The Nova Society

Dr. Mark George Bound, Dr. Scott Gerschwer, & Dr. Brooklynn Ann Welden
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We answer listener questions about the stories shaping today’s headlines and the social and political issues influencing our world. Our mission is to inform with clear, unbiased commentary grounded in critical thinking and analytical depth. Through thoughtful, in‑depth conversations, we explore current events and the challenges facing society, while still making space to enjoy the discussion along the way. We believe facts matter, and that misinformation and disinformation pose some of the greatest risks to an informed and healthy civilization.

  1. 2 days ago

    Is this peace deal for real? S5E74 06.24.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message! Brandon from Boroughbridge, England writes So now we’re being told yet again that a peace deal has been reached. After forty‑plus previous “breakthroughs” that went nowhere, does the panel see any reason to believe this one is any different? The details are vague at best, and the claim that the Strait of Hormuz will suddenly reopen to all traffic feels more like wishful thinking than a credible development. And realistically, would Iran actually honor a deal that requires it to surrender their strongest source of leverage? It’s hard to imagine them giving that up without something far more substantial in return. I’m curious whether the panel sees this as a genuine diplomatic shift or just another announcement that won’t survive first contact with reality.   Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    22 min

  2. 4 days ago

    Trump Travels to the G7 S5E73 06.22.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message! Joseph from Boston, MA writes:  I see that President Trump will be meeting with the G7, and given the turmoil surrounding the conflict with Iran, I’m curious how the other leaders are likely to respond. What does the panel think they will say to him privately or publicly, and what do you think they should say in light of the current situation? Do you expect any meaningful policy shifts to come out of this meeting, or is this more likely to be a tense diplomatic reset with limited outcomes? I’d be interested in hearing how the panel reads the dynamics heading into this summit.   Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    23 min

  3. 19 June

    Could the US Legislate a ban on social media Use by children? S5E72 06.19.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message!  Renee from Miami, FL writes: I really enjoyed your episode on the dangers that social media poses for young people. I’ll admit that several of the points you raised were things I hadn’t fully considered before. I know the panel has praised Australia for banning social media for children, and now it seems the U.K. is preparing to take similar steps. What I’m wondering is whether you think a law like that could ever pass here in the United States. Given our current political climate, is something like this even remotely possible? And if not, which I suspect may be the consensus among the panel, what do you see as the biggest obstacle? Is it the influence of the tech giants? Our deeply rooted belief in freedoms without corresponding responsibilities? Or is there something else standing in the way? Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    25 min

  4. 18 June

    Scott Talks the Knicks S5E71 06.17.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message! Today, with the NY Knicks winning the NBA Championship, many of our listeners, knowing of Scott's affection for the Knicks, flooded the mailbag with questions. So, we put together some of those questions and had a great time talking about Basketball, New York, and the Knicks.  Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    55 min

  5. 15 June

    The Middle East, What's Next S5E70 0615.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message! Gio from Grosseto, Italy writes: The conflict in the Middle East continues without any sign of slowing, and the situation is becoming increasingly unstable. The United States and Iran are both urging Israel to halt its operations in Lebanon, yet at the same time, Israel and Iran continue exchanging missile strikes. It feels as though no diplomatic pressure, not even from major powers, is having any real influence on the parties involved.   Your panel has often discussed the lack of an off‑ramp, and I agree: at this moment, there appears to be no clear path toward de‑escalation. What concerns me now is that Israel is effectively engaged on multiple fronts. Historically, when a nation is stretched thin, adversaries sometimes see an opportunity.  Do you believe there are regional actors who might view this as a moment to strike a weakened Israel? And if so, who would be the most likely contenders?   At the same time, international support for Israel continues to erode. As last week’s listener from England mentioned, attacks on Jewish communities are rising there, and I can say the same is happening here in Italy. It’s a troubling reminder that regional conflict often fuels broader hostility far beyond the battlefield.   If another nation were to enter the conflict, who in the region might come to Israel’s aid? You’ve spoken before about the improving relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Do you think Riyadh would be willing to intervene, or at least provide some form of support?   I would appreciate the panel’s assessment of these possibilities.  Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    42 min

  6. 12 June

    Trump, Meet the Press, and the NBA Finals S5E69 06.12.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message! Mike from Queens, NY writes: I’ve got two rants today, and honestly, I’m shocked my blood pressure survived the weekend.   First, that Meet the Press interview. What was that? I’ve seen toddlers in the cereal aisle handle tough questions better. The host tossed him softballs so gentle they practically had feathers, and all she asked for was proof. Proof! Instead, we got a word salad monologue about voter fraud in California that sounded like someone shook a Magic 8 Ball too hard. And the moment she pushed back, just a little, he melted down like a popsicle on the F train in July. Calling her “cooked” and “stupid”? Please. I’ve heard more mature comebacks from my nephew’s kindergarten class. I kept wishing, just once, a journalist would look him dead in the eye and say, “Sir, you’re not the hero of this story.” But no, that would cause a five-alarm meltdown among the MAGA faithful, who treat him like he’s the Patron Saint of Spray Tan.   So, panel, I’m begging you: was Kristen Welker the wrong person to interview someone who treats every question like a personal insult? Because I watched the whole thing, and I needed antacids afterward.   Second rant, why was he at the Knicks game? Why does everything have to turn into the Trump Show? He looked like he was dozing off between plays. I know the Knicks’ owner is a buddy of his, but come on. Knicks fans are already hanging on by a thread emotionally. If they think the team’s being used as a political photo op, we might see a full-scale fan revolt. And honestly, who could blame them?  Go Knicks!!!!!   And as a special addition, Scott gives us a first-hand look at Madison Square Garden and his take on the Knicks. Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    37 min

  7. 12 June

    Immigration Law with David Zimmer S5E68 06.10.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message! Today we welcome immigration lawyer David Zimmer, who will be unraveling some of the misconceptions around immigration law and policy in the US.  Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    58 min

  8. 8 June

    Israel's new plans for Gaza S5E67 06.08.2026

    Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message! Ari from Liverpool, England writes: It now appears that Netanyahu is signaling that Israel intends to take control of roughly 70% of Gaza. I can’t imagine this ending well for Israel. No matter how anyone tries to frame it, this is, in plain terms, a military occupation, and the world is already expressing outrage. The United States, meanwhile, has remained largely silent. Here in Great Britain, Jews are facing harsh backlash, and support for the Palestinians continues to grow.   I know there are many theories about why Netanyahu would float such a move, but I’d like to hear the panel’s take. Wouldn’t this dramatically complicate the ongoing conflict with Iran? Would it make it even harder for the U.S. to extract itself from the Iran crisis?   If Israel actually follows through, does it risk becoming a pariah state on the world stage? What should the U.S. be doing right now, if anything? And finally, why do you think Netanyahu is considering this at all, is it a genuine plan, or just another strategic threat meant to distract from other pressures he’s facing?  Support the show The Nova Society Podcast  In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations. Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page. Support the Nova Society Email us your Questions Subscribe to the Nova Society Subscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Past episodes & read our blog Here. JCIS Apple Podcasts/ I-Tunes    Spotify  ...

    38 min
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About

We answer listener questions about the stories shaping today’s headlines and the social and political issues influencing our world. Our mission is to inform with clear, unbiased commentary grounded in critical thinking and analytical depth. Through thoughtful, in‑depth conversations, we explore current events and the challenges facing society, while still making space to enjoy the discussion along the way. We believe facts matter, and that misinformation and disinformation pose some of the greatest risks to an informed and healthy civilization.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Mark George Bound, Dr. Scott Gerschwer, & Dr. Brooklynn Ann Welden
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    641
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Nova Society
  • Show Website
    The Nova Society