult classic: https://apnews.com/article/bernd-das-brot-germany-582397aa7e741b56f0228feeece35a0d

Good News Links:

California’s first solar-covered canal is now fully online: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/california-first-canal-array-project-nexus

Breakthrough Gene Therapy Slows Huntington's Disease by 75%: https://www.sciencealert.com/breakthrough-gene-therapy-slows-huntingtons-disease-by-75

Drivers kept hitting tortoises at a Florida state park. Then one woman took action.: https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/09/16/honeymoon-island-state-park-dunedin-florida-gopher-tortoise/

NSW locks in great koala national park and brings in immediate ban on logging: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/07/nsw-locks-in-great-koala-national-park-and-brings-in-immediate-ban-on-logging

Children aged eight and below now eligible for free public transport: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/09/03/children-aged-eight-and-below-now-eligible-for-free-public-transport/

These Residents Built a $10,000 Bike Lane in Atlanta: https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/these-residents-built-a-10000-bike-lane-in-atlanta

Species hybrids, creatures once thought extinct and 3 more wildlife stories: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article312276861.html

Passengers shell-shocked after crab pinches seat: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr51n3q28wo