
SmartHERNews
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2025 • 31min
Can Artificial Intelligence Predict The Next Flash Flood?
48 hours before the historic and deadly flash flood in Central Texas, Penn State University published an article describing recent research on "Improving predictions of flood severity, place and time with AI."We speak to one of the scientists behind this cutting-edge research.Professor Chaopeng Shen joins us to explain the extraordinary power, and fascinating limits, of A.I. - and how the technology is, and will change our ability to predict the future.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 16, 2025 • 35min
"Over One Thousand Victims": The Jeffrey Epstein Memo
What's "New" News.What's Old News.What Matters Most.We walk you through:An important Supreme Court deadline for the DOJ and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted co-conspirator.The now infamous Department of Justice/FBI memo on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The new questions raised and why they matter.What questions do you now have? Let us know on voice memo or email: 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 our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 14, 2025 • 55min
SCOOP: Cloud Seeding, Jeffrey Epstein & The President Reveals Behind-The-Scenes Info On Putin
We tackle the big stories on your radar this week:The potential for more severe weather and flooding in multiple states: What to know and why its happening.Is "cloud seeding" real? What should we know about this technology and did it impact the historic Texas Hill Country flood?The President's new deal with NATO and a new proposal to Putin.What to know about the latest news from the Dept. of Justice on Jeffrey Epstein and why his convicted colleague has appealed to the Supreme Court.Finally ... how many vehicle cup holders will bring you happiness? In the age of AI, is this all that it takes? We report. You decide.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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 13, 2025 • 35min
Why More Floods Are Coming - SmartHER With Meteorologist Ben Noll
The United States had more than 550 flooding reports across at least 35 states last week ... and this week ... and the weeks ahead ... may bring many, many more.This is the reporting of meteorologist Ben Noll - The Washington Post's Global Weather Writer - who joins us to discuss both the recent historic floods in Texas, and why the next few weeks are one to watch.Ben shares insights into his journey in meteorology, the importance of understanding weather patterns, the challenges of communication during extreme weather events, and the future of weather prediction.Check out Ben's work on X @BenNollWeather and The Washington PostSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 9, 2025 • 30min
New Rescue Stories From The Historic Texas Flood ~ Plus: A Closer Look At "Flash Flood Alley"
Three key voices on the historic Texas flood that underscore key facts of the story. Plus ~ a bonus: For the first time, Kerrville Community Service Officer Jonathan Lamb reveals new, never-before-heard rescue stories from the tragic flood.Our interview with Julia Hatfield, who experienced the Kerrville floodIncredible graphics from The Austin-American StatesmanSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 8, 2025 • 36min
“IT HAPPENED THAT FAST ...” ~ First-Hand Perspective on the Historic Texas Flood
Singer-songwriter Julia Hatfield awoke suddenly in the early hours of July 4th to the sounds of terror.As she stepped out of the RV she shared with her husband, she could’ve never imagined the sights and sound of those early morning hours.In this conversation, Julia details her personal account of the night of the Texas flood, providing unique insight from an area badly effected.From nearby lightning strikes, to rising water, to cries for help in the dark, she explains how her experience changed her life in an instant - reminding her of what matters most.She shares her story with SmartHER News to help bring the focus back to those most impacted and the many victims of this historic event.Julia Hatfieldhttps://blueoakrvpark.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 7, 2025 • 57min
SCOOP: The Texas Flood
Why is the flood in Kerr County, Texas historic? What warnings happened (and which did not)? What is the truth about DOGE cuts and the impact on the National Weather Service? Who sends out emergency alerts?What can we do better to prevent a similar disaster? Jenna takes you through these questions and a key timeline of events, highlighting several underreported facts and perspectives from those on the ground.Important note - See flood gauge mentioned hereSUPPORT 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 1, 2025 • 27min
TREASON! The July 4th *Before* Independence Day
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 an emergent new leader: General George Washington.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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 5min
SCOOP: The "BBB," Sale of Public Land, & The Latest From The Supreme Court
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 committee that proposed amendments, the Senate Parliamentarian can strike these amendments from the bill for a rule violation; this happened to the proposal for public land sales. We could still see a proposal to sell public land in the future, just not in this reconciliation process; it would likely need to come in the form of new legislation. Words matter here so while amendments can be cut for violating a rule, they can also be re-introduce with new language. This makes the story tricky and constantly developing. As I said, the procedure of it all ... impacts the substance of what stays in the bill ... and what doesn't ... and what we may eventually see as new legislation proposed in the future. Hope this helps! Jenna~~A round-up of your top stories including "The Big Beautiful Bill Act" toiling in the Senate (the debate over medicaid cuts and the sale of public that wasn't). Plus ~ What The Supremes decided about the limits of judicial power to what your kiddo can "opt-out" of in the classroom.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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 25, 2025 • 22min
“Sources Say”: What Do We Really Know About the U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites?
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 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 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy