00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:58 The Seizing of Ghost Ships

01:38 Unpacking the Significance

03:23 Russia's Involvement and Reactions

06:26 Venezuela's International Relations

08:30 Margarita Island and Criminal Activities

10:18 The Importance of Reporting

13:27 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

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A.I., ISIS, Fraud, Congress & Venezuela - We cover all the big headlines for the week ahead:

00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections

00:45 Personal Reflections

02:30 Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT Experience - A phony Edgar Allan Poe.

04:58 AI's Limitations and Accuracy Concerns

05:59 Quick Headlines and Global Updates

08:22 Fraud in Minnesota and Government Efficiency

12:06 Venezuela Operation and Military Actions

19:53 Maduro's Legal Representation

20:26 Federal Court Proceedings and Indictment Details

21:48 US Legal Grounds and Political Reactions

24:09 Debate on US Military Actions

27:34 Narco-Terrorism Explained

30:05 Future of Venezuela and Broader Implications

33:29 Reflecting on Media Bias and Global Reactions

37:05 Concluding Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

Link to indictment for Nicholas Maduro and his wife.

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Exclusive insights from an anonymous Venezuelan civilian in conversation with SmartHER News founder/journalist Jenna Lee, hours after the U.S. military removed the de facto President Maduro and his wife, to face criminal charges on American soil

The discussion highlights everyday life in Venezuela, the local reaction to the U.S. intervention, and what to watch for next.

00:00 Introduction and Breaking News
01:02 Unexpected Interview from Venezuela
03:20 Life Under Authoritarian Rule
07:08 Signs of Imminent Change
08:59 Venezuelan Reactions to US Intervention
10:00 Hope and Gratitude for the Future
15:41 Legal and Political Implications
15:54 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

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00:00 Welcome to the Christmas Party

00:17 Starbucks Fail

03:32 The Mystery of the Mistletoe

08:22 Crime Stories Update

13:30 Healthcare Subsidies Debate

19:43 Jeffrey Epstein Investigation Update

25:58 Legal and Ethical Dilemmas in Ongoing Investigations

26:49 Reflecting on the Story's Future

27:03 Document Releases and Public Reactions

27:58 Transition to Book Recommendations

28:35 Top Reads of 2025: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

31:54 Top Reads of 2025: The River's Daughter by Bridget Crocker

33:26 Top Reads of 2025: Born Lucky by Leland Vittert

35:19 Top Reads of 2025: My Own Magic by Anna Kloots

37:41 Top Reads of 2025: All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

39:56 Viewer Book Recommendations and Reflections

43:36 Holiday Reflections and Closing Remarks

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Historian and author, Pamela McColl joins us to discuss the evolution of a character often overlooked in Christmas lore: Mrs. Claus. 

From a magical figure of the fairy world to a strong, independent figure intertwined with women's suffrage in the 1800s you will learn new secrets about Santa's chosen partner (in love and life!). 

Pamela also shares insights into how we can incorporate the spirit and values of Mrs. Claus into the modern holiday season.

01:05 The Inspiration Behind 'Wondrous Mrs. Claus'

01:53 The Evolution of Mrs. Claus

03:17 Mrs. Claus in Literature and Folklore

07:24 Mrs. Claus and the Suffrage Movement

10:39 The First Stage Appearance of Mrs. Claus

12:40 Modern Perceptions of Mrs. Claus

19:35 The Timeless Appeal of Santa and Mrs. Claus

21:44 Pamela McCall's New Books and Final Thoughts

Show Notes:

• "Wondrous Mrs. Claus: A Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character" by Pamela McColl: https://go.shopmy.us/p-36107767 
• "What Would Mrs. Claus Do?: Where there is a Wish, there is Way" by by Pamela McColl & Lindsay Stewart: https://go.shopmy.us/p-36107871
• "Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem" by Pamela McColl: https://go.shopmy.us/p-36108037 

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 00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:10 Significance of a National Address

01:33 Format and Content of Trump's Address

09:07 Reactions and Editorial Choices

09:49 Economic Data and Reporting

17:17 Viewer Opinions and Feedback

19:13 Media's Role and Challenges

25:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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An anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, a shooting at a U.S. university, and the foiled terror plot in California - we work through the news to know after a busy weekend of breaking headlines.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:07 Today's Headlines: Terrorist Attack in Australia

02:03 Word of the Year: Slop

04:36 Special Guest: War correspondent (and Australia native) Holly McKay on Bondi Beach Attack

08:19 Gun Laws and Security in Australia

19:43 Acts of Bravery Amidst Tragedy

21:27 US Service Members Killed in Syria

23:36 The Ongoing Threat of ISIS

27:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

28:38 Understanding the Ongoing Threat of ISIS

29:29 Thwarted Terrorist Attack in California

32:03 Double Homicide in Los Angeles

37:03 Shooting at Brown University

45:33 Government Shutdown and Economic Updates

49:18 Heartwarming Stories to End On

A cheat sheet on a pivotal hearing in the Senate about online safety for teens (and beyond). A must-listen about the unique challenges facing parents and children alike, with special insight into the new tactics of criminals, and the inadequacy of old laws:

00:00 Welcome to SmartHER News

02:27 Australia's Groundbreaking Social Media Law

02:53 Senate Hearing on Protecting Children Online

04:22 Graphic Content Warning

05:52 Witness Testimonies: Personal and Legal Perspectives

13:15 The Dark Reality of Online Exploitation

18:29 Understanding Section 230 and Its Implications

24:11 Advice to take with you.

Link to the Senate hearing: Protecting Our Children Online Against the Evolving Offender

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All the news you need to know for the week ahead: Plus - Halle Berry takes on Gov. Gavin Newsom (and what this tells us about a new national legislative effort).

~~~~~~~

00:00 Welcome and Holiday Party Announcement

00:52 Book Exchange Party Idea

02:11 Join Our Insider Group

03:22 Driving Story: Santa Sighting

05:28 Upcoming News and Events

10:50 Healthcare Debate in Congress

17:17 Vaccination Policy Discussion

28:16 Menopause Advocacy by Halle Berry

29:11 Halle Berry's Personal Story and Advocacy

31:06 Halle Berry's Viral Political Commentary

32:12 Legislation on Menopause Across the States

34:07 Debate on Government Involvement in Menopause Legislation

37:07 Governor Newsom's Veto and Its Implications

41:17 Supreme Court Case: Trump v Slaughter

45:47 Supreme Court Case: Birthright Citizenship

48:02 Pentagon's New Restrictions and Free Press

53:12 George Washington's Final Days

57:05 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

Show Notes:
Halle Berry's full remarks at the NYT DealBook Summit
Mt. Vernon on George Washington's passing

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Your most requested topic of the week: Venezuela, the United States, and allegations of war crimes. 

Jenna provides a quick, detailed background on Venezuela, including its strategic location, economic history, and ties to terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.
 
Jenna discusses why the Trump administration’s recent designation of Venezuelan cartels as terrorist organizations matters, and the legal and ethical complexities surrounding US military actions against these groups.
 
The episode includes responses from key figures like President Trump and the Secretary of War and examines the implications of these military operations under US and international law.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:37 Unexpected Morning Incident
03:53 Lessons from the Incident
06:15 Introduction to Venezuela
07:35 Geopolitical Importance of Venezuela
09:16 Venezuela's Economic Decline
10:59 Terrorist Links and Narco-Terrorism
15:32 Recent US Actions and Controversies
20:42 Legal and Ethical Questions
30:16 Historical Context and Comparisons
33:07 Questions for the Administration
37:11 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement: Email us: [email protected]

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