SmartHER On: The Death Penalty & Three Years After Oct. 7
SmartHER On: The Death Penalty & Three Years After Oct. 7  
Podcast: SmartHER News
Published On: Wed Oct 07 2026
Description: 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)