Stay ConnectedStarting 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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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.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Graham Hurley, Hanako Montgomery
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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.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Allison Cho, Coy Wire, Will Ripley, Rosanna Philpott, Xavian Wu
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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.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Randi Kaye, Tamara Hardingham-Gill
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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.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Vanessa Yurkevich, Lacey Russell
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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?
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Liberty Smith
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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.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Victor Blackwell, Kit Maher, Waan Chomchuen
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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
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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.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Cindy Von Quednow, Hyan de Freitas
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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.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Kameryn Griesser, Melani Bonilla, and Andy Buck
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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
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