Best Jennalee Podcasts (2025)

1
QUICK HIT: A Reality Show For Citizenship? 14:14

10h ago14:14

14:14

"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…

1
QUICK HIT: Why Did A Mexican Training Ship Crash Into The Brooklyn Bridge? 19:27

1d ago19:27

19:27

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 head…

1
SCOOP: Walmart With A Warning 45:55

2d ago45:55

45:55

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 relea…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Reporting From Inside A Former Women's Asylum 14:03

5d ago14:03

14:03

*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 O…

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QUICK HIT: What Does It Take To Become An American Citizen? 40:44

6d ago40:44

40:44

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 dictators…

1
QUICK HIT: Revisiting Crimea: A Forgotten Perspective 16:55

7d ago16:55

16:55

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, …

1
QUICK HIT: Growing Up On Alcatraz 34:05

9d ago34:05

34:05

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 s…

1
SCOOP: Stop Kissing Your Chickens (And Other Breaking News) 51:02

9d ago51:02

51:02

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…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Mother Of All Stories 17:07

12d ago17:07

17:07

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…

1
QUICK HIT: Two Nuclear Nations On Edge 15:19

13d ago15:19

15:19

What to know about tension rising between two nuclear powers: India and Pakistan. The high stakes of the latest conflict involving Kashmir and why it has captured the world's attention. 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-…

1
QUICK HIT: The 100+ Year-Old Law At The Center Of Diddy's Case 8:40

14d ago8:40

8:40

The federal case against Sean Combs begins this week, and historic context matters. The Mann Act, of 1910, is central to the charges he faces. We cover the law's origins and its application in notable cases. Plus what to watch for next. ~~~~ 00:00 Introduction to the Case Against Sean Combs 01:30 Understanding the Mann Act and Its Historical Contex…

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QUICK HIT: A Ukrainian MP & Mom Explains Why The War Hasn’t Ended 30:34

15d ago30:34

30:34

SmartHER With Ukrainian lawmaker, Inna Sovsun, join us from Kyiv. A current member of Ukraine's parliament and mother of a school-aged son, Inna revisits SmartHER News to update us on life in a war zone – from policy calculations to parental considerations. She describes a recent close-call, reveals the complexities of the current nuanced "peace" n…

1
SCOOP: New ID, New Pope and New Concerns At A Major American Airport 54:16

16d ago54:16

54:16

Plus ~ a sneak peek at a poignant interview on the way forward in Ukraine. 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://…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Living Abroad During One Of Europe's Worst Power Outages 20:04

19d ago20:04

20:04

One of the worst power outages in Europe *ever* happened this week, and no one knows exactly what caused it. Meg James joins us – an American mom, an entrepreneur living in Spain with her family - who rode out the power outage in Madrid with some lessons learned. She shares on the ground perspective on this unusual news story while also providing s…

1
QUICK HIT: Should Your Taxes Pay For A Religious Charter School? 11:48

20d ago11:48

11:48

Does the Constitution REQUIRE your taxpayer money to fund a charter school developed by the Catholic church? The Supreme Court hears a case that could potentially green light the first faith-based charter school in the nation. Jenna breaks down the two sides, that each claim the other violates the U.S. Constitution. SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpar…

1
QUICK HIT: Why Your Amazon Orders Made News 8:52

21d ago8:52

8:52

Why did the White House respond so passionately to a question about reports Amazon might add a "tariff" cost to some products? A quick breakdown about what's going on and why it matters. Plus ~ what the Treasury Secretary reveals about the President's broader plans for an economic reset. SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger ser…

1
QUICK HIT: Why "100 days"? 16:36

22d ago16:36

16:36

The tradition and significance (or lack thereof) of marking 100 days of a President's term in office. We explore the historical context of this milestone, the media's role in shaping its importance, and the implications for the future - including the NEXT 100 days. Plus ~ Reporter's Notebook: What stands out most to Jenna as a journalist covering t…

1
SCOOP: Judges Arrested; Moms Deported; Winds High: What To Know This Week 1:00:02

23d ago1:00:02

1:00:02

This is not your 100 days broadcast. That's for tomorrow! We breakdown two big stories percolating this weekend: 2 judges arrested, in separate cases, for allegedly breaking the law. Mothers deported, opting to bring their American children back to their home countries. Plus ~ Jenna's latest "city girl gone country" escapades and why SHN's independ…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Why Michelle Obama REALLY Skipped Pres. Trump's Inauguration 15:36

26d ago15:36

15:36

What makes someone a good "tipper" and what hidden fees to watch for on your restaurant bill. How long does the "after glow" of vacations actually last? Why do moms feel so exhausted all the time? And former First Lady Michelle Obama on the power of saying "no." SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headli…

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QUICK HIT: This Week's Food Dye Drama 10:35

27d ago10:35

10:35

On Tuesday, the FDA announced a renewed focus on food dyes but what REALLY is the "new" news? Plus - some little known historical context on food dyes from artificially flavored ancient wine to the the very first "mauve" food coloring. SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, no…

1
QUICK HIT: Around The World With Hollie McKay 11:26

28d ago11:26

11:26

War correspondent, writer and world traveler Hollie McKay joins Jenna to highlight 3 BIG underreported stories: Ongoing talks between the U.S. and Iran Potential direct talks between Russia and Ukraine Saudi Arabia offering to pay Syria's debt SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, indepen…

1
SCOOP: A Fight For Freedom or a Good Ol' Fashion Book Ban? 55:37

29d ago55:37

55:37

The Supreme Court hears a case that may set the precedent for schools in the years to come: can parents opt their children out of a curriculum if they believe it violates their religious freedom? I read you one of the books at the center of this controversy "Prince & Knight." Also ~ Marking the Oklahoma City Bombing and the Boston Marathon Bombing …

1
Nightclub Bouncer To Trailblazer: Why The Passing Of The Pope Matters & What's Next 11:24

30d ago11:24

11:24

Why does the passing of the Pope REALLY matter? Why does the leader of the Catholic Church matter? We take a closer look at the significance of the Catholic Church in America (and beyond), what made Pope Francis unique, and what to watch for next in the secretive process of selecting a new leader of the Catholic Church. Show Notes: What happens aft…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: The Story Behind This VIRAL Moment Of The Week 12:09

1M ago12:09

12:09

On Monday, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook Southern California. Surveillance video captured reaction from around the state - but one video in particular went viral: Elephants forming an “alert circle.” Mindy Albright, curator of mammals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, joins us to shares her unique insights into this unique behavior by the family…

1
QUICK HIT: China VS USA: WHO WILL WIN the Tariff War? 16:30

1M ago16:30

16:30

Author, commentator and analyst, Gordon Chang on what every American should know about the current state of China, and what he calls “a contest for the 21st century.” We discuss: President Xi’s personal and political vulnerabilities How China may lose or prevail in this trade strand-off What Gordon thinks President Trump can achieve (and what he ca…

1
SmartHER Series: Can A Free Market Mentality "Fix" Education? 24:25

1M ago24:25

24:25

The second of two interviews with different perspectives on the same hot topic: education in America. Should we keep or quash the Department of Education? Today we speak with Erika Donalds, Chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Education Opportunity Erika believes free market principles and competition will create better outcomes…

1
SmartHER Series: The Dept. of Education: Keep or Quash? 27:54

1M ago27:54

27:54

The first of two interviews with different perspectives on the same hot topic: education in America. Should we keep or quash the Department of Education? First up: Former Sec. of Education under the Obama Administration, Arne Duncan. Mr. Duncan currently serves as Managing Partner at the Emerson Collective. ~~~~~ SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! …

1
SCOOP: Are Married Women Losing Their Right To Vote? 41:02

1M ago41:02

41:02

What’s really inside the SAVE Act? We’re also covering Monday's historic Blue Origin launch, the latest on tariffs and what's next in the legal battles over deportations. The news of the week with less drama. This is your SCOOP on what to know, what to consider and what to watch for next. Want More Nonpartisan News? SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gea…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Science or Sci-Fi? The Truth About These ‘Extinct’ Puppies 7:05

1M ago7:05

7:05

What to know about drama over "Dire Wolf" puppies ... Why did we put fluoride in our water to begin with ... ? And Warren Buffett's sage advice when things get a little cray-crazy. It's your weekly dose of news without the drama: stories that include anything BUT politics. SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER Ne…

1
QUICK HIT: The "SupermarketGuru" On How Tariffs Will Hit Your Table 22:49

1M ago22:49

22:49

Champagne, chocolate and coffee - three grocery items that Phil Lempert, the SupermarketGuru says, may be impacted by new tariffs. He tells us what to watch, how domino-effect of tariffs on prices, and how to shop SmartHER! Rundown: 00:00 Introduction to the Supermarket Guru 02:01 Understanding Grocery Store Operations 05:02 Impact of Tariffs on Fo…

1
QUICK HIT: Tariffs Are Here, What Happens NEXT?! 10:29

1M ago10:29

10:29

00:00: The Journey of NASA'S Johnny Kim: From Navy SEAL to Astronaut 02:30: Understanding tariffs and their impact; New bipartisan legislation could curb the Executive Branch power. 05:00: Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Controversial Debate. HHS Secretary Kennedy and Speaker Johnson (R) both weigh-in. 07:31 Supreme Court Rulings on Immigration and B…

1
QUICK HIT: Are Tariffs Causing a Financial Crisis? Economic Breakdown with The Wall Street Skinny 23:25

1M ago23:25

23:25

From a second grade to navigating a potential trade war, friends and founders Jen Saarbach and Kristen Kelly, have a long history together, including navigating careers at our nation's biggest banks. They have now channeled their *insider* insight to valauble *outside* perspective, building a leading resource navigating the world of finance, from b…

1
SCOOP: High Risk, High Reward? A Closer Look At All You Need To Know This Week On Tariffs 51:21

1M ago51:21

51:21

Tariffs, tariffs, and more tariffs. The news of the week with less drama. This is your SCOOP on what to know, what to consider and what to watch for next. Want More Nonpartisan News? 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 i…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Pirates, Buried Treasure and Preserving Family Heirlooms 8:22

2M ago8:22

8:22

Where did the term "tariff" come from? How toddlers have become impromptu archeologists (for real). And an inspiring example of taking something old and making it new again. A few helpful links: A toddler picked up a rock on a family trip. It was a 3,800-year-old artifact. 'Tariff' Comes From Bygone Days of Arab Trade Unbox The Dress Want More Nonp…

1
QUICK HIT: Buying Replacement Parts For Air Traffic Controllers ... On eBay? 15:12

2M ago15:12

15:12

His work took him from the halls of Harvard to living in a shipping container in Afghanistan, to Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Organization, at the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) - David Grizzle has seen our air system from a unique perspective. What should every American know about the state of our critical air traffic control …

1
QUICK HIT: Booker’s Speech, Proxy Votes for New Moms, & Evidence of Who Killed JFK? 9:04

2M ago9:04

9:04

This week's top headlines in a quick midweek wrap-up! Senator Cory Booker's historic speech in the Senate (he made history several hours after our recording - read more here) Proposed legislation for remote voting for new mothers Ongoing investigations into the JFK assassination The federal government's pursuit of the death penalty in a high-profil…

1
Quick Hit: "It's a horrific event." A Former Tanker On The Mystery Surrounding America's Four Missing Soldiers 14:45

2M ago14:45

14:45

The sudden disappearance of 4 American soldiers near Lithuania's border with Belarus received worldwide attention for both the urgency of the story and the mystery. The search and rescue, and the subsequent recovery efforts, have been described as an engineering feat of herculean proportions. How did this happen? What should we consider? Mike "Main…

1
SCOOP: Covering The Trump Administration: Hook, Line, Sinker 59:35

2M ago59:35

59:35

What does the Constitution say about President Trump seeking a third term as president? Why are we even talking about this?!? What should you know about the use of Vitamin A to treat measles during one of the largest outbreaks in recent history? Plus, what to watch in the week ahead - from news on tariffs to Iran, and the latest for the search of f…

1
NEWS: UPDATE ON FOUR MISSING U.S. SOLDIES 11:54

2M ago11:54

11:54

I just got off the phone with the U.S. military in Europe. Here's the latest on the search efforts of 4 missing soldiers and the recovery of the vehicle they operate. Plus special insights into what makes this effort unique and extremely challenging. More to come. Recorded on an Instagram LIVE for speec. Watch full episode here. www.smarthernews.co…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Toddler Time At The White House 17:01

2M ago17:01

17:01

A toddler's unexpected breach of security at the White House, a groundbreaking research that led a paralyzed man to stand, and the potential for real-time translation technology from Apple - all in this segment of Anything But Politics! SUPPORT OUR MISSION Shop our gear! If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, n…

1
QUICK HIT: What To Know About The Newly Released JFK Files: "Too Much Secrecy Makes People Suspicious" 16:59

2M ago16:59

16:59

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 theorie…

1
QUICK HIT: A Reporter's Notebook On This Week's Bombshell National Security Scoop 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

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 app…

1
QUICK HIT: Department of ED: Was It Doomed from the Start? 6:54

2M ago6:54

6:54

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 …

1
miniSCOOP: From Big Headlines to the Big Leagues & The Lessons Of Cherry Blossoms 9:43

2M ago9:43

9:43

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.…

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Is Pink ... The New Black ... For Prisoners? 8:34

2M ago8:34

8:34

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 trou…

1
QUICK HIT: How to Build Wealth in Uncertain Times – SmartHER With Codie Sanchez 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

"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 journali…

1
The Hidden Costs of Tariffs: This Small Business Owner's Struggle 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

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 busin…

1
QUICK HIT: Iran’s Growing Threat: An Expert Explains What Comes Next 16:23

2M ago16:23

16:23

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 …

1
SCOOP: An Irish Fighter "In"; Terrorists "Out"; And ... What's Next? This Week's Top Stories 1:16:17

2M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

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 …

1
ANYTHING BUT POLITICS: Full Moon Madness & Fashion Comebacks – What You Missed This Week! 11:15

2M ago11:15

11:15

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 f…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Jennalee Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen