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 Lucky

Thank you to our Insiders for joining us LIVE!

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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 controversy
A great article on the East Wing From Town & Country
U.S. Warship Docked Off Venezuela
Recall of Popular MakeUp Remover

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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.

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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 Document
• A comet with a green streak. How to find it.  And what felines have to do with it. Read More.

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A peace deal. A trade deal. An (absent) shutdown deal. What to know about the deals percolating in the news and why they matter.

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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.

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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.

Plus ~ What to know about the substance the FDA calls "the Next Wave of the Opioid Epidemic".

What does the FDA actually do — and why does it matter to you? From regulating everything from mammograms to microwaves to navigating hot-button issues like autism treatments, Tylenol safety, and hormone replacement therapy, the FDA touches nearly every aspect of American life.

In this SmartHER News interview, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary sits down with Jenna to discuss public trust in medicine, new research on autism, the debate over acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and changing perspectives on women’s health and hormone therapy. Dr. Makary also opens up about his path from surgeon to policymaker, the challenges of modernizing the agency, and what he believes is at stake for America’s children and families.

👉 Whether you’re a parent, a patient, or just someone curious about how decisions get made in Washington, this conversation offers rare, direct insight into the FDA’s priorities — and the questions still being debated.

A hidden Abraham Lincoln

The mystery that swirls around the Michigan church shooting.

Clarifying Mormon vs. LDS vs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Will the government shutdown?

News from my interview with the FDA commissioner

Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House.

The governors trying to “disagree better.”

Will you buy a protein latte? 

Notes:

Faulkner Mural

Disagree Better

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SmartHER Stitching

First day of Fall!

Fat Bears

Open Mic Night at the United Nations

Erika Kirk’s comments at Charlie Kirk’s memorial

~ Young Men in Crisis

Recognizing The State Of Palestine

Russian “incursions” into other European countries.

President Trump on a new announcement on autism.

The threat of the “New World Screw Worm”

Rising concerns about Al Qaeda

Why I haven’t taken up smoking ;) (YET!)

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