Over the last several weeks, many of you have asked us at SmartHER News: What should I know about the past to better understand the present dynamics in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and beyond? We found an ideal guest to offer insight in the discussion. Former Arab-Israeli negotiator Aaron David Miller served in the U.S. State Department during times of peace and times of war – working under six different secretaries of state, under both Republican and Democrat administrations. He joins SmartHER N...
Nov 01, 2023•45 min
We have the NEW data and a NEW record: 2023 now has the highest number of border "encounters" in the history of modern data collection. While so many focus on the U.S. southern border, we tackle why the U.S. northern border matters too - and ask the key questions: Who does border patrol "encounter"? What do they encounter? And why does it matters? We work through the data and fill in the blanks - including how many encounters include those screened for ties to terrorism. Plus: News you can use: ...
Oct 30, 2023•38 min
American journalist Evan Gershkovich will mark his 32nd birthday locked away in a Russian prison. Russian authorities arrested Evan on March 29, 2023 on charges of espionage, claims vehemently denied by both The Wall Street Journal, Evan's employer and the United States government. Evan worked as an accredited reporter in Russia – a country his family says he loves, and the birthplace of his parents, who immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union. With the road ahead riddled wi...
Oct 26, 2023•20 min
Did "The Press" change the course of world events? Just one of the many questions we ask in this week's SCOOP. Plus ~ The important developments in the war between Israel and Hamas that matter; the latest in the evacuations at U.S. diplomatic outposts; and what do the Hamas tunnels really look like? Thank you for supporting SmartHER News! If you notice this podcast as AD-FREE, help keep us independent by getting this delivered to your inbox on Mondays: scoop.smarthernews.com Advertising Inquirie...
Oct 23, 2023•36 min
Monday, October 16, 2023, just after noon Central Time: A time-stamp for our coverage of two developing stories, the Israel-Hamas War and the race for a new House Speaker. 0:00 The Israel-Hamas War: Why is covering this story different and a few recent developments on the war. 10:50 The one thing we shouldn't lose sight of, that is fundamentally at the core of this particular chapter of the story we're looking at: Hamas. 13:57 How this connects to what's happening here at home with the race for ...
Oct 16, 2023•39 min
What makes Hamas unique? What is their ultimate goal? Why did Hamas plan this attack now? What should we watch for next? We explore these questions with leading terror expert and author Jonathan Schanzer, Vice President of Research at the nonpartisan think tank - Foundation For The Defense of Democracies. A Hebrew and Arabic speaker, Jonathan has spent his career researching terror groups, terror financing and how terrorism impacts policy around the world, and specifically in the Middle East. Hi...
Oct 12, 2023•39 min
A new look at a 100+ year-old holiday. 0:00: Taking a closer look at Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day. 3:40: When did we start celebrating Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day? 6:25: The line that sparked today's Special Report: " In fact, Columbus Day was created by President Harrison in 1892 in response to the anti-Italian motivated lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans in 1891" ( President Biden's Proclamation on Columbus Day, 2022 ). 8:27: Broadly speaking, what was going...
Oct 09, 2023•31 min
Unbridled chaos OR creative disruption? We consider both possibilities during a special live Coffee Talk broadcast on SmartHER News with an overview of the historic house vote that ousted the current speaker. We include: the background to what happened, why it matters and what to watch for next. "The old days of pounding on the desk and giving people hell are gone. A man’s got to lead by persuasion and kindness and the best reason—that’s the only way he can lead people.” Longest-serving House Sp...
Oct 04, 2023•38 min
Thank you for your support of SmartHER News! Notice our ad-free broadcast? Consider suppporting us for less than a cup of coffee per month by joining SCOOP -------- Our Top Three: What happened on Capitol Hill that averted the shutdown – Why the next spending debate will highlight bipartisanship on two BIG issues: Ukraine & the U.S. Border. And... who to thank for an economic stimulus (Hint: an "Anti-Hero"). ~ Your rundown ~ 0:00 A tribute to Dianne Feinstein and a challenge for better. 4:00...
Oct 02, 2023•33 min
A looming government shutdown (and why it's happening), history-making numbers on the U.S. borders (North and South) and an exchange with Rupert Murdoch. 0:00: A lesson from Larry McMurtry's book, "Lonesome Dove": When a critique leads to celebrity. 4:00: What to know about the potential government shutdown. 14:00: A closer look at what's happening at the U.S. border – both the Southern and Northern border. 23:00: Mapping out a case in the Bronx (New York City) and why it matters. 29:00: Sharing...
Sep 25, 2023•37 min
A major annual event at the United Nations, a first-of-its-kind strike and the nearly-missed-it history of the Pumpkin Spice Latte! 0:00: Welcome to Fall: The Fall Equinox happens on Saturday. What is it and why does it matter? 2:00: The origin of the Pumpkin Spice Latte #psl 5:00: Big news at the United Nations and why it matters. 13:00: China sends warplanes to Taiwan. 15:00: Prisoner swap between Iran and America ~ Plus ~ what's going on in the Strait of Hormuz? 20:00: President Washington's ...
Sep 18, 2023•34 min
We share our LIVE Coffee Talk broadcast to our SCOOP insiders! Did you know that critics of the Star Spangle Banner felt the song sounded too close to a song related to a "gentleman's" club? 🇺🇸 We start our LIVE broadcast marking this day in history and move to tackling headlines related to two state sponsors of terrorism, Iran and North Korea, on the veyr same week we mark the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. What should we consider? Timing in a news cycle can often seem unusual or une...
Sep 13, 2023•29 min
An overview of stories to watch in the week ahead and taking time to reflect on the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks. 0:00 Remembering September 11, 2001: What does "Never Forget" mean 22 years later? 7:48 Before diving deeper into reflecting on 9/11, here's what you should know going into this week, stateside and abroad. 10:20 Bringing you behind the scenes to a newsroom setting when it comes to covering 9/11. What is the story that the audience needs? What are the three things you should k...
Sep 11, 2023•35 min
As we reset after Labor Day, we take a look at the road ahead in the pandemic, politics, and potential peace in Ukraine. 0:00 - 5:00 A little known fact about Jimmy Buffett as we honor his passing. 5:00 - 10:00 The First Lady tests positive for COVID: We take a look at the bigger picture and a question we asked of the CDC. 11:00 Lawmakers return to Washington D.C. with lots of work ahead regarding how they spend your money and what they do with your time. 15:00 A closer look at Ukraine: How much...
Sep 05, 2023•31 min
A historic speech, a reported assassination and why all roads lead to the economy. "I have a dream ..." Did you know some of the famous words in American history are ad-libbed? Did you know eyewitnesses describe "kegs" at one of the first Labor Day celebrations? Can you use a presidential mug shot free of charge? What does the potential assassination of a potential Putin rival mean? If you're listening to this AD-FREE, considering joining us on SCOOP – and get this report AND MORE delivered to y...
Aug 28, 2023•31 min
An invite inside the SmartHER newsroom to kickoff the debate season! Republican candidates crowded the stage but did any truly stand-out? Jenna discusses why this debate matters and our three key takeaways, plus what's next! Contribute to SmartHER News and receive SCOOP in your inbox! Watch The Debate Here WATCH: An Exchange That Stood Out to Us Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Aug 24, 2023•19 min
We take a closer look at the acronym center-stage for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season – plus: the storms to watch, and a new way to look at the moon (and why it matters). 0:00 New data shows that for the first time, more content is being consumed through streaming than through cable or broadcast channels. Here's why this matters as we wonder if this trend will continue! 4:33 Storms We're Watching: One historic storm on the West Coast – Tropical Storm Hilary – and one "m...
Aug 21, 2023•27 min
"This is really happening ... (and) we just watched Lahaina burn." Maui resident and mother Pamela Reader recalls the moments before and after one of the deadliest wildfires in American history – a fire she describes moving at an almost incomprehensible pace, leaving only minutes to evacuate her family, including her husband, Keenan and their two daughters, 14-year-old Kaia and 12-year-old Ellie. While the Readers lost their home and most of their belongings to the blaze, the family remains resi...
Aug 14, 2023•43 min
Journalist Hollie McKay joins us to discuss Afghanistan as we reflect on the nation now under Taliban control as we mark two years since the fall of the country and the U.S. withdrawal. Hollie shares her experience reporting in a city suddenly taken over by the Taliban in August 2021, effectively trapping her with no escape. She eventually finds her way out of the country only to return and stay as one of the few western journalists to witness life under the "new" Taliban rule. She also returned...
Aug 11, 2023•49 min
0:00 Excitement on our frontier in Texas over the weekend (hint: it has to do with snakes!) and a tie to this week's news! 6:16 A few stories we're watching and why, from weather on the East Coast to the bankruptcy of U.S. trucking company, Yellow. 10:32 On this day 241 years ago, George Washington established what we now know as the Purple Heart award. These are the sort of historic stories that remind us about why everything we're talking about matters, why America matters. 14:45 A brief overv...
Aug 07, 2023•29 min
From enjoying alcohol without the "hangover" to a report on sinister code from China, to what's happening in Congress and overseas, this week, we cover a sampling of stories that all have the potential to become bigger! 0:00 Where does "the dog days of summer" phrase come from? 3:54 Enjoying alcohol without the "hangover" ~ With rising sales of non-alcoholic beverages, are we at a period of recalibration? 7:08 Important To Note: In general, lawmakers have *mostly* left D.C. (but it's not because...
Jul 31, 2023•34 min
As the stars of HGTV's hit show "Home Town," Erin and Ben Napier have created a variety of ways to enrich the lives of others - from taking "sad homes and making them happy" as their daughter Helen describes their home renovation television program, to building a business highlighting American-made craftsmanship called "The Laurel Mercantile." But now the Napiers are adding a new project to their palette, a nonprofit platform to connect parents who want to help their children have "social media ...
Jul 28, 2023•53 min
From the threat of one of the largest union strikes in American history to "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena," to a nuclear state with nuclear threats and the bigger picture about why the current investigations into Hunter Biden and former President Trump REALLY matter. Considering joining SCOOP and keeping us ad-free and independent! HERE'S A QUICK LINK . Visit LizJames.com to see where Jenna broadcast from today! American-made jewelry in Austin Texas. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.c...
Jul 24, 2023•37 min
Police make a surprising arrest in a murder mystery spanning more than a decade. Is the man currently in custody responsible for one of the most infamous crimes in America today? Hear from an investigative reporter who spent 8 years traversing the area central to these crimes. Alexis Linkletter's personal perspective will illuminate one of the darkest cases to date and provide hope that this arrest may lead to answers. . Listen to Alexis' incredible series on the Long Island Serial Killer on her...
Jul 20, 2023•48 min
From stories to keep on your radar (incl. a potential strike of UPS workers) to one of the most infamous murder cases in America, this week's SCOOP takes on some mystery as we discuss the news coverage of crimes. Stories To Watch: What's going on in the Black Sea (an important body of water that borders Ukraine and Russia)? Back at home, the National Defense Authorization Act (annual military spending bill) is being discussed in the U.S. Senate after being narrowly passed in the House. On the ho...
Jul 17, 2023•36 min
From "Bomblets" to enduring love and a few trips in between: The holiday week comes to a close and Congress returns to work. A cooler than expected job number may still be too hot for some. The President closes the door to Ukraine NATO membership before traveling overseas. Meanwhile, U.S. cluster bombs ("bomblets") head to Ukraine. Clarifying the Supreme Court decisions by answering Jessica's question (it's a good one!). The secret to staying married 77 years. Plus historic context from a famous...
Jul 10, 2023•35 min
**Please refresh this episode before you launch as we had some upload issues on several podcast platforms - should be fixed!** "Dear Soldier, ..." and so begins a letter penned to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the birth of a new nation. The author? Air Force veteran, Stacey Ferguson of the Camden Historical Foundation. Stacey felt compelled to write this letter after joining a team who recently excavated the remains of 14 soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. The soldiers, ...
Jul 02, 2023•44 min
A mutiny against the leader of the nation with the largest nuclear arsenal in the world OR ... something else? News of a revolt against the Russian government led by a private Russian military company ricocheted around the globe sewing confusion and apprehension *until* the threat seemed to fade almost as quickly as it ignited. What really happened with The Wagner Group's move on Moscow? Why does this matter? Journalist and author David Satter spent decades living and working in what's now moder...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Your SCOOP on this week's top stories: Approx. 1 out of 4 flights in America cancelled or delayed. What was the last communication with the Titan submersible? Is media bias to blame for the coverage of the Titan vs. a ship of immigrants sinking in the Mediterranean? Jenna shares her editorial perspective. What to know about the "mutiny" in Russia. Plus - Why what we *don't* know leaves us with more questions than answers. Enjoying Monday's SCOOP? Considering becoming an insider and keep SmartHER...
Jun 26, 2023•36 min
A conversation with the President of the nonpartisan Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget, Maya MacGuineas. We're basically spending more to finance the borrowing of the past than investments in the future." . Maya MacGuineas has led the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget for two decades, placing her center stage to confront BOTH political parties on their management of our nation's fiscal health. . Our SmartHER interview provides an insider's perspective on America's de...
Jun 21, 2023•38 min
