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.
47episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"Kid Safety Has To Come First" - A Closer Look At Summer Camp Safety with Leading Advocate Elizabeth Phillips
1w ago01:02:11Tap 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
2w ago00:21:59Tap 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 →
"The Anti-Weaponization Fund": What It Is & Why It Matters
2w ago00:23:12Tap to summarizeA "dark day for democracy" or a way to "right the wrongs" of the past?Jenna takes you inside the White House Press Briefing room, where the Vice President focused on two major topics: Iran and a controversial DOJ settlement creating a $1.77 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund. Vance says he can’t know if Iran will ultimately reach a deal and suggests it’s unclear what Iran wants.Jenna provides some background on a new settlement t related to a lawsuit brought by President Trump over allegedly leaked tax returns. We discuss unanswered questions about how the new "Anti-Weaponization" fund will operate - who qualifies, how claims will be vetted and why critics argue this is "corruption in plainest sight."00:00 Vance Takes Podium00:53 Iran Talks Insight02:53 Stalemate And Goals04:42 DOJ Settlement Rewind06:13 Anti Weaponization Fund08:07 Senate Pushback Questions11:29 Vance Defends Fund14:35 Media Pattern Warning16:37 Why Announce Now18:52 Midterms Economy Question21:23 Election Dynamics Ahead22:14 Who Briefs Next OutroSUPPORT 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 →
A Lawsuit Hits An Iconic Landmark Before America 250
2w ago00:42:45Tap to summarizeImagine going through airport security ... without being at the airport! Just one of the stories we cover as Jenna previews a busy news week ahead of Memorial Day.The focus remains on President Trump returning from a historic China trip while Congress readies for primary elections in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania as midterm pressure rises. Did you know 250 years ago our founders called for fasting and prayer? This inspired this week's prayer event on our National Mall. Speaking of the mall ... a lawsuit swirls over a proposed change to the National Mall's Reflecting Pool. Should it become “American flag blue” or stay more subdued? Also Louisiana takes on the FDA, but the Supreme Court chooses to not weight in on medication typically used for abortions. The cases may reverberate nationwide as states try to make the case for protecting their laws. Finally ~ Would you try off-site TSA screening? We report. You Decide. ;) 00:00 Welcome to Scoop01:17 Capitol Hill Week Ahead01:43 Trump China Trip Recap04:32 Midterms and Primaries05:58 Louisiana Primary Nuance09:21 Iran Economy Tradeoffs12:02 National Mall Prayer Day: Here's the backstory from 177617:15 Reflecting Pool Lawsuit25:27 Abortion Pill State Clash36:23 Musk vs OpenAI Trial37:24 Off Site TSA Screening: Would you try it? SUPPORT 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 →Rare Insight Into President Trump's Historic Trip To China
3w ago00:21:19Tap to summarizeA quick preview of President Trump's historic trip to China to meet face-to-face with President Xi.We revisit our recent conversation with Asia analyst Gordon Chang for a part of the story receiving little coverage: the internal dynamics in China. Chang says fear of China's President Xi is widespread as Xi has conducted ruthless purges of civilian and military officials, with senior generals detained or disappearing.Chang also warns against provocative Chinese air and maritime actions—especially against the Philippines in the South China Sea — and explains why it could spiral into wider conflict involving U.S. treaty allies and potentially Russia and North Korea. 00:00 Historic Trump Xi Summit00:34 Why China Is Opaque01:37 Fear And Garbage Time02:27 Xi Reverses Succession Norms04:23 Disappearing Generals Purge06:37 Coups Rumors And Loyalty08:19 Taiwan And War Risks10:59 South China Sea Provocations14:09 Red Lines And US Leverage16:23 Exports Signal Weakness19:09 Third Term Fuels Discord20:22 What America Wants From ChinaSUPPORT 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 →A Cruise Outbreak, A China Summit & The New UFO Files
3w ago00:33:33Tap to summarizeJenna breaks down a major news week as Congress returns to session, April job growth beats expectations, gas prices rise amid renewed uncertainty over U.S.-Iran tensions and oil prices, and several major stories develop at once.First: a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship now in the Canary Islands. Jenna explains what officials are saying about the virus, why this strain is raising concern, and how U.S. health officials are responding as American passengers are monitored at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Emory University in Atlanta. She also highlights the key differences officials are emphasizing between this outbreak and COVID-era concerns.Then: President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Jenna previews what to watch in the high-stakes U.S.-China meeting, including why tone, timing, and messaging matter.Finally: the White House launches a new site releasing more than 160 UAP files, raising fresh questions about transparency, government disclosures, and why the possibility of life beyond Earth continues to capture public attention.Timestamps:00:00 Headlines And Mindset00:52 Week Setup: Economy And DC02:16 Middle East, Oil And Iran03:30 Hantavirus Cruise Outbreak06:03 U.S. Quarantine Response09:43 Public Risk And COVID Echoes13:09 WHO Briefing: Key Differences15:08 Trump-Xi Beijing Summit18:18 China Messaging And Stakes22:15 UAP Files Released26:42 Why Aliens Fascinate Us28:15 Universe Scale And New Thinking31:47 Wrap Up: Week Ahead
Transcribe →The Real Story Behind Mother’s Day
4w ago00:11:32Tap to summarizeThe Surprising History of Mother’s Day — and What Its Founder Wanted Us to RememberWhy do we celebrate Mother’s Day? The answer starts with two remarkable American women: Ann Jarvis, a mother who worked to improve health and sanitation in poor Appalachian communities, and her daughter Anna Jarvis, who never had children of her own but helped create one of America’s most recognized holidays.In this SmartHER News episode originally recorded in 2025, Jenna shares the little-known history of Mother’s Day, from Ann Jarvis’ “Mother Friendship Days” during the Civil War — an effort to help reunite politically divided families — to Anna Jarvis’ national campaign to honor mothers and their role in American life.In 1914, Congress approved Mother’s Day and President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law, encouraging Americans to display the U.S. flag in honor of mothers. Anna Jarvis also favored carnations, her mother’s favorite flower, as a symbol of the day.But the story takes a surprising turn: as Mother’s Day quickly became commercialized, Anna Jarvis fought against the holiday she helped create and even pushed to have it rescinded.Jenna also reflects on modern motherhood, entrepreneurship, flexibility, faith and the grace parents often need — especially during a busy season of life.Whether you’re celebrating your mom, remembering your mom, hoping to become a mom, or honoring the women who have shaped your life, this story offers a meaningful look at the origins of Mother’s Day and what the holiday was originally meant to represent.Chapters: 00:00 Why Mother’s Day Exists 01:06 Civil War-Era Origins 02:12 Anna Jarvis Makes It Official 03:13 Flags and Carnations 03:52 Commercialization Backlash 04:54 Anna Jarvis’ Final Years 05:23 What Mother’s Day Should Mean 05:50 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 07:28 Flexibility, Not Perfection 09:31 A Nap and Call Your Mom 10:44 Closing Wishes and Unity
Transcribe →
"INSANE IN THE BRAIN": Sec. Rubio on Iran & America's New "Project Freedom"
May 600:22:06Tap to summarizeSec. Rubio takes the podium ... in the White House Press Briefing room?Jenna reports on the Secretary of State briefly serving as de facto White House press secretary Tuesday, fielding questions on Iran. Note this update: Hours after America's top diplomat spoke at the White House, President Trump announced progress in talks with Iran AND a pause of Project Freedom. Here's how we got to this point:Sec. Rubio confirmed that Operation Epic Fury has ended (we explain) and outlined a new effort, Project Freedom, aimed at reopening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz amid what he called Iran’s blockade and piracy.Sec. Rubio says about 23,000 civilians from 87 countries remain stranded at sea due to Iran's illegal actions in the Strait, and says 10 civilian sailors have died since the war has begun due to the blockade. He stressed the mission is defensive—U.S. forces will respond only if attacked—confirming the U.S. destroyed seven Iranian fast boats who threatened the U.S. efforts. Rubio argued Americans should care about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz due to the global economic impacts of the waterway as well as the precedent set if Iran can shut down the freedom of navigation in international waters.Jenna asks about the effectiveness of Sec. Rubio's argument as Americans experience higher gas prices and provides a quick update on upcoming Iran-China and Trump-Xi meetings.References: Triple AAA Fuel Gauge Report00:00 Rubio Takes Podium00:28 Briefing Room Chaos01:24 Cypress Hill Moment02:47 Why Rubio Was Picked04:14 War Powers Deadline05:33 Project Freedom Explained08:10 Defensive Rules of Engagement11:07 Allies and Navigation Law13:07 Why Americans Should Care17:37 Gas Prices and Inflation20:13 China Meetings and WrapSUPPORT 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 →
UNBIASED TAKE: Did The Supreme Court "Gut" This Key Civil Rights Law?
May 400:38:45Tap to summarizeHow much can race matter in redistricting? A key question for a major Supreme Court decision, sending shockwaves around the nation.Jenna from SmartHER News explains how we got here and why it matters.We review why the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed after the 15th Amendment failed to prevent barriers like literacy tests and intimidation, and how that intersects with current redistricting efforts aka "gerrymandering" - which indeed involved a Gerry and a salamander in 1812. In Louisiana, a federal court required a second majority-Black district (Louisiana is about one-third Black), but the Supreme Court sided with non-Black voters, who challenged that ruling, affirming states cannot be forced into race-based districting without proof of discrimination. Jenna contrasts Justice Alito and Justice Thomas’s “colorblind constitution” reasoning with Justice Kagan’s warning that minority voters could be eliminated yet again of the electoral process. She also raises questions about minority protections, race and representation in 2026 and beyond. We're curious about what you think on these topics! Let us know in the comment section and follow for more quick, concise, nonpartisan news.00:00 Supreme Court Voting Clash00:21 Headlines Versus Reality01:30 Why This Story Matters04:45 Voting Rights Act Origins08:25 Gerrymandering Explained12:57 Louisiana Map Dispute15:19 Supreme Court Majority Ruling18:51 Dissent And Media Impact19:42 Assumptions About Race And Party23:31 What Changes After Section 225:23 Representation And Independents29:30 Three Big Democracy Questions34:02 Midterms And 2028 Fallout35:59 Wrap Up And Unknowns AheadLove 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! https://smarthernews.com/shop/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/
Transcribe →
"Bold & Imaginative Rebels With A Cause" - King Charles III Marks America 250 With A Special Message
Apr 2900:19:36Tap to summarizeJenna of SmartHER News shares a “cheat sheet” on why King Charles’s U.S. visit and address to Congress matters, noting his first trip as king, and only the second time a British monarch has addressed Congress. The historic moment marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from the same country that King Charles.Jenna highlights the speech’s self-deprecating humor and its historical references from the Magna Carta to the British Enlightenment.Jenna points to moments that seemed to allude to societal “ills” and (Epstein) victims, and the Kings ironic remarks about limiting centralized power. She underscores King Charles' explicit support for Ukraine, and mentions of joint defense efforts like F-35s and an ambitious submarine program. She concludes with a question about how the King's comments about a "partnership born out of dispute but no less strong" apply to modern day America.00:00 Cheat Sheet Intro00:18 Why This Trip Matters01:20 A Unifying Moment03:01 Funny Lines And Icebreakers05:32 Revolution And Shared Roots07:55 Tough Topics Between Allies10:35 Ukraine NATO And Defense Ties14:45 Dispute Can Strengthen Us18:22 Closing Question 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 →