Show Notes
Presidential historian and Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky joins Jenna Lee to uncover Martha Washington's essential role in the American Revolution — and the larger story of the women who helped sustain America's fight for independence. From joining George Washington at military headquarters each winter to providing the wealth that helped launch his political career, Martha's influence extended far beyond the traditional image of America's first First Lady. The conversation also explores Abigail Adams' call to "remember the ladies," the risks women faced during the Revolution and why the full founding story still matters 250 years later. 00:00 Was Martha Washington George Washington's Secret Weapon? 00:52 Women in the American Revolution 02:34 Life at Washington's Winter Headquarters 05:20 The Risks Martha Faced—and the Letters We Lost 06:41 Running Mount Vernon During the War 08:19 Martha Washington and Early First Lady Politics 10:50 Abigail Adams and "Remember the Ladies" 14:19 How Martha's Wealth Shaped Washington's Rise 16:34 Spies, Assassination Plots and the Stakes of Revolution 20:34 Why Women's Stories Matter Today 24:14 Final Thoughts Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here's how you can become a SCOOP insider.
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What does justice look like—and who decides? Jenna and podcast host Mary Katharine Ham discuss Christa Pike's case in Tennessee and the broader questions it raises about the death penalty, including the time between sentencing and execution. They also reflect on three years since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, the changing Middle East and the words news organizations use to tell these stories. Along the way: the court of public opinion, a brief look at media coverage of the Cornell case, and how the information we receive shapes our understanding. Plus, parenting styles, a favorite hydration drink and making more time to read with our kids. Want to go beyond the headline? Become a SmartHER News Insider and join the conversation — with our private community, exclusive podcast feed and more. In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to SmartHER News 01:03 Real Life, Parenting & Consequences 04:34 What Does Justice Look Like? 07:01 Christa Pike & the Death Penalty 12:21 Fort Hood & the Execution Debate 14:45 The Eighth Amendment: Cruel & Unusual Punishment 16:29 Public Opinion, Cornell & Media Coverage 19:57 Three Years After Oct. 7 23:49 How the Media Describes Hamas 26:51 Israeli Politics & the Language of War 28:52 The Nova Exhibition & Remembering the Victims 32:01 Marco Rubio's Speech in Greece 35:24 Iran & the Ripple Effects Across the Middle East 37:08 Something SmartHER: Hydration 39:49 Less Scrolling, More Reading 43:11 Wrap-Up Show Notes: Jocko Fuel Hydrate (commissionable link)