Nice News Today — September 12, 2025

Host: Case Kenny
Episode Theme: A $1M Treasure Hunt, Kidney Transplant Milestones, and Why Older Women Are Traveling Solo

Episode Overview

In this upbeat season finale, Case Kenny brings together a series of uplifting stories: a nationwide Canadian treasure hunt worth nearly $1 million, promising breakthroughs in kidney transplants from genetically modified pigs, the rise in adventurous solo travel among older women, the launch of an educational children’s weather show, and an inspiring story about a 66-year-old finally achieving his musical dream. The episode closes the first season of Nice News Today, leaving listeners with a boost of optimism and a call to pursue their own dreams, no matter their age.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt

• [01:08] A treasure hunt is underway in Canada. Participants can search across public lands for a chest containing nearly $1 million and 217 gold coins, with 12 additional bonus prizes collectively valued at about $20,000.
  • Inspired by Canada’s gold mining pioneers.
  • The hunt involves deciphering a 13-stanza “master clue” poem from the Northern Miner website and watching for monthly hints on sites like mining.com.
  • If unclaimed by December 2026, the prize will be forfeited.
  • Quote: "Like the prospectors before you, you're chasing discovery, driven by grit, curiosity and the pursuit of exploration." — Hunt’s website [01:35]
  • Background: Gold mining is a $11 billion industry in Canada, active in all 10 provinces.

2. America’s Happiest State

• [02:41] Hawaii holds the top spot in Wallet Hub’s annual Happiest State rankings, assessed based on 30 markers like depression rates, productivity, and income growth.
  • Hawaii has the highest life satisfaction, second lowest depression rate, and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the US.
  • Quote: “Residents reported the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation, the second lowest depression rate, and one of the lowest unemployment rates.” — Case Kenny [02:52]
  • Other top states: Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Connecticut, Utah, California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Idaho.

3. Rise in Solo Travel Among Older Women

• [03:40] Significant increase in solo travel among women in their 50s–70s, according to a survey by Girl’s Guide to the World (330+ polled).
  • Motivations: Cultural immersion (65%), relaxation (56%), adventure (44%), seeking sisterhood (36%).
  • Many have the means to travel now—something not possible earlier due to finances or family.
  • Preferred travel experiences: expert guides, local food, private rooms, authentic connections.
  • Life transitions like retirement or empty-nesting fuel desire for solo travel.
  • Quote: “For them, travel is about more than just seeing new places, it's about experiencing the world with purpose and passion. They're often inspired by the mindset of if not now, when?” — Liz Einbinder, travel partnerships expert [04:37]

4. Kidney Transplant Milestones Using Pig Organs

• [05:15] Innovative medical strides: two New Hampshire patients (Bill Stewart and Tim Andrews) received experimental genetically modified pig kidneys at Massachusetts General Hospital.
  • Stewart is doing well months post-surgery (transplanted 06/14), while Andrews has been off dialysis for 7 months—a record, previously 130 days.
  • Following these successes, two FDA-approved clinical trials on pig organ transplants are now underway.
  • Over 100,000 people in the US await a kidney, highlighting the significance of these advances.
  • Quote: "By genetically altering pigs to create more human-like organs, scientists hope to provide an alternative for patients in need." — Case Kenny [06:22]

5. New Animated Weather Show for Kids

• [07:00] Al Roker (Today Show’s weatherman) launches ‘Weather Hunters,’ an animated PBS Kids series about a family investigating all things weather.
  • Designed to be fun and educational, and to help children find weather phenomena less frightening.
  • Quote from educational advisor: “What we really want is for kids to watch the show and then run into the kitchen to find their dad or mom and say guess what? And be able to state that one idea really clearly.” — Sarah Sweetman [07:37]
  • Quote from Al Roker: “Good things come to those who wait.” [08:00]—His dream of creating the show began when his own children were small.

6. Inspiring Human: Kent Broussard, 66-Year-Old Tuba Player

• [08:21] Kent Broussard, a retired accountant, fulfilled his childhood dream of joining the LSU Tiger Marching Band at 66—older than his bandmates by 41 years.
  • Practiced after retirement, auditioned, and earned his spot without special treatment.
  • Quote: “Try it. The only thing you could do is fail. Your only failure is not trying.” — Kent Broussard [09:00]
  • Message: It's never too late to chase lifelong dreams.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Like the prospectors before you, you're chasing discovery, driven by grit, curiosity and the pursuit of exploration.”

  • Treasure Hunt Website [01:35]

• “Residents reported the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation, the second lowest depression rate, and one of the lowest unemployment rates.”

  • Case Kenny, on Hawaii [02:52]

• “For them, travel is about more than just seeing new places, it's about experiencing the world with purpose and passion. They're often inspired by the mindset of if not now, when?”

  • Liz Einbinder, on solo women travelers [04:37]

• “By genetically altering pigs to create more human-like organs, scientists hope to provide an alternative for patients in need.”

  • Case Kenny [06:22]

• “Good things come to those who wait.”

  • Al Roker [08:00]

• “Try it. The only thing you could do is fail. Your only failure is not trying.”

  • Kent Broussard [09:00]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:08] — Introduction to the $1M Canadian Treasure Hunt
• [02:41] — America’s Happiest States Rankings
• [03:40] — Why Older Women Are Embracing Solo Travel
• [05:15] — Medical Milestone: Pig Kidney Transplants
• [07:00] — Launch of Al Roker’s ‘Weather Hunters’
• [08:21] — Achieving Dreams at Any Age: Kent Broussard’s Story

Tone and Style

Case Kenny brings warmth, positivity, and encouragement throughout the episode, consistently affirming the value of seeking joy, pursuing dreams, and celebrating both scientific breakthroughs and everyday acts of courage. The stories are delivered in an inspirational and easy-to-listen manner, wrapping up the season on a note of hope and empowerment.

Final Thoughts:
The episode captures the best of human effort, curiosity, and kindness—urging listeners to embrace adventure, support innovation, and never let age stop them from chasing dreams. A perfect sendoff for the show’s first season.