The world’s best restaurants, Europe’s newest coal-free country, and a sunscreen myth, busted

Summary

Podcast Summary: Nice News Today Episode: The World’s Best Restaurants, Europe’s Newest Coal-Free Country, and a Sunscreen Myth, Busted
Host: Case Kenny
Release Date: June 27, 2025

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1. Celebrating Culinary Excellence: The World’s Best Restaurants

Host: Case Kenny
Timestamp: [00:13 - 01:34]

The episode kicks off with an exciting announcement from the World’s 50 Best list, revealing Maido in Lima, Peru, as the top restaurant of the year. This marks the second time a Lima establishment has achieved this honor, spotlighting the city's thriving culinary scene. Maido specializes in Nikkei cuisine, a delightful fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Co-Host explains, “Nikkei is also the Japanese word for emigrants, and indeed the ancestors of Maido's head chef Mitsuharu Samura emigrated to Peru from Japan in 1889” (00:14).

Maido's innovative menu features intriguing dishes such as:

• Braised Pork Belly with Avocado Eggs and Tomato
• Squid Ramen with Amazonian Chorizo
• Duck Dumplings

The World’s 50 Best list also recognizes Asador Ichabari in Spain’s Basque region at number two, celebrated for its array of grilled dishes. Other noteworthy mentions include a Mexico City restaurant focusing on avant-garde Mexican cuisine and a Copenhagen spot renowned for its seven-hour-long dining experiences. These selections underscore the global diversity and creativity in the culinary world.

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2. The Power of Hope: Enriching Lives

Host: Case Kenny
Timestamp: [01:55 - 02:20]

Transitioning from gastronomy to emotional well-being, Case highlights a compelling study from the University of Missouri. Researchers surveyed over 2,300 participants to understand the role of emotions in life satisfaction. The findings revealed that hope is a critical emotional experience that "enriches life's meaning" (02:20). According to lead author Laura King, “experiencing life as meaningful is crucial for just about every good thing you can imagine in a person's life.”

The study emphasizes that fostering hope can lead to numerous positive outcomes, potentially more impactful than happiness or gratitude. To cultivate hope, the university advises focusing on positive moments and reminding oneself that circumstances can and often do change, especially during challenging times.

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3. Ireland Achieves a Milestone: Becoming Europe’s Newest Coal-Free Country

Host: Case Kenny
Timestamp: [02:22 - 03:55]

In a significant environmental achievement, Ireland has become the sixth European country to eliminate coal usage since the Paris Agreement in 2015. The nation officially shut down its last coal-fired power station, Moneypoint, last Friday, joining the ranks of Portugal, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, and the UK in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

This milestone is the result of years of dedication:

• 2018: Ireland pledged to end coal power by 2025 and became the first country globally to legislate the divestment from fossil fuel investments.
• 2022: The country banned smoky coal for home heating to address health and environmental concerns.

Looking ahead, Ireland is heavily investing in renewable energy, particularly wind power. A 17-megawatt onshore wind farm was constructed at the Moneypoint site in 2017, followed by a multi-billion dollar renewable energy project announced four years later. This shift not only supports Ireland’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 but also is set to create tens of thousands of new jobs in the renewable sector.

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4. Debunking a Common Sunscreen Myth

Host: Case Kenny
Timestamp: [04:26 - 05:32]

As summer arrives, Case addresses a widespread misconception about sunscreen and vitamin D. Many believe that using sunscreen blocks the body's ability to produce vitamin D, a vital nutrient for bone, muscle, brain, and immune health. However, dermatologists consulted by Axios clarify that this is largely unfounded. Since the body can synthesize sufficient vitamin D from minimal sunlight exposure and because sunscreen is not applied uniformly, it is unlikely to cause a deficiency.

Dermatologists advise, “sunscreen can help protect you from skin cancer and boost your vitamin D” (04:26). Therefore, they recommend continuing to use sunscreen to safeguard against harmful UV rays while maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.

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5. Why Do Birds Sing at Dawn? New Insights from Cornell University

Host: Case Kenny
Timestamp: [05:32 - 06:34]

The episode delves into a fascinating study from Cornell University that explores why birds are so vocal in the early morning. Traditionally, it was believed that birds sing at dawn because their songs travel further in the calm, humid air. However, research involving recordings of 69 bird species in southern India challenges this theory. The study found little evidence that environmental factors were the primary reason for dawn singing.

Instead, researchers propose that birds are loudly marking their territory after sleeping and communicating about searching for breakfast. This new perspective suggests that the dawn chorus is more about social interaction and territory establishment rather than purely environmental acoustics. Case Kenny reflects, “If that last bit is true, I think we might have more in common with birds than we thought” (05:32).

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6. Celebrating Women’s Sports: Untamed Spirits Bar in Los Angeles

Host: Case Kenny
Timestamp: [06:34 - 08:00]

For sports enthusiasts, especially fans of women’s athletics, Case introduces Untamed Spirits, the first women’s sports bar in Los Angeles. Founded by Janie and Stephanie Ellingwood, the bar is located in the Silver Lake neighborhood and represents a stylish and inclusive space for celebrating women’s sports.

The inspiration for Untamed Spirits stemmed from an incident where a local brewery refused to air a women’s soccer game. Stephanie Ellingwood shared, “I felt the city needed something that's a little bit classier, that isn't sticky when you put your arms on the bar” (06:34). The bar features a sleek, modern ambiance with a neon sign that reads “Welcome to the Untamed Era” and offers signature drinks like pink punch.

As interest in women’s sports surges, Untamed Spirits arrives at an opportune moment. Janie Ellingwood encapsulates the bar’s mission by stating, “Some people might call it a trend, but it’s not a trend. I believe it’s a movement” (07:55). The establishment aims to provide a supportive and vibrant environment for fans, fostering a sense of community and celebration around women’s athletic achievements.

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7. Inspiring Community Connections: John Pierre Mateo’s Mission at Pride Festivals

Host: Case Kenny
Timestamp: [08:00 - End]

Highlighting a heartfelt story, Case introduces John Pierre Mateo, an LGBTQ ally dedicated to making meaningful connections at Pride festivals through simple games of catch. Pierre works with Play Catch with a Dad, a volunteer group where dads engage with festival attendees, affectionately called catchlings, by tossing footballs.

Started at a unity fest in Pennsylvania with a hand-painted sign, Mateo’s initiative has grown into a nationwide effort. His mission is to “help someone heal one toss at a time,” aiming to provide support and connection for community members who may have lost access to father figures. Pierre Mateo beautifully articulates, “It is my dream that whenever there is a Pride Festival, there will be dads there to love and support the attendees. Everyone should hear that they are brave and loved” (08:50).

This year, Mateo and his team plan to attend 10 Pride events across the U.S., with aspirations to establish local chapters in the future. Their presence at Pride festivals offers brief but impactful moments of emotional support, often leading to tears of joy and healing among participants.

For listeners interested in learning more about Mateo’s inspiring work, Case encourages checking out the Nice News newsletter: “If you want to learn more about Pierre Mateo's story and work, be sure to check out tomorrow's edition of the Nice News newsletter” (08:50).

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Conclusion

Case wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow Nice News Today on platforms like Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, and to share the episode with friends. For more uplifting stories, he invites listeners to visit nicenews.com and subscribe to the free daily newsletter. He leaves the audience with a heartening reminder: “Keep spreading your light and remember, there's more than enough good out there to go around. Have a great day” (09:55).

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Notable Quotes:

• Laura King, University of Missouri Researcher: “Experiencing life as meaningful is crucial for just about every good thing you can imagine in a person's life.” (02:15)
• Stephanie Ellingwood, Untamed Spirits: “I felt the city needed something that's a little bit classier, that isn't sticky when you put your arms on the bar.” (07:55)
• Janie Ellingwood, Untamed Spirits: “Some people might call it a trend, but it’s not a trend. I believe it’s a movement.” (07:55)
• John Pierre Mateo, Play Catch with a Dad: “It is my dream that whenever there is a Pride Festival, there will be dads there to love and support the attendees. Everyone should hear that they are brave and loved.” (08:50)

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This episode of Nice News Today masterfully blends stories of culinary triumph, environmental progress, emotional well-being, and inspiring community initiatives, leaving listeners with a sense of optimism and motivation to make a positive impact in their own lives and communities.

Transcript

[Case Kenney]

Good morning. Welcome to Nice news today, your 10 minute roundup of the week's most positive news. It's June 27th and today I've got the scoop on the best restaurants in.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The world, as well as the latest.

[Case Kenney]

Country in Europe to ditch coal and a stylish new bar celebrating women's sports in Los Angeles. Plus, summer has arrived and I'm debunking a common sunscreen myth that can help you safely spend more time in the sun. I'm your host, Case Kenney. Let's uncover some good together. Calling all foodies, you now have 50 exceptional restaurants to explore around the world. Last week, the World's 50 Best announced its top restaurants of the year and the number one spot went to Maido in Lima, Peru, marking the second time a restaurant in the South American city has topped the the list. Maido features Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Nikkei is also the Japanese word for.

[Case Kenney]

Emigrants, and indeed the ancestors of Mao's head chef Mitsuharu Samura, emigrated to Peru from Japan in 1889. On the menu, you'll find delicacies like the triple a combination of braised pork.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Belly, avocado eggs and tomato, as well.

[Case Kenney]

As squid ramen with Amazonian chorizo, duck dumplings and and more. As intriguing as that all sounds, it's.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Only the tip of the iceberg when.

[Case Kenney]

It comes to the World's 50 Best list. The number two slot went to Asador Ichabari, a restaurant in the Basque region of Spain that serves an array of grilled dishes. A Mexico City establishment focusing on innovative Mexican cuisine and a Copenhagen spot that serves seven hour long meals also made.

[Unknown Co-Host]

The top 10 10.

[Case Kenney]

In a world that often feels dominated.

[Unknown Co-Host]

By the things that keep us up.

[Case Kenney]

At night, holding room for hope can be easier said than done. But being hopeful doesn't just feel nice.

[Unknown Co-Host]

It's actually key to bringing meaning to.

[Case Kenney]

Our lives, maybe even more so than.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Being happy or grateful. That's according to researchers at the University.

[Case Kenney]

Of Missouri who looked at a range.

[Unknown Co-Host]

Of emotions in over 2,300 study participants. They found that hope stood out as, quote, a vital emotional experience that enriches life's meaning, end quote. And having more meaning in life leads to other positive outcomes. One of these studies, lead authors Laura King, explained that experiencing life as meaningful is crucial for just about every good thing you can imagine in a person's life. So while there's plenty of ways to create hope, the university suggests paying close attention to the good most moments. And when times are tough. Remember that things can and often do change. Next up, a country across the pond just went coal free. Ireland recently became the sixth European country to stop using coal since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, shutting down operations at its last coal fired power station, called moneypoint, last Friday in joins Portugal, Sweden, Austria, Belgium and the UK in turning completely to other energy sources. This achievement has been years in the making. In 2018, Ireland pledged to end coal power use by 2025, the same year the country became the first in the world to pass a bill saying it would sell off all of its investments in fossil fuel companies. And in 2022, it banned smoky coal for heating homes for both health and environmental reasons. Moving forward, MoneyPoint on renewable energy Ireland has put a particular emphasis on electricity generated by wind, an industry projected to bring in tens of thousands of new jobs. A 17 megawatt onshore wind farm was built at the Money point site in 2017, and four years later the Irish government announced a multi billion dollar renewable energy project there. Ireland has ambitious goals to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but for now, we're one step closer to a more eco friend friendly world. More good news is coming up, but first let's take a short break to learn about today's sponsor, Duck Bill. Life is complicated. As a mindfulness coach, that's something that's very clear to me. Duck Bill gets it too, and sets out to make your life a little bit easier. The tool is built for people who understand that time is power and believes everyone deserves extra help in reclaiming theirs. It's essentially an executive assistant for your personal life, combining AI with humans who deal with the tedium so you can focus focus on what matters to you. That might mean coordinating with the doctors who somehow never have appointments in the same calendar year, handling returns for those impulsive online shopping purchases, or making sure you get some airline points for that flight that sat on the Runway for hours. Technology handles what it can, and Duck Bills humans who know impossible often just means requires additional persuasion. Manage the rest of the sign up [e-mail] because true sophistication is knowing what deserves your time and what doesn't. Summer is officially here, and in honor of the first week of the season, I'm busting a popular myth about sunscreen. You've likely heard that sun exposure helps us get vitamin D, which is important for bone, muscle, brain and immune health. But if you've also heard that sunscreen blocks our absorption of vitamin D, you can rest assured that the experts say otherwise. Dermatologists told Axios that since the body can make the nutrient from very little sunlight, and since sunscreen isn't usually applied evenly to every inch of skin, SPF is unlikely to cause a deficiency. So this summer, don't skip the sunscreen. It can help protect you from skin cancer and boost your vitamin D When spending time outdoors we all love the peaceful sound of birds chirping in the morning. But have you ever stopped to think about why they're so vocal in the early hours of the day? Until recently, the primary theory has been that birds sing at dawn because their voices sound clearer and can travel longer distances during that time thanks to early morning humidity and minimal wind. But a new study out of Cornell University says that this long held explanation may not hold true. After studying recordings of 69 different bird species in southern India, researchers didn't find much evidence that environmental fact were causing them to sing more at dawn. However, the scientists did confirm that the vast majority of the species were significantly louder at dawn compared to dusk. And here's their theory. They speculated that the birds were loudly marking their territory after sleeping at night and communicating about looking for breakfast. If that last bit is true, I think we might have more in common with birds than we thought. Now we have a win for sports fans, specifically women's sports fans in Los Angeles. Earlier this month, Janie and Stephanie Ellingwood turned a bar in the Silver Lake neighborhood that used to be known as Trophy Wife into Untamed Spirits, the first women's sports bar in la. The wife and wife duo was inspired to open their own bar after a local brewery denied their request to turn on the sound for a women's soccer game they've been watching. Untamed Spirits is no grummy pub. In fact, the Los Angeles Times describes it as sleek and modern, with a neon sign reading welcome to the Untamed Era and bartenders that serve up a signature pink punch. Stephanie said she felt the city needed, quote, something that's a little bit classier, that isn't sticky when you put your arms on the bar. The couple spot came at the perfect time, as interest in women's sports is skyrocketing. Here's how Janie summed it up. Some people might call it a trend, but it's not a trend. I believe it's a movement. Cheers to that. Tomorrow is the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, so today's inspiring human is John Pierre Mateo, a dad who's changing people's lives through simple games of catch Pierre Mateo is an LGBTQ ally who travels to Pride festivals around the country throwing footballs back and forth with attendees. His mission is to create connections with community members who have lost access to their father figures. Or, in his words, it's to help someone heal one toss at a time. What started out as Pierre Matteo setting up a hand painted sign at a unity fest in Pennsylvania has turned into Play Catch with a Dad, a group of volunteer dads that set up shop at Pride festivals and connect with attendees who they've affectionately nicknamed catchlings. Games of catch might only last two minutes, but they often end with catchlings shedding a few tears. This year, Pierre Mateo and his crew are traveling to 10 events across the U.S. but he hopes to one day establish local chapters. He told Nice News Quote it is my dream that whenever there is a Pride Festival, there will be dads there to love and support the attendees. Everyone should hear that they are brave and loved. End quote. If you want to learn more about Pierre Mateo's story and work, be sure to check out tomorrow's edition of the Nice News newsletter. And that's it for today's episode. If you loved these stories, please consider giving us a follow on Apple, Spotify and YouTube and sharing this episode with a friend. If you want more good news, visit nicenews.com to sign up for our free daily newsletter. And until next time, keep spreading your light and remember, there's more than enough good out there to go around. Have a great day.