Jenna hosts the SmartHER Podcast with political commentator, podcast host
Mary Katharine Ham and war correspondent, writer
Holly McKay to discuss a smarter take on this week's major news stories AND share SmartHER Tips!
They examine a disturbing Cornell University incident from October 2024 now highlighted by a recent civil lawsuit alleging an overlooked, under-investigated assault. A new twist to the story raises more questions and Jenna shares some insight on the challenges reporting on stories like this one.
Hollie adds to our reporting on a surrogacy custody case the Supreme Court declined to hear and shares broader concerns about largely unregulated U.S. commercial surrogacy, including vetting gaps and birthright citizenship questions.
Mary Katharine offers a midterm "cheat sheet" on competitive House and Senate seats, turnout, and money.
They close with product tips: Naked Sundays SPF, Trader Joe's skincare, and Merit makeup.
Our SmartHER Recommendation:
00:00 Welcome to SmartHER Podcast
00:41 Cornell Case Overview
02:41 Conflicting Accounts Explained
03:53 How Lawsuits Shape Narratives
07:15 Journalism and Due Process
12:05 What to Watch Next
14:29 Parenting Lessons from Tragedy
16:08 Surrogacy Case Headlines
17:14 Commercial Surrogacy Risks
22:04 Regulation and Political Crosscurrents
25:17 Midterms Cheat Sheet Tease
25:48 What a Wave Year Means
27:23 House Battlefield Math
29:04 Senate Map and Trump Seats
30:18 Key Question for 2024
32:14 Money and Party Funding
33:57 Yard Signs and Enthusiasm
35:46 SmartHER Tips Skincare Picks
36:21 Sunscreen Over Makeup
38:11 Budget Skincare at Trader Joes
39:43 Merit Makeup Fall Reset
41:12 Wrap Up and Farewell
