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The Nova Society

Dr. Mark George Bound, Dr. Scott Gerschwer, & Dr. Brooklynn Ann Welden

 We address listener questions about the headlines shaping today’s world and the social and political forces behind them. Our mission is to offer clear, unbiased commentary rooted in critical thinking and analytical rigor. Through thoughtful, in‑depth conversations, we examine current events and the challenges facing society, while still keeping space for engaging, enjoyable dialogue. We hold that facts matter, and that misinformation and disinformation remain among the most serious threats to an informed and healthy civic culture. 

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  • 25 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 31 min
  • English

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  • S5 · E102
    Yesterday · 1 hr 4 min

    Iran Freedom Update with Zolal Habibi S5E102 08.28.2026

    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! Today, Zolal Habibi returns to offer a clear, unflinching look at conditions inside Iran, the Iran Freedom Organization’s ongoing efforts, and how the current conflict has ultimately strengthened the regime’s grip on power. She highlights developments and actions by Iranian authorities that many in the Western world may not know about, while outlining what she believes could come next. She closes with a message aimed not only at Iranians but at the global community watching this crisis unfold. 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 ...

  • S5 · E101
    Wednesday · 27 min

    The USS Abraham Lincoln S5E101 08.26.2026

    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! Today we talk about the USS Abraham Lincoln and other stories in the news that demonstrate a lack of care by the administration 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 ...

  • S5 · E100
    Monday · 38 min

    Another Bromance with North Korea? S5E100 08.24.2026

    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! Today, Scott brings up a tweet from Trump that might signal another change in American Foreign policy and a rekindling of the Trump-North Korean leader bromance. 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 ...

  • S5 · E99
    August 21 · 56 min

    A Journey to the Authentic Self with Jen Thompson S5E99 08.20.20265

    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 pleased to speak with our guest, Jen Thompson. Jen Thompson is a former high-powered Republican strategist and congressional lawyer who famously walked away from Washington at the peak of her career. She managed the nationally watched 2002 campaign that tipped the divided U.S. Senate back to Republican control, overcoming a massive campaign deficit by orchestrating high-profile events with the President of the United States. Alongside her political work, she served as a lawyer-lobbyist at top international law firms and spent eight years as a chief political commentator for NBC and ABC news affiliates in Richmond, Virginia. However, a near-fatal car accident on the campaign trail served as the ultimate catalyst for change, forcing her to reckon with the heavy toll of her fabricated political identity. Turning down highly coveted job offers in the White House and the U.S. Senate, Thompson walked away from her political power to accept a visiting professorship at the University of Melbourne in Australia. This radical physical pivot sparked an even deeper ideological transformation. Once a champion of conservative platforms, Thompson underwent a complete political shift in the years that followed. Confronting her own white privilege and the realities of systemic racism, she embraced anti-racist work following the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri. She also fundamentally changed her stance on reproductive rights after a life-threatening pregnancy required her to have an abortion to save her own life. Today, she openly acknowledges her departure from the party she once helped build, noting that she has not voted for a Republican candidate since 2015. Thompson now serves as a Chief of Staff at the University of Redlands in California and writes a popular Substack newsletter about authenticity, grace, and navigating major life transitions. She has been widely quoted in major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Chicago Tribune. Her debut memoir, Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten, will be released and distributed by Simon & Schuster in September 2026. 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 ...

  • S5 · E98
    August 19 · 26 min

    Does the US have a serious weapons shortage? S5E98 08.19.2026

    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! Heiner, from Berlin, Germany writes, Unless anyone was wondering, there is very little public support here for President Trump’s war in Iran, and by all accounts, Americans are growing even less supportive as the conflict drags on with no clear end in sight. During wartime, my countrymen and I understand the need for strategic secrecy; you’ve mentioned this many times on the podcast. But we’re now seeing increasing coverage questioning U.S. armament levels and the depletion of American stockpiles. Even acknowledging that the true state of U.S. weapons reserves is obscured by the fog of war, some of President Trump’s recent moves have caught my attention. He threatens major strikes, then abruptly backs off. He pivots from military escalation to talk of “total economic strangulation” as the primary tool of pressure. So, here’s my question to the panel: Is this shift toward economic warfare a signal that U.S. weapons stockpiles may be in worse condition than many assume? Is the administration recalibrating strategy because the military toolbox is more limited than officials are willing to publicly admit? If America has weakened itself by engaging in this stupid war, how vulnerable do you think America is? How vulnerable is Europe to Russian aggression if America can’t even muster the weapons necessary to end the war in Iran? And what about the rest of the world? Is China looking on and planning something? 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 ...

  • S5 · E97
    August 17 · 31 min

    Israel Rejects Trump's Peace Plan S5E97 08.17.2026

    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! Mark from Tampa, Florida writes: Prime Minister Netanyahu has now publicly rejected Trump’s 15‑point plan, and watching the video, the dismissal looked like a direct and unmistakable rebuke. It raises real questions about the effectiveness and relevance of Trump’s “Board of Peace,” especially at a moment when American support for Israel is showing signs of strain and the war with Iran is beginning to resemble a long, grinding conflict with no clear end. So, here’s what I’d like the panel to consider: Is this a strategic miscalculation by Netanyahu and Israel? Do they truly have the luxury of openly rejecting a proposal from one of their most important, and increasingly unpredictable, allies? And more broadly, what does this public break signal about the future of U.S.–Israel relations, especially as both countries navigate a volatile regional war and shifting political landscapes at home? 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 ...

  • S5 · E6
    August 14 · 22 min

    Max Miller and the Ohio 7th S5E96 08.14.2026

    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! Henry from Toledo, Ohio writes: Representative Max Miller says he intends to stay in his House race despite being accused of sexual abuse by his ex‑wife and despite Republicans publicly calling for him to step down. But the filing deadline has passed, and the party is now effectively stuck with him on the ballot. Most people would assume Miller is headed for a rough election, even in a ruby‑red district. So, my question to the panel is this: If Miller actually wins, what does that say about Ohio’s 7th District and the electorate more broadly? What do voters overlook, tolerate, or rationalize in moments like this? And second, why do you think Miller chose to stay in the race? Did he calculate that in a party willing to nominate Trump, the boundaries of what is politically disqualifying have shifted so dramatically that almost anything goes now? 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 ...

  • S5 · E95
    August 12 · 17 min

    A suggestion from Australia for the Iran Crisis S5E95 08.12.2026

    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! Robby, from Melbourne, Australia writes, You all must be getting dizzy over there in America. Every day feels like Groundhog Day, the same cycle repeating itself. The war is supposedly won. Their capabilities are destroyed. Then suddenly we’re bombing again. More service members are hurt. We’re talking. We have a deal. Then we don’t have a deal. One minute it’s “We’ll respond forcefully,” the next it’s “Never mind, we’re stepping back.” At this point, does anyone actually know what’s going on? Here in Australia, it’s almost become a running joke. You can’t walk into a pub without someone shaking their head at the sheer dysfunction in Washington. And I’m not talking about one person, I mean the government as a whole. The executive branch lurches from one position to another, and Congress seems unable to assert any coherent strategy. People here genuinely wonder how American public confidence in its leadership remains as high as it does. Meanwhile, Australia has stayed almost entirely silent throughout this conflict. Our priority is economic stability. We favor diplomacy, we avoid escalation, and we have no intention of sending troops. You’ve talked a lot about diplomacy on past episodes, but I want to float an idea. If Middle Eastern partners aren’t making progress, is it time to look beyond the usual mediators? What if China, Japan, and Australia took the lead in negotiations? Could a coalition of major Asia‑Pacific powers produce better results? Would the United States even accept that kind of arrangement? And if it did, given the volatility of American decision‑making right now, would it make any difference? You often say the U.S. needs an exit strategy, but from the outside it looks like every potential off‑ramp gets burned the moment it appears. So is Washington actually trying to get out of this conflict, or is it stuck in a cycle it no longer knows how to break? 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 ...

  • S5 · E94
    August 10 · 25 min

    The Fauci Hearings and COVID S5E94 08.10.2026

    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! Rachel from Monterey, California writes: Last week, Senator Rand Paul held a hearing aimed squarely at attacking Dr. Anthony Fauci, essentially a physician with a long record of controversial claims going after one of the world’s foremost experts on infectious diseases. Senator Hawley jumped in as well, trying to score points while Dr. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to nearly every question. At one point they even removed Fauci’s attorney from the room, which struck me as completely outrageous. The core issue, of course, is whether the NIH funded research in China that could have contributed to the COVID outbreak. But what stood out just as much was how intensely politicized the entire hearing became. It raises the question: are Republicans planning to use this spectacle as a campaign tool in November? If so, what talking points might they lean on? And if they do weaponize this, how should Democrats respond? 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 ...

  • S5 · E93
    August 7 · 25 min

    The Reflecting Pool Case and the fate of Pirro S5E93 08.07.2026

    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! Tammy from Bethpage, New York writes: So, it turns out Senators Tillis and Cornyn blocked the Blanche nomination for Attorney General because of the anti‑weaponization fund, a rare moment of backbone from Republicans. But now it appears the DOJ is moving to rescind that fund entirely. If that happens, those two senators may end up supporting Blanche after all, even though he is uniquely unqualified to serve as the nation’s top law‑enforcement official. So, the real question is this: is the anti‑weaponization fund truly dead, or is this just political lip service meant to smooth the path for Blanche’s confirmation? And if the fund is gone, should Tillis and Cornyn continue opposing the nomination on the simple grounds that Blanche is not competent or qualified to be Attorney General? Finally, if confirmed what would stop Blanche and Trump from coming up with a new grift scheme? And when is Pirro’s head going to be on the chopping block? Nice job on that reflecting pool case “Judge Jeanine”. 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 ...

  • S5 · E92
    August 5 · 16 min

    Are we seeing a change in Trump support for Ukraine? S5E92 08.05.2026

    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! Orin, from Boise, Idaho writes, President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week, and according to Zelenskyy, the talks were constructive. Meanwhile, Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine, and just yesterday an errant missile, believed to be Russian, struck Poland. With the conflict escalating and NATO countries now finding themselves in the line of fire, the question becomes whether Trump is beginning to distance himself from Vladimir Putin and showing a new willingness to support Ukraine. There’s also the issue of cost and capacity. Pete Hegseth is requesting billions more to sustain the Iran conflict, which increasingly resembles a long-term, open-ended engagement. That raises a critical strategic question: can the United States meaningfully influence the trajectory of the Russia–Ukraine war while simultaneously funding a major conflict in Iran. Or is the future of the Ukraine conflict going to fall primarily to the European Union and NATO partners. So, for the panel, did this meeting signal a shift in U.S. posture toward Ukraine; and second, does the United States has the bandwidth, financially, militarily, and politically, to shape outcomes in both conflicts at once. 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 ...

  • S5 · E91
    August 3 · 30 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E90
    July 31 · 28 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E89
    July 29 · 31 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E88
    July 27 · 40 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E87
    July 24 · 27 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E86
    July 22 · 31 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E85
    July 20 · 21 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E84
    July 17 · 25 min

    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 ...

  • S5 · E83
    July 15 · 31 min

    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. 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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