

SmartHERNews
Jenna Lee
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 5, 2025 • 21min
Historic … & A Sign of Backlash? Top Takeaways From Election Day 2025
Writer, host, political analyst and cultural commentator, Mary Katharine Ham joins us to breakdown what to consider after a history-making Election Day.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/ Get our FREE Weekend Digest!Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 7min
Should 16-Year-Olds Have The Right To Vote?
Former VP Harris says Democrats need to lead boldly -- Is lowering the voting age part of a new platform? What do you think? Let us know hello@smartHERNews.comFrom runaway monkeys to an intractable shutdown ... to a Supreme Court showdown over tariffs ... and notable comments on voting age and a third term for President Trump (and what the U.S. Constitution says about both topics!) - we cover all the news to know for the week ahead!Show Notes:Update* The White House in a filing on Monday said it will find funding for some SNAP benefits.Link to full 60 Minutes interview with Pres. TrumpInterview with Emily Ley - CEO of Simplified and part of the Supreme Court case challenging Pres. Trump’s tariffs WATCH/LISTENLink to podcast featuring VP Kamala Harris (where she speaks about voting age).Pew Research on age and party-affiliation in AmericaSUPPORT 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/ Get our Weekend Digest!Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews

Oct 30, 2025 • 27min
Your Cheat Sheet On The Government Shutdown
As the government shutdown nears unprecedented territory, a quick look at what's going on, why it matters and your own voices on how you feel about it all! Thank you to Amy, Kristina, Jim and Briana for sending us your thoughts!Plus: Why do we say it's one of the longest shutdowns in *modern times*? (Why do we need that caveat?)Where did this all start? A look at both sidesWhy does Congress still get paid?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

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
"Born Lucky": How One Man Navigated An Autism Diagnosis To The National News
A story about overcoming challenges, the importance of perserverance and the endurance of unconditional love - a SmartHER Conversation with journalist Leland Vittert - author of the New York Times Best-Selling book "Born Lucky - A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, And My Journey With Autism."Called "weird" by teachers, bullied by children and adults alike for being different, Leland describes his often painful-path to the anchor chair in his new book "Born Lucky." One of the most important influences in his life? His father Mark, who Leland still calls his best friend. Leland details the tough calls his parents made to give him the best chance to succeed - providing lessons for parents and children alike about how to love one another and the importance of hope.More here: Born LuckyThank you to our Insiders for joining us LIVE!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

Oct 27, 2025 • 59min
SCOOP: High-Stakes and High Seas: What To Know & Why It Matters
The latest on a high-profile heist, a historic hurricane, a high-stakes government shutdown and whether the U.S. has carried out "murder" or a "lethal kinetic strike" on the high seas. Show Notes:The Canadian Ad at the center of controversyA great article on the East Wing From Town & CountryU.S. Warship Docked Off Venezuela Recall of Popular MakeUp RemoverSUPPORT 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

Oct 22, 2025 • 34min
A Behind-The-Scenes Look At America’s Most Precious Documents (Despite The Government Shutdown)
For the first time ever, the National Archives displayed the entire U.S. Constitution - the historic 4 foundational pages. the rarely seen “5th page” with its own interesting backstory and ALL 27 amendments. Now, the exhibit remains behind closed doors, along with the rest of the museum, as the government shutdown continues into historic territory in Washington D.C. SmartHER News went behind the scenes before the government shutdown to take a closer look with historian Jessie Kratz, who explained why this rare exhibit came together and why it matters.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

Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 7min
SCOOP: What Do Comets & Cats Have In Common?
The news you can use:A comet only seen every 1350 years will appear in our skies this week. Here's a few other stories to of note:How big is your social circle? One scientist says 150 people Agree/Disagree.The latest on the history-making shutdown.An "technical" issue takes down a major technology provider.What to make of President Trump's announcement on rare earth minerals.What to make of President Trump's announcement on IVF and why it matters. Here's What To Watch Next.Your biggest question answered - What is the deal with the new requirements for press at the Dept. of War? Link To DocumentA comet with a green streak. How to find it. And what felines have to do with it. Read More.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

Oct 14, 2025 • 43min
YOUR SCOOP! Who Wants To Make A Deal?
A peace deal. A trade deal. An (absent) shutdown deal. What to know about the deals percolating in the news and why they matter.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/brands

Oct 7, 2025 • 29min
What's Happening In Chicago?
And who’s in charge? Your top news question of the week answered about the law & order story unfolding in one of America’s most prominent cities.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/brands

Oct 6, 2025 • 40min
SCOOP: The Super Moon, the Shutdown & the National Guard Showdown
PLUS - the Supreme Court's new term and a Middle East peace update. 4:30: What I found worth watching and reading over the weekend. 7:30: National Guard in the news – the standoff over deployments in Chicago and Portland.10:15: The first Super Moon of 2025 – what makes it special (and what scientists say it isn’t).11:15: The Supreme Court’s new term features key cases on state vs. federal power, trade, and transgender sports.14:30: Understanding the government shutdown and what's at stake. 27:15: National debt reality check. 34:00: Where we stand with Middle East peace talks.36:00: A message from Dr. Jane Goodall.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands


