A wildlife expert performed a tiny transplant surgery. A Texas volleyball team serves an epic surprise for their school’s beloved custodian. New research brings good news to parents hoping to prevent peanut allergies. A retired computer technician in Florida is paying it forward to people in need. And in Chicago, second chances are in full bloom for at-risk youth, thanks to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/24/us/chicago-quilen-blackwell-southside-blooms-cnnheroes">this CNN Hero.</a> 
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/newsletters">here.</a> 
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 
Producer: Eryn Mathewson 
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 
Editorial Support: Dan Dzula, Kathleen Toner, Christie O’Reilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

This Grandma Went From Beginner Swimmer to Record Breaker

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 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.