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.


CNN 5 Good Things

A prison and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/godbehindbars/">a ministry</a> 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 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
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 <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The TikToker Who Changed a Veteran’s Life

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 – <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/heroes">meet the finalists and cast your votes</a>.  
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
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 <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

This Fifth Grader Won a Gubernatorial Race

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 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
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 <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Want Better Sleep? Stop Trying So Hard

Hear why this school in Ohio has students speaking up. From painting to songwriting, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/heroes">this veteran</a> 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 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
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 <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

A Love Story for the Record Books

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 href="https://freedomreads.org/">a mission</a> to bring libraries to prisons nationwide. Find out how goats are helping restore <a href="https://www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/">a Tennessee island.</a> Plus, the 2025 Hero Dog of the Year was a stray three years ago. 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 
Producer: Eryn Mathewson 
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

How a Boat Full of Goats Saved an Island

<a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2573151">Meet the blind athletes</a> calling balls and strikes — and pushing to make baseball a Paralympic sport. In Texas, one man’s <a href="https://octoberschild.com/">costume giveaway</a> 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 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
 
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 <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

This Grandma Went From Beginner Swimmer to Record Breaker

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 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/24/us/chicago-quilen-blackwell-southside-blooms-cnnheroes">this CNN Hero.</a> 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
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 <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Some Good News That’s Totally Nuts

What started as <a href="https://skeletonsforhope.org/gallery/">a dad’s epic Halloween display</a> turned into <a href="https://skeletonsforhope.org/">a nationwide movement</a> that raised spirits – and nearly $1 million – for <a href="https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=7965637&fr_id=133399&pg=personal">kids with cancer.</a> 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 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a>
Host/Producer: Krista Bo PolancoProducer: Eryn MathewsonShowrunner: Faiz JamilSenior Producer: Felicia PatinkinEditorial Support: Maya Blackstone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Hundreds of Spooky Displays for a Sweet Cause

Chemistry that works like Hermione Granger’s magical handbag won a Nobel Prize this week. How <a href="https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/terms-of-service-with-clare-duffy/episodes/55686498-25e7-11f0-a31f-9bddae30cf80">an Indigenous inventor</a> is working to preserve her tribe’s language. A wildlife photographer is making sure hermit crabs in Japan have proper homes. A man was dead for five minutes at a comedy show – what happened next was really special. Plus, a surprising call leads to a heartwarming reunion.
 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 
Producer: Eryn Mathewson 
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 
Editorial Support: Nick Blatt, Samantha Lindell, Clare Duffy, Dan Bloom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

He Died Laughing & Came Back to Life

<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/03/us/heidi-carman-first-responder-therapy-dogs-cnnheroes">This therapy</a> is helping first responders deal with chronic stress. A group of nurses on strike dropped everything to help mass shooting victims. This Hollywood actor and advocate threw herself the quinceañera she never had – at 60. Inside Washington DC’s first phone-free bar. Plus, this school offers a type of detention that might make you wish you got in more trouble. 
 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
 
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 
Producer: Eryn Mathewson 
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 
Editorial Support: Kathleen Toner and Christie O’Reilly  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

How This School Helps Teens Turn Over a New Leaf

The last time the Chicago River Swim happened was when Calvin Coolidge was president. <a href="https://explore.org/fat-bear-week#h_1595581856781725979432401">These bears in Alaska</a> bulk up for the winter – and for internet glory. A rare surgery brought one man’s world back into focus. New space technology might help fight wildfires. Plus, the 100+ year long streak is over for a family in Texas family.  
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 
Producer: Eryn Mathewson 
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 
Editorial Support: Alexander Rodway  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Lucky Guy with a Tooth for an Eye

A superstar takes the stage one last time tonight, marking the end of a historic residency in Puerto Rico. How a free travel program for high school seniors aims to connect a divided US. A 9-year-old sets up a front-yard stand designed to make people smile. A stranger’s kindness turns a homeless teen into <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/us/peter-mutabazi-masiko-foster-dad-cec">a devoted foster dad</a>. Plus, meet the TIME’s Kid of the Year. 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 
Producer: Eryn Mathewson 
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 
Editorial Support: Felicia Patinkin, Isabel Rosales, Paola Ortiz, Abel Alvarado, Madeline Stix, John Blake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Bad Bunny’s Love Letter to Puerto Rico

A new generation is falling in love with a centuries-old game. These women 65 and older clean local ponds by diving for trash (and have a blast doing it). She lost her dad in the Twin Towers – but the FDNY made sure he was still part of her wedding day. A doctor was told he would die, but he found a treatment for his disease everyone else had missed. Plus, the music program that teaches kids jazz and so much more. 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 

Host/Producer: Krista Bo 
Producers: Eryn Mathewson and Leying Tang 
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin 
Special Thanks: Nadia Kounang  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Mahjong: It’s Not Just Your Grandma’s Game Anymore

We start with a back-to-school tradition that might make you want to kiss your mom. Kids with chronic illnesses took charge on a special day, thanks to 16 different law enforcement agencies. This <a href="https://animalrescuecorps.org/">nonprofit</a> helps thousands of injured and neglected animals find forever homes.  A teen gets the quinceañera of a lifetime, with a little help from the internet.  Plus, the celebrity engagement of the summer sparked some sweet inspiration. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here</a>.  Host/Producer: Eryn Mathewson Producers: Ifeoma Dike and Leying Tang  Showrunners: Faiz Jamil & Felicia Patinkin  Special Thanks: Christie O’Reilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Sweetest First Day: A Tulsa High School’s ‘Kiss Goodbye’ Tradition

This nonprofit which feeds thousands of families in need in Florida all started with one man's extra vegetables. Skateboarder Brooke Johnson broke a world record and kept a promise. Artifacts from an ancient sunken city were pulled from the sea in Egypt. A new US coin features a first and a win for disability advocates. Plus, the mystery behind the Peggy Martin rose that survived Hurricane Katrina. 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here</a> 
Host/Producer: Krista Bo 
Showrunners: Faiz Jamil & Felicia Patinkin 
Special Thanks: Jessica Jordan, Ryan Bergeron and Christie O’Reilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

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