Nice News Today – Episode Summary

Host: Case Kenny
Date: August 22, 2025
Episode Focus: Summer camp for adults, therapeutic wolfdogs, language evolution, the “most fun” US states, scientific cats, and young eco heroes

Episode Overview

This uplifting episode of Nice News Today brings a collection of stories that spotlight positivity, innovation, and community connection. Host Case Kenny covers adult summer camps designed for friendship, wolfdogs helping veterans heal, new generational slang entering the dictionary, a ranking of the most fun states in America, a helpful research cat, and inspiring youth eco-leaders. The episode is marked by a tone that’s upbeat, hopeful, and encouraging.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Adult Sleepaway Camps and Friendship

• [00:35–02:10]
  • As making friends becomes trickier in adulthood, adult sleepaway camps are gaining popularity for fostering connection among grown-ups.
  • Camp Social Example: A 3-day, all-women retreat in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, with activities like boating, archery, bracelet-making, cookouts, and dance parties. Attendees are grouped by age for tailored bonding.
  • Founder notes: 92% of attendees come alone.
  • Jocelyn Benson (attendee):

    “When you’re in your 20s and 30s, you don’t make tons of friends unless you’re doing something that bonds you.” (01:45, quoting Jocelyn Benson to WSJ)

  • Similar options include co-ed camps like Camp No Counselor and Club Getaway expanding across the US.

2. Wolfdogs Assisting Veterans’ Mental Health

• [02:11–04:00]
  • Domesticated “wolfdogs” (20–98% wolf heritage) are being leveraged by the Wisconsin nonprofit Apex Angels and Warriors to support veterans, particularly those with PTSD.
  • The sanctuary emphasizes “dual healing”—both the rescued wolfdogs and veterans recover together via mutual care.
  • Army veteran Jeff Yunk found this especially rewarding:

    “People will say sometimes we’re crazy or sometimes we’re unpredictable or this and that. Sit down with a veteran, we’re not that bad. And neither are these dogs.” (03:35, quoting Jeff Yunk to WJFW Newswatch)

3. New Words in the Cambridge Dictionary

• [04:01–05:15]
  • Over 6,000 new words added by Cambridge Dictionary, many from Gen Z/Gen Alpha and internet culture.
  • Notables:
    • Skibidi: A playful, flexible word popularized by YouTube.
    • Dulu: Short for "delusional," used in slang.
    • Work spouse: A term for strong, supportive non-romantic professional relationships.
  • Cambridge’s Colin McIntosh remarked:

    “Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.” (04:44, quoting Colin McIntosh)

4. The Most Fun US States (WalletHub Report)

• [06:10–07:18]
  • WalletHub ranks states on 26 fun-factors; sunny states lead.
    • California: #1 (“…high number of restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters, scenic highways, beach access, and least expensive state for wine…”)
    • Florida: #2 (most arcades and music festivals)
    • Nevada: #3 (most nightlife, second-best weather)
    • Colder states in top spots: Illinois (#4), New York (#5), Colorado (#6)
  • WalletHub’s summary:

    "...having a good time is not just an option, but also a way of life." (06:15, paraphrased)

5. Pepper the Science Cat

• [07:19–08:20]
  • Pepper: A 7-year-old black shorthair who, by bringing rodents home, has facilitated major scientific discoveries for University of Florida virologist John Lednicki.
  • Pepper’s “gifts” led to discovery of:
    • New strain of Orthoriovirus from an Everglades shrew.
    • A rare rodent-borne virus never before found in North America.
    • Ongoing research into mule deerpox.
  • Lednicki jokes:

    “I wish I could include Pepper as a co-author...” (07:56, quoting Lednicki to NY Post)

  • The cat shows no signs of illness and continues to “assist” science.

6. Young Eco-Heroes Transforming the World

• [08:21–09:46]
  • Action For Nature honored 15 kids (ages 8–16) globally with the 2025 International Young Eco Hero Awards.
    • Alice Wanjiru (Kenya, age 11):
      • Rehabilitated a hazardous sewer plant.
      • Organized planting of 2,000+ trees and improved air quality.
      • Persuaded Nairobi government to prioritize plant’s rehabilitation.
    • Priyanshi Podar (Nepal, age 16):
      • Upcycles discarded rubber into clogs and mats for communities in need.
      • Target: benefit 10,000+ people in Nepal by end of 2026.
  • Listeners are urged to learn more or support via Action For Nature.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Adult Friendships:

  “When you’re in your 20s and 30s, you don’t make tons of friends unless you’re doing something that bonds you.”
  — Jocelyn Benson (01:45)

• On Wolfdogs & Veterans:

  “Sit down with a veteran, we’re not that bad. And neither are these dogs.”
  — Jeff Yunk (03:35)

• On Language Evolution:

  “Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.”
  — Colin McIntosh (04:44)

• On Scientific Cats:

  “I wish I could include Pepper as a co-author...”
  — John Lednicki (07:56)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:35 – Theme introduction: Making adult friends at summer camp
• 01:00 – Camp Social example, Jocelyn Benson quote
• 02:11 – Wolfdogs and veteran therapy (Apex Angels and Warriors)
• 03:35 – Jeff Yunk shares impact of sanctuary
• 04:01 – New Cambridge Dictionary additions
• 06:10 – Most fun US states (WalletHub)
• 07:19 – Pepper the Cat’s scientific contributions
• 08:21 – Young Eco-Heroes and their projects

Takeaway

Case Kenny expertly curates a joyful batch of “nice news”—from creative paths to adult connection and healing, quirky science collaborations (featuring a feline), to the globe’s most inspiring youth. The episode encapsulates the idea that optimism and positive change can thrive in unexpected places.

For more details or to support the initiatives discussed, visit the organizations mentioned or check out further resources at nicenews.com.