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. 57m ago

    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?   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

  2. 3d ago

    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. 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  ...

    36 min

  3. 5d ago

    Democratic Socialists, Are they a new wave or passing fad S5E80 07.08.2026

    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! Renee from Jersey City, New Jersey writes  With the recent primary results in New York, there’s growing talk that Democrats may be facing a Democratic Socialist challenge from within their own ranks. Some analysts warn that this progressive bloc could complicate or even undermine Democratic efforts to retake the House and Senate in November.  There’s no question that Mamdani has significant influence in New York City, and several candidates he backed managed to unseat sitting Democratic members of Congress. So, what exactly are we looking at here? Is the rise of Democratic Socialists a genuine new political force that could reshape the party’s prospects in November, or is this more of a momentary surge, something that might fade away the way the Tea Party eventually did? And will these primary victories translate into general‑election strength, or have Republicans been handed an unexpected opening in districts they might not otherwise have been competitive in? Finally, how should we understand the term “Democratic Socialist” in this context? For many people, Bernie Sanders and maybe AOC have been the most recognizable figures associated with that label, but is this new wave aligned with them or something entirely different? And do we see Democratic Socialism expanding beyond deep‑blue, urban strongholds like New York? I’m interested to hear how the panel interprets this shift and what it means heading into November. 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  ...

    28 min

  4. Jul 6

    Is the Clock Ticking for the US in Iran? S5E79 07.06.2026

    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! Randy from Sacramento, California writes:   Well, that didn’t take long. The peace framework already looks on the verge of collapse. Iran and the United States are still exchanging fire, commercial shipping is under attack in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has launched strikes against Bahrain. Israel does appear to be pulling back in Lebanon, but I don’t see how that’s sustainable in the long term.   So where do we go from here? Dr. Scott continues to argue that a two‑state solution is the only viable path forward, but with multiple fronts still active, it’s hard to imagine any diplomatic track gaining traction. I’m someone who genuinely believes in diplomacy, but right now it doesn’t seem to be producing results.   Is there any realistic path toward de‑escalation when the parties are still shooting at each other? And what does the panel think about the broader strategic picture? Is there still a case to be made for diplomacy, or are we entering a phase where the conflict risks expanding even further?   I’d appreciate the panel’s perspective on what options remain.   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

  5. Jul 3

    Housing Affordability and the SAVE Act, A Republican missed opportunity? S5E78 07.03.2026

    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! Ray from Bangor, Maine writes: So now the Housing Affordability Act, a bipartisan bill that actually had momentum, is on hold until Trump gets his SAVE Act passed. He’s reportedly pressuring members of his own party: either advance the SAVE Act, despite the serious concerns some Republicans have raised, or face the wrath of his base in November. The irony is hard to miss. The Housing Affordability Act could have given Republicans a rare, positive policy achievement to run on this fall. Instead, Trump remains fixated on his false claims of widespread voter fraud, and the SAVE Act has become another loyalty test rather than a substantive legislative priority. I’d really like to hear what the panel thinks. Should Republicans stand their ground, override a veto, if necessary, pass the Housing bill, and let the SAVE Act die? Do they have the political courage to break from Trump on this? And does this hand Democrats a clear line of attack heading into November? From a messaging standpoint, what’s the smarter strategy: focus on the tangible benefits of the Housing Affordability Act, or highlight the flaws and controversies surrounding the SAVE Act? 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  ...

    40 min

  6. Jul 1

    A hard look at the Iran Peace Deal S5E77 07.01.2026

    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’re taking a hard look at the newly announced Iran Peace Deal, a development that, depending on who you ask, is either a diplomatic breakthrough, a political sleight of hand, or a fragile ceasefire dressed up as a historic agreement. The administration has framed it as a major step toward ending the conflict. Critics argue it’s confusing, incomplete, and lacking transparency. And the public? They’re trying to figure out what happened.   So, in this episode, we’re going to break down what we know, what we don’t know, and what this deal really means for the United States, Iran, and the broader Middle East. 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  ...

    45 min

  7. Jun 29

    The Reflecting Pool S5E75 06.29.2026

    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! Yaddi from Traverse, Michigan writes  I know this might sound like a small or even silly topic at first, but I actually think it points to a much bigger issue in America. The Reflecting Pool refurbishment has turned into a full‑blown disaster, with algae blooms, peeling paint, and now Trump suggesting sabotage. At this rate, it feels like only a matter of time before he blames Obama or Biden. And yes, in the grand scheme of global crises, this might seem minor. But the symbolism of the Reflecting Pool, a place tied to some of the most important moments in our civic history, has exposed something deeper: the state of America’s infrastructure. While we spend billions on wars with unclear objectives and hundreds of millions on ballroom renovation, the basic physical backbone of this country is crumbling. Roads, bridges, water systems, and public spaces are all in dire need of investment. Yet we hear almost nothing from either political party treating infrastructure as a serious, sustained priority. So, here’s the real question: Could infrastructure actually be a winning political platform? It affects every community, every voter, every part of daily life. I’d love to hear the panel’s take on whether this moment, even one sparked by a drained pool, could finally push infrastructure back into the national conversation. 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

  8. Jun 28

    Trump Irks Italy S5E75 06.26.2026

    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! Tyrell from Denver, Colorado  writes: Trump seems to have a remarkable talent for alienating America’s allies. Just last week, he declared that without the United States, “there would be no Israel.” It’s hard to imagine that landing well with Israeli leadership or with the Israeli public, who see their national identity as something far deeper than American patronage. And now he’s managed to insult Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming she “begged” to have her picture taken with him. Her response was swift and sharp: “She nor Italy beg.” That’s not a minor diplomatic dust‑up; that’s a head of government publicly rebuking the President of the United States. So, what exactly is going on here? Does Trump genuinely not grasp how these comments play on the world stage? Is he really this unaware of the damage he’s doing to relationships that have taken decades to build? Or is there something else at work, a deliberate strategy of provocation, disruption, and dominance politics that treats allies the same way he treats opponents? Whatever the explanation, the pattern is impossible to ignore. If this type of diplomacy continues, what could be the consequences?  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  ...

    21 min
See All (649)

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
    649
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Nova Society
  • Show Website
    The Nova Society