The Nova Society

Dr. Mark George Bound, Dr. Scott Gerschwer, & Dr. Brooklynn Ann Welden
  • 2.0 (4)
  • Social Sciences
  • Updated Daily

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. 16h ago

    Could the Current World Conflicts Escalate into something bigger S5E88 07.28.2026

    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!  Jaz from Atlanta, Georgia writes:   The war in Iran continues to drain taxpayer resources and claim the lives of American service members. This on‑again, off‑again conflict feels endless, and now the so‑called peace memorandum of understanding appears to be dead. Iran has effectively kept the Strait of Hormuz closed, global markets are facing gasoline shortages, and some countries are burning through their strategic reserves just to stay afloat.  And while I don’t think President Trump explicitly threatened nuclear weapons, he has made it clear he’s willing to intensify military action.  Pete Hegseth, who seems open to almost any escalation, has now shifted his focus to the testosterone levels of service members, which doesn’t inspire much confidence in his ability to restrain the President if a disastrous decision were on the table. With rhetoric like “all hell will rain down,” I worry that we may be inching toward putting boots on the ground.   This war is deeply unpopular with the American public, and you’ve all explored this in past episodes. But tonight I want to ask directly: Are we moving closer to an all‑out war with Iran? Could this spiral into something far larger, a conflict with the potential to resemble a World War III scenario? If escalation continues, what would NATO’s position be? Where would Russia and China align? Because from where many of us sit, it feels like the world is creeping closer and closer to a truly global conflict. LOTL: Queer ConversationWe all crave Queer Conversations. Follow the link to listen.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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  ...

  2. 3d ago

    Red State Logic S5E87 07.24.2026

    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! Trudy from Mt Washington, New Hampshire writes: I’ve been a listener for more than three years, and like many of you, I’m still trying to understand how Trump continues to hold onto any meaningful support. His approval rating sits in the mid‑to‑low 30s in most polls, while his disapproval remains firmly in the high 50s and even low 60s.  He managed to embarrass himself on the world stage at the World Cup, needing to be escorted off the field so Spain could celebrate without the distraction. The war in Iran is deteriorating, with more American service members killed over the weekend in Jordan. His SAVE Act has little chance of passing, and the more Americans learn about its contents, the less popular it becomes. And now gas prices are reportedly climbing back above four dollars a gallon. But my real question is about Trump’s support. With all of this happening, why do Republicans continue to enjoy strong backing in the poorest states, places where their policies often seem to hurt the very people who support them?  LOTL: Queer ConversationWe all crave Queer Conversations. Follow the link to listen.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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  ...

  3. 5d ago

    the Passing of Lindsey Graham S5E86 07.22.2026

    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! We had a flood of emails yesterday asking for our take on the reported death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. So let’s talk about what his passing could mean for Ukraine aid, for the balance of power in the Senate, and for South Carolina politics more broadly. There are a lot of moving parts here, and listeners clearly want to understand the implications.  LOTL: Queer ConversationWe all crave Queer Conversations. Follow the link to listen.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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  ...

  4. Jul 20

    Changes in the Maine Senate Race. Did Collins dodge a bullet? S5E85 07.20.2026

    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! Roberta from Bangor, Maine writes:   Susan Collins must live a charmed political life. For a moment, it looked like Democrats finally had a challenger who could seriously threaten her seat, and then, this past week, he’s out after yet another allegation of past sexual misconduct.   Democrats knew Platner was a flawed candidate, but they backed him anyway, and now they’re scrambling. It’s hard to feel sympathy when the crisis is one they walked straight into.  Unless Democrats regroup quickly and find someone who can speak to Platner’s base without carrying his baggage, it’s starting to look like Collins may glide back into office yet again.   And I have to say, I’m struck by the hypocrisy of some of my Republican friends who criticize Democrats for supporting a candidate with so much baggage, while conveniently ignoring the baggage their own President carries.  So here’s my question for the panel: Is there a viable Democratic candidate who could step in at this point? Should the party look for someone who appeals to Platner’s supporters, or pivot to a more generic, “safe” candidate who historically doesn’t win here? And realistically, is Maine now a lost opportunity for Democrats this cycle?   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  ...

  5. Jul 17

    Kentuckians are Asking Where's Waldo (Mitch)? S5E84 07.17.2026

    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! Keneth from Lexington, Kentucky writes: Maybe the panel can shed some light on this, because honestly, folks here aren’t sure anymore: Is Mitch McConnell still alive? I know that sounds strange, but the uncertainty has become a running joke, and not a very comforting one.  A lot of Kentuckians, even lifelong conservatives, are starting to think that age limits and term limits might not be such a bad idea. That’s a conversation for another day, though. Right now, the real issue is transparency. What can actually be done when a sitting U.S. Senator disappears from public view for weeks at a time? Who has the authority to demand answers, the Governor? The Republican Party? Does Trump have any power here? Or is the public simply left in the dark until someone decides to speak? It’s unsettling to think that a member of Congress can effectively go missing and there’s no mechanism to force clarity.  I’d really like to hear the panel’s thoughts on what accountability looks like in a situation like this, and what, if anything, ordinary citizens can do to get straight information. LOTL: Queer ConversationWe all crave Queer Conversations. Follow the link to listen.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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  ...

  6. Jul 15

    Where do we go from here? A Question from South Africa S5E83 07.15.2026

    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! Barry from Johannesburg, South Africa writes  Since South Africa has been eliminated from the World Cup, I’ve finally had time to catch up on your episodes. And I have to say, binge‑listening gives a very different kind of clarity. I’ve actually started sorting the downloaded episodes into themes so I can evaluate whether there’s a consistent position across your discussions. So far, my little research project suggests that each of you is remarkably consistent in tone and outlook, no matter the topic. But here’s what I’m really curious about: you’ve talked at length about American politics after Trump, and you’ve talked about American foreign policy after Trump. What you haven’t done, at least as far as I can tell,  is bring those two conversations together. So, here’s my question: What does each of you see as the most likely shape of American democracy in the post‑Trump era? And how does that emerging framework fit into the broader landscape of international relations? In the interest of full disclosure, I am an Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Johannesburg. LOTL: Queer ConversationWe all crave Queer Conversations. Follow the link to listen.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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  ...

  7. Jul 13

    Why are we so sad? A listener says "Don't worry, be happy" S5E82 07.13.2026

    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! Tennison from Olympia, Washington writes:   I listen to every episode, and sometimes I wonder why.  Some of the panel are back at it again: the sky is falling; the sky is falling.  Honestly, if Brooklynn didn’t have Trump to worry over, a fresh QAnon conspiracy to dissect, or some imaginary apocalyptic disaster looming in our future, I’m not sure what she’d talk about.   A framework for peace has been agreed to. Yes, there are glitches, pauses, and restarts, but show me one international agreement that hasn’t had those. Oil is moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel appears to be keeping things contained. And oil prices are down to about $107 a barrel; I checked today. Gas prices are down too, yet somehow the panel is still complaining.  It feels like nothing makes you all happy. Yes, we’re drawing from the reserves, but that’s hardly unprecedented.  So why the panic over hypothetical outcomes with no evidence to back them up? Let me guess: “I heard it somewhere, but I can’t remember where.”  Come on, guys, can’t you be happy that things seem to be moving forward?   LOTL: Queer ConversationWe all crave Queer Conversations. Follow the link to listen.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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  ...

  8. Jul 10

    Birthright Citizenship in the SCOTUS S5E81 07.10.2026

    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! Brian from Denver, Colorado writes: It feels like the Supreme Court may have rediscovered its backbone. This past week delivered several significant setbacks for Donald Trump’s legal agenda. The Court overturned his attempt to fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, reaffirming the limits on the president's removal power.  More consequentially, the justices upheld birthright citizenship, a principle written plainly into the 14th Amendment. But I’ll admit, I’m puzzled. The decision was 6–3. I’m not a lawyer, but birthright citizenship isn’t exactly an interpretive puzzle; it’s spelled out in the Constitution in clear, unmistakable language. So how do three members of the country's highest court read the same text and arrive at completely different conclusions?  I’d really like to hear how the panel makes sense of that divide. LOTL: Queer ConversationWe all crave Queer Conversations. Follow the link to listen.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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  ...

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Ratings & Reviews

2
out of 5
4 Ratings

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
    655
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Nova Society
  • Show Website
    The Nova Society