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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
  • Scott Talks the Knicks S5E71 06.17.2026
    Jun 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, with the NY Knicks winning the NBA Championship, many of our listeners, knowing of Scott's affection for the Knicks, flooded the mailbag with questions. So, we put together some of those questions and had a great time talking about Basketball, New York, and the Knicks.

    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
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    55 mins
  • The Middle East, What's Next S5E70 0615.2026
    Jun 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!

    Gio from Grosseto, Italy writes:

    The conflict in the Middle East continues without any sign of slowing, and the situation is becoming increasingly unstable. The United States and Iran are both urging Israel to halt its operations in Lebanon, yet at the same time, Israel and Iran continue exchanging missile strikes. It feels as though no diplomatic pressure, not even from major powers, is having any real influence on the parties involved.

    Your panel has often discussed the lack of an off‑ramp, and I agree: at this moment, there appears to be no clear path toward de‑escalation. What concerns me now is that Israel is effectively engaged on multiple fronts. Historically, when a nation is stretched thin, adversaries sometimes see an opportunity.

    Do you believe there are regional actors who might view this as a moment to strike a weakened Israel? And if so, who would be the most likely contenders?

    At the same time, international support for Israel continues to erode. As last week’s listener from England mentioned, attacks on Jewish communities are rising there, and I can say the same is happening here in Italy. It’s a troubling reminder that regional conflict often fuels broader hostility far beyond the battlefield.

    If another nation were to enter the conflict, who in the region might come to Israel’s aid? You’ve spoken before about the improving relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Do you think Riyadh would be willing to intervene, or at least provide some form of support?

    I would appreciate the panel’s assessment of these possibilities.

    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
    42 mins
  • Trump, Meet the Press, and the NBA Finals S5E69 06.12.2026
    Jun 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!

    Mike from Queens, NY writes: I’ve got two rants today, and honestly, I’m shocked my blood pressure survived the weekend.

    First, that Meet the Press interview. What was that? I’ve seen toddlers in the cereal aisle handle tough questions better. The host tossed him softballs so gentle they practically had feathers, and all she asked for was proof. Proof! Instead, we got a word salad monologue about voter fraud in California that sounded like someone shook a Magic 8 Ball too hard. And the moment she pushed back, just a little, he melted down like a popsicle on the F train in July. Calling her “cooked” and “stupid”? Please. I’ve heard more mature comebacks from my nephew’s kindergarten class. I kept wishing, just once, a journalist would look him dead in the eye and say, “Sir, you’re not the hero of this story.” But no, that would cause a five-alarm meltdown among the MAGA faithful, who treat him like he’s the Patron Saint of Spray Tan.

    So, panel, I’m begging you: was Kristen Welker the wrong person to interview someone who treats every question like a personal insult? Because I watched the whole thing, and I needed antacids afterward.

    Second rant, why was he at the Knicks game? Why does everything have to turn into the Trump Show? He looked like he was dozing off between plays. I know the Knicks’ owner is a buddy of his, but come on. Knicks fans are already hanging on by a thread emotionally. If they think the team’s being used as a political photo op, we might see a full-scale fan revolt. And honestly, who could blame them? Go Knicks!!!!!

    And as a special addition, Scott gives us a first-hand look at Madison Square Garden and his take on the Knicks.

    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
    37 mins
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