It’s a complete energy shift from last week! In this episode, Jasmine and Michael carry on, no matter the incompetence of Velda Johansson or the government. Michael shouts out Illinois Zoomers and forgets the delightful Tony! Tony, you will have to join us at Judy’s!

The hosts talk smiles and recent joyous occasions. Our news hounds bring positive stories of solar power, gene therapy, tortoise safety, koala conservancy, free public transportation for kids, street safety, and wildlife wonders.

The Wheel of Topics has our hosts talking about their bucket lists (though it’s pretty much one broad item for both Jasmine and Michael). The segment concludes with Michael looking for someone to take care of him without a tether. We end the episode, as always, with what is currently bringing joy, a hilarious weekly affirmation, and pleasantries.

So, if you are in the giving mood without wanting anything in return, hit up that email and join us for this week’s pleasant conversation.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Meet Bernd das Brot, a depressed German loaf of bread that’s spent 25 years as a TV cult classic: https://apnews.com/article/bernd-das-brot-germany-582397aa7e741b56f0228feeece35a0d

Good News Links:

California’s first solar-covered canal is now fully online: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/california-first-canal-array-project-nexus

Breakthrough Gene Therapy Slows Huntington's Disease by 75%: https://www.sciencealert.com/breakthrough-gene-therapy-slows-huntingtons-disease-by-75

Drivers kept hitting tortoises at a Florida state park. Then one woman took action.: https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/09/16/honeymoon-island-state-park-dunedin-florida-gopher-tortoise/

NSW locks in great koala national park and brings in immediate ban on logging: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/07/nsw-locks-in-great-koala-national-park-and-brings-in-immediate-ban-on-logging

Children aged eight and below now eligible for free public transport: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/09/03/children-aged-eight-and-below-now-eligible-for-free-public-transport/

These Residents Built a $10,000 Bike Lane in Atlanta: https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/these-residents-built-a-10000-bike-lane-in-atlanta

Species hybrids, creatures once thought extinct and 3 more wildlife stories: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article312276861.html

Passengers shell-shocked after crab pinches seat: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr51n3q28wo

This week, our hosts are both feeling a little blah, but still try to bring the joy for you. Michael plugs Good Hang with Amy Poehler once again and shares two recent movie-going experiences. Jasmine brings us good news of free child care, a mental health awareness trek, NYC’s production of “black gold,” and students rallying for gun reform. Michael tells us about a wildlife overpass and then does a This Day in History.

The Wheel of Topics asks us what always makes us laugh. The hosts swap out Ashes & Embers for what’s bringing them joy right now and end with the weekly affirmation and pleasantries.

So, instead of feeding the plants, grab yourself a big ol’ mug of what makes you feel better when you’re under the weather and join us for some pleasant conversations.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Good News Links:

New Mexico set to become first US state to guarantee free child care: https://www.kob.com/news/top-news/new-mexico-governor-announces-launch-of-universal-free-child-care-program/

Man walks from Grand Haven to Miami to raise awareness about mental health: https://www.woodtv.com/news/ottawa-county/man-walks-from-grand-haven-to-miami-to-raise-awareness-about-mental-health/

New York City is turning millions of pounds of food waste into ‘black gold’ to improve the city’s soil health (How New York turns millions of pounds of food waste into 'black gold'): https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/how-new-york-turns-millions-pounds-food-waste-into-black-gold-2025-09-11/

Denver metro area high school students rally for gun safety 1 week after Evergreen High School shooting: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-area-high-school-students-rally-gun-safety-evergreen-shooting/

This week, Jasmine and Michael take a break from the normal programming to have another co-host interview.

Of course Jasmine’s questions are a little more professional than Michael’s off-the-wall ones (there is a question about which color food would you eat for the rest of your life if you could only pick one). Our co-hosts really enjoy the fun banter and hope this episode will take your mind off of everything else going on in the world.

So fix yourself a plate and a drink (but both can only be one color) and join us for our very special and pleasant conversation.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠