CNN 5 Good Things

CNN Audio

  • 13 minutes 7 seconds
    The Dating Trend That Ditches the Apps

    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

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    11 April 2026, 8:30 am
  • 15 minutes 15 seconds
    The 8-Year-Old Behind Artemis II’s Moon Mascot

    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 

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    4 April 2026, 8:30 am
  • 13 minutes 13 seconds
    A Hit Show That is Making ‘Zillennials’ Nostalgic

    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 

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    28 March 2026, 8:30 am
  • 14 minutes 16 seconds
    A Rhode Island Community’s ‘Miracle on Ice’

    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. 

    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

    Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

    Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

    Editorial Support: Graham Hurley, Hanako Montgomery

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    21 March 2026, 8:30 am
  • 15 minutes 39 seconds
    Following the Tracks of a Tiger Comeback

    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.  

    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

    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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    14 March 2026, 8:30 am
  • 14 minutes 35 seconds
    A Foster Kid Came for Surgery. He Left With a Family

    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. 

    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

    Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

    Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

    Editorial Support: Randi Kaye, Tamara Hardingham-Gill 

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    7 March 2026, 9:30 am
  • 14 minutes 23 seconds
    This Latest Parenting Trend is a Throwback

    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. 

    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

    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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    28 February 2026, 9:30 am
  • 15 minutes 16 seconds
    The Farm Animals That Can Fight Crime, No Prob-llama

    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? 

    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

    Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

    Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

    Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

    Editorial Support: Liberty Smith

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    21 February 2026, 9:30 am
  • 16 minutes 7 seconds
    He Forgot They Were Married, So He Proposed Again

    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. 

    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

    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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    14 February 2026, 9:30 am
  • 15 minutes 55 seconds
    Meet the Olympic Athletes Already Making History

    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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    7 February 2026, 9:16 am
  • 13 minutes 35 seconds
    She Was Depressed for Decades Until She Tried This

    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.

    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

    Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

    Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

    Editorial Support: Cindy Von Quednow, Hyan de Freitas

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    31 January 2026, 9:30 am
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