The Nova Society

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 Jordan from Houston, Texas, who writes, I don’t know if this is wishful thinking or an actual collapse of the Trump hold is starting to happen. First MTG turned on Trump and resigned from Congress. The back and forth since then has been ugly, with Trump calling Green a traitor. Many other Republicans decided to retire, and the primaries don’t seem to be going smoothly for them. The Texas Senate between Cornyn and POS Paxton is a prime example. I never thought I would support Cornyn over anyone else, but there we have it. MAGA Moron Extraordinaire Joe Kent has resigned as the Counter Terrorism Director, and in his resignation, totally dismantled all of Trump's excuses for starting the war with Iran. Not the best look. And it looks like Dr. Mark might be getting his wish; things are not looking good for Senator Lindsey Graham in his reelection bid in South Carolina. Bondi is being called in to testify before the House Oversight committee, one controlled by the Republicans, about her handling of the Epstein files. There seems to be some internal arguing about Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security. Gas prices are up by over $ 1 per gallon. More Americans are dying in the Iran war. The rest of the world tells Trump to take a hike. And with the DHS budget still up in the air, travel has become a pain. TSA workers are not being paid and are not showing up to work. And this is the short list. Nothing seems to be breaking the Republicans' way. But Democrats don’t seem to be taking advantage of the situation. So, to my questions, are we seeing the collapse of the Trump regime or just another blip?  What can the Democrats do to take advantage of the Republican collapse? Who will emerge from the Democrats to lead the party? Will Dr. Mark get a new Senator? Who might that be? I just saw Venezuela beat Team USA for the World Baseball Classic title. Now that’s some Karma.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 Laura from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, who writes: The reporting regarding the US war in Iran is confusing. Trump says it’s already been won, Iran’s military capabilities are destroyed, and pretty much mission accomplished. Yet, Hegseth says it is just the beginning. We should note that Trump said that it could be the beginning or the end, a very incoherent statement. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is down to a crawl as oil prices continue to rise. This past week, Trump asked NATO allies and even China to send ships to secure the Strait. Then, when he didn’t get the response he was expecting or wanted, he demanded. It doesn’t seem like that worked either. I guess I’m wondering if all is well, what does the US need with the navy support of other countries? Again, we are seeing chaos with no clear answers. But my question is about the reaction from the rest of the world. I know you all have said in the past that Trump’s actions were isolating the US. Is this rejection of Trump’s request a first sign of that? Trump said that if NATO didn’t help, it might be bad for the organization. What does that really mean? Oil is important for the entire world, and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz is a real problem. One that the US should have recognized before it started this war. Do you think the rest of the world should send help? And lastly, if Trump pulls out without securing the Strait, and Israel keeps fighting, and because of that, the Strait stays closed, what do you think this will mean for Israel’s standing in the world?

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 Richard from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who writes, So Trump says the war in Iran will end soon. I believe he is feeling the heat.  This wasn’t as easy as he thought, go figure. Iran has selected the former ayatollah's son to be the new supreme leader. By all accounts, someone who is even worse than his father, if that is even possible.  Trump says that it is unacceptable, but it looks like there is little he can do about it. Iran is now hitting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, further disrupting energy shipping.  So, let's say Trump does a TACO.  Declares victory, which anyone with a brain knows is bullshit, and just leaves. What would this mean to the dynamics of the war? Do you think Israel would continue fighting? Will some other nation need to step in and stop the blockade of the Strait? Who might that be? And what happens to the Iranian people? I think they will be left off worse than before this all started. Has Trump’s only success been to destabilize the Middle East so badly that it’ll take decades to repair the damage? Can the damage be repaired? If you think it can, what would it take, and who would need to take the lead? 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 Stan from Roanoke, Virginia, who writes: I am a 27-year veteran of the US Navy, and for the first time in my life, I felt ashamed of my beloved branch of service. The war in Iran is becoming increasingly concerning as the days pass by. The cost of the war is estimated at around 1 billion dollars a day.  Gas prices continue to increase. More service men and women are killed every day. The administration appears to have no coherent plan or strategy, and now it has been hinted that our next target could be Cuba. What the hell are we doing? But my question is more along moral lines. Hegseth seems to have approved of an almost unrestricted war strategy. Now it looks like the girls' school was bombed by us! Over 150 young girls were killed. And there is the sinking of the Iranian frigate in international waters. Yet now reports are emerging that the frigate was returning from an invited war game and was unarmed, as were the conditions of the war games. To make this worse, after sinking the frigate, the US submarine didn’t even try to rescue survivors. Even the Germans in WWII would assist survivors. The fact that our military is acting in this way is appalling. But even worse, the American people seem quite alright with these tactics. It seems we are determined to play the bad guy. Do you think our military leaders will recognize these as war crimes and begin to refuse to be a party in all this? Should the Captain of the US Submarine be charged? Finally, if we pull out of Iran, do you think we might actually go after Cuba?

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 Paul Musson — a former investment manager turned author and economic communicator. Paul brings a rare blend of deep industry experience and down‑to‑earth language, empowering listeners to take control of their financial lives through clearer understanding.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 continue our conversation on the War in Iran. 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 discussing the Iran war.  Why now? Are we prepared? Did Israel force our hand? And how are some Americans viewing this conflict?

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 our guest, Adrianne Marsh, the CO of Altum-Insight, a research group studying the electorate from a fascinating perspective. Her team helps candidates and organizations translate research into compelling narratives and effective operations. 

Adrianne has spent two decades helping Democrats win races from Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign to Claire McCaskill’s 2012 re-election. 

They’re currently finalizing a new study focused on rural voters in Nebraska, and one finding stood out immediately: a deep, under-discussed fear of AI. 

Not the sensational, sci-fi version, but real concerns about accountability, trust, and who’s responsible as AI starts affecting daily life. 

Check out the work of Altum-Insight at https://www.altum-insight.com/ 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 Brandon from Boston, Massachusetts, who writes, The SCOTUS struck down the tariffs that Trump unilaterally imposed on many of our foreign trading partners. He held a press conference where he derided the Justices, even 2 that he appointed, who voted against him.  Calling them un-American and an embarrassment to the country and their families. Of course, within hours, he signed an order for another 10% tariff on everyone, and later raised it to 15%. Do you think this, too, will be struck down by the SCOTUS? Still, there is talk of refunds now.  Should we, the people, expect refund checks for all the pain these tariffs have caused? Or is that just another example of wishful thinking, like the DOGE checks and the promised $2000 Trump promised a few months ago? 

 Finally, I know you record on Wednesdays, but can I also get your take on the SOTU address? What stuck out to you, and did you think the message would help Trump’s sagging approval ratings? 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...

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 have a question from Frank from Virginia, who writes I’ve heard both Mark and Scott say that the Department of Homeland Security shouldn’t exist, and I’ve also heard the broader call from others to 'defund DHS.” That phrase in particular is where I struggle. DHS is often treated as synonymous with ICE or CBP, but those are just two components of a much larger department. DHS also includes the Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA, TSA, FLETC, the Office of Inspector General, USCIS, and the Secret Service. Each of those agencies serves very different missions, and while it’s completely fair to debate the merits of any one of them, a blanket call to defund DHS risks unintended consequences for agencies that many people would consider essential.
 
If DHS funding were cut dramatically, it seems plausible that ICE and CBP would retain much of their funding while other, less politically visible but highly functional agencies absorb the losses. FEMA already struggles to meet the growing demand for disaster relief. CISA, though less well known, plays a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure, such as election systems, our power grids, our hospitals, and more, from cyber threats. TSA funding cuts would directly affect everyday travelers. Even agencies that most people rarely think about provide services that quietly support national security and public safety without being questionable or offensive. Broad reductions could have ripple effects that reach far beyond immigration enforcement.
 
I’d really appreciate hearing the panel’s thoughts on this. If DHS were to be restructured or dismantled, what would that process realistically look like? How feasible is it to move or separate subagencies from DHS? And in the meantime, how should people think about reform that targets specific problems without weakening agencies that provide tangible public benefits?

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 
...