CNN 5 Good Things

For new episodes, find us over at ⁠CNN 5 Things. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A paraplegic man and his best friend set off on a trip that could redefine what accessibility means. Meet the CNN Hero protecting mountain gorillas by empowering their human neighbors. Researchers are heading to a remote Pacific island hoping to solve the decades-old mystery of what happened to Amelia Earhart. Women's professional baseball begins a historic new chapter in front of a sold-out crowd. Plus, we'll tell you why thousands gather in Tuscany for one of Italy's most charming races.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Zach Goldbaum, Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Laura Sharman, Kathleen Toner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A sixth grader from Virginia isn’t a sore loser at this year’s Spelling Bee. Several climbers etched their names into the history books this month on the tallest mountain in the world.A 6-year-old from Gloucester, England got creative to raise money for charity in honor of his dog. A Michigan welder is set to make history at the “Olympics of skilled trades.” Plus, scientists may have finally solved the mystery of the T. Rex’s tiny arms. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Chelsea Cook, Coy Wire, Laura Jackson, Isa Soares Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Massachusetts neighborhood is setting the soundtrack for Memorial Day weekend, one porch at a time. We’re also celebrating World Turtle Day with a turtle whisperer in Florida. A children’s hospital rolled out the red carpet for teen cancer patients. Graduates from a historically Black college in Atlanta are making history together. Plus, we check on America’s favorite feathery power couple and the efforts of elementary school kids to save their nest. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Lisa Wong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turns out “fútbol is life” wasn’t just a line for this “Ted Lasso” star. A commencement speaker gave graduates more than words of wisdom. We’ll tell you how mountain gorillas rebounded from the brink of extinction. A new children’s book honors the Chinese immigrant behind America’s Famous Bing cherry. Plus, meet the man traveling the world without ever stepping on a plane. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hear why thousands of moms across the country are lining up for a night out. It’s Teacher Appreciation Week: meet the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. A two-year-old boy who was born profoundly deaf can now hear, thanks to a new FDA-approved gene therapy. An iconic TV personality just turned 100. And, how a community in Idaho celebrated a young leukemia survivor's birthday. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Deborah Brunswick, Hazel Tang, Madeleine Stix, Jim Schiffman, Elliott Proctor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This stallion season manager is celebrating a second chance at life at the 152nd Kentucky Derby. How one man is keeping a promise to his late grandmother ⁠at full speed.⁠ A family-owned supermarket is taking a page from NPR’s book with its own version of “Tiny Desk concerts.” This ancient "miracle tree" could solve a very modern pollution problem. Plus, meet ⁠the oncologist⁠ bringing life-saving care to places that don’t have it. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A dad is teaching young boys in his community hard and soft skills for adulthood. A potentially game-changing treatment could help fight one of the deadliest cancers. The answer to the world’s plastic problem could be floating around in the ocean. Meet the woman shattering the glass ceiling in European sports. And just days after an attempted school shooting, students found a way to thank a hero at prom. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Sebastian Shukla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On one of the biggest stages in music, history was made. A "Heated Rivalry" lookalike contest turned into a real-life rom com. These ecosystem engineers are already hard at work helping combat climate change. This technology allowed a blind man to train and race for a marathon differently. Plus, why basketball fans love the G.O.A.T. debate. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Show Runner: Felicia Patinkin Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Editorial Support: Jasmine Amjad, Sophie Garnett, Jocelyn Contreras, Erick E. Beltran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some singles are skipping swiping and letting their friends take the lead on their love life. Two first responders thousands of miles apart are now connected forever by a life-saving choice. Two brothers in the Bay Area started a school program that helps families and the planet. A lost border collie was rescued after a hiking trip gone wrong. Plus, one of the most memorable phone numbers in music is being used in a new way. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Vote for 5 Good Things for a Webby here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Victoria Fleischer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She once worked at this hospital as a janitor – now she’s returning for her residency. The Artemis II mission is historic – hear how an 8-year-old became a part of it. Scientists are seeing a phenomenon for the first time in the wild, and it’s offering new clues about how species can adapt to climate change. A major study examines the role spirituality and religion play in addiction recovery. And a high school freshman made it onto the ballot in this state’s gubernatorial race. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Vote for 5 Good Things for a Webby here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Matt Martinez Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Amanda Swinhart, Giana Asterito Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The countdown to the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League’s season starts. These critical pollinators are making a major comeback. Trauma doctors say the first patient in the world to receive this treatment wouldn’t be here today without it. What started as an idea behind bars turned into a service for people in need in Philadelphia. Plus, a show that still hits home 20 years later. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Jacqueline Howard, Sofía Hanalei Sanchez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices