ScienceSocial SciencesGovernmentSociety & Culture

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.

Play

Open in

40 episodes
Avg 34 min
English

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Support this Podcast

Episodes 40

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S5 · E117
Friday · 18 min
The Xi Visit and the American Press S5E117 10.02.2026
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 Houston, Texas, writes: I found it striking that during President Xi’s visit last week, most of the coverage circulating in the U.S. came from Chinese media. American news outlets, for the most part, are still absent from the White House press pool after President Trump’s ban on CNN, ProPublica, and MS Now. Some commentators argue that denying the administration airtime deprives Trump of the attention he craves. That may be true, but it raises a serious question: is withholding coverage worth the cost of not knowing what the administration is doing? At what point does limiting Trump’s media exposure become less important than ensuring the public has access to essential 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 · E116
Thursday · 43 min
Is the US grievance culture a prime environment for authoritarianism in the future? S5E116 09.30.2026
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! Kelly, from Marquette University, writes: I’m a history student at Marquette University, and my thesis examines the recurring patterns that precede major global conflicts. In the 1920s, Germany became a pariah state under the punitive terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The resulting national humiliation, economic collapse, and political fragmentation created fertile ground for the rise of Hitler, whose regime sought to reclaim status and redress perceived injustices through militarization and expansion. That trajectory ultimately led to World War II. Setting contemporary political figures aside for the moment, it’s worth noting that several world leaders have openly expressed doubts about the reliability of the United States as a long‑term partner. New military and economic alliances are emerging without U.S. participation. In many respects, the United States appears increasingly isolated on the world stage. I agree with those who argue that the international system is unlikely to return to its pre‑2020 configuration. This raises a critical question: could a sustained loss of prestige and global influence push the United States toward electing a leader who promises to restore national prominence by any means available, including coercive force? In other words, are we witnessing conditions analogous to Germany’s post‑Versailles grievance narrative, conditions that might encourage a future leader to pursue an aggressive, restorative agenda? 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 · E115
September 28 · 1 hr 12 min
A Canadian Perspective with Markham Hilsop S5E115 09.28.2026
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 we welcome Markham Hilsop to the show. Markham is a Canadian journalist and CEO of Energi Media, one of Canada's leading independent news organizations. Our journalism currently averages over 6 million views/reads per month. We also have a sizable and growing US audience. Energi Media is celebrating its 18th year. This was an enjoyable episode for all of us here at the Nova Society. We will apologize in advance for some of the poor quality of the recording, but we found this guest so engaging that our team worked overtime to salvage as much of this interesting interview as possible. 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 · E114
September 27 · 1 hr 11 min
Leaving our Bubbles with Wesley Warshawer S5E114 09.25.2026
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 welcome Wesley Warshawer to the show. Wesley Warshawer is a business analyst in Silicon Valley’s semiconductor industry, a Fulbright Scholar to South Korea, essayist, podcast host, and speaker. He loves his work. For a living, he analyzes situations with data and communicates about it. But outside of semiconductors, he is passionate about exiting the safety of his “bubble” to learn. After a profound epiphany during a study abroad semester in India at 19, Wesley has sought wisdom through travel. Travel can be across the world or across town. It can be as simple as visiting a new neighborhood, trying a new restaurant, or meeting someone new. Outside your comfort zone, you are a sponge for personal insight and growth. Wesley shares his epiphany moments and encourages audiences to leave the comfort of their bubble to learn more about themselves. 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 · E113
September 23 · 24 min
Don Kettl helps us answer more listener questions. S5E113 09.23.2026
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, Dr. Don Kettl agreed to stay around and help answer some listener questions. Tam from Boulder, Colorado, writes: Trump recently announced that if Republicans win both the House and Senate in the midterms, he will issue a $5,000 check to every American. Speaker Johnson has hinted that the House might be willing to work with him on something like this, though he added, “no promises.” To me, this sounds uncomfortably close to buying votes, and I must imagine there are legal or ethical boundaries around even suggesting something like this. So, my question is: Is this kind of promise actually illegal, or does it fall into the category of political messaging that’s technically allowed? And more importantly, given all the previous financial‑incentive promises, checks, rebates, cryptocurrency ideas, and so on, has any of this been effective politically, or does it mostly fade once the election is over? We also had time for a bonus question. 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 · E112
September 21 · 54 min
Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten with Jen Thompson S5E112 09.21.2026
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 delighted to welcome back Jen Thompson as she joins us on the eve of her forthcoming book, Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten. A former high‑powered Republican strategist and congressional lawyer, Jen built her career at the center of national politics before a near‑fatal car accident forced her to step away from Washington and rethink everything, professionally, personally, and philosophically. Her story is one of ambition, impact, and ultimately, transformation. www.jenthompsonwritethings.substack.com 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 · E111
September 20 · 22 min
Listener Questions with Dr. Don Kettl: Even if the Dems win isn't the math still against them? S5E111 09.18.2026
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, Dr. Don Kettl agreed to stay around and help answer some listener questions. Raymond from Albany, New York, writes: I know the panel would love to see a major shift in party control in the midterm elections, and honestly, I would too. But I’m also realistic. Even if Democrats were to retake both the House and the Senate, they still wouldn’t have the numbers to pass much. They almost certainly wouldn’t have the votes to override a veto in the House, and with the filibuster still in place in the Senate, Republicans could keep blocking most legislation. So, here’s my question: If Democrats regain control but remain short of the numbers needed to govern effectively, what options do they actually have beyond repeatedly pointing to Republican obstruction? Should they seriously consider pushing to end the Senate filibuster, or is that a political fight they’re unlikely to win? 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 · E110
September 20 · 55 min
Talking Politics With Don Kettl S5E110 09.16.2026
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 welcome Dr. Don Kettl to the show. Donald Kettl specializes in public management and public policy. He previously served as dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and is a nonresident senior fellow at the Volcker Alliance, the Brookings Institution, and the Partnership for Public Service. He has authored numerous books. He has received three lifetime achievement awards: the American Political Science Association's John Gaus Award, the International Public Management Association's Warner W. Stockberger Achievement Award for Human Resources, and the American Society for Public Administration's Donald C. Stone Award. Dr. Kettl has consulted for government organizations at all levels, including most recently the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He has appeared frequently in national and international media. He has chaired two gubernatorial blue-ribbon commissions for the Wisconsin state government, one on campaign finance reform and the other on government structure and finance. 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 · E109
September 14 · 26 min
What does the AfD win in Germany Signal S5E109 09.14.2025
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! Adam from Magdeburg, Germany, writes: Maybe it’s time for the world to wake up to the political shifts happening across democracies. Here in Saxony‑Anhalt, the far‑right AfD just won 39 seats in the state parliament, thankfully still short of the 42 needed for a majority. But this party openly embraces ideas that echo white nationalism and, in some cases, the rhetoric of historical fascism. It’s unsettling, and yet people voted them in. I know the United States is wrestling with similar dynamics, with far‑right ideologies reshaping parts of the political landscape. Your panel has sometimes compared certain members of Congress to fascists, but with the AfD, it isn’t a metaphor. Their ideology aligns directly with historical fascist movements. What I really want to understand is why voters choose this path. What makes far‑right parties and their narratives so appealing? Why do these movements gain traction, here in Germany and there in America? 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 · E108
September 11 · 51 min
The Digital Democracy Project Update with Ramon Perez S5E108 09.11.2026
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 get an update on the digital democracy project from its CEO, Ramon Perez. 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 · E107
September 9 · 34 min
Pardons and Possibilities S5E107 09.09.2026
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! Tim from Santa Fe, New Mexico, writes: I sometimes find myself wondering just how gullible the American electorate can be. First, we got the Gulf of America. Then came Lake America. And now, apparently, “dumb Donny” wants to rename my state, New Mexico, as New America. If you’re an ultranationalist, maybe this all sounds perfectly reasonable. After all, putting “America first” seems to require little more than changing a name or hugging a flag. But it’s obvious these theatrics are meant to distract his shrinking base from the very real crises facing the country. That’s my rant. Here’s my actual question. I’ve seen commentary suggesting that if Republicans get thoroughly beaten in November, which many analysts expect, Trump might simply walk away from the presidency. He has no plan to fix the chaos he’s created, but he could leave with his pockets full. And while watching him exit stage right sounds appealing, that leaves us with Vance… and I’m not convinced that’s an upgrade. There is a certain logic to the scenario: Trump resigns, Vance becomes president, Vance pardons him for everything, and Trump avoids the accountability he so richly deserves. Is that a real possibility? And can a presidential pardon, even one issued by a sitting president, be overturned? 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 · E106
September 7 · 35 min
A Journey of Insights: Lessons in leadership and Legacy with James G Ellis S5E106 09.07.2026
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! Today we had the pleasure of interviewing James G Ellis, former businessman and entrepreneur, and Dean Emeritus of the Marshall School of Business at the University of California. He gave insights into his new book, A Journey of Insights: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy. Available wherever books are sold. Learn about Jim www.jamesgellisauthor.com 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 · E105
September 4 · 24 min
Has Jon Ossoff found a winning formula? S5E105 09.4.2026
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! Tammie, from Atlanta, Georgia, writes, If you’d asked me six years ago who Jon Ossoff was, I probably wouldn’t have had an answer. Today, he’s become one of the most visible rising figures in the Democratic Party, openly challenging President Trump, calling out his unusual dynamic with Natalie Harp, and hammering the administration’s economic and foreign‑policy missteps. What’s striking is that Ossoff doesn’t seem intimidated by the traditional Trump backlash. If anything, it appears to energize him. He even took aim at Trump’s attempt to defend Darline Graham’s widely criticized debate performance last week. So, it raises an interesting question: Has Ossoff found a way to neutralize Trump’s usual political playbook? And if so, should more Democrats adopt his approach? Given how unpopular many of them currently are, it’s hard to see what they have to lose. I’ll admit that politics in Georgia can get rough, and as Dr. Mark has pointed out, the same is true just across the border in South Carolina. So, is this where American politics is headed? And more broadly, does the panel believe that “dirty politics” is simply an unavoidable part of democratic systems? 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 · E104
September 2 · 38 min
Turbulence in the political parties and the economy S5E104 09.02.2026
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! Raymond from Birmingham, Alabama, writes: Both major parties are experiencing unexpected turbulence in this year’s primaries, revealing deep internal power struggles and competing visions of party identity. We’re seeing Bernie Sanders’ endorsement of Angie Nixon in Florida lead to a surprising upset in a traditionally red state. Freedom Caucus candidates, once dominant in conservative primaries, are now struggling to gain traction. Several long‑time incumbents have lost their House primaries, tying a modern record. And Democrats are wrestling with internal divisions over ICE, immigration enforcement, and border messaging, among other topics. So, the real question becomes: What do these fractures tell us about the future of both parties as we head into the 2026 midterms and beyond? And why are these internal battles intensifying 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 · E103
August 31 · 24 min
What are we trying to do with Canada? S5E103 08.31.2026
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! Jennifer from Detroit, Michigan, writes: Well, here we go, a trade war with one of our closest allies is apparently ready to begin. President Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods landed with a thud, and when Prime Minister Carney pushed back, Trump quickly backed off. (TACO). Does anyone in this administration understand how dependent we are on Canadian imports? Anything made with wood, including paper products, will rise in price. And you can already imagine the MAGA crowd clearing out store shelves of toilet paper. Alcohol prices will climb as well, especially since Canada has sharply reduced its consumption of American alcoholic beverages in favor of domestic brands. Nearly all dairy products will increase, given Canada’s role as a major supplier to the U.S. Meanwhile, Bessent is promoting a “D‑Day Economic Sanction Package” on Iran, claiming it will devastate Iran’s economy into submission. So, here’s the real question: With all the supposed economic expertise in this administration, how do they keep producing policies that are so consistently counterproductive? 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 · E102
August 28 · 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
August 26 · 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
August 24 · 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 ...

Showing 1–20 of 40 episodes