Podcast Summary: Nice News Today with Case Kenny

Episode Title: Counting New York’s trees, perfecting beer foam, and 70 years of Guinness World Records
Date: September 1, 2025

Overview

In this uplifting 10-minute episode, host Case Kenny delivers a whirlwind tour of positive news stories, each showcasing the creative, resilient, and optimistic spirit of people and communities around the world. From the ambitious task of counting New York City’s trees, to innovations in beer science, the growth of women’s sports, and the 70th anniversary of Guinness World Records, the episode weaves together inspiring facts, human moments, and a touch of nostalgia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Counting New York City’s Trees

[00:35–03:02]

• NYC is home to over 7 million trees, providing vital benefits to 8.4 million residents.
• Every 10 years, volunteers help count and assess nearly 820,000 street and park trees (excluding private property trees), focusing on species identification, circumference measurement, and health rating.
• The process includes not just counting but also grading tree health on a scale from poor to excellent.
• Despite advancements in tech, the Parks Department decided to keep humans in the loop for better data and community engagement.
  • Notable quote [01:47]:

    “Don’t feel like judging the trees. You’re doing this for the health of the tree.”
    — NYC Parks Department staffer, quoting advice during volunteer training

2. Breast Cancer Bowlathon at Rab’s Country Lanes

[03:03–04:07]

• Rab’s Country Lanes in Staten Island has hosted the Breast Cancer Bowlathon for 22 years, raising over $763,000 for breast cancer causes.
• The owner’s hope: to reach a day where “no family has to hear the words ‘you have breast cancer.’”
  • Memorable moment [03:34]:

    “Each year we get closer to the day when no family has to hear the words: you have breast cancer. And it’s the support of our community that makes that possible.”
    — Rab’s Country Lanes Owner

• The bowling alley is recognized as a community staple, winning Staten Island Small Business of the Year and other accolades.
• This year’s fundraiser is scheduled for October 19th, bringing them nearer to the million-dollar mark.

3. Surge in Professional Women’s Sports Leagues

[04:08–05:09]

• The new Women’s Professional Baseball League launches next year, following the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and adding to 11 new women’s leagues since 2020.
• Growth in investment: from booming women’s sports bars to multi-million dollar endorsement deals and private funding.
  • Notable quote [04:50]:

    “Women’s sports can be good business.”
    — Director of Research & Insights, Parity platform

4. The Science Behind Perfect Beer Foam

[05:10–06:25]

• Recent research in ‘Physics of Fluids’ reveals the complexity behind beer foam and how it’s more than just bubbles.
  • For single fermentation beers, higher protein means more stable foam.
  • Multiple fermentations result in even more foam stability, regardless of protein count.
• Practical applications: Understanding foam mechanics could aid real-world problems like chemical fire prevention in electric vehicles — with great beer pours as a happy bonus.

5. 70 Years of Guinness World Records

[06:26–07:56]

• Guinness World Records celebrates its 70th anniversary, reflecting on quirky milestones such as the world’s tallest dog and the largest Winnie the Pooh collection.
• The idea originated from a pub debate in 1951, leading to the inaugural edition published in 1955.
• Guinness World Records is inviting the public to tackle 70 unclaimed titles, including “Farthest Distance to Bounce a Coin Into a Cup” and “Most High Fives in 30 Seconds.”
  • Nostalgic moment [07:07]:

    “Who listening has memories of flipping through those massive Guinness World Records books as a kid?”

6. Inspiring Human: Edward Kizukovich, Oldest Open Water Lifeguard

[07:57–09:15]

• Edward Kizukovich, 82, has just earned the Guinness World Record for oldest open water lifeguard, boasting a 63-year career in New Jersey and worldwide.
• He’s a mentor on the job, passing on knowledge to younger lifeguards.
  • Notable quote [08:54]:

    “I’m a teacher and I’m a learner. The ocean and nature have something to show you. There’s something to learn every year.”
    — Edward Kizukovich

• On his future: He hopes to “get in at least another summer of lifeguarding, maybe two.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Volunteer hesitance in rating trees:
  [01:47] “Don’t feel like judging the trees. You’re doing this for the health of the tree.” — Parks Department staffer
• Community impact at Rab’s Bowling Alley:
  [03:34] “Each year we get closer to the day when no family has to hear the words: you have breast cancer. And it’s the support of our community that makes that possible.” — Owner of Rab’s Country Lanes
• Optimism for women’s sports:
  [04:50] “Women’s sports can be good business.” — Parity platform Research Director
• Lifelong learning from the ocean:
  [08:54] “I’m a teacher and I’m a learner. The ocean and nature have something to show you. There’s something to learn every year.” — Edward Kizukovich

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Counting NYC Trees: 00:35–03:02
• Breast Cancer Bowlathon: 03:03–04:07
• New Women's Sports Leagues: 04:08–05:09
• Beer Foam Science: 05:10–06:25
• Guinness World Records Anniversary: 06:26–07:56
• Edward Kizukovich, Inspiring Human: 07:57–09:15

Tone & Takeaway

Case Kenny’s delivery is warm, optimistic, and gently humorous, with a clear focus on highlighting practical hope, community action, and incremental progress. The episode balances bite-sized news with big-picture optimism, perfect for those seeking a boost of positivity and a reminder that good things are happening all around.