Podcast · Film & TV

CNN 5 Good Things

Starting 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 headline

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 15 min
Latest: 8 Aug 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Aug 2026 · 1 min

A Special Announcement

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

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

1 Aug 2026 · 18 min
A New Search for Amelia Earhart’s Plane is Taking Flight
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…
25 Jul 2026 · 16 min
A Pilot Throws a Surprise Airport Concert
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:…
18 Jul 2026 · 15 min
The Warm Welcome Outlasting the World Cup
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…
11 Jul 2026 · 15 min
The Woman Who Conquered the Pacific in Record Time
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:…
4 Jul 2026 · 17 min
Inside America's 250th Birthday Time Capsule
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…
27 Jun 2026 · 16 min
Ever Wonder What a Plant Sounds Like?
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…
20 Jun 2026 · 15 min
The World Cup Watch Party Nobody Saw Coming
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:…
13 Jun 2026 · 18 min
The World Cup Adventure Months in the Making
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…
6 Jun 2026 · 14 min
The Superfans are Ready for the NBA Finals
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
30 May 2026 · 17 min
The Firsts, Fastest, and Most-Evers on Everest
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…
23 May 2026 · 15 min
The Porch-to-Porch Concert Crawl
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…
16 May 2026 · 14 min
A “Ted Lasso” Star Scores A Real-Life Soccer Contract
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
9 May 2026 · 14 min
Calling All Moms to the Dance Floor!
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…
2 May 2026 · 15 min
An Off-The-Track Kentucky Derby Comeback
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…
25 Apr 2026 · 13 min
She’s Cancer-Free After Taking This Treatment
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…
18 Apr 2026 · 15 min
A Real-Life Romance from a “Heated Rivalry”
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…
11 Apr 2026 · 13 min
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:…
4 Apr 2026 · 15 min
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…
28 Mar 2026 · 13 min
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…
21 Mar 2026 · 14 min
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…
14 Mar 2026 · 16 min
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…
7 Mar 2026 · 15 min
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:…
28 Feb 2026 · 14 min
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 Learn more about your ad…
21 Feb 2026 · 15 min
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:…
14 Feb 2026 · 16 min
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…
7 Feb 2026 · 16 min
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:…
31 Jan 2026 · 14 min
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,…
24 Jan 2026 · 15 min
A Pig Organ Pioneer Found His Match
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. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia…
17 Jan 2026 · 15 min
This Teen Faced the Dark Side of AI and Fought Back
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…

About CNN 5 Good Things

CNN 5 Good Things is a English film & tv podcast from CNN Podcasts. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: CNN Podcasts
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 15 min
Latest episode: 8 Aug 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1751328339
Rights: 2024 - 2026 CNN

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