In early July 1775, George Washington assumed his position as head of the Continental Army, joining a ragtag group of militia men in New England who, despite technical defeats in battle, had surprisingly intimidated the British with their perseverance and passion. While our current July 4th holiday celebrates our Declaration of Independence in July 1776, we take you back to the key decisions that happened a full year earlier, that set into motion the fight for America's liberty, and established ...
Jul 01, 2025•27 min
Dear Listener ~ My whole goal is to provide quick, concise, nonpartisan news. So I'm bothered when I do not think I was as clear and concise as needed - I apologize! Budget reconciliation is a unique process that allows a bill to pass through Congress with fewer votes. HOWEVER, all components of this bill, or this package of policy proposals, has to relate to existing spending/revenue (budget). If proposals in the bill don't fall under this umbrella, or seem to fall outside of the power of the c...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Depending on your source, the United States either obliterated Iran’s nuclear program – or set it back by just a few weeks. So how do you make sense of headlines like these? Step into the editorial room with me as we unpack how SmartHER News covers stories and sources. We’ll break down the day's top story, explore the media’s use of anonymous reporting and share why this story matters more than it may seem. Plus ~ the key questions no one’s asking (but should). SHOW NOTES: White House Article SU...
Jun 25, 2025•22 min
War correspondent and writer Hollie shares her experiences traveling to Iran, highlighting the complexities of navigating the country as a foreigner and the cultural insights she gained simply as a tourist. She highlights the frustrations of the Iranian youth, the resilience of women in the face of oppression, and the challenges of understanding the political landscape from the outside. Follow Hollie McKay SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines...
Jun 24, 2025•22 min
Breaking news on today's top story during our live broadcast: Iran attacks America's largest base in the Middle East - Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. What to know and why it matters. Plus ~ how and why America designated Iran a "state sponsor of terrorism." 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/s...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min
109 rescued; 244 people arrested in a law enforcement operation in North Texas that magnifies a bigger issue: How are online predators reaching children today? Your question answered: Does a U.S. President need Congress to get involved an overseas conflict? SHOW NOTES: National Constitution Center: Does the president need Congress to approve military actions in Iran? SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insi...
Jun 20, 2025•16 min
What’s it like to live through war, raise a family, and still go to work under the threat of missiles? In this interview, Israeli lawyer Michael Dvorin shares what daily life looks like in Jerusalem as Iran and its proxies target Israel with rocket attacks. 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.co...
Jun 17, 2025•29 min
What To Know About: The largest manhunt in Minnesota history - What we know and don't know about the suspect in custody. The large exchange of fire between Israel and Iran - Why the Prime Minister of Israel says they had to strike now. Plus ~ the stakes as one Republican sees it and why another Republican disagrees. What's next for ICE - What President Trump provides as new focus: American cities vs. American farms. Sneak-peek at tomorrow's interview - a father of 4 describes life in Jerusalem u...
Jun 16, 2025•42 min
I recently visited a first-of-its-kind exhibit in New York City: a full-scale replica of Anne Frank’s hiding place during World War II. I had the opportunity to speak to Michael Glickman, who was key to this exhibit coming to the United States. And what you’re about to listen to is the behind-the-scenes interview I conducted with Michael. I wasn’t planning on sharing the full conversation! But as I listened to our conversation while preparing for our first piece on "Anne Frank The Exhibition," I...
Jun 13, 2025•17 min
On this day, June 12, 1929, a young girl is born in Germany. Her story would change the world. "A Full-Scale Recreation of Anne Frank’s hiding place ..." reads the description of a first-of-its-kind exhibit you'll only see in New York City. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived that Thursday morning in Manhattan. Like so many others, I can clearly see the image of Anne Frank in my mind – her diary, detailing the inner world of a Jewish teenager hiding from the Nazis during World War II, he...
Jun 12, 2025•9 min
Developments on several stories: News from the U.S. Embassy Baghdad " ordered departure." The latest on China-U.S. Trade Deal - Momentum but few details. Curfew continues in Los Angeles What To Watch For This Weekend: U.S. Military Parade Vs. "No Kings" Protest A Closer Look: How One Headline Can Mislead: "Southern California Boy Deported To Honduras" And ... your questions! Show Notes: The Truth About U.S. Immigration with Immigration Attorney Rachel Einbund SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisa...
Jun 12, 2025•30 min
We walk through the sequence of events that led to the unrest in Los Angeles. A quick tutorial on "sanctuary states" like California. What to watch for next in California and on Capitol Hill. Plus ~ engagements at SmartHER News, the TSA warns you about your Costco cards, and the origins of Friday the 13th. 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/ ...
Jun 09, 2025•53 min
How you can watch Broadway from the comfort of your own couch this weekend. Your FASCINATING feedback on last week's study of the self-reported decline in mental health by American moms. News about coffee that will help you enjoy an extra cup this weekend! Cheers from SmartHER News - Back to the hard-hitting headlines next week! And always with updates on Instagram and our website: www.SmartHERNews.com SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? He...
Jun 06, 2025•28 min
A quick trip around the world on events happening involving two designated state sponsors of terrorism: North Korea & Iran. Why Russia is visiting North Korea today. The SecDef misses a meeting of defense ministers on Ukraine. I made a mistake about the "Big Beautiful Bill" - I correct it! Why & how process has impacted this big package. Campbell's says you are cooking more at home. Are you? Plus ~ unexploded WWII bombs. The recipe I tried and actually liked ;) LINK SUPPORT OUR MISSION: ...
Jun 04, 2025•18 min
Today marks a pivotal moment in the SmartHER News journey. Hear Jenna's reflections on what transpired 8 years ago that impacted the rise of SmartHER News. Plus: Boulder Attack Latest Info on Suspect Why the lack of the word "terorrism" in our reporting matters Why we should pay attention to the latest escalation between Ukraine and Russia Congress returns to Capitol Hill The Supreme Court does not weigh-in on the 2nd ammendment The FDA Director on new COVID vaccine guidance and variant And Pres...
Jun 02, 2025•58 min
Why are moms reporting a decline in their mental health? A new study on the mental and physical health of American mothers, reveals significant declines in mental health. What does the research show? And why is it happening? We look forward to your thoughts for next week's pod: hello@smarthernews.com 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 o...
May 30, 2025•7 min
Elon Musk reignites a focus on DOGE. Presidential pardons and reality stars (and what to know). And a potential watershed moment in the ongoing debate surrounding trans athletes in high school sports. 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/ YouTub...
May 29, 2025•12 min
War correspondent and writer Hollie McKay joins us to discuss the latest escalation between Russia and Ukraine; Holllie shares her experience on the ground in Ukraine and what it's like to live through a Russian drone attack. Plus ~ what to know about the latest chapter in the war between Israel and Hamas. Why controversy surrounds a new humanitarian group operating in Gaza and why Israel did not want to work through traditional channels to allow aid to return to Palestinians. SUPPORT OUR MISSIO...
May 28, 2025•16 min
On this day ... The Golden Gate Bridge opens. This week, as we mark the anniversary of a historic Everest summit, we take a closer look at a new strategy to climb the world's tallest peak. The latest on Russia & Ukraine; Israel & Hamas, and King Charles in Canada. What To Know: What happens next with the spending bill. New recommendation on COVID-19 vaccines. Helpful Links: "All-In" Podcast Everest Climb SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious hea...
May 27, 2025•38 min
Hello Friends ~ Memorial Day is a very special holiday in our household. I first recorded this podcast in 2022 and it remains one of my favorites so I decided to repost it. I never knew these stories about the founding of Memorial Day until I started working to uncover this history for you (thank you for that opportunity). I find myself still moved to tears about how so many different people decided to do something very similar. It serves as a reminder of our common humanity and what matters mos...
May 23, 2025•30 min
A quick update on several controversial new items including a proposed reality show for citizenship, a $400 million plane gift from Qatar to the Pentagon, new FDA recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and the latest on the "big, beautiful bill." 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...
May 22, 2025•15 min
"This isn't the Hunger Games for immigrants" ... or is it? We take a look at a reality show proposed to the Department of Homeland Security and the new data on America's borders. Link to The Wall Street Journal: DHS Is Considering Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete For Citizenship Watch to listen to our foundational interview on what it takes to become an American citizen. Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https:/...
May 21, 2025•14 min
What is the story here? Maritime historian, mariner and host of the YouTube Channel: "What's Going On With Shipping", Sal Mercogliano, joins us to discuss what we should know, and what to watch for next. Sal's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wgowshipping 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.insta...
May 20, 2025•19 min
Personal news - how to de-skunk a puppy. Expanding federal land for American outdoorsmen/women? The "fragile" spending bill on Capitol Hill. Walmart with a warning on tariffs, and the White House responds. The latest from Pres. Putin on his call with President Trump. Former President Biden announces his cancer diagnosis days before a new book released on his health while in office. The real meaning of Memorial Day. SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious ...
May 19, 2025•46 min
*On location in Philadelphia* Plus ~ presidential gifts, from lions, to pearls, a famous desk and a shocking insurance policy, what you should know about past gifts to American presidents. ---- The Washington Post article on presidential gifts Past presidents couldn’t keep gifts of lions or horses. How could Trump accept a jet from Qatar? 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.smarth...
May 16, 2025•14 min
Today, the Supreme Court takes up a case related to birthright citizenship and the power of the executive branch. With so many questions swirling about immigration, we take a moment to speak to someone who knows the immigration system from a unique perspective. The grandaughter of a holocaust survivor and the daughter of father escaping a dictatorship, immigration attorney Rachel Einbund provides insight for nearly all our top stories on immigration today. Law office of attorney Rachel Einbund S...
May 15, 2025•41 min
As questions swirl about possible direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, war correspondent Hollie McKay highlights a disputed area that both countries claim: Crimea. We find Crimea at the beginning of the story of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and now as potential key part of the end. What's going on and why it matters, with Hollie McKay. Russia, Ukraine set for first direct talks since war began with U.S. present SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious ...
May 14, 2025•17 min
Could "The Rock" ever reopen? President Trump says he wants to take a closer look at the prison, that "represents something strong when it comes to law and order." What should we know about one of America's most notorious prisons? Jolene Babyak grew up on Alcatraz and has become one of the nation's leading experts on the prison. She joins us with some insider perpsective on life on the island and what to consider about its future. Jolene Babyak SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a ...
May 13, 2025•34 min
We kick-off the week with a LIVE press conference from President Trump on a new proposal by the administration to lower drug prices, news on tariffs/China, and a preview of a pivotal case sitting before the Supreme Court. Plus ~ important context to a now viral exchange between the Department of Homeland Security Secretary and Senator Van Hollen (D-MD) over the fate of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here’s how you...
May 12, 2025•51 min
The significance of a mother's love, from the mother of Pope Leo (the first American pope in the 2,000 year history of the Catholic Church), to the mother who inspired Mother's Day itself. Plus a special personal Mother's Day reflection from Jenna. Chicago Sun-Times article on new Pope Leo 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....
May 09, 2025•17 min
