CNN 5 Good Things

A barbershop in Pennsylvania is boosting reading levels and confidence. Millions around the world are hooked on a Dutch city’s fish doorbell livestream. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC kicked off with a new activity for a good cause. Researchers in the UK are using AI to understand the emotions of a farm animal better. Plus, a former race driver lost his legs, but broke a world record in a different kind of race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A world-first in Sydney could offer a lifeline for those waiting for a heart transplant. A high school teacher in Pennsylvania created a kindness challenge for her students. The Sports Bra bar is attracting major attention as March Madness kicks off. A New Jersey woman returned a library book that’s nearly a century overdue. Plus, local police and a four-year-old struck a plea deal in Wisconsin after his mom ate his ice cream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A three-year-old boy conquered his fears and saved his great-grandmother. The Montana Bar Fairies are turning grief into action in a state plagued by drunk driving. A college student in Boston helps women in need feel seen and beautiful. Actor Michael Sheen paid off $1.3 million worth of debt for his neighbors. Plus, this guy has been diving for lost golf balls for 30 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day with five stories about women making a difference around the globe. Pumpspotting helps breastfeeding moms connect virtually and physically. Artists in this market have been doing better than men at auctions. A woman-led tribe is on a mission to protect salmon and the rivers they live in. This network’s helping to close the gender gap in venture capital. Plus, these female athletes are paving the way for the next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doctors had to get crafty to save a three-month-old's life. A retired ocean liner is embarking on its final journey with a new mission for the record books. A dog lover left the corporate world and found his calling behind a camera. A new study pinpoints where massive sources of clean energy could exist. Plus, why a family cat is living her best ninth life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A California woman who lost her home in the Eaton Fire has a 3D plan to rebuild. When a father couldn’t find toys and apparel featuring Black historical figures, he created his own. We’ll tell you why a London youth group is on a mission to create emojis with Black and mixed-race hairstyles. A space robotics engineer is helping make farming easier in a country with an aging workforce. Plus, the poem – I Met My Younger Self for Coffee – has inspired millions to do the same. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special edition of CNN 5 Good Things all about love for Valentine’s Day, volunteers in every state are delivering roses and heartfelt cards to senior citizens. An animal shelter is playing matchmaker across the country. The psychologists behind the famous "36 Questions That Lead to Love" are celebrating 50 years of marriage – they share their secrets. A couple bonded over their love of this romantic comedy, so the proposal had to be perfect. Plus, at this Chicago flower shop, every purchase helps people flourish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Super Bowl may be the main event this week, but flag football is quickly becoming the next big thing. New research is advancing what we know about ape intelligence. A remote cottage in Ireland is one of the world’s top Michelin-starred restaurants. A young boy’s bravery in a moment of crisis is earning him the title of a real-life superhero. This concert series invites people to turn off their phones, breathe deeply, and let the music do the healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 boy – we check in on them both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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’ highlights from the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Year – we highlight the honorees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices