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The Nova Society

The Nova Society

By: Dr. Mark George Bound Dr. Scott Gerschwer & Dr. Brooklynn Ann Welden
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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.

© 2026 The Nova Society
Political Science Politics & Government Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Trump Irks Italy S5E75 06.26.2026
    Jun 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!

    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?

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    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.

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    21 mins
  • Is this peace deal for real? S5E74 06.24.2026
    Jun 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!

    Brandon from Boroughbridge, England writes So now we’re being told yet again that a peace deal has been reached. After forty‑plus previous “breakthroughs” that went nowhere, does the panel see any reason to believe this one is any different? The details are vague at best, and the claim that the Strait of Hormuz will suddenly reopen to all traffic feels more like wishful thinking than a credible development. And realistically, would Iran actually honor a deal that requires it to surrender their strongest source of leverage? It’s hard to imagine them giving that up without something far more substantial in return. I’m curious whether the panel sees this as a genuine diplomatic shift or just another announcement that won’t survive first contact with reality.

    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
    ...

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Trump Travels to the G7 S5E73 06.22.2026
    Jun 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!

    Joseph from Boston, MA writes: I see that President Trump will be meeting with the G7, and given the turmoil surrounding the conflict with Iran, I’m curious how the other leaders are likely to respond. What does the panel think they will say to him privately or publicly, and what do you think they should say in light of the current situation? Do you expect any meaningful policy shifts to come out of this meeting, or is this more likely to be a tense diplomatic reset with limited outcomes? I’d be interested in hearing how the panel reads the dynamics heading into this summit.

    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
    ...

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
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