
Advertise on podcast: CNN 5 Good Things
Rating
4.8from
This podcast has
130 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
CNN PodcastsExplicit
No
Date created
2024/06/10
Latest episode
2026/08/08
Average duration
15 min.
Release period
7 days
Description
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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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from CNN 5 Good Things podcast
A Special Announcement
2026/08/08
For new episodes, find us over at CNN 5 Things.
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A New Search for Amelia Earhart’s Plane is Taking Flight
2026/08/01
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
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A Pilot Throws a Surprise Airport Concert
2026/07/25
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
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The Warm Welcome Outlasting the World Cup
2026/07/18
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
The Woman Who Conquered the Pacific in Record Time
2026/07/11
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
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Inside America's 250th Birthday Time Capsule
2026/07/04
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
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Ever Wonder What a Plant Sounds Like?
2026/06/27
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
The World Cup Watch Party Nobody Saw Coming
2026/06/20
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
The World Cup Adventure Months in the Making
2026/06/13
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 Superfans are Ready for the NBA Finals
2026/06/06
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
The Firsts, Fastest, and Most-Evers on Everest
2026/05/30
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
The Porch-to-Porch Concert Crawl
2026/05/23
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
A “Ted Lasso” Star Scores A Real-Life Soccer Contract
2026/05/16
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
Calling All Moms to the Dance Floor!
2026/05/09
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
An Off-The-Track Kentucky Derby Comeback
2026/05/02
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
Podcast reviews
Read CNN 5 Good Things podcast reviews
pmkccs 2026/07/19
Best Ever!
How I love this show! Sometimes I don’t realize how heavy my heart is until I am listening to 5 Good Things. Seriously, I feel better. Keep it up!
SESieg 2026/07/18
Disappointed with Bull riding included on 5 Good Things
Bull riding is animal cruelty. I usually look forward to this podcast but I had to stop it. I don’t want to hear about a child engaging in animal cru...
soul of music 2026/05/02
Keep it coming!
My husband and I look forward to listening to this show each week! It really helps to hear positive stories. When we wake up on Saturday morning we th...
emma.j1 2026/01/10
We need this
It’s just a glimmer of light
be to cool 2025/12/28
Silly and funny and cute
It’s fun, silly, cool and informational and cute
GreatNate80 2025/05/24
Beware
I guess “good things” is subjective … today’s story was about a person being diagnosed with cancer and a prognosis of weeks to months to live.
Customer service snob 2024/09/07
Good dose of positivity
Thanks for sharing feel good, positive stories about REAL people…
Dan M in San Diegp 2024/06/23
Cheesy
The stories are actually decent, but the music and intro and sooo cheesy, it gives me the willies.
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