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.
68episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"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of Independence from the same country that King Charles.Jenna highlights the speech’s self-deprecating humor and its historical references from the Magna Carta to the British Enlightenment.Jenna points to moments that seemed to allude to societal “ills” and (Epstein) victims, and the Kings ironic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 →Inside the Washington Hilton Shooting Incident: What Happened at the Annual Press Dinner & The Aftermath
Apr 2700:36:11Tap to summarizeThis episode covers a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton Hotel during a major annual dinner that brings together top politicians, press, corporate sponsors, and celebrities, featuring firsthand details from attendee Mary Katharine Ham. Mary Katharine explains the event’s layout and security, emphasizing the confrontation occurred a full floor above the ballroom, not outside its doors, and describes Secret Service agents streaming into the packed room, the tense uncertainty, and the eventual evacuation through service corridors amid heavy police activity and helicopters outside.The discussion then shifts to how the story was reported, including erroneous early reports and debate over quoting a suspected shooter’s manifesto in interviews, with concerns about victim-blaming and glorifying political violence. What do you think about how the press reported this story that they, themselves, experienced?00:00 Weekend Breaking News01:08 Inside The Dinner03:13 Security And Entry04:28 Shots And Confusion06:39 Ballroom Lockdown11:57 Evacuation And Aftermath15:33 Reporting And Rumors17:38 Free Speech Aftermath18:40 Press Tone Under Scrutiny19:17 NPR Clip Breakdown20:55 Assassination Attempts Context22:52 Violence Rationalization Warning23:55 CBS Manifesto Debate26:28 Double Standards And Victim Blame28:13 Host Recap And Reporting Ethics29:16 Event Logistics And Security30:30 Bipartisan Calls For Sanity33:35 What The Real Story Is34:29 Closing Thoughts And Next NewsMary Katharine HamNormally Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/normally/id1769997814Getting Hammered: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-hammered/id1589858387
Transcribe →Can AI Be Charged With a Crime? The ChatGPT Investigation Explained + Why AI Scams Are Surging
Apr 2200:16:31Tap to summarizeCan AI be held responsible for a crime?In this episode, Jenna breaks down a surprising move by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT following a tragic shooting at Florida State University.At the center of the case: a new legal theory — if an AI chatbot “aids, abets, or counsels” a crime, could a company be held criminally liable?Jenna explains how this idea challenges long-standing internet protections under Section 230, and why more state-level cases are testing the limits of tech accountability.You’ll also hear:OpenAI’s response and what the company says it didWhy this case could reshape how we view AI: tool vs. participantKey takeaways from a Capitol Hill hearing on AI-driven scams, fraud, and cybercrimeHow criminals are already using AI for phishing, deepfakes, ransomware, and moreThe growing debate: innovation vs. public safetyPlus: Jenna walks through the three biggest questions this story raises — and why they matter right now.00:00 Cold Open Chat00:09 Florida AG Investigation01:50 Section 230 Explained03:00 Aiding And Abetting Theory04:47 OpenAI Response And Other Cases06:08 Is AI Search Or Partner07:11 Capitol Hill AI Crime Hearing11:45 Three Big Questions13:40 Guardrails And Alcohol Analogy15:13 Closing Thoughts Rita Peters
Transcribe →MidEast Tensions, Missing Scientists & An Often Forgotten Story Brought Back Into The Spotlight
Apr 2000:35:58Tap to summarizeJenna previews an unpredictable news week, highlighting uncertainty over planned U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan as the ceasefire deadline nears. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to climb after U.S. forces stopped and seized an Iranian vessel following hours of warnings, and questions about who is currently leading Iran’s government. She flags a Louisiana domestic shooting that’s received national attention - as the biggest major mass shooting in more than 2 years. She explains how terms like “mass shooting” and “mass killing” vary by definition and often exclude domestic or gang-related incidents. The episode also covers a federal probe into disappearances and deaths of people linked to sensitive U.S. sites, cautioning that some labeled “scientists” may not be, but that the case has now received heightened attention due to President Trump's comments.She updates a significant development in the Nancy Guthrie case as a hair DNA sample is transferred from a private Florida lab to the FBI. Finally, Jenna revisits the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, its ties to extremist inspiration, and related news headlines today, in an unexpected way.00:00 Week Ahead Overview01:20 US Iran Talks Uncertain02:20 Strait Tensions Escalate04:32 Why Pakistan Hosts Talks - And Why That Matters06:21 Louisiana Family Shooting07:42 What Mass Shooting Means In The Press Vs. Law Enforcement11:30 Scientists Missing Probe14:19 Why You Should Exercise Caution When Reading Headlines15:16 Nancy Guthrie DNA Update19:32 Boston Bombing Remembered24:20 Iran Terror Links Explained31:19 Death Row And Appeals34:20 Wrap Up And Next StepsLove 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 →Serial Killer Caught: The Backstory of A Surprise Guilty Plea
Apr 1500:49:16Tap to summarize "The suburban dad next door who was also a serial killer"A serial killer admits to his crimes, but is justice served?We tackle that question and others in a wide-ranging conversation with investigative journalist Alexis Linkletter, who has covered this case for more than a decade and has poured several years into developing a podcast series on the mystery called, "Unraveled."Alexis recounts being in court as Rex Heuermann entered a guilty plea, admitting to being the Long Island serial killer. She describes the intense scene, the victims’ families present, and Heuermann’s apathetic demeanor as he admitted to strangling eight victims.The discussion traces the case’s history from the 2010 discovery of remains and the impact of Suffolk County corruption, to the revived multi-agency task force under District Attorney Ray Tierney.Linkletter explains how an early tip about a green Chevy Avalanche, phone-location links, surveillance, and DNA from discarded items helped lead to Heuermann’s 2023 arrest.She highlights cutting-edge nuclear DNA testing of rootless hairs that passed an initial hearing, potentially opening doors for other cold cases not only in New York but other states as well.The episode previews the June sentencing, FBI Behavioral Science Unit interviews, possible additional victims, and CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) implications.Is justice done? We report. You decide.00:00 Guilty Plea Shocker01:13 Inside the Courthouse02:28 What He Admitted To03:41 Origins of the Case04:04 Corruption and Coverups06:36 Coincidence at Court09:26 Centering the Victims12:47 Cold Case Breakthrough13:51 Task Force and DNA Trail14:51 The Tip That Cracked It18:01 Double Life Questions19:26 Hearing the Confession22:07 Why Plead Guilty23:28 Family in the Fallout24:02 Basement Crime Timeline26:02 More Victims Questions27:17 Asian Doe Clues29:38 Rootless Hair Breakthrough32:17 Admissibility Frye Hearing34:14 Courtroom Demeanor34:45 Why He Killed38:00 Sentencing Stakes38:30 FBI Behavioral Study41:41 Justice And Victims44:10 CODIS And Future Cases46:22 Book Project WrapAlexis LinkletterPodcast: UnraveledSUPPORT 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 SCOOP: The Strait, Scandals and a Stunning Defeat
Apr 1300:37:20Tap to summarizeJenna previews a busy week of major stories, framed by Artemis astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s “Joy Train” message about teams regaining perspective and joy. Internationally, she clarifies reports about a U.S. “blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz, explaining Central Command describes actions focused on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports rather than blocking international waters, and notes the move follows failed U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan centered on securing a long-term Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, with Iran accusing the U.S. of shifting goalposts; oil prices remain elevated amid a ceasefire timeline. In Europe, Hungary’s longtime leader Viktor Orban suffers a “stunning defeat” to 45-year-old Peter Maygar, a centrist-right figure focused on the economy and anti-corruption, raising questions about shifts in alliances and conservatism. Domestically, allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell lead him to exit California’s governor race as Congress debates rare expulsion moves that also involve Rep. Tony Gonzalez, while the First Lady publicly denies any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and urges continued investigation amid disputes over former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s testimony.**UPDATE** ERIC SWALWELL released a statement on Monday around 5:15 est announcing his intention to resign from Congress.00:00 Week Ahead Preview00:27 Joy Train Mindset02:21 Strait of Hormuz Blockade05:41 Iran Talks and Nuclear Standoff09:33 Oil Prices and Global Stakes11:04 Hungary Election Shock14:12 What Orban Loss Signals17:39 Swalwell Scandal Fallout22:09 Expulsion Push in Congress27:41 Melania and Epstein Questions31:20 Reporting Gray Areas33:30 Artemis Wisdom and SignoffSUPPORT 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 →Can the President Prosecute the Press? What Journalists Can (and Can’t) Be Forced to Reveal
Apr 800:23:11Tap to summarizeThe President says he wants to go after those who leaked information about a rescue operation in Iran - Can he? Jenna takes you to a portion of a White House press conference that drew attention after the president blamed press reporting and a leaker for revealing a second missing airman during a rescue operation in Iran, saying the media company should give up the source “or go to jail.” She clarifies that while there is legal precedent for the government to pursue the leaker, she knows of no precedent for prosecuting a media organization for publishing accurate (or even inaccurate) information, and notes protections for journalists vary: most states have shield laws, but there is no federal shield law. She cites the Iraq War-era case in which New York Times journalist Judith Miller was jailed 85 days for contempt after refusing to reveal sources, but leads us to a larger ethical questions about reporting sensitive details during national security events.Plus - Jenna shares her grandfather's reporter's handbook - from his time embedded with U.S. forces during WWII.What do you think about his responsibilities as a member of the press?00:00 Press Freedom Question00:26 Trump Leak Threat Clip01:19 Rescue Mission Context03:36 Who Is He Targeting05:23 Journalist Protections Explained07:54 No Federal Shield Law08:34 Judith Miller Case Study11:27 State vs Federal Subpoenas14:15 Ethics vs Legality17:01 WWII Censorship Rules20:23 What Free Press Means Now21:15 Wrap Up and SupportLove 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 →Rescued In Iran: What We Learned From The White House (And What’s Still Unanswered)
Apr 700:32:39Tap to summarizeJenna recaps a 90-minute White House press conference that provided the first on-the-record details about the rescue of two U.S. Air Force crew members after an F-15 went down in hostile Iranian territory late Thursday/early Friday. Officials said both airmen ejected and landed separately; the pilot (Dude 44 Alpha) was located and rescued first, while the weapons systems officer (Dude 44 Bravo) was injured, evaded capture for more than a day in mountainous terrain, and was rescued Saturday night into Easter Sunday amid heavy enemy fire, with no U.S. casualties though some equipment was damaged. CIA Director John Ratcliffe described deploying human assets, “exquisite technologies,” and a deception campaign to misdirect Iranian forces. Jenna highlights key unanswered questions, including the mission/target, how Iran shot the jet down despite claimed air dominance, and details about the officer’s injuries, while noting President Trump’s Tuesday 8:00 PM Eastern deadline for an Iran deal and potential escalation.00:00 Press Conference Preview01:21 Why Iran Matters05:27 Social Media Fog07:18 Timeline From General Cain10:53 Survival Behind Lines14:25 Rescue Operation Details17:20 CIA Role And Deception22:54 Unanswered Press Questions26:33 Deadline And Next Steps31:30 Wrap Up And Press RightsSUPPORT 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 →Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: 2 Months Later — Crime Expert Examines Key Clues
Apr 201:26:10Tap to summarizeTwo months after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, key questions remain unanswered.In this episode, Jenna interviews law enforcement and crime expert Morgan Wright to examine the biggest unknowns in the case, what investigators may be focusing on now, and why certain details continue to raise questions.We discuss:• what investigators may be prioritizing two months later• why a $1.2 million reward has not led to answers• whether the evidence suggests more than one person involved• how investigators evaluate vehicles and surveillance evidence• what this case may reveal about personal safety and preparedness• what could help move the investigation forwardThis expert conversation provides context on what we know, what remains unclear, and why the case continues to draw national attention.#NancyGuthrie #TrueCrime #MissingPerson #CrimeAnalysis #News #Investigation #MorganWrightTIMESTAMPS00:00 Assumptions In The Case00:22 Meet Morgan Wright03:02 Detective Work Basics06:32 Who What Where When07:29 Missing Pieces10:17 Ransom And Early Statements10:40 The First On The Record Remarks from Pima County's Sheriff Nanos12:35 Bedroom Clues and Blood Trail18:25 Press Conference Anomalies22:24 Targeted Or Random24:46 Motive and DNA Strategy29:30 Smoking Gun Myth30:03 Naming Suspects Too Soon30:30 Ring Footage Timeline Confusion32:12 Metadata and Physics Timeline33:50 Why FBI Releases Evidence35:05 How Many Offenders?38:11 Camera Data Retention Limits40:16 Neighbors Dogs and Outages42:55 Debunking Wifi Jammer Claims45:34 Abandoned House Speculation48:40 Media Coverage and NBC Interview50:05 Crime Scene Details Doors Blood56:50 Ransom Notes and Withholding Info01:00:50 Cruel Ransom Trolls01:01:25 Proof of Life Standards01:02:24 Why No Arrests Yet01:03:33 NBC Drip Marketing01:07:21 Ethics Over Programming01:09:28 Security Cameras Done Right01:11:39 Family Led Public Appeals01:14:48 Give the Public a Mission01:18:00 Actionable Home Security01:23:52 Trust Your Gut01:25:07 Wrap Up and Next StepsSUPPORT 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 →Why Artemis II Matters: Risks And The New Space Race
Mar 3100:21:40Tap to summarizeJenna interviews space journalist Kristin Fisher of Endless Void Studios about why NASA’s Artemis II mission matters, framing it as a choice to lead or follow as China and others pursue the Moon. The daughter of two NASA astronauts, Fisher says success is simply returning the four astronauts safely, calling it NASA’s riskiest human test flight since Apollo because this rocket has flown only once and, after a certain part of the journey (a trans-lunar injection) there is no rescue option. She explains recent delays stemmed from hydrogen/helium leak issues and notes a “point of no return” before a single lunar slingshot flyby that will set a human distance record. Kristin describes the importance of the “lunar base” competition between the U.S., Russia and China for “property” at the Moon’s south pole - a key spot for potential ice that carries huge national security implications. Fisher also shares the details of her “Launch Party” live coverage aimed at space-curious viewers.00:00 Why Artemis II Matters01:11 Leading the Moon Return02:29 Defining Mission Success03:43 Human Risk and Reality05:54 Hydrogen Leak Delays08:47 Countdown and Launch Day11:59 Flight Plan to the Moon13:33 Why This Crew Won’t Land On the Moon14:42 Stakes of the Space Race 2.0 17:33 Launch Party Coverage20:47 Final Thanks Kristin Fischer: Launch Party Endless Void Studios InstagramSUPPORT 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
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