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. 7H AGO

    Redistricting in Virginia S5E58 05.18.2025

    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 our question in from Tammy from Roanoke, Virginia writes, “I am very angry at the Virginia Supreme Court, overturning the redistricting decision made by the people. How is it possible for a group of judges to reject a democratically approved law? The people spoke and it seems our voices don’t matter anymore. I know this question might cause a fight on the Podcast. Dr. Brooklynn will see this as a validation of her position the system is being rigged, where Dr. Mark will push back on any such notation.  So, all I can say is Sorry Dr. Scott, you’ll need to use all your skills to mediate this.  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  ...

    33 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Trump's trip to China S5E57 05.15.2026

    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! Today we hear from James from Toronto Canada writes: So the American President is going to China. With all that is going on in the world, this might make sense. But when I think about your President I begin to wonder if this could be a further disaster for the United States?  As a Canadian who has always had good feeling toward the US, I and many of my countrymen are concerned with your global downfall over the past 2 years. But back to China. What should be on your Presidents agenda for this important meeting with Xi? Should we read anything into Elon Musk as part of the delegation? Do you think the Iran war, which should be a major topic, might see some movement toward peace at China’s insistence or could we be looking at further escalation? Could this meeting have any impact on energy prices globally? What does the panel see as a positive outcome from these meetings and what would be your worst-case scenario? Finally, I think it’s pretty well known that China isn’t a fan of Israel. If China does become the major peace broker, what might the ramification be for the conflicts Israel is involved in? Could Xi talk Trump into abandoning Israel?  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  ...

    50 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Attacking the Dragon A book about China where fiction and reality collide with A. Marc. Ross S5E56 05.13.2026

    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! Today, we are happy to welcome author A. Marc Ross to discuss his new book, "Attacking the Dragon," a political thriller we think all our listeners will enjoy. We will be discussing the book and how this piece of fiction might relate to China's geopolitics today. Both of Marc's books are available on Kindle and through Amazon.com. Signed copies by the author are also available on Marc's website. https://www.amarcross.com/books.html  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  ...

    1h 4m

  4. MAY 11

    The peoples Primary Concept with Tom Joseph S5E55 05.11.2026

    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 Tom Joseph, businessman, entrepreneur, and civic reform advocate. Tom joins us to explore his groundbreaking People’s Primary model, an innovative approach to selecting congressional delegates that reimagines how voters participate in the primary process.  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  ...

    56 min

  5. MAY 8

    US Aviation policy and the death of Spirit Airlines S5E54 05.08.2026

    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! Today our question comes from Peter from San Antonio Texas who writes, Last week Spirit Airlines closed operations. Although Spirit sucked as a carrier, it did offer opportunities to many wanting a less cost prohibitive option for air travel. So, and I’m sorry I have a lot of questions, I want to ask the panel, what does Spirit Airlines’ collapse reveal about the fragility of the ultra‑low‑cost carrier model in today’s economic environment? There was a plan for Jet Blue to take over Spirit, did federal regulators unintentionally contribute to Spirit’s downfall by blocking the merger? Are regulators protecting competition or preventing struggling carriers from finding lifelines? What does Spirit’s shutdown mean for ticket prices nationwide? How will Spirit’s closure reshape the competitive landscape for other budget carriers? What lessons should policymakers draw from this collapse, does the U.S. need a more resilient aviation strategy, or is this simply market forces at work? How does Spirit’s shutdown intersect with broader economic signals, rising fuel costs, inflation, and shifting travel demand? Should the federal government have intervened to stabilize Spirit, or would that have set a dangerous precedent for corporate bailouts? 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  ...

    29 min

  6. MAY 8

    SCOTUS and the Voting Rights Act S5E53 05.06.2026

    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 our question is from Alicia from Rome, GA writes, Recently SCOTUS handed down a major decision impacting the voting rights Act in striking down Louisiana v. Callais. I have a bunch of questions regarding this decision.  Civil rights groups like the NAACP and ACLU have called the ruling a “devastating blow” and a “profound betrayal.” What does this decision mean for the future of multiracial democracy and federal protections against racial discrimination in voting? With Section 2 now significantly weakened, what tools, if any, remain for communities of color to challenge racially discriminatory maps or election systems? How might this ruling influence upcoming redistricting battles in other states, especially those with histories of racially polarized voting? Does the Court’s embrace of a “colorblindness” principle ignore the historical and ongoing realities of racial discrimination in voting?  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  ...

    44 min

  7. MAY 8

    Hegseth on the Hill S5E52 05.04.2026

    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 our question is from George from Tallahassee,  FL writes: Recently Pete Hegseth was questioned by congress, and it was explosive. Some members questioned the war in Iran. Calling it a “Quagmire”. In usual Trump administration fashion, Hegseth shot back calling the members unpatriotic and treasonous and giving aid and comfort to the enemy. I’ve been seeing this sentiment in many social media feeds recently. So, my question is, did Hegseth have a point? Is not fully supporting the war unpatriotic?  Could it be classified as treasonous?  I know the panel has said that “during times of war, the truth is one of the first casualties.” I also know we probably are in the dark about a lot of things in this conflict. But one thing seems clear, Trump and Hegseth are seemingly moving toward “redefining” victory in the conflict. Do you think in the end this strategy will be successful? What might this “redefinition” look like?  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  ...

    41 min

  8. MAY 1

    The King's visit and changes at OPEC S5E51 05.01.2026

    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 hear from Heather from Lexington VA writes, King Charles III is visiting Washington in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. What is the real purpose of the King’s visit? Since he has no real power is there a diplomatic reason or agenda that the King can promote, or do you think this is just for show? Given the tension between the UK and US over Iran should the UK government have tried harder to get the King to cancel?   Regarding Iran, Iran has threatened to expand its blockade to the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea unless the U.S. lifts its naval blockade. Oil prices surged amid fears of prolonged conflict and potential infrastructure attacks. The UAE has announced it will be leaving OPEC. Does this decision have anything to do with the Iranian war? What might the global energy consequences be if OPEC was to dissolve?  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  ...

    44 min
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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
    624
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Nova Society
  • Show Website
    The Nova Society