Podcast
SmartHERNews
Hosted by Jenna Lee · EN
Life is too short to waste time filtering through headlines searching for the facts. That’s when we realized the need for a quick, trustworthy news source that makes staying up-to-date easy and interesting. Our Goal is to Clear the Clutter. We’re committed to providing non-partisan news, in small servings, available wherever you are, whenever you want it. And for the Record: We Believe You’re Already Smart. We don’t need to tell you what to think or how to feel or what to believe. We just want to equip you with clear facts so you’re prepared for any conversation, any vote, any choice and never feel like you’re falling behind. Bullet-Points Without The Bias ~ We’re bringing you #SmartHERNews. SmartHER News is created and hosted by journalist Jenna Lee.
55episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"A Place Where Ghosts Walk In Broad Daylight": SmartHER On The Battle Of Little Big Horn
Yesterday00:16:21Tap to summarize150 years ago, a pivotal battle took place between the U.S. Army and the American Indians - a "coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors" (NPS). Often memorialized as Custer's Last Stand, named for the Lt Col George Armstrong Custer, the Battle of Little Bighorn remains a pivotal moment of great intrigue. To honor the story, we share our impromptu interview with National Park Ranger, Michael Donahue, who brings us back to 1876, to explains the significance of this battle and and why the site itself remains "a place where ghosts walk in broad day light."00:00 Spontaneous Interview Setup00:26 Road Trip to Little Bighorn01:55 Meeting Ranger Michael Donahue03:23 Why This Battlefield Matters04:22 Key Figures and Rising Tensions05:38 Economic Backdrop and Orders07:46 Last Stand Hill and Markers09:03 Grief and Human Cost10:39 Prejudice and Two Perspectives11:41 What People Miss About the Battle13:04 Jenna's Takeaways on History15:48 Closing Thoughts and ThanksSUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews
Transcribe →
Is The U.S. Negotiating With Terrorists? Plus: The Supreme Court In The Spotlight and Dye-Drama for M&Ms
3d ago00:26:49Tap to summarizeJenna highlights three major stories for the week: U.S. negotiations with Iran and the implications of America negotiating with a state sponsor of terrorism. Why a major leadership change in the UK matters to the U.S.What to watch for from the Supreme Court and how a pending decision could reshape more than a century of law.Plus - The drama over blue M&Ms. 00:00 Week Ahead Headlines00:18 Why We Keep It Brief01:35 Iran Talks And Terror Question05:06 Vance Deal Framework Explained06:54 Frozen Assets And Funding Fears11:06 Oil License And Gas Prices13:20 Who Leads The Negotiations14:45 UK Leadership Shakeup16:51 Supreme Court Decisions Watch20:52 M&Ms Dye Drama24:36 Wrap Up And Sign OffSUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews
Transcribe →
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on America250: Faith, Family, the Founding Fathers and the Future of AI
1w ago00:32:02Tap to summarizeAs we approach Father's Day and 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, we share a truly unique conversation that highlights the intersection between parenting, policy and our current political environment with one of the nation's leading political figures — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.Gov. Shapiro shares personal insight into his life behind the scenes as a father of 4 and describes what has shaped his leadership perspective at the helm of one of America's largest and most politically consequential states.This quick-moving conversation covers a wide range of topics — from an arson attack at the governor's residence (while he and his family slept) to legislating cursive in schools to wrestling with how to harness one of the key technologies of our time: artificial intelligence.As we reflect on America's Founding Fathers, we ask the question: Who will lead America in the next 250 years? Governor Shapiro kicks off the first conversation in this series. Who should we interview next? Let us know: hello@SmartHERnews.comYour presence means the world to us! Thank you for supporting a FREE and independent press. Our Insiders listened to and watched this interview FIRST. Here's how to become an Insider and help us build a solution in news: quick, concise, nonpartisan, SmartHER News.00:00 Why Pennsylvania Matters01:03 Meeting Josh Shapiro02:45 Path Into Public Service04:28 Politics Without Hate05:51 Family Challenges Shaping Leadership07:37 Marriage and Fatherhood Lessons09:58 Kids Change Your Politics12:48 Faith Beyond Religion15:00 Arson Attack Aftermath17:59 Violence and Community Healing20:16 Cursive Makes a Comeback22:28 AI in Government and Guardrails26:19 Leading on the Next Big Issues28:06 America at 250 Years30:33 Town Hall Invitation and Wrap
Transcribe →A Top Secret Spy Tool ... Expires?
1w ago00:33:28Tap to summarizeThe timing and the tool bring up new questions about the use of technology and your rights as a citizen.Jenna previews a consequential week as a major U.S. intelligence tool, FISA Section 702, expires ... amid reports of significant breakthrough in U.S.–Iran negotiations. We highlight the broader debate about technology’s benefits and harms, including the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of a law taking effect next year that would ban children under 16 from using social media. 00:00 Spy Tool Expires Now01:11 Tech Future and SpaceX02:15 UK Bans Under 16 Social05:03 Iran Deal Headlines Caution06:45 Vance and Jeffries React10:42 What a Deal Means11:54 Obama Deal Background16:25 Why Iran Still Matters17:00 FISA 702 Explained21:43 Warrant Debate and Politics29:15 Global Conflicts This Week30:58 Wrap Up and WatchlistSUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Get our FREE Weekend Digest! Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews
Transcribe →CBS News Turmoil, Scott Pelley’s Firing and the State of American Journalism
2w ago00:46:42Tap to summarizeWhat does the turmoil at CBS News — and Scott Pelley’s departure from 60 Minutes — reveal about the state of American journalism?SmartHER News founder Jenna Lee draws on her experience as a former national news anchor to examine the changes at CBS, including the Ellison family’s influence, Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount and Bari Weiss’s appointment as editor-in-chief of CBS News.She also analyzes Scott Pelley’s interview with The New York Times, the newsroom clashes behind his firing and what the controversy reveals about editorial power, celebrity culture and declining trust in the press.Jenna argues that journalism should serve the public — not position itself above it — and explains why audiences ultimately hold more power than anchors, executives or media companies.00:00 CBS News Turmoil Explained00:51 Why This Story Matters01:46 Two Problems Facing American Journalism03:31 Who Owns the News?04:19 The Ellison Family and Paramount07:11 Trump Lawsuit and Merger Scrutiny08:25 Why 60 Minutes Matters09:22 Bari Weiss Takes Over CBS News11:53 Inside a Broadcast Newsroom13:24 Scott Pelley’s Firing21:13 Scott Pelley Speaks Out25:03 Journalism’s Celebrity Culture28:01 Pelley Clashes With His New Boss31:26 The 60 Minutes Editorial Dispute40:36 Does Democracy Depend on Journalism?44:04 The Power of the Audience46:15 Final ThoughtsSmartHER News delivers clear, concise and nonpartisan reporting so you can stay informed without the overwhelm.Want more clear, nonpartisan reporting? Become a SmartHER Insider for our weekly editorial briefing, exclusive reporting, private conversations and an ad-free podcast feed.Join us at https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/
Transcribe →
Under Pressure: The Press & The President: Why Did Pres. Trump Walk Out Of An Interview?
2w ago00:46:48Tap to summarizePlus ~ A leak in the International Space station, a very curious admission by Sec. of State Marco Rubio in a Senate hearing and the latest jobs report surprises with better than expected numbers. We do a deep dive into President Trump's interview with Meet The Press that has ignited global headlines.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:52 Space Surveillance Technology Revealed02:51 International Space Station Emergency07:33 Artemis III Mission Announcement08:28 Secretary Rubio Capitol Hill Testimony10:34 Iranian Government Structure Explained13:28 Negotiation Delays and Communication Challenges18:11 May Jobs Report Analysis20:56 Trump Interview Setup and Conditions24:46 Presidential Pressures and Milestones25:37 Congressional Setbacks for Administration27:34 Iran Conflict Timeline Questions28:46 Anti-Weaponization Fund Controversy30:17 Heated Exchange Over Fund35:43 Interview Breakdown and Fallout36:08 Journalism and Professionalism Standards37:04 The Evidence Debate Trap40:34 Rethinking the Journalist's Role44:59 Looking Ahead This WeekSUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews
Transcribe →
The Wild West: Spencer Pratt’s Outsider LA Mayoral Run and What It Signals About American Politics
3w ago00:22:38Tap to summarizeJenna and commentator/analyst Mary Katharine Ham discuss the Los Angeles mayoral race, focusing on outsider candidate Spencer Pratt, a former reality star who entered in January after losing his home in wildfires and criticizing city services and leadership. While votes continue to be counted, has Spencer Pratt already impacted the national political conversation? From guns, to women voters, animal lovers and Jesus! We take a look at what Pratt says on the record, why it resonates with voters, and what to watch for next in this election year,00:00 LA Mayor Race Setup01:12 Spencer Pratt Clip02:24 Outsider Appeal Explained05:01 How LA Voting Works06:39 Moms And Safety Pitch07:30 Populism And Public Order10:23 Guns And GOP Label13:32 Cross Party Support14:33 National Interest Local Issues18:06 Lessons For Candidates20:43 Poop Politics Wrap21:42 Final Spencer Pratt MessageSUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews
Transcribe →Escalation or Negotiations? From NATO To The Middle East and Congress: Plus, The Hidden Story Within A Story Of The Trump Family-DOJ Settlement
3w ago00:37:05Tap to summarizeA drone strike in Romania near the Russia-Ukraine war that injured two people.More strikes exchanged in the Middle East between Iran, the U.S. and beyond.Congress returns to Capitol Hill in a heightened-election season.Escalation runs rampant. But will negotiations find a way? Meanwhile, an unprecedented Trump-family IRS lawsuit settlement creating a $1.8B “de-weaponization” fund and broad tax-review protections, now meets critical challenge. 00:00 Week of Escalation01:53 Ukraine Spillover Fears05:08 Middle East Strikes07:32 Congress Returns to Fight11:12 Cabinet on Capitol Hill13:39 Immigration Funding Standoff15:26 Trump IRS Lawsuit Basics18:47 Settlement and Deweaponization Fund24:52 Judges Challenge Settlement28:41 Congress Fallout and Guardrails30:09 Pardons Comparison Explained33:16 Curiosity Over Commentary35:48 Wrap Up and CommunitySUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews
Transcribe →"Kid Safety Has To Come First" - A Closer Look At Summer Camp Safety with Leading Advocate Elizabeth Phillips
May 2701:02:11Tap to summarize**Sensitive Content**Camp Safety in America: Trey's Law, and Lessons From Camp Mystic.One click resource: beforeyougotocamp.com.As we move into another summer season, camp safety advocate Elizabeth Phillips says U.S. summer camp safety needs an overhaul. Phillips, a Texas-raised mother of three, shares her road to advocacy, describing how her brother Trey endured abuse at a well-known summer camp, was silenced by a civil-settlement NDA; he eventually took his own life. The perpetrator received three life sentences. Prosecutors estimated hundreds of victims. As a result, Elizabeth has made it her mission to highlight the need for statute-of-limitations reform and has advocated for new legislation - specifically "Trey’s Law" which bans NDAs in child sexual abuse and trafficking civil settlements; it has passed in multiple states and is advancing federally. Phillips also supported Camp Mystic families after last summer’s deadly Hill Country flooding led to questions about better laws and regulations.A much needed site guide for parents and guardians everywhere: beforeyougotocamp.com.00:00 How Safe Are Camps01:40 Meet Elizabeth Phillips04:52 Growing Up With Camp06:40 Kanakuk Pipeline Loyalty08:24 Trey Story And Loss11:01 NDA Silence And Trauma15:47 Delayed Disclosure Stats18:27 Statute Limits Reform Fight22:15 What Treys Law Does25:48 Federal Momentum Timeline27:16 Oklahoma Setback Opposition30:46 What Surprised Her Most31:07 NDA Silence Breaks32:08 Survivors Testify Again34:35 Cost of Advocacy36:47 Parents Ask Hard Questions38:46 Camp Mystic Tragedy41:54 Do New Laws Close Camps45:43 Should Mystic Reopen53:56 Practical Safety Checklist57:25 National Standards Push59:23 Make Camp Safe AgainElizabeth PhillipsSUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews
Transcribe →The Many Origin Stories of Memorial Day
May 2200:21:59Tap to summarizeWhat is the real origin of Memorial Day?More than 20 places across the United States claim a connection to the beginning of Memorial Day — and historians still don’t point to one single story as the origin. In this episode, Jenna explores the many stories behind one of America’s most solemn national holidays, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Waterloo, New York, to Arlington National Cemetery.Memorial Day honors the men and women who died in service to the United States. But over time, the holiday has also become a long weekend filled with barbecues, parades, sales and family gatherings. How do we hold both truths together — the grief and the gratitude, the remembrance and the rest?In this special Memorial Day episode, we look back at the Civil War origins of the holiday, the role of local communities in decorating soldiers’ graves and General John A. Logan’s 1868 order calling Americans to remember those who gave their lives for the country.Perhaps the question isn’t which Memorial Day origin story is true.Perhaps the question is: What if they all are?Listen for a thoughtful look at the history, mystery and meaning of Memorial Day — and why remembering the stories matters.Timestamps / Chapters:00:00 Memorial Day: Grief, Gratitude and Mixed Feelings00:47 Why Memorial Day Became a Long Weekend02:14 Jenna’s Personal Connection to Memorial Day04:03 Why Memorial Day Has More Than One Origin Story06:00 Civil War Roots of Memorial Day06:55 Charleston’s Racecourse Reburial Story10:12 Waterloo, New York’s Memorial Day Claim11:45 How Southern Women Helped Spread the Tradition17:42 The First National Memorial Day at Arlington19:12 General Logan’s 1868 Memorial Day Order21:43 Why These Memorial Day Words Still Matter
Transcribe →