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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
  • Housing Affordability and the SAVE Act, A Republican missed opportunity? S5E78 07.03.2026
    Jul 3 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!

    Ray from Bangor, Maine writes:

    So now the Housing Affordability Act, a bipartisan bill that actually had momentum, is on hold until Trump gets his SAVE Act passed. He’s reportedly pressuring members of his own party: either advance the SAVE Act, despite the serious concerns some Republicans have raised, or face the wrath of his base in November.

    The irony is hard to miss. The Housing Affordability Act could have given Republicans a rare, positive policy achievement to run on this fall. Instead, Trump remains fixated on his false claims of widespread voter fraud, and the SAVE Act has become another loyalty test rather than a substantive legislative priority.

    I’d really like to hear what the panel thinks. Should Republicans stand their ground, override a veto, if necessary, pass the Housing bill, and let the SAVE Act die? Do they have the political courage to break from Trump on this? And does this hand Democrats a clear line of attack heading into November?

    From a messaging standpoint, what’s the smarter strategy: focus on the tangible benefits of the Housing Affordability Act, or highlight the flaws and controversies surrounding the SAVE Act?

    Resilience Podcast Series
    We explore key challenges affecting civil society in Central and Eastern Europe.

    Listen on: 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

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    Past episodes & read our blog Here.

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    40 mins
  • A hard look at the Iran Peace Deal S5E77 07.01.2026
    Jul 1 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 taking a hard look at the newly announced Iran Peace Deal, a development that, depending on who you ask, is either a diplomatic breakthrough, a political sleight of hand, or a fragile ceasefire dressed up as a historic agreement. The administration has framed it as a major step toward ending the conflict. Critics argue it’s confusing, incomplete, and lacking transparency. And the public? They’re trying to figure out what happened.

    So, in this episode, we’re going to break down what we know, what we don’t know, and what this deal really means for the United States, Iran, and the broader Middle East.

    Resilience Podcast Series
    We explore key challenges affecting civil society in Central and Eastern Europe.

    Listen on: 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
    ...

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • The Reflecting Pool S5E75 06.29.2026
    Jun 29 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!

    Yaddi from Traverse, Michigan writes

    I know this might sound like a small or even silly topic at first, but I actually think it points to a much bigger issue in America. The Reflecting Pool refurbishment has turned into a full‑blown disaster, with algae blooms, peeling paint, and now Trump suggesting sabotage. At this rate, it feels like only a matter of time before he blames Obama or Biden.

    And yes, in the grand scheme of global crises, this might seem minor. But the symbolism of the Reflecting Pool, a place tied to some of the most important moments in our civic history, has exposed something deeper: the state of America’s infrastructure.

    While we spend billions on wars with unclear objectives and hundreds of millions on ballroom renovation, the basic physical backbone of this country is crumbling. Roads, bridges, water systems, and public spaces are all in dire need of investment. Yet we hear almost nothing from either political party treating infrastructure as a serious, sustained priority.

    So, here’s the real question: Could infrastructure actually be a winning political platform? It affects every community, every voter, every part of daily life. I’d love to hear the panel’s take on whether this moment, even one sparked by a drained pool, could finally push infrastructure back into the national conversation.

    Resilience Podcast Series
    We explore key challenges affecting civil society in Central and Eastern Europe.

    Listen on: 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
    ...

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
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