CNN 5 Good Things

A 21-year-old piano tuner brought music and joy back to a busy airport. We’ll tell you how researchers are working to protect bees from pesticide poisoning. Tossing food in the air is a Lunar New Year tradition these chefs won’t miss. Scientists are studying a 1.2-million-year-old piece of ice to learn about climate change. Six months ago, a preschool teacher gave part of her liver to a 5-year-old...

Thailand became the first south Asian country to recognize marriage equality. How a high school basketball player’s quick thinking on the court saved a life. This start-up makes special backpacks that turn into a reading light for places with no electricity. The Golden State Warriors make a superfan’s day. Plus, a tiny French town just got 10 million euros richer from a man who’d never even visite...

A seafood restaurant in California rallied volunteers and donations to support those impacted by the LA wildfires. Scientists uncovered a nearly 500-foot-long dinosaur highway in England. Researchers test if fairy tales can inspire kids to make healthier food choices – the results are pretty magical! Robots dive into action to restore a key component of the ocean floor. Meet the innovators making...

We’ll tell you about some good Samaritans who are helping feed and protect their neighbors impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Volunteers distribute thousands of free winter clothing items across parks in the Twin Cities. A veteran judge in North Carolina has a new colleague – his daughter. A Virginia Zoo selects a name for its new baby pigmy hippo. Plus, how a “smart cow” can change the far...

A nonprofit in Boston is giving free access to education, playtime and meals to kids who have experienced homelessness. A 23-year-old runner shares why he’s taking on the 183.4 mile World Marathon Challenge. Ready to chuck your Christmas tree? Let these farm animals in Massachusetts take it off your hands. Rats love to take some joy rides. Plus, a New Year's resolution that prioritizes your happin...

A self-proclaimed street librarian has a new way to deliver free books to kids in Baltimore. A high school student’s dream of treating skin cancer is getting closer to coming true. A nonprofit in Phoenix helps those experiencing homelessness unwrap a little happiness this holiday season. A filmmaker who’s collecting stories about happiness hits more countries. Plus, we share some of our listeners’...

Meet the Traveling Piano Man spreading joy across the US through music. People with memory loss disorders are getting sound prescriptions. The youngest-ever World Chess Champion returns home to a hero’s welcome. A beloved local Santa in New York passed away, but his son is carrying on his legacy. Plus, could mouse sperm orbiting Earth be the future of humanity? Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

A new, rare exhibit is bringing a 150-million-year-old dinosaur to life. Women will get the chance to play pro baseball again. A catastrophe on a couple’s wedding day turned into a beautiful memory. How a Dutch recycling company is tackling footwear waste. Plus, the 2024 CNN Hero of the Year and Young Wonders have been chosen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A treasured gothic architectural gem reopens to the public five years after a fire. Bike Buses put a fresh spin on the commute to school for kids and parents across the US. A 11-year old lead the charge for cleaner air in Connecticut classrooms. A woman saved her twin sister’s life in a rare organ transplant. AI is helping farmers speed up crop breeding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

A choir helps people with Alzheimer's and dementia find joy and purpose. A formerly unhoused New Yorker helps feed people on the city’s streets. People from all over North Carolina came together to feed Hurricane Helene survivors on Thanksgiving. A coffee shop in Massachusetts went viral for giving away free coffee on one groovy condition. Plus, there’s still time to vote for the CNN Hero of the Y...

A 17-year-old girl won a prestigious award this week advocating for the rights of girls in Afghanistan. Scientists have discovered the world's largest stretch of coral. A TV legend is getting her own stamp next year. A society of magicians wants to welcome back a member who tricked them. Plus, this 31-year-old woman smashed the record for hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.  Learn more about your...

A legendary freedom fighter is honored for her military service 160 years later. We tell you why a 19-month-old bloodhound is the ultimate hero. A library book is finally returned over five decades late. A tall, stinky flower draws a huge crowd in Australia. Plus, the official Moo Deng anthem just dropped, just as another baby pygmy hippo makes her debut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Kids in South Carolina got an important civics lesson at their local library. Against all odds, an athlete with a terminal cancer diagnosis completed one of the most grueling races in the world. Classic music lovers are inspired by newly-discovered music an iconic composer left behind. A nonprofit is training giant rats in uniform to sniff out illegal wildlife contraband. Plus, an beloved characte...

A teen from Georgia is named America's Top Young Scientist for his invention. A beloved school custodian got an amazing retirement gift from her colleagues. A start-up in Ireland is revolutionizing how cancer patients experience treatment. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can soon traverse a new trail across a big state. Plus, a woman didn’t think twice about donating one of her organs to save...

An 18-year-old mountain climber became the youngest ever to summit the world's highest peaks. The slime in your home could be the key to helping fight climate change – send these scientists a picture. Food insecurity is a problem for some Los Angeles residents, so this nonprofit is crop swapping. A cello-playing robot made musical history. Plus, an 81-year-old makes finishing the New York City Mar...

In this special episode of CNN 5 Good Things, hear about the people who are making the world a better place. We’re highlighting the Top 5 CNN Heroes of 2024 and the good work they do. Click here to learn more about their stories and to vote for the 2024 CNN Hero of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An off duty lifeguard rescued a 17-year-old lost at sea. Some people experiencing homelessness in California now have a place they can call their own. How a crossword editor is using his love for puzzles to aid his stroke recovery. Dog Tag Bakery helps veterans rediscover their identity with a fellowship program. Plus, the good work a street veterinarian has been able to do since being named the 2...

What's the happiest moment of your life? A filmmaker wants to know. How a breast cancer survivor is supporting women battling the disease. The longest running contest of its kind dares amateur filmmakers to create very short horror films. A New Jersey based arts foundation honors the past and future of the Cherokee Nation. Plus, a Canadian native makes history on the ice. Learn more about your ad...

We’ll tell you about a dad who trekked almost 20 miles during Hurricane Helene to walk his daughter down the aisle. A Kentucky doctor shows us how trees might help prevent chronic disease. Mozart fans have new music, thanks to a recent discovery. A 75-year-old poet gets a big surprise — and shares why he writes about kindness and joy. Plus, we learn why dolphins “smile” when they play together. Le...

We're following Pesto, a baby penguin that's turning heads and charming hearts in Australia. One man is running coast to coast to honor a veteran's last wish. Leaf peeping season is here, and Virginia state parks are making it easier for colorblind visitors to enjoy it. A Miss Universe contestant breaks through an age-old barrier. Plus, this performer is taking the mascot experience to a whole new...

Some new research might convince you to try dabbling in arts and crafts. Scientists have learned that the swirls in Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night” painting don't appear to be random. A pet cat wandered almost 1,000 miles back home. Why conservationists brought huge elephant sculptures to New York City. Plus, school is back in session, we’re revisiting why some parents of elementary school kids...

Students at a Kentucky high school that wouldn’t have been interested in band before now play in the state’s first mariachi band. Nora Langdon is considered one of the best senior powerlifters in the world and wants to inspire others to keep exercising. An Arizona woman is named a CNN Hero for supporting Native American foster youth and families. A team of student engineers in Zurich have develope...

A woman went on a 700-mile bike ride to raise awareness about substance abuse after her brother died from fentanyl poisoning. Scientists have figured out a way to turn banana waste into denim and clean energy for rural communities in Pakistan. A stay-at-home mom in Michigan dresses up like a clown to pick up trash and her neighbors love her message. The San Diego Zoo is celebrating the birth of an...

We’ll highlight some extraordinary accomplishments from Team USA athletes at the Paralympics. A six-year-old boy couldn’t wait to tell everyone at a hospital in Ohio that he was getting a new heart. Hear what some football teams are doing that could help protect players from concussions. Patients with the most common and deadly form of brain cancer can soon seek more affordable treatment. Plus, ho...

Two male flamingos coupled up and achieved a rare feat: successfully hatching an egg together. An MLB catcher made some kids’ days by showing up to play wiffle ball. The FDA just cleared a new device that could stop severe bleeding in seconds and potentially save countless lives. The world’s oldest man celebrated his birthday this week. Plus, eight marching bands from HBCUs showcased their skills...