A SmartHer Interview with Washington Crossing Park Historian, Clay Craighead.

By Christmas 1776, General Washington finds himself in a desperate position. Only a few months into the Revolutionary War, he has experienced a string of crushing defeats and privately admits the cause for liberty may be all but lost. Despite duress and great uncertainty, Gen. Washington makes a fateful decision to go on the offense, driving his troops through snow and ice for a surprise attack that changes the course of history. Historian Clay Craighead of Washington Crossing State Park joins us to share his 30+ year knowledge on the "game saving" decision in America's quest for independence.

As the Supreme Court hears a high-profile abortion case described as having the potential to forever change existing law, we take a moment to pause and speak with Professor Mary Ziegler - legal historian and a leading voice on abortion law in America. In a wide-ranging interview, we tackle the question: What IS the state of current abortion law and how do new laws challenge the status quo?

The daughter of the first American killed in combat in the War on Terror returns to SmartHER News to tell the true story of her father - his work for the CIA and the mysterious American he encountered in Afghanistan before he was killed - providing fresh reflection on a big story that few are talking about.

"That's what I do everyday. I record history."

Photojournalist Richard Drew has spent more than five decades with the Associated Press. On the morning of September 11th, 2001, while on assignment for Fashion Week in New York City, a call from his editor sent Richard racing to downtown Manhattan with only a brief description - "A plane has hit the World Trade Center." Finding himself at the base of the Twin Towers, Richard captured the impact of the deadliest terror attack in American history (and the single deadliest terror attack ever). Amongst the many historical photos he took that day, Richard captured a moment now known around the world as "The Falling Man." In this interview, Richard weaves us through the streets of New York City, sharing the moments before and after an unexpected assignment, and why he believes we shouldn't look away from this photo.

On a personal note: Richard and I knew each other for years before I learned of his contributions to the historical record of September 11th, 2001. During our first meeting, we discovered that he had worked with my grandfather at the Associated Press bureau in San Francisco in the 1970s! What are the chances? From that point on, I always felt a special bond with Richard, as if he knew a part of my own story that no else does - especially since my grandfather passed away long before I could pepper him with questions about his journalism career. As you'll see in this interview, I press Richard on why he thinks he has found himself steps from so many significant historical moments. And like any good photojournalist, Richard leaves this up to you to come to your own conclusions.

The United States ended the war in Afghanistan but is the battle truly over or just beginning a new chapter?
.
Leading analyst, Thomas Joscelyn, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Senior Editor, FDD’s Long War Journal, provides unique insight on the past, present, and future of the nation's longest war.
.
Full interview on our website. It’s the first big image that pops up when you click on SmartHERnews.com - *also* will be up shortly on Apple ITunes and all other podcasting platforms. 🙌🏻

Travis Mills s one of the few surviving quadruple amputees in the nation.
.
On his third deployment to Afghanistan, while on patrol, he put his backpack down on an improvised explosive device (IED). He lost both arms and both legs to his injuries.
.
Listen to Travis’ perspective on what it’s like to fight the Taliban, what he thinks about America’s contribution to the fight against terror, and how he’s navigated overcoming tough times to find peace.

Less than 48 hours after we first spoke with writer and journalist Hollie McKay she found herself in a city taken over by the Taliban.

Writer/Journalist Hollie McKay has traveled all over the world, to the most dangerous areas, during the most deadly conflicts, to tell the stories only few will hear. She speaks to us from Afghanistan as the Taliban surge around the city she reports from, Mazar-I-Sharif. A truly unique perspective on a developing chapter in America's longest war and for the people of Afghanistan. @holliesmckay

What’s really the truth about natural immunity and COVID-19? What should those with a previous infection consider when weighing a COVID-19 vaccine? What about mask wearing and children? And what do many of those severely ill from COVID have in common that no one seems to want to focus on? Dr. Marty Makary, professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has never avoided tough questions or breaking from the pack of group-think. We ask him about some of his recent work and why he thinks it’s worth igniting a firestorm of debate over some of the most talked about issues of our time.

One of the biggest news stories on the planet involves gymnast Simone Biles stepping back from competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. How does one navigate when to accelerate through challenging times or when to hit the brakes?  Positive Psychology Expert Rob Mack illuminates this fundamental question related to the news and our life, offering key takeaways on true resilience, and fine tuning your life's purpose (during a stressful pandemic and beyond).