Sunny Side Up

Fil joins me in the studio to explore stories ranging from a reading revolution in one Indian school and new support from Italy for dogs rescued from fighting, to solar power over London’s New Spitalfields Market. We’ll also look at what the Guardian calls "positive tipping points," and ask how climate solutions can build on one another to accelerate progress.

This week, I’ve got a whole bunch of good news coming your way — from wildlife and health to clean energy. Together, these stories paint a positive picture. Then, I’ll take you back in time to the advent of the first “talkie” and explore why it was so significant.

This episode's headlines:

Gene therapy restores hearing in children and adults.

$5 flight: electric aviation milestone offers hope as fuel costs soar.

Zion opens Utah’s trails: first U.S. national park lends all-terrain wheelchair.

White Storks return to England’s midlands after 600 years.

Scottish wind farm sets recycling record.

Join me for the three positive headlines followed by the second half of my conversation with Emily about the kindness of strangers, where this week we touch upon hitchhiking among other feel-good gestures.

This episode's headlines:

Menstrual fluid shows promise for HPV testing, endometriosis detection, studies find.

Toronto micro-shelter village aims to help people experiencing homelessness.

China’s planted forests grow faster; experts say natural woodlands still matter most.

Today, we’re keeping the optimism going with three wonderful stories proving that innovation and heart are alive and well across the globe. Then Emily joins me in the studio as we share our personal stories of strangers who have shown us unexpected kindness!

This episode's headlines:

UV film brings daylight to Scottish toddler.

UK hub to grow miniature human tissues for drug testing.

Robot surveys Texas sidewalks for safer travel.

I'm back with Gratitude Graffiti! First, I have some inspiring positive headlines from around the world. Then, on this week's auditory canvas, Jocelyn, Emily, Robert, and Natalie step up to share the people, places, and moments they treasure most, as we lean into the true power of gratitude.

This episode's headlines:

Florida student wins 40 scholarships for Princeton.

Breakthrough blood test predicts Alzheimer’s risk years before symptoms.

After 19 years in orphanage man finds his father and family.

Ukrainian veterans turn endurance into unity.

Big cats begin journey to new homes.

Free Blockbuster keeps movie-night nostalgia alive.

Old billboards become dog shelters in Thailand.

Rti host Michelle Chiang joins me in the studio to explore the headlines —from new rules aiming to reshape everyday devices, to conservation efforts for vulnerable species, and a reminder that even routine jobs can become moments of joy with the right attitude.

This episode's headlines:

EU rules bring back replaceable smartphone batteries in 2027.

Landmark conservation deed protects tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea.

Teen parking attendant in China goes viral for turning traffic duty into a dance.

Source: John Cannon (2026). New ‘conservation deed’ aims to protect tree kangaroos, forests, people in Papua New Guinea. Mongabay.

I squeeze in a couple of positive headlines before we hear the final part of my conversation with Natalie. We discuss tools and support networks as she opens up about finding a path out of the darkness and learning to embrace a renewed gratitude for life.

This episode's headlines:

Historic US student loan forgiveness clears for 170,000 borrowers.

Eco-friendly fireworks aim to reduce festival waste.

I’m back with another round of positive global news, followed by the second part of my conversation with Natalie. In this deeply raw and vulnerable interview, she shares her journey through some of the darkest moments of her life as we take a closer look at the heart of mental health, impermanence and the people who shape us.

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. In Taiwan, you can call 1925 or 1995 for confidential support. International listeners can find local helplines at iasp.info.

This episode's headlines:

Chornobyl’s unexpected residents: Fungi that flourish in radiation.

Young inventor uses robots to help preserve Indigenous languages.

New law requires swift bricks in Scottish new builds to help declining bird populations.

New Taipei opens Taiwan’s first long-term care center for elderly, special-needs pets.

This week, we have just a couple of positive stories before Natalie Ong joins me in the studio for the first of a three-part conversation about mental health, beginning with an introduction to her personal journey.

This episode's headlines:

Amazon child influencer uses viral reach to champion Indigenous rights and education.

Taiwan named East Asia’s top relocation destination.

After reading the positive news I turn to This Week in Good History to celebrate the birth of hip-hop at a Bronx back-to-school party in 1973, and the creativity, resilience and unity that turned two turntables into a global cultural movement.

This episode's headlines:

105-year-old Ohio woman celebrates birthday with motorcycle ride.

Portugal’s last circus elephant begins new chapter at Pangea sanctuary.

Kazakhstan’s Saiga antelope population tops 4.6 million in remarkable conservation comeback.

Taiwanese indigenous camellia oil wins 3-star “exquisite” at London Great Taste Awards.

Four-legged surfers make waves in California.

Taiwan approves Siraya as 17th Indigenous group.