

CNN 5 Things
CNN Podcasts
We bring you 5 stories that will get you up to speed and on with your day. Updates at 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm Eastern, every weekday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 6min
DOJ-Ghislaine Maxwell meeting, UNESCO withdrawal, Ozzy Osbourne dies & more
President Trump weighs in on a proposed meeting involving Ghislaine Maxwell, stirring up controversy. The U.S. announces its withdrawal from UNESCO, sparking discussions on global diplomacy. Accusations of treason fly between political figures, revealing tensions in the current landscape. A tragic military jet crash ignites protests in Bangladesh, highlighting unrest. Meanwhile, the music world mourns the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary godfather of heavy metal, whose impact is remembered.

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Epstein associate meeting, FEMA resignation, Coca-Cola's new soda & more
Ghislaine Maxwell may soon meet with the Justice Department as investigations into Jeffrey Epstein continue. Meanwhile, Israel's military actions in Gaza prompt urgent discussions about the humanitarian crisis there. A high-profile resignation from FEMA raises eyebrows, while companies seek an unlimited clean energy source. On a lighter note, Coca-Cola is launching a new soda flavor endorsed by Trump, blending politics with refreshment!

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Gaza starvation deaths, American citizen executed, MLK Jr. files & more
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, with reports of starvation deaths. A tragic execution of an American in Syria raises eyebrows. Meanwhile, the U.S. braces for a summer heatwave impacting millions. Controversy brews as the Trump administration releases surveillance records on Martin Luther King Jr., drawing ire from his family. To top it off, a new $250 visa fee could impact international tourism, leaving many to wonder how it will affect travelers’ perceptions of the U.S.

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Breonna Taylor sentencing, organ donation concerns, pool drowning recall & more
GOP lawmakers are pushing for more transparency regarding the Epstein case, despite political roadblocks. A former police officer has been sentenced in the Breonna Taylor case, raising questions about justice and accountability. The organ donation system faces major reforms after concerning findings emerge. Meanwhile, millions of swimming pools are recalled following tragic drownings of children. Plus, Jon Stewart shares his unfiltered opinions on media censorship and the complexities of corporate decisions.

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Trump v Harvard hearing, Epstein files House vote, Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies & more
A heated legal battle unfolds as Harvard clashes with the Trump administration over funding tied to accusations of anti-Semitism. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group demands the release of Jeffrey Epstein's federal records. The political landscape shifts with a Republican resignation and controversial media decisions by the White House. A federal appeals court orders a retrial in the historic Etan Patz case. The podcast also pays tribute to the late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, leaving listeners reflecting on his legacy.

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Polling on Trump’s 6 months, Gaza aid crisis, Skywest flight close call & more
Americans share mixed views on President Trump's policies amid a rising humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 1,000 lives have been lost seeking aid. Meanwhile, an FAA investigation unfolds regarding a close call between a passenger flight and a military bomber. Discussions also highlight alarming trends in international food prices linked to climate change, while Barcelona tackles its tourism challenges with innovative strategies for sustainable urban growth.

4 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 6min
Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, midterm maps, lucky lottery mistake & more
Ukraine’s president is pushing for peace talks with Russia to resume soon, while House Democrats reshape midterm election maps amid Republican challenges. Beef prices are soaring due to consumer behavior changes, and a notorious South American drug kingpin has been extradited to the U.S. In a surprising twist, a Massachusetts man hit the lottery jackpot twice in one day, becoming a millionaire unexpectedly. His emotions about this windfall add an intriguing personal touch to the broader news.

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Trump’s six months, Harvard’s legal battle, Airforce school crash & more
President Trump reflects on his first six months in office amid controversies related to the Epstein case. The podcast highlights severe summer flooding in the U.S., linked to climate issues. A legal battle emerges as Harvard challenges the Trump administration over funding. Tragedy strikes with an Airforce aircraft crash on a school campus in Bangladesh. Additionally, experts advise against giving smartphones to children under 13, discussing potential mental health impacts.

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Gaza aid killings, Trump threatens NFL team, Coldplay concert warning & more
A tragic humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza as Israeli gunfire claims lives during food shortages. A Delta Airlines pilot unexpectedly apologizes to passengers, while Alaska Airlines faces flight disruptions due to an IT outage. Political turbulence grows in Japan after an electoral setback. Meanwhile, Trump threatens to sabotage a stadium deal over a team name, and Coldplay's concert goers experience a humorous surprise on the big screen, sparking plenty of audience reactions and media buzz.

Jul 20, 2025 • 21min
One Thing: Psychedelics in the Trump Era: A Veteran’s Road to Recovery
Samantha Juan, a US Army veteran from Bahrain, shares her compelling journey of recovery through psychedelics. She recounts the challenges of military life and the harsh realities of war, leading her to seek healing after trauma and addiction. Juan's experience with Ibogaine and a pivotal peyote ceremony reveals both struggles and transformative healing. The discussion also highlights a growing political openness to psychedelics as therapeutic options, raising questions about safety and the pace of scientific validation.