The Nova Society

The Nova Society

By Dr. Mark George Bound, Dr. Scott Gerschwer, & Dr. Brooklynn Ann WeldenSociety & CultureScienceSocial SciencesGovernment
Download on the App Store

The Nova Society episodes

  • Death in Our Schools S4E178 09.10.2025

    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 answer a question from Robert, who lives in Seattle, WA.  Robert asks, Last week we had another tragic school shooting in Minnesota.  This madness just continues as lawmakers only offer thoughts and prayers. It seems obvious that the country is more interested in protecting guns than children. I guess my question to the panel is, is there anything we, the people, can do to stop these tragic shootings? Or are we as a country just incapable of solving this problem?

    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 
    ...

    17 min
  • Trump, Hegseth and the illegal use of troops S4E177 09.09.2025

    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's question comes from Mark, who lives in Chicago, IL. Mark asks, A federal judge recently ruled that Trump and Hegseth violated federal law by using the US military to help carry out law enforcement activities in and around Los Angeles this summer. Yet the ruling only applies to California. Is this a good sign that Trump’s intentions to send troops to Chicago could be foiled? I think Trump has immunity for breaking federal law, according to the SCOTUS.  But does Hegseth have the same immunity?

    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 
    ...

    19 min
  • Dealing with the homeless crisis equitably S4E176 09.08.2025

    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 answer a question from Crystal, who lives in Rochester, MN. I serve as a medical services coordinator at a nonprofit clinic, where I work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. From this work, I’ve seen firsthand that while housing is not a cure-all for every challenge people face, it provides the essential foundation for stability, health, employment, and recovery. In Rochester, local stakeholders are working diligently, but we continue to face roadblocks that prevent real progress. At the same time, President Trump’s rollbacks at the federal level risk undermining the strides communities have already made. My question is this: What should cities, especially wealthier ones with the resources to make meaningful change, be doing to move beyond stalled efforts and truly address the homelessness crisis in ways that are sustainable and equitable for the people who live in our communities? 

    INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
    Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

    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 
    ...

    32 min
  • Speech on Fire: Patriotism, Protest, and Presidential Overreach S4E175 09.05.2025

    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 Christopher, who lives in Little Rock, AK. Christopher asks, Trump signed an EO to prosecute flag burning. This has sparked constitutional backlash even from Fox News analysts. Does the panel see this as overreach or just more political theater? Would a law banning flag burning stand judicial review?

    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 
    ...

    13 min
  • China, Russia, and India: The new world order? S4E174 09.04.2025

    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 answer a question from Michael, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Michael asks This past week, the leaders of China, India, and Russia met at an economic forum. They appear to be creating a powerful anti-American alliance. Are the Trump policies opening the door for our enemies to form these alliances? Could the US stand up to such a powerful economic and military bloc?

    INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
    Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

    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 
    ...

    34 min
  • Trump's city take over plans S4E173 09.03.2025

    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 answer another question from a listener. From Shelby, who lives in Baltimore, Maryland, Shelby asks, "Okay, let me first say that I voted for President Trump in 2024. Although after only a few short months, I am beginning to question that vote, I’m not sure Kamala Harris would have been any better." But I admit I’m beginning to get scared. Trump sent troops to LA and DC and is threatening to send troops to Chicago & NY.  He has also mentioned sending troops to my city of Baltimore.  He says it's all about immigration enforcement and crime prevention, but I’m beginning to doubt this narrative. There are competing ideas regarding the legality of sending National Guard troops into American cities. So, my first question is, do you think this is legal? Second, do you think this could escalate? Could this turn into states using military force against the federalized troops?

    INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
    Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

    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 
    ...

    33 min
  • Iran’s Political Prisoners: Countdown to Execution S4E172 09.02.2025

    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's question is from Krystal, who lives in Quebec, Canada, and Krystal asks, Iran seems to be stepping up their political prisoner executions, and the rest of the world has gone silent. What do you guys see as the international community’s accountability in protecting human rights?  Should the rest of the world intervene? 

    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 
    ...

    12 min
  • The Enemies List S4 E171 09.01.2025

    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 heard from Marcee, who lives in Pueblo, CO, and Marcee asks, former National Security Advisor Bolton’s home was raided by the FBI. Now, Trump is threatening to investigate Chris Christie. Now I’m not a fan of either, and I don’t think anyone on the podcast is either, but is this just Karma, or should we all begin to worry?  Who do you all think might be next?

    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 
    ...

    23 min
  • Mail in Ballots and Machine Politics: Trump's Executive Order Gambit S4E170 08.29.2025

    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 Ron, who lives in Richmond, VA. Ron asks, "Trump is pushing to ban mail-in voting and machines." Is this a policy move or a political signal? Could free and fair elections be held without these two elements? What might the ramifications be if he gets his way?

    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 
    ...

    20 min
  • Starvation as Strategy: Amnesty’s Accusation Against Israel S4E169 08.28.2025

    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 answering great questions from our listeners. It's from Rory, who lives in Houston, Texas, and Rory asks Amnesty International is claiming that Israel is using starvation as a weapon in Gaza. Does the panel think this is a legitimate claim or just left-wing hype? If this is happening, what are the legal and ethical implications?

    INFORMEDISH: Real life. Artificial cohost.
    Movies, parenting and life's absurdities. Jason and his AI cohost Heather take sides.

    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 
    ...

    31 min

About The Nova Society

From the publisher's feed

 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…