

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

Mar 27, 2025 • 17min
QUICK HIT: What To Know About The Newly Released JFK Files: "Too Much Secrecy Makes People Suspicious"
It's been about a week since the release of new, unredacted documents from the JFK assasination investigation. So what have we actually learned? Author Fred Litwin shares his journey from a curious 18 year-old to a passionate researcher of the JFK assassination. He discusses his initial fascination with the case, the evolution of conspiracy theories, and his belief in the lone gunman theory. Litwin emphasizes the importance of evidence over speculation, critiques the role of secrecy in shaping public perception, and expresses a desire for more transparency regarding historical documents. He also explores the potential influence of Russian propaganda on American beliefs about the assassination. SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 26, 2025 • 23min
QUICK HIT: A Reporter's Notebook On This Week's Bombshell National Security Scoop
A reporter's notebook on the latest story from The Atlantic by Jeffrey Goldberg, who describes finding himself on a text string belonging to some of America's most powerful leaders as they discuss the lead-up to a military campaign targeting terrorists in Yemen. We discuss not only what Goldberg reported but HOW he reported it. Jenna shares her approach to the story and what to watch for next - Plus, something you won't see anywhere else: a reporter's guidebook from World War II that belonged to Jenna's grandfather who worked a correspondent, embedded with Allied forces. Does this guidance still hold true? What do you think? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sensitive Correspondence 01:15 The Atlantic's Report on War Plans 03:57 The Role of Jeffrey Goldberg 06:51 National Security Implications 10:03 Ethics in Journalism 14:59 Historical Context of Reporting 19:10 Questions of Ethics and Security 22:03 Public Trust in Journalism and Leadership SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 25, 2025 • 7min
QUICK HIT: Department of ED: Was It Doomed from the Start?
Why did The New York Times question the creation of the Department of Education back in 1979 — the very year it was founded? In this episode of SmartHER News, we take a closer look at the ongoing debate over the future of education in America. With recent calls to dissolve the Department of Education, we revisit a historic NYT editorial titled “An Illusion of Education Reform” and explore the concerns raised about union power, funding disparities, and federal vs. local leadership. How can we improve education today? Is it time to rethink the system entirely? Join the conversation and share your thoughts! hello@smarthernews.com SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 24, 2025 • 10min
miniSCOOP: From Big Headlines to the Big Leagues & The Lessons Of Cherry Blossoms
The stories to have on your radar for the week ahead - plus, a historic moment for reflection. SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 21, 2025 • 9min
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Is Pink ... The New Black ... For Prisoners?
A Texas sheriff believes the color pink may be the missing secret sauce for his jail. In this Friday edition of our "Anything But Politics" segment, Jenna maps out the arguments for and against the fashion choice for prisoners. Plus, a related tangent: we tell you a bit about the woman behind this quote and why she mattered: “If Mabel had worn trousers, she could have been president.” Show Notes: Sheriff's FB Post Houston Chronicle Mabel Walker Willebrandt Federal Bureau of Prisons SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 20, 2025 • 16min
QUICK HIT: How to Build Wealth in Uncertain Times – SmartHER With Codie Sanchez
"Uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased" reported the Federal Reserve Wednesday, as it noted recent policy changes by the new Trump administration as one reason for a heightened risk environment. How can you stay steady and succeed, when so much feels in flux? New York Times Best Selling Author and entrepreneur (and one-time journalist!) Codie Sanchez joins us with some fresh perspective. BOOK: Main Street Millionaire Codie Sanchez SUPPORT OUR MISSION If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 19, 2025 • 22min
The Hidden Costs of Tariffs: This Small Business Owner's Struggle
Entrepreneur and mother-of-3, Emily Ley, built her organization empire, Simplified, from the ground up, not only inventing her products but building relationships oversees to make her dreams a reality. In this conversation, Emily explains how the recent turmoil in tariffs has impacted her business, putting in plain language the stakes for her business, and raising the alarm about how these broader policies may impact American companies. Find Emily on Instagram HERE and HERE Simplified website SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 18, 2025 • 16min
QUICK HIT: Iran’s Growing Threat: An Expert Explains What Comes Next
America bombs a terrorist group, the Houthis, who have disrupted the global economy by attacking ships along an important navigation route - that’s the headline. But the context matters, and the timing highlights perhaps a larger story: Iran. We're joined by the Foundation For Defense of Democracies, Mark Dubowitz, who explains why he believes the present moment presents an opportunity for both America and the Iranian people for new leadership, and the stakes at play. Show Notes: More on the recent U.S. operation against the Houthis in our SCOOP podcast (Apple & Spotify) Follow Mark on X: https://x.com/mdubowitz The Foundation For Defense Democracies SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 16min
SCOOP: An Irish Fighter "In"; Terrorists "Out"; And ... What's Next? This Week's Top Stories
From Conor McGregor at the White House to a passing reference to Meghan Markle (as an example of media strategy), we sift through the information deluge of the weekend to provide a cheat sheet for the week ahead. War correspondent and writer Hollie McKay joins us with her latest reporting from Mexico and insight into the new designation of cartels by the U.S. government as foreign terrorist organizations (sign up for Hollie's substack "Dispatches" HERE). Plus ~ A question we have about the new border numbers that we can't answer. SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! Become a member of our LIVE audience ~ here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ 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

Mar 14, 2025 • 11min
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Full Moon Madness & Fashion Comebacks – What You Missed This Week!
The news you didn't know you needed in our NEW weekly segment: "Anything But Politics" The lunar eclipse - what makes the "the blood worm moon" special. Researchers may have discovered nature's "Ozempic" and ... “Paris Fashion Week” may have forecast the next "big" thing: shoulder pads. Sign up for our free weekend digest to get this report and a few other treats delivered to your inbox: https://smarthernews.com/weekend-digest/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/smarthernews/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy