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. 10h ago

    A Nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia S5E91 08.03.2026

    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! Tam from Buffalo, NY writes:   It appears that the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement that would allow the Saudis to begin enriching uranium. The announcement frames the program as strictly civil and commercial, but the reality is that shifting from civilian enrichment to weapons‑grade capability is well within Saudi technical reach.   That raises a fundamental question: why would the United States support the emergence of another potential nuclear actor in an already unstable region?  This decision has clear implications. It risks emboldening Iran to accelerate its own nuclear ambitions, and it introduces new strategic pressure points in a part of the world already defined by volatility. Israel has signaled discomfort with the agreement, even as the administration insists that the deal is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, a late addition that may itself become a sticking point for Riyadh.   So, for this panel, I want to focus on accountability and strategic intent. What is the rationale for enabling Saudi enrichment at this moment? Why announce this now, and what does the administration believe it gains by introducing another nuclear‑capable state into the regional equation? And more broadly, does this reflect a miscalculation, or is it part of a larger strategic plan to reshape, or potentially destabilize, the Middle East? If so, what does the panel see as the ultimate objective behind this move.   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

    A Change in Casualty Numbers S5E90 07.31.2026

    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 San Diego, California writes: The Department of Defense has now acknowledged that roughly 600 U.S. service members have been injured or killed in the ongoing conflict in Iran. This is a stark shift from earlier statements that placed the number below twenty. As a veteran, I understand that in times of war, transparency is often limited to avoid discouraging the public or undermining morale.  But this conflict has never enjoyed broad support. American approval for the Iran war has been consistently low, and withholding information in an already unpopular war raises serious questions about trust and responsibility. So, the first issue I want to put on the table for this panel is accountability. Why announce these numbers now? What changed, strategically, politically, or ethically, that made the Department of Defense decide to release a casualty count of this magnitude?  And second, what impact will this revelation have on public trust, especially when we consider the confidence Americans currently have in Pete Hegseth’s leadership and in the Department of Defense more broadly? 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

    Trump Addresses the Nation S5E89 07.29.2026

    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!  David, from Charleston South Carolina writes,  I’m not sure if anyone on the panel listened to President Trump’s national address the other day, but it was another rambling speech that drifted from complaints about the 2020 election to promoting the SAVE America Act,  which, if you actually read it, doesn’t seem to “save” much of anything beyond Republican political interests.  He appeared to be reading off a teleprompter, and that’s notable considering his usual teleprompter operator is reportedly under investigation for placing bets on a gambling site. At this point, even the teleprompter guy seems embroiled in controversy.   Still, Trump did stick to the script more than usual, and that raises a question: Why would his staff allow him to deliver an address that was so disjointed and embarrassing? Even the major networks declined to air it live. Now those networks are being accused of “stifling free speech,” and Trump is threatening their broadcast licenses. It’s hard not to wonder whether we’re sliding into something more Orwellian, a political environment where unhinged comments are normalized, where institutions are attacked for not amplifying them, and where the President blames everything from election results to U.S. air quality on whoever is convenient, including Canada.   He even tweeted that he’s heading to California to “open the spigot,” whatever that means. All of this leaves me genuinely worried about whether the country can withstand another two years of this level of instability.   But I want to come back to one specific point: Trump’s renewed claims about the 2020 election and the release of those so‑called “classified documents” he says prove his case. From what I’ve read, and again, listeners should verify this with trusted sources, the documents actually reaffirmed that Russia interfered on Trump’s behalf, not Biden’s. If that’s accurate, shouldn’t this be investigated? And what does the panel make of the fact that this narrative keeps resurfacing despite what the evidence appears to show? 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 27

    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. 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 24

    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?  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 22

    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.  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 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  ...

  8. 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. 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
    658
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Nova Society
  • Show Website
    The Nova Society