Uncover the Hidden Gems of the Week

The Friendship Queen Diaries

In a tale that seems straight out of a movie, Kennedy Johnson was just 15 years old when she gave birth in a Detroit foster home for teen moms in 1996. Fast forward to now, and she's a queen in Ghana. Despite her challenging past, Johnson made sure she and her daughter traveled the world. After discovering her Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage, she founded a travel company to organize trips for the diaspora. Her work caught the attention of the Dakpema, a governing body in northern Ghana. They asked her to accept the title of "Zosimli Naa" or "Friendship Queen." This role comes with elevated status and practical responsibilities within the community. Johnson works closely with elders of the centuries-old Dagbon Kingdom, which has around five million people, to run positive initiatives in Tamale. As the Dakpema said, "We felt she was the right choice based on her qualities and her connection to both the Dagbon Kingdom and the diaspora. By having a Queen who embodies our rich cultural heritage and strong ties to the world, we open the door to cultural exchange, investment, and global awareness."

Johnson's story is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to turn one's life around. It shows how a single decision can lead to a remarkable journey and make a significant impact on a community.

Fabric of Rebirth

The iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris has finally reopened to the public after a devastating fire five years ago. As part of its rebirth, fashion designer and artist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac was tasked with creating new vestments for the cathedral's clergy. Vestments are an essential part of a church's identity, and de Castelbajac chose the theme of "noble simplicity." He drew inspiration from Notre Dame's stained glass and blonde stone, creating a look that combines tradition and innovation. His vision was "radiant with color, radiant of hope, and radiant of faith." You can see the details of these vestments in the photo above, and learn more about de Castelbajac's process in this video.

The restoration of Notre Dame is a symbol of hope and resilience. It shows that even in the face of great adversity, great things can be rebuilt and renewed.

Music on the Brain

If you've ever shared life with someone with dementia or another progressive neurological disease, you know the magic of music. Toronto-based company LUCID is combining facial mapping software, artificial intelligence, and music to create a therapy for older patients facing health challenges like Alzheimer's, dementia, depression, and anxiety. The treatment involves measuring how a person's brain reacts to music and combining it with facial mapping and artificial intelligence. Using this data, the technology can create specific playlists that aim to alleviate stress, restlessness, confusion, and emotional discomfort in dementia patients.

Music has the power to touch the soul and bring comfort in difficult times. This innovative therapy shows how technology can be used to enhance the healing process and improve the quality of life for those in need.

I would swim 500 miles

A male humpback whale has achieved an extraordinary feat by completing a record-breaking migration. It swam more than 8,000 miles from South America to Africa. The whale was first spotted off the coast of Colombia in 2013 and again a few years later near its original location. But in 2022, it was unexpectedly detected in the Indian Ocean near Zanzibar off the coast of East Africa. The typical migration route for humpback whales is around 5,000 miles in one direction, making this whale's journey nearly twice that of most whales. This discovery also marks the first documentation of an adult male humpback traveling between the Pacific and Indian oceans.

The humpback whale's migration is a remarkable example of nature's power and the ability of animals to travel vast distances. It reminds us of the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

The power of good food

Hadeel Al Motawa understands that food is more than just sustenance. She co-founded the award-winning restaurant Takya in the 600-year-old historic center of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. The food at Takya has the artfully prepared aura of a high-class restaurant, but it's inspired by the traditional home cooking Al Motawa grew up with and her travels around Saudi Arabia and abroad. After seeing the deep connection between food and culture, Al Motawa wanted to "bring that same connection back home, to create a space where people could rediscover the beauty of Saudi cuisine."

Saudi Arabia is a country of great geographical and culinary diversity. For example, the Eastern Province is known for its seafood, like Muhammar, a fried fish dish made with rice and sugar that was traditionally popular among sailors. In the northern region, where temperatures are cooler and can drop below freezing in winter, traditional recipes focus on grains and meat, like the popular jareesh, a lamb stew made with wheat and yogurt. Just thinking about these delicious dishes makes your mouth water!

Heroes among us

Congratulations to our 2024 CNN Hero of the Year, Stephen Knight! Knight's nonprofit saves lives by providing foster care for dogs while their owners focus on addiction recovery. Online voters selected him from this year's Top 5 CNN Heroes. As Knight said after his big win, "This means everything. I represent so much here. I represent the recovery community. The dog rescue community... This is going to be able to take us to the next level."

Knight's work is a shining example of compassion and dedication. He shows that even in the face of difficult challenges, we can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Listen in

This week on the 5 Good Things podcast, you'll hear about a new, rare exhibit at a New York museum that brings a 150-million-year-old dinosaur to life. Women will get the chance to play pro baseball again. Plus, a catastrophe on a couple's wedding day turned into a beautiful memory. Click here to listen!

The podcast offers a diverse range of stories and experiences that are sure to captivate your ears and inspire you.

You gotta see this...

Remember the book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie?" Well, this is kind of like that, except if you gave some rats a car. Spoiler: They love it. (Click here to view)

These unexpected and fascinating stories show the endless possibilities of life and the joy that can be found in the smallest of things.

May your days be filled with good things, just like this week has been.