Nice News Today – Episode Summary

Podcast: Nice News Today
Host: Case Kenny
Date: September 5, 2025
Episode: AI-proof jobs, the best college dorms in the US, and a roadside stand serving up compliments

Episode Overview

This upbeat, 10-minute episode of Nice News Today, hosted by Case Kenny, focuses on a series of inspiring and positive news stories. The main themes include new research on "AI-proof" jobs, a list of the best college dorms in America, a heartwarming foster adoption, breakthroughs in early Alzheimer’s testing, and the story of a 9-year-old spreading kindness through free compliments. The tone is optimistic and encouraging, aiming to remind listeners of the good happening around the world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI-Proof Jobs – Microsoft Study Revealed

• [00:11-02:26]
  • Case Kenny discusses a recent study by Microsoft analyzing over 200,000 conversations with Bing Copilot, their AI chatbot, to determine which jobs are least and most susceptible to automation.
  • Most AI-Proof Jobs Identified:
    • Phlebotomists (draw blood samples)
    • Nursing assistants
    • Hazardous material removal workers
    • Painters, helpers, and plasterers
    • Embalmers
  • The common denominator: These roles require physical skills or patient care, making them less likely to be automated by AI, which primarily excels at data-based tasks.
  • At-risk jobs: Interpreters, historians, and sales representatives.
  • Positive reassurance from Microsoft: "Although the study demonstrates that AI can support certain tasks, it doesn't show that it can fully replace any job."

2. Upcoming Celestial Events

• [02:27-03:30]
  • The episode highlights notable stargazing events:
    • Full Corn Moon: Last full moon of summer, called "corn moon" as it coincides with corn harvest season. The term "bloody moon" refers to the pinkish hue it takes during a lunar eclipse (visible in some parts of the world).
    • Venus and Jupiter Conjunction: Early morning sky event on September 16.
    • Autumnal Equinox: September 22, marking equal day and night, with subsequent shorter days leading to winter.

3. Best College Dorms in America

• [03:31-04:41]
  • Princeton Review’s survey involved 170,000 students at nearly 400 U.S. schools, ranking residence halls.
  • Results:
    • #1: Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri—features Tempur-Pedic twin beds, suite-style rooms, green spaces, free laundry.
    • Other top schools: High Point University (NC), Washington and Lee University (VA), Scripps College (CA).
    • Full list is available on Princeton Review’s website.

4. Heartwarming Foster Adoption Story

• [04:42-05:40]
  • Story of Cozy, a 19-year-old who had spent nearly 15 years in foster care, making him the longest-waiting child in the Arkansas system.
  • On August 25th, Cozy was adopted by Tim and Anna Dietrich, who shared:

    “We’re supposed to give him our name, give him our family, give him whole hearts.” (Tim & Anna Dietrich, [05:18])

  • Anna met Cozy through Project Zero, a nonprofit focused on finding permanent homes for foster children.
  • Project Zero noted:

    “We’re still celebrating Cozy’s adoption. There are still nearly 200 children and teens like Cozy who deserve our whole hearts, our community and to be part of a family.” (Project Zero, [05:32])

  • Interested listeners directed to more info at project0.com.

5. Breakthrough At-home Test for Early Alzheimer’s Detection

• [05:41-06:34]
  • University of Bath and Bristol researchers created the Fastball EEG, a simple, three-minute brainwave test for memory problems.
    • Shows promise for detecting mild cognitive impairment at home, the stage before Alzheimer’s.
    • In a small trial, people could take the test at home and send results to their doctors.
    • The test: a “tool in the toolbox for clinicians to help them make earlier diagnoses.” (Lead author, [06:29])
    • Ongoing studies with further accuracy results expected in 2027.

6. Heartwarming Moment: The Compliment Stand

• [06:35-07:26]
  • Feature on 9-year-old Ethan Wargo from Illinois, who set up a roadside stand not for lemonade, but to give out free compliments.
    • Inspired by a graphic novel, Ethan wanted to boost other people’s self-esteem.
    • His set-up: a lawn chair, table, and a handwritten “free compliments” sign.
    • After sharing on social media, people traveled up to an hour for a compliment.
    • Ethan told CBS News:

      "It’s just very heartwarming to them." (Ethan Wargo, [07:20])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Case Kenny on AI-proof jobs:

  "AI primarily works with data, so it’s no surprise that many of these ‘AI-proof’ roles are healthcare workers or blue collar jobs that require physical skills." ([01:50])

• Anna Dietrich (adoptive parent):

  “We’re supposed to give him our name, give him our family, give him whole hearts.” ([05:18])

• Project Zero nonprofit:

  “There are still nearly 200 children and teens like Cozy who deserve our whole hearts, our community and to be part of a family.” ([05:32])

• Alzheimer’s Test Lead Author:

  “It’s a tool in the toolbox for clinicians to help them make earlier diagnoses.” ([06:29])

• Ethan Wargo (compliment stand):

  "It’s just very heartwarming to them." ([07:20])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• AI-proof jobs & Microsoft study: [00:11–02:26]
• Celestial events (Full Moon, Equinox): [02:27–03:30]
• Best college dorms (Princeton Review): [03:31–04:41]
• Cozy’s foster care adoption: [04:42–05:40]
• Early Alzheimer’s at-home test (Fastball EEG): [05:41–06:34]
• Ethan’s compliment stand: [06:35–07:26]

Conclusion

This episode delivers on its promise of good news, highlighting human resilience, innovation, and kindness across various spheres. Whether you're concerned about AI, interested in education trends, touched by stories of belonging, or simply needing an uplifting note from a 9-year-old, Case Kenny has you covered—with optimism and a smile.