The Good News Podcast

A beautiful partnership between two institutions: libraries and schools!

Read more about The 81 Club here

From the archive, a new game helps connect younger and older people and share accomplishments. Seems like a great idea!

Read more about the game here

Fromt the archive, a giant, glassy building in Chicago has upgraded it's windows to make them safer for birds flying on by.

Read more about the glass and the birds here 

Sir David Attenborough has just turned 100- what a milestone! People all over this Planet Earth have been celebrating him in all kinds of ways.

Read more about the birthday celebrations here

Seeds have little vibration detectors that help them get to growing when the rain starts falling. That's good news!

Read more about the seed study here

An update to a story from about a year ago about the magnificent Voyager 1 probe.

Read more about the repair work here

From the archive, a study shows some good news about helping each other.

Read more about the study here

Marking ten years since Prince's death, Paisley Park in Minnesota is releasing ten previously unreleased tracks over the next year- that's good news!

Read more about the celebration here

A project in the trees in Sumatra has paid off- after a bit of a delay.

Read more about the bridge here

From the archive, a researcher believes that a Mona Lisa mystery has been solved!

Read more about the bridge here

From the archive, guerrilla gardening is a pretty fun act of rebellion that I can totally get behind.

Learn more about guerrilla gardening here 

This summer might be very productive for solar and wind farms in Great Britain. Potentially, TOO productive!

Read more about summer usage suggestions here

Two eagle chicks are yet unnamed- and you can suggest some options!

Learn more about the chicks here

From the archive, a popular TV show in Sweden is something you can watch for hours- technically 24 hours for days if you'd like- this year, the migration is back on April 22nd! 

Read more about slow TV and the moose migration here

Magawa, the landmine-sniffing rat has recently been honored with an awesome statue in Cambodia.

Read more about Magawa and the statue here

Building with LEGO bricks is traditionally a super visual process- the instructions are just pictures. Now, Bricks for the Blind is making these instructions accessible for blind and visually impaired builders all over.

Read more about the project here

A new law in Brazil let's courts help couples determine pet custody when a relationship ends- that's good news for pets!

Read more about the law here

Hidden Valley is sending people to Europe to taste foods with a splash of ranch. Sounds like a fun summer job!

Learn more about the ranchbassador program here

A website helps you find some of the least read Wikipedia articles and learn something new.

Check out LonelyWiki here

From the archive, scientists are shoving robots into beehives to keep them alive over the winter- that's good news! 

A new service from the Nashville Public Library system helps to modernize older media to make it a bit easier to access.

From the archive, research has been able to reproduce a song that a bird was dreaming... WHAT?!

Read more about the research here

From the archive, a new banana might be making its way to your grocer- keep your eyes... peeled.

Read more about the banana here

The Bank of England recently asked what should be on their bills and winner is a natural choice.

Read more about the new notes here

Dolly Parton continues to set an excellent example!

Read more about the hospital here

A new scientific milestone has been hit (literally) out in outer space!

Read more about DART here

From the archive, a group of helpful rebels are building and installing seating around the Bay Area. In the San Fran area, the number of benches installed is well over a hundred, and the movement is expanding too! Benches are popping up in L.A. and other cities too- very cool!

Read more about the benches here

From the archive, a cool and useful project that leverages the power of listening for improving mental health. Since this episode first released, the BBC has produced a more in-depth documentary about the project.

Check out the documentary here

Read more about the project here

New Orleans is experimenting with new (and old) approaches to parade throws.

Read more about beads here

An update to a story from a few months ago: Reading Rainbow is SO back baby!

Read more about the new show here

From the archive, a robot (NOT a drone) is helping restore a fragile ocean ecosystem!

Read more about the robot and seagrasses here

A cafe in Portland has become a hub for the local Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Read more about the cafe here 

A lovely partnership between bird and farmer can lead to more cherries and safer cherries too!

Read more about the birds and the fruits here

A bumper spud crop in Germany is getting distributed all over.

Read more about the potato-palooza here

Lead is bad for us, but we've been getting it out of our bodies- and we can prove it!

Learn more about the study here

From the archive, a social media trend that encourages people to get outside and share what they love- nothing wrong with that! Now there's a book too!

Learn more about stick nation here

Boston continues to set a great example with its public transit system- for humans and for bees!

Read more about the program here

Two stories of pets being placed in charge: one train stationmaster and one neighborhood mayor.

Read more about the pet mayoral election here

A new Barbie is even more good news for representation and play time!

Check out this announcement video to learn more 

A famous (maybe the most famous?) sheep has big news.

Learn more about Fiona's last few years here

From the archive, an art installation and future book is growing in a Norwegian forest outside of Oslo!

Read more about the project here and listen to the Ted Radio Hour episode with this project here

A talented origami folder (origamist?) has founded a new super strong fold that can help in future emergencies.

Read more about the folder here 

It's that time of year once again. Merry Christmas everyone- sing yourself some good news with this archival episode!

Grandmas are offering advice in the US and (soon) around the world!

Read more about the grandma stands here

A raccoon went on a bender and eventually ended raising nearly a quarter million dollars for the local animal shelter- that's good news!

Read more about the trashed trash panda here

Two pieces of good news spanning the globe that both have to do with otters!

Read more about the otter rescue here

From the archive, a cute kiddo and kind public servants- that's good news! 

An experiment from the 80s is still yielding results today- and it's all thanks for gophers!

Read more about the gophers and the fungi here

Magazine readers across the UK came together to craft for cats (and break a record too, for good measure!)!

Read more about the effort here

Scientists are expanding their toolkits to help reefs bounce back as ocean's get warmer.

Read more about the project here 

From the archive, moving bits around the internet makes a lot of heat- enough to heat a pool apparently!

Data centers are popping up all over the place- even in sheds in the backyard!

Read more about the project here

A story about international burger orders and new pen-pals.

Read more about the burger buddies here

From the archive, a major conservation milestone- let's get into the clone zone. Cloned babies are now making babies too, which is great!

Read more about the ferrets here

Bob Ross is still helping public TV thrive- people love those "happy accidents!"

Read more about the paintings here

Art can help reduce stress and now we know for sure because researchers checked saliva!

Read more about the study here

To celebrate Halloween, a spooky little poem!

Read the poem here

A rare private wedding was held in the reopened Notre-Dame de Paris for someone who helped to make the reopening possible.

Read more about the wedding here

From the archive, a valuable way to use AI chatbots- tailored debunking! 

Read more about Debunkbot here

A club is using a renewable resource for crafting and community...ing.

Read more about the club here

A project building tiny homes for homeless veterans across the country is definitely good news.

Read more about the tiny homes here

Research from the last decade of food allergies, shows that updated guidance had made a real impact on the number of people with allergies.

Read more about the research here 

Two stories of bogs from Massachusetts and Finland where nature gets to make a comeback.

Read more about cranberry bogs here

A viral video is sending some well-deserved attention in the direction of some near-endangered fluttering beauties.

Read more about the video and the transplant here

From the archive, prescriptions are getting... more fun? Pet-scriptions are hopefully a new trend. 

A record gets beaten in Paris and it's a labor of love.

Read more about the record and breaking it here

From the archive, a new prescription option for people looking to relax and improve their mental health. Since this episode first ran, the program in Brussels has expanded! 

A non-profit is helping home bakers donate their skills and their loaves to hungry folks.

Read more about the group here

A competition celebrating cheese has been won by someone from the US for the first time. I'll be buying tickets for next year!

Read more about the competition here

A PBS classic is making its way back to the airwaves (e-waves?) as a YouTube show for a new generation.

Read more about the new show and its host here

From the archive, a potential frustration is turned into a fanciful, fish-full neighborhood landmark.

For better and/or worse, the original sidewalk hole has been repaired.

Read more about the aquarium here

From the archive, supermarkets offer a service to the community + a bit of a geography/history lesson! I was thinking about this episode recently and it's apparently a spreading phenomenon. Carrefour, a French grocery store, now has "Blablabla Caisses" (which is a great name) for people who want a bit of connection while shopping.

Read more about the checkout lanes here

From beautiful Chicago, Illinois, another once-nasty river gets a new lease on life!

Read more about the river and its intrepid swimmers here

A new train has entered the fleet with a fun, publicly-voted-on name (and it's not Trainy McTrainface!)

Read more about the train here

Public transit operators from all over can compete to find out who the best tram driver is... in the WORLD!

Read more about the competition here

Scientists are channeling the bees to make a more effective medicine delivery system!

Read more about the new medical tech here

A Finnish town is using a deceptively simple new technology to stay warm using renewable energy.

Read more about the big battery here

From the archive, Italy is planning on receiving an infusion of shepherds!

A story about drunk raccoons on the local news- thank goodness for local news!

Check out the segment here

A Dutch company has found a way to help solve two problems with one project: a recycled tiny home made from wind turbine parts!

Read more about the project and the company here

From the archive, an impressive (and unexpectedly international) tale of maritime rescue.

Read more about the rescue here

Libraries, both public and little free, are growing and changing with their communities!

Read more here and here

Seaweed is reaching its premium plastic potential!

Read more about the algal innovation here

From the archive, Swedish slow TV is back at it again! 

Read more about slow TV and the moose migration here

Research shows that working out your mouth and throat muscles with conch shell can help your sleep better- that's great news!

Read more about the research here 

From the archive, dogs are getting to work reintroducing native plants to an urban nature reserve.

Read more about the project (and see some pup pics) here

A new Barbie is good news for representation and make believe play time!

Read more about this newest doll here

New technology using old techniques might yield quick, low-carbon housing! Very cool!

Read more about the 3D houses here

Good news from sidewalks near you- you can see space stuff!

Read more about #popscope here

Reintroduced wolves are having impacts throughout entire ecosystems!

Read more about the wolf + tree research here

From the archive, a drone that looks like a dog wearing a vacuum! Now THAT is some good news.

Read more about a recent robopup adventure here

Something that may have cursed explorers 100 years ago has promising medical properties nowadays. Cool!

Read more about the research here

An update to a few episodes over the years about the cost of renewable energy generation compared to fossil fuel generation.

Read more about the UN address here 

From New England, a smart reuse (continued use?) of technology to keep folks connected.

Read more about the payphones here

A fun race from the UK is good news for the snails and those who love them.

Read more about the race here 

From the archive, the "world's first library farm" sounds incredible!

Read more about the library and it's farm here 

From the archive, a midnight theft. A mysterious stranger. A squad of gnomes. It's a good news caper!

Read more about the gnomes here 

A new paint can help keep buildings cooler in humid, rainy places around the globe.

Read more about it here 

An update from a story out of Paris from about two years ago- get your suit on (bathing, preferably) and come along to the Seine!

Read more about swimming in the river here

An adopted dog shows its love and affection when it mattered most.

Read more about Chico the beagle here

Researchers at MIT have tested out a passive device that can grab water out of the air in one of the driest places on earth.

Read more about the project here 

From the archive, gold is getting pulled out of old electronics. Recently, it seems like the process may get refined even more- leading to safer, cleaner gold extraction. Neat!

Read more about the new process here

A new detention option could get more kids outside and soaking up some tree time.

Read more about these hiking detentions here

From the archive, a science-y food startup called Savor is building the butter of... the FUTURE! Now, it seems like folks are eating (and enjoying) this new butter and I might finally get that taste-test that I want.

Read more about future-butter here

An innovative bike design is built for people who need the most reliable possible bike.

Learn more about the bike here 

Along the Klamath River, the Yurok Tribe is back in their rightful role as stewards and conservationists of forests in California.

Read more about the land back deal here

Beavers are so back baby! It's a good sign for Portugal and it should help the area rivers too!

Read more about the work of tracking Iberian beavers here

A new game helps connect younger and older people and share accomplishments. Seems like a great idea!

Read more about the game here

Researchers in Japan have created a plastic-ish material that is strong and flexible, but dissolves when it gets salty... like in an ocean!

Read more about this cool material here

An update to a story from about a year ago. Researchers have found a way to use more of the cocoa pod to make delicious, delicious chocolate!

Read more about the new chocolate formula here 

A new designation encourages people to think about their cities differently.

Read more about National Park Cities here 

Caretakers in California are dressing up to help a young bear get ready to face the wilderness.

Read more about the bear and its caretakers here 

Engineering, science, and mathematics have all been leveraged to design less-gross urinals, that's good news!

Read more about the urinal designs here  

From the archive, if you like to listen to nature sounds like rain to relax, you can do that and help the planet at the same time.

Read more about the project here 

A giant, glassy building in Chicago has upgraded it's windows to make them safer for birds flying on by. 

Read more about the glass and the birds here 

Ronan, a 15yr old sea lion has great rhythm and it's raising questions about music and what it means to be musical.

Read more about the research here 

Another update from Voyager 1 and 2 out in interstellar space. A 20-year-old bug needed to get figured out- and fast!

Read more about the repair effort here

From the archive, avocados get a high-tech new label and it could save a lot of plastic! Also, the avocado producer making these laser-etched avocados has also recently started making natural dyes from the avocado pits that would normally get composted or chucked- that's good news too!

Read more about the avocado dye here

Guerrilla gardening is a pretty fun act of rebellion that I can totally get behind.

Learn more about guerrilla gardening here 

From the archive, an international competition to see who can space out... best? The most? The... farthest?

There is a competition coming up! If you're in the area and you space out competitively, let me know- I'd love to hear about it. 

Read more about the competition here 

Two stories of communities coming together to move books- books to be sold and books to be borrowed!

Read more about the library move here

A popular TV show in Sweden is something you can watch for hours- technically 24 hours for days if you'd like!

Read more about slow TV and the moose migration here

Three stories about turtle: old parents, turtle rescue, and conservation successes!

Read more about the sea turtle survey here

Scientists have zapped retinae with lasers and described a color never before seen by the human eye.

Read more (and see an un-lasered) version of the color here

A sloth named Rico has undergone a novel surgery to help with a toothache.

Read more about the surgery here

Stumpy's clones are alive and well one year later and Stumpy fever is still going strong- it even has a theme song now!

Check out the Stumpy song here 

An art exhibit about failure and getting better has a phone number you can call to inspire others- so cool!

Read more about the exhibit here

A cool and useful project that leverages the power of listening for improving mental health.

Read more about the project here

A new rat is on the scene, sniffing out dangers and helping humans stay safe. Good work Ronin!

Read more about Ronin here 

A group of helpful rebels are building and installing seating around the Bay Area.

Read more about the benches here

An update to a story from a few years ago- a bridge has been built!

Read more about the project here

From the archive, a big publisher is experimenting with page-saving fonts to cut down on paper.

Read more about the fonts here

A new competition pits sleeping bears against each other to find out who can nap the HARDEST.

Read more about the competition here

From the archive, an educational astronomy project that helps to make astro-imagery more accessible and engaging to the visually impaired community.

Read more about the project here and check out the downloadable resources here

Big dams get lots of attention (looking at you Hoover!) but smaller dams can have a big impact on a fish and other wildlife.

Read more about these dams here

A new paint has the potential to help buildings react to and change with the seasons.

Read more about the paint here

A new banana might be making its way to your grocer- keep your eyes... peeled.

Read more about the banana here

From the archive, tech that can make drinking water from the air. Since originally airing, this technology has in fact gotten smaller and cheaper and has been used in emergency situation to provide drinking water. Pretty cool!

Read more about the Watercube in action here

From the archive, stories of ancient history under the streets. I thought of this story because there was recently a big Roman discovery in London.

Read more about that discovery here

An asteroid has gotten into the news recently and scientists are paying close attention.

Read more about the asteroid here 

One hard-to-recycle part of renewable energy production is getting a green(er) upgrade.

Read more about the blades here

Two stories about two people teaching and using CPR to change (and save) lives.

Sign up for CPR classes here if you want to learn or get a refresher

Breaking (good) news! Wisdom has returned and is officially taking care of her new hatchling. Back in December, Wisdom was confirmed to have laid the egg and now it's one of her 30+ hatchlings.

Read more about Wisdom here

An icy emergency gets exactly the right hero for the moment!

Read more about the rescue here

Beavers are the best- and they don't need to worry about permits!

Read more about the beavers' hard work here 

From the archive: people who knit, crochet, etc. just keep proving time and time again that they're the best- this time? Scarf bombing!

Read more about scarf bombing here!

A new ticket option at a major stadium can help to make events more welcoming to more folks- that's good news!

Read more about the new tickets here

An art installation and future book is growing in a Norwegian forest outside of Oslo!

Read more about the project here and listen to the Ted Radio Hour episode with this project here

A social media trend that encourages people to get outside and share what they love- nothing wrong with that!

Read more about stick nation here

A small town gets a big gift- it's good news!

Read more about the town and it's plans here

The work continues- since this archive episode first ran, 5 more rhino embryos have been produced. Very exciting stuff! The team behind this effort has won an award for their innovative work.

Read more about the project and the award here

Otters are bouncing back and helping manage an invasive species.

Read more about otters and crabs here

A college is offering coaching for a growing challenge- phone anxiety.

Read more about the classes here

Zoos are finding a fun and effective way to reuse Christmas tree once the holidays are over.

Read more about the elephant treats here

Chicago is getting powered up in a very green way!

Read more about the energy milestone here

From the archive, a national health service is sending people out into the woods... for their health! 

Notre Dame has reopened! Pretty exciting and a good news story we've followed for many years.

It's that time of year again- carol o'clock! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah- Happy Holidays all around!

A robot (NOT a drone) is helping restore a fragile ocean ecosystem!

Read more about the robot and seagrasses here

A rare win against an invasive species- that's good news!

Read more about the hornets here

New stamps coming in 2025 are honoring a beloved TV great (and also showcasing cute baby animals).

Read more about the new stamps here

AI tech is being used to waste time, not save it- and it's good news!

Read more about the tech here

An update to a story from a few years ago- Wisdom the Albatross is alive and thriving!

Read more about Wisdom here

From the archive, a needle in a haystack story for the ages- it's good news from a NH transfer station that has a mythical ability to resurface lost rings!

A major conservation milestone- let's get into the clone zone!

Read more about Antonia and her kits here

An update to a story about robots working in farm fields- it's pretty cool! Farm drone zone coming up!

Read more about the newest farmbots here

An experiment from the 80s is still yielding results today- and it's all thanks for gophers!

Read more about the gophers and the fungi here

From the archive, new tech hopes to help kids with shots and adults with chronic pain!

Read more about the technology here

A new rule should help you cancel a membership you forgot about.

Read more about the click to cancel rule here 

African giant pouched rats are full of surprises- they can sniff all sorts of things!

Read more about the rats here

From the archive, the spooOOOkiest season gets a spooky poem! Happy Halloween! 🎃

From Australia, conservationists engineer a special pathway for turtles.

Read more about the tunnels here

A simple product that can help make household appliances a bit easier to use.

Read more about kit here 

From the archive, a library has added to its collection and very fun and furry way. Since this episode first aired, these cats have caught on in libraries all over- from Colorado to Connecticut! (And also, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, and I'm sure other places too!)

Read more about library robopets here

Space seeds are thriving here on Earth- the moon trees!

Learn more about recent moon tree plantings here. 

A story right in the TGNP wheelhouse- a pooch going above and beyond to find help for her puparent.

Read more about the good pup Gita here

A painting that was found in a basement and (moderately) loved by a family, is the real deal.

Read more about the painting here

An amazing competition to help folks get in touch with nature.

Read more about tree hugging and forest bathing here

It's almost fat bear week again, so this episode from the archive is right on time! Check out some bears and maybe help a hiker too.

Learn more about the bears here

A potential frustration is turned into a fanciful, fish-full neighborhood landmark.

Read more about the aquarium here

California is going back and closing a loophole to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in the world.

Read more about the new rules here

A new and valuable way to use AI chatbots- tailored debunking!

Read more about Debunkbot here

An impressive (and unexpectedly international) tale of maritime rescue.

Read more about the rescue here

Big energy news coming out of the UK and a very real example of the green energy transition.

Read more about the station shut down here

From the archive, sheep practicing "solar grazing" can be a win-win!

Read more about sheep helping out here

From the archive, research from the UK has identified a quick, easy, and cheap way to help keep playground air clear.

Read more about the published study here

An update to a story from last year- the migration is happening now and it's trackable!

Learn more about the team and their progress here

LEGO has been on an eco-journey for years at this point. Now, they're making more and shelling out for the green stuff.

Read more about LEGO's efforts here

A discovery from the bottom of the Baltic Sea shines light on our love of bubbly drinks

Read more about the shipwreck here

A new addition to the Portland International Airport employee roster is making flying a bit more fun.

Read more about the therapy llamas here 

Dogs are getting to work reintroducing native plants to an urban nature reserve.

Read more about the project (and see some pup pics) here

From the archive, three tales of tomes taking their time to tour... and come back home. 

Drones are coming to Everest to grab trash and safely zip it down the mountain.

Read more about the cleanup efforts here 

An update to a story from a year ago- the Klamath Dams are on the way out!

Read more about the progress here

An internship opportunity for the college-bound cow cuddler.

 Read more about the internship here 

An experiment in Copenhagen to make tourism a little easier on the environment!

Read more about CopenPay here 

The Royal Mint in the UK is experimenting with doing something a little different with trash- mining it! 

A cat makes a break from it- and gets his freedom!

Read more about Chapo here 

An update to a (surprisingly) developing story about an old, famous tree!

Read more about the Sycamore Gap tree shoots here

From the archive, universal images are being made more universally accessible!

Read more descriptions in the article here

A cat has been hired to a VERY serious role in the Lithuanian government. Good for you Rango!

Read more about Rango here

The US Women's Water Polo team has an amazing fan, sponsor, and ambassador. And her wears a clock! 

A new drone that looks like a dog wearing a vacuum! Now THAT is some good news.

Read more about VERO here 

From the archive, a novel and lovely way to slow folks down 

A science-y food startup called Savor is building the butter of... the FUTURE!

Read more about future-butter here

Researchers have used radar data to learn more about our lunar dance partner.

Read more about the tunnel here

More dogs with jobs on in this episode - lifesaving pups out on the beach!

Listen to NPR's interview here

For the first time, new parents at the 2024 Olympics will have a special spot to connect with their little ones.

Read more about the nursery here 

A midnight theft. A mysterious stranger. A squad of gnomes. It's a good news caper!

Read more about the gnomes here 

Goats are coming back to Riverside Park in NYC! According to the Riverside Park Conservancy:

“Thanks to the goat crew’s hard work at 120th Street over the past four summers, the human staff at the Conservancy and NYC Parks now have access to a much clearer slope, with the success of the goats’ work at that location, native understory and large trees to fill in gaps can be installed, protecting the existing mature tree canopy. The Conservancy is thrilled for the goats to bring their big appetites further uptown.”

This year's goats are: Charlise, Chico, Godiva, Mallomar, Paris, Romeo, and Turbo. Like past years, New Yorkers can vote for best goat- can't wait to find out who wins! 

A YouTube lawncare creator helps a cat and the cat helpers too!

Check out the GoFundMe here 

After a passionate public campaign, trains in Boston are getting a fun upgrade- a fungrade!

Read more about the upgrade here 

From the archive, a rose breeding company makes history with their newest type. 

A thrift store find turns out to be second hand or maybe like... 200th hand.

Read more about the repatriation here

Two solar projects are popping up in neat spots! Solar for everybody!

Learn more about the Detroit project here
Learn more about the coal mine project here
Read more about solar power milestones here

From the archive, a story about a cool tool for cleaning up water ways. Since this first aired, WasteShark has gone to work in all sorts of places like Lake Ilopango in El Salvador and Hudson River Park in NYC. 

A cat has graduated (but will probably still hang around campus). 

A project that wants to give nature credit for its musicmaking skills!

Read more about the project here

From the archive, a story about a forest tuned for feeding folks. According to the newsletter, things are going well at the food forest and there is plenty to check out if you're in the area! 

Avocados are about to get a high-tech new label and it could save a lot of plastic! 

Two animals found themselves in some tricky situations and needed some help from human friends. 

A new type of broadcast from the NHL that is hopefully the start of a pattern!

Researchers have found a way to use more of the cocoa pod to make delicious, delicious chocolate!

Read more about the new chocolate formula here 

I recently found an article about the largest genome ever discovered and was reminded about this HUGE plant.

This fern has a genome that is FIFTY TIMES bigger than ours- holy cow!

Read more about the fern here

An international competition to see who can space out... best? The most? The... farthest?

Read more about the competition here 

A football club in England has introduced new tech to help fans get into the action.

Read more about the inclusive technology here 

From the archive, a study about birds interacting with each other over video calls. A paper about this research has just recently been published and it turns out birds way, WAY prefer talking to other live birds over a prerecorded video. So cool!

Learn more about the study and the paper here 

An update to a story from two years ago: electrified utensils are headed to your table. 

A tiny taco spot in Mexico City has earned a prestigious recognition.

Read more about the taco stand here 

From the archive, two companies in Australia are diverting a bunch of waste from landfills.

Click here if you want to learn more about Soilz Alive

A story of local government playing along with a tongue-in-cheek resident's fence.

Read more and see the fence here

A mystery reappears- do we now know the location in the background of the Mona Lisa?! Maybe!

Read more about the Mona Lisa location here 

An orangutan has been documented doing something new and neat!

Read more about Rakus here

An update from LA about a program trying to cool down paved surfaces in the US.

Learn more about the cool pavement here

An educational astronomy project that helps to make astro-imagery more accessible and engaging to the visually impaired community.

Read more about the project here

Paris' most famous street is shutting down to host a gigantic picnic- maybe the biggest ever!

Read more about the picnic here 

A cat takes a shipping journey! 

Two pieces of good news coming from the US government- flight refunds and net neutrality! 

Voyager 1 was having a hard time getting in touch with Earth, but seems like smart folks found a fix!

Read more about the repair here

New research has been able to reproduce a song that a bird was dreaming... WHAT?!

Read more about the research here

Two penguins have built an inseparable relationship- is love in the air?!

Read more about the penguins here 

A story that seems like a movie that is similar to another story from a few years ago... that also seems like it's from a movie.

Read more about the rescues here 

Famous trees (and one extra famous tree) are getting some help from scientists and diplomats.

Read more about the D.C. cherry trees here 

A group of cats in Mexico's National Palace have received a special designation from the president.

Read more (and watch a video) about the cats here 

From the archive, the science of farming in moon dust! I was just reading about the next crewed mission to the moon, and it would appear that they're planning to set up a mini greenhouse on the moon to see how plants do there. Pretty neat!

You can read more about the this and the other planned experiments here

A big publisher is experimenting with page-saving fonts to cut down on paper.

Read more about the fonts here

Two tales from the world of robotics and AI and work!

Learn more about the tulip bots here

A bird is showing a new form of communication that hasn't been seen before in our feathered friends.

Read more about the research and the birds here 

From the archive, another good news story from a cemetery! This time, it's geese finding love after loss. 

A small French town is building solar in an unexpected place.

Read more about the project here 

A strain of the flu is missing and it might be gone forever and now our seasonal flu vaccine won't even target it. 

New tech is old school- or is old tech new again? Who knows! But an ancient technology could help reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry. 

Updates to two stories involving trees and forests- Miyawaki-method pocket forests and the Sycamore Gap tree in the UK.

Read more about the Manhattan Healing Forest here
Read more about the Sycamore Gap seedlings here 

From the archive, a story about Shaq making someone's day. I'm watching a documentary mini-series about Shaq and was reminded that he tries to do kind things with his wealth when he can. 

A new coffee technology has the potential to remove some serious single-use plastic pollution from the planet.\

Read more about the design and development of the pucks here

Libraries are back in the good news- an entire library system starts accepting a unique currency for fine forgiveness.

Read more about March Meowness here 

An author uses his prominence to make changes in the publishing world- good news for writers all over!

Read more about the deal here 

A huge gift will change the course of young doctors' lives for years to come.

Read more about the gift here 

An update to a story from two years ago- sloths are getting more and more ways to move around Costa Rica like their sloth ancestors before them!

Check out the Sloth Conservation Foundation to learn more

An update about an innovative company looking to use energy twice: once for computing, twice for heating!

Read more about the pool plans here

It's that time of year- snowplow naming season! Puns... puns... PUNS! 

A struggling bear population in Canada gets an assist from conservationists and a traveling bear.

Read more about the project here

A Beatles mystery has been solved and a stolen instrument is back home.

Read more about the search and recovery here! 

The Paris Olympic and Paralympic games are going to have some very, very Parisian medals.

Read more and check out the medals for yourself. 

A study has shown that the one of the best things for your heart might just be tai chi.

Read more about the study here. 

An AI powered chatbot out of England has helped minority groups receive mental health referrals and that's good news!

Read more about the chatbot here!

An update to a nearly five-year-old story- Ecosia has hit an impressive tree-planting milestone.

Check out Ecosia if you've got any searches to do!

People who knit, crochet, etc. just keep proving time and time again that they're the best- this time? Scarf bombing!

Read more about scarf bombing here!

From the archive, a musical monkey assist for Valentine's Day! 

An update to a story from a year ago- Flaco the owl is still flying free and making the best of his release!

Check out this NYT article for more info and great photos of Flaco!

A multi-pronged approach in California to help kelp- got to help the kelp! 

Read more about the project in this AP News article.

The end of a historic mission on Mars and am amazing helicopter!

Read more about Ingenuity and its achievements here. 

Scientists are working as quickly as possible to get a new northern white rhino out in the wild.

For more info, check out this BBC article! 

A library (accidentally) runs a small social experiment and the people of Gothenburg came through in a big way. 

Read more (in Swedish) here: https://www.gp.se/kultur/arvid-var-en-av-hundratals-inne-pa-olasta-biblioteket-.ba402a95-22ee-4509-a396-bb7fa22f34b5

Two recent stories of doggos helping to save lives and keep people safe- they're superpups! 

A huge experiment in Kenya is quantifying how helpful UBI can be for people in poverty.

Read more at NPR

Planet Money has a great episode on the experiment too! 

An act of kindness makes a stressful parenting experience a bit easier. 

New tech is promising to produce lots of water from the air all around us!

Read more about the WaterCube at CES here: https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/i-drank-water-that-this-giant-steel-box-pulled-from-the-air-at-ces-2024/

A special rodent has been helping a Welsh retiree keep his workbench cleaned up. 

Check out this article for video of the Welsh Tidy Mouse in action: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/world/europe/tiny-mouse-shed-video.html

From the archive, an organization using the power of crafts to help others. 

An Icelandic "bike nerd" is helping reconnect stolen bikes with their owners and help the thieves too. 

A group of marmots in Canada is making big leaps in population with the help of some helpful humans. 

Another year wraps up and a new one begins- so much good news in the past and more in the future! 

A thrift store find is a helpful reminder that thrift stores can be AWESOME. 

From a few years ago, Katie's improvised carols with a fun, fresh cast of Christmas characters. It's a long one- we were having fun! Enjoy and Merry Christmas! 🎅🎄❄🤶

A critically endangered orangutan has been born in Denver and has recently learned a bit more about her lineage. 

An update from a story from earlier this year- AI seems to be finding new antibiotics pretty darn quickly! 

From the archive, the Toys for Tickets program came back this year and had a GREAT year: double the amount of toys from the previous year! 

A national health service is sending people out into the woods... for their health! 

An aggressive timeline for renovation seems to be right on track- despite the odds! 

A felled tree may come back to life... in a few years... or many years. 

New tech hopes to help kids with shots and adults with chronic pain!

An update to a story from last year about my favorite aged chelonian! 

Two stories from jails and prisons in the US where education and rehabilitation are a priority. 

Innovation keeps on coming- robots aren't taking farming jobs, but they may help farmers use less herbicide! 

Good news from a NH transfer station that has a mythical ability to resurface lost rings!

From the archive, a story about rice that has the potential to make farming it cheaper, more eco-friendly, and easier!

An antique corn may hold the key to more resilient future corn! 

Portugal just broke a national record and it's good news for them and for the world! 

From the archive, a story about the Parastronaut Feasibility Project from the ESA. As a small update, it seems possible that John McFall could be going to space somewhat soonish with Axiom Space. There is a planned UK astronaut crewed mission coming up and McFall is a potential candidate! 

Two stories of innovation in the heat pump and hot water world- mines and sewers! 

Audiobooks made using modern robovoices are ready for you to download- thousands of them! 

A sheep has been stuck for years until a handful of farmers took it upon themselves to make a rescue. 

Two dogs vying for the title of best pups ever. 

Birds across the Americas are about to get a rename- more descriptive, less humany. 

A library has added to its collection and very fun and furry way. 

An update to an earlier story about beavers' reintroduction in Britain. 

Barcelona has an active biking commute community of the younger variety!

Prescriptions are getting... more fun? Pet-scriptions are hopefully a new trend. 

Another tool in our microbial/enzymatic/bacterial recycling toolbelt! 

A new controller attempts to make video games more welcoming to everyone!

From the archive, a successful asteroid bashing mission from NASA. We just got samples back from the asteroid Bennu- it's been a good couple of years for asteroid science!

Viewing these fat bear week cameras has the potential to SAVE LIVES- go check out the fat bears and place your vote! 

Reefs are overgrown with seaweed! If only there was some crustacean that loved eating seaweed... 

An update to a xenotransplantation story from '22. These transplants seem like they're just going to keep happening quicker and quicker! 

A new project in West Philadelphia aims to make healthy, yummy, and prepared food available to those that need it! 

Italy is planning on receiving an infusion of shepherds! 

A new discovery might force us to rethink our ancient ancestors' lifestyle! 

A straightforward and cheap way to support damaged reefs all over the world. 

I was thinking of this episode recently- Apple has recently announced a new iPhone which will charge via USB-C rather than the proprietary Lightning cable. That's pretty good news! 

A nature livestream caught an unusual occurrence and started a very impressive chain of events! 

Maia made a break for it at the busiest airport in the world- who let the dog(s) out? 

A method for planting small, fast-growing forests all over the world! 

A new antibiotic has been discovered with the help of AI and is named after HAL from 2001. 

The Indian Space Research Organization has been having a banner few weeks! 

From the archive, a reminder that nature is good for your noggin! I was reminded of this episode when I saw this article from the Harvard Medicine magazine which has even more good news about "doses of nature" - even just 20 minutes three times a week! 

A spiritual sequel to a 90s classic movie- ibises need help too! 

An update to a story from the archive- LEGO braille bricks are getting a wider release for families all over. Check out https://legobraillebricks.com/ for more info and to check out activity ideas! 

From the archive, good news about conservation and human interactions. Some updates: the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing is open and in use! The Bison Bridge between Illinois and Iowa is still in the proposal phase, but you can check it out at bisonbridge.org. 

Wolves are making a slow, but potentially steady recovery in California!

An update to a story from about two years ago- xenotransplantation just keeps getting better! 

From the archive, a story about a cool cafe and cool baristas. 

A new trainee at a public library is cute, quick, and fuzzy. 

A new entry in the Wiki Women series. Today, a scientist from the 1800s who is just now getting some long overdue recognition. 

A listener suggestion that hits all the TGNP angles: dogs, bees, conservation- it's got it all! 

An update to a story (maybe a sequel?) about Voyager 2

Taiwan is making it easier for young people to access period products and making sure everyone is educated on menstruation. 

Four dams in the Pacific Northwest are being removed and it will have a HUGE impact on the river and the local ecosystem. 

Teeth might soon be regrowable! 

An update to a beaver story from two years ago- California is getting more beaver friendly! 

Two stories about Louisiana and the dolphins who have been staying there. 

An update to a Barbie story, because Barbie is EVERYWHERE (and getting greener!)

A new (to me) competition and a wonderful winning cat! 

A 50-year-old drug moves from behind the counter to over the counter- and it's a big deal! 

An update to a story from a year ago- more and more cultural artifacts are headed back home. 

Three books have made it back to their library homes- and (of course) the librarians were very kind about it! 

Wisconsin's governor made a simple budget edit and enabled extra funding for a LONG time. 

A new government service is TGNP certified: Dogs, Jobs, Vests

Beavers are bouncing back in parts of Britain!

That little heli on Mars is making everyone nervous back on Earth! 

A new age counting system sets the clock back for South Koreans. 

A birthday celebration for the ages (and the aged!) 

Remember 2014? It was a while back, but one viral trend has had a real, long-term benefit. 

Final government approval has been given to cultivated chicken- death-free chicken is coming our way! 

A rose breeding company makes history with their newest type. 

California Condors can't catch a break! But help is one the way- vaccines en route! 

An amazing story of survival in the Amazon. 

Two vacant lots in Boston are being rebooted to offer a little something extra to the community. 

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is going statewide in the largest state in the US. That's good news! 

Recently published research shows the importance of animals in helping us (human animals) fight climate change. 

From the archive, a company that is trying to save and reuse toiletries. Summer travel is in full swing and that soap might have a future!

2023 has some more excellent American Women Quarters going into circulation. Keep watch for these in your pocket! 

Sheep are doing some helpful maintenance work at a solar array. 

From the archive, just wanted to share this episode again because Clean Up The Lake has been cleaning more and more lakes! In 2023 CUTL is planning on working in ten (!) lakes and continuing to monitor cleanup efforts in Lake Tahoe. Very cool and very good news! 

A travel team completes an 8-year bucket list adventure. 

A new butterfly flits into our hearts with a villainous name. 

Two companies in Australia are diverting a bunch of waste from landfills. 

Boston is rolling out a pilot program that hopes to get people reading while riding! 

An elder pup breaks the age record- BIG TIME! 

Philly has way fewer bags floating around- sounds good to me! 

A researcher believes that a Mona Lisa mystery has been solved!

Research shows that the amount of smokers in the US is lower than ever. 

An update to story about lawn maintenance! An easy way to help the butterflies and bees. 

A father-daughter architecture team is creating lovely tiny homes to help those facing homelessness.

Researchers set up video calls for parrot pals- and they were super into it! 

Hot cities in the US are doing what they can to get a bit cooler. 

Barbie keeps on representing more and more people- it's cool and good news! 

A study shows some good news about helping each other.

Three bits of good news dredged from the ocean: seaweed wrap, kelp money, and seamount reefs! 

An eagle was ready to step up and raise a... rock. 

Paris' river Seine is getting cleaned up to prepare for the '24 Olympics- get your swimsuit ready! 

Scientists are shoving robots into beehives to keep them alive over the winter- that's good news! 

Another pup makes a break for it, has an adventure, and gets back home! 

Two bits of good news about two animals getting some one-on-one training in new skills. 

Science! Nanoparticles! mRNA! Peanuts! Epitopes! This good news has it all! 

An update to an archive story and an opportunity to learn even more about moving water- this time in New Mexico!

A new educational program is coming to Afghan kids who aren't allowed to go into school. 

Two older women who are getting recognition for being awesome! It's good news!

Paper books are having a good couple of years and data points to Gen Z! 

An update to a story from two years ago- the whitest white paint is going to innovate and winning awards! 

3 animals made the new recently- the GOOD news! Kittens + Tortoises + Calves

Two geese get some help from matchmaking humans to find love after loss- it's good news! 

Plastic lasts nearly forever! That's its greatest strength and what makes it so vexing as trash- but a listener sent me a cool project with a new approach to reuse. 

Moving bits around the internet makes a lot of heat- enough to heat a pool apparently!

California is getting a wild amount of snow and it's taking some EXTREME effort to feed CA cows! 

The first vaccine for insects in the US is for a TGNP favorite- beeeEEEEEeeees! 

Two navy ships are getting some very cool, very good new names! 

Students raise money to build a better playground that everyone can use! 

A new anti-fungal tactic named for an awesome actor (and very good guy). 

Three pieces of good news about animals around the world: some moved, some rediscovered, and some newly found! 

Fans dove into the archives to find lost stories from a beloved author. 

Social media is put to good use to deliver a boon! 

From the archive- a reminder that kids are verifiably funny and find you funny too. With two kids now, I can confirm cracking jokes with younglings is a delight!

A scruffy, chubby kitty has generated a bunch of reviews from locals and tourists alike. 

An owl is on the lam and seems to have been granted his freedom! 

Social media for readers sells a ton of books and makes for a daughter of the year. 

A few winning plow names for this year and an acceptance speech! 

A group of knitters are finishing projects for families around the world. 

Three pieces of good news all related to the human eye- we're talking: retina, cornea, cataracts... all the hits! 

Here is the podcast episode from 99PI that goes into more detail!

Also, here are the two podcasts that I recently guested on:

15 Minutes with Lincoln and Improv Is Dead

Check out Grandbaby Cakes: grandbaby-cakes.com
And the National Honey Board: honey.com
And Project Apis m: projectapism.org

Check out CATTERA on Bandcamp

Get the book- it's a fun and informative read!

Get the book- it's a fun and informative read!

Please check BUBBLEGUM, by Adam Levin. And as mentioned at the end of the podcast Joe is hosting audiobook club for May on Bubblegum. All proceeds with support Volumes  If you're in Chicago Please visit Volumes Bookstore and Bookcafe to order all your books. 

If you're in Chicago Please visit Volumes Bookstore and Bookcafe to order all your books. 
Here is a list of books mentioned in today's episode:

The Address Book by Diedre Masks 
A Queen in Hiding (nine realms series) by Sarah Kozloff
Nothing to See by Kevin Wilson

Please find the full story from NPR here. 

News outlet New Delhi Television Limited (NDTV) shared a story about a "highly unusual hybrid" between a zebra and donkey, this animal is being called a zonkey! 

Check your name out here: https://synesthesia.me/

Send over your name in color on Twitter or Instagram @thegoodnewspod

Lois Ellen Frank is an American food historian, cookbook author, photographer, chef, culinary anthropologist, and educator. She won a 2003 James Beard Foundation Award for her cookbook Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations, the first cookbook of Native American cuisine so honored.

Self-compassion

Kristin Neff is a Psychologist and was the first person to measure and define the term “self-compassion.” 

She says self-compassion is the kindness we show ourselves.  And this means being kind to ourselves in good times and bad time and even when we make mistakes.

There are some things you can do to practice self-compassion. I actually do these things and really helps sometimes. 

Treat yourself as you would a treat best friend

Practice mindfulness.
This means to recognize your feelings and not judgemental about those feelings. That means no negative self talk -- tell that inner critic to hush.. 

Remember that you’re not alone.
Being human is hard… it’s important to recognize that whatever we’re feeling or going through is also being experienced by millions of others-- we are not alone. 

Kimberly Bryant is an African American electrical engineer. Byant founded Black Girls Code, in 2011. 

Black Girls Code is a training course that teaches basic programming concepts to black girls who are underrepresented in technology careers. Additionally, the organization offers programs in computer programming, coding, as well as website, robot, and mobile application-building. 

African-American women make up less than 3% of the workforce in the tech industry and Black Girls Code fights to change and improve this percentage for the better- BGC has a major goal of teaching 1 million girls of color to code by 2040.

In 2014, Bryant was the recipient of Smithsonian Magazine's American Ingenuity Award for Social Progress.

As of this recording, BGC has reached more than 8,000 young women in 15 chapters around the world! 

Interested? What to learn more? Know a little who is interested in STEM. Check out http://www.blackgirlscode.com/

Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, food sovereignty advocate, and anti-globalization author.[2] 

She’s based in Delhi, 

Vandana has authored more than twenty books.[3]

Her latest book published 2013 is Making Peace With The Earth  

I am going to share some of Vandana’s accomplishments chronologically: 

In 1978, she completed her PhD in philosophy at the University of Western Ontario,[10]

The focus was the philosophy of physics. 

Her dissertation was titled "Hidden variables and locality in quantum theory" in which she discussed the mathematical and philosophical implications of hidden variable theories that fall outside of the purview of Bell's theorem.[11] 

In 1982, she founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology.[12] 

This led to the creation of Navdanya 

Navdanya is a national movement to protect the diversity and integrity of living resources, especially native seed, the promotion of organic farming and fair trade.

And today, Shiva is still seen as playing a major role in the global Ecofeminist movement. Shiva suggests that a more sustainable and productive approach to agriculture can be achieved through reinstating the system of farming in India that’s more centered on engaging women. 

Here is one of my favorite Vandana quotes:
“You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you.”

Check out the Full Moon Jam and visit an event, you might see Colleen and Neil. Coooooool