The Nova Society
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.
Questions from ASU S5E61 05.25.2026
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John from Tempe Arizona writes, I’ve listened to the Nova Society for over 3 years now and enjoy the show. I teach political theory at the local university, (ASU) and my classes are in a heated discussions regarding the state of politics in America today. I have listened with interest to your take regarding the Trump Presidency. I think the panel has some different views as to what and why we...
Trump's IRS settlement and a slush fund for the Proud Boys S5E60 05.22.2026
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Tonya from Westminster, Indiana writes, So Trump’s suit against the IRS is personally paying off for him. His DOJ signed off on a deal that not only forbids looking back at Trump and his families tax evasion over the years but creates a over 1-billion-dollar slush fund to reward the January 6th traitors that attacked our capital. This is so obviously corrupt it’s almost mindboggling. I know the numb...
The Post China visit analysis S5E59 05.20.2026
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Thomas from Bridgeport, RI writes Well Trump is back from his China trip and as expected he is touting his great success. I did note that this week President Putin visited China and not only did he also get the red-carpet treatment but Xi personally showed up to welcome him, unlike when Trump arrived. For me that spoke volumes. From what we’ve been told Trump was ambiguous regarding Tiwan and...
Redistricting in Virginia S5E58 05.18.2025
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Today our question in from Tammy from Roanoke, Virginia writes, “I am very angry at the Virginia Supreme Court, overturning the redistricting decision made by the people. How is it possible for a group of judges to reject a democratically approved law? The people spoke and it seems our voices don’t matter anymore. I know this question might cause a fight on the Podcast. Dr. Brooklynn will see this as a...
Trump's trip to China S5E57 05.15.2026
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Today we hear from James from Toronto Canada writes: So the American President is going to China. With all that is going on in the world, this might make sense. But when I think about your President I begin to wonder if this could be a further disaster for the United States? As a Canadian who has always had good feeling toward the US, I and many of my countrymen a...
Attacking the Dragon A book about China where fiction and reality collide with A. Marc. Ross S5E56 05.13.2026
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Today, we are happy to welcome author A. Marc Ross to discuss his new book, "Attacking the Dragon," a political thriller we think all our listeners will enjoy. We will be discussing the book and how this piece of fiction might relate to China's geopolitics today.
Both of Marc's books are available on Kindle and through Amazon.com. Signed copies by the author are also available on Marc's...
The peoples Primary Concept with Tom Joseph S5E55 05.11.2026
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Today we welcome Tom Joseph, businessman, entrepreneur, and civic reform advocate. Tom joins us to explore his groundbreaking People’s Primary model, an innovative approach to selecting congressional delegates that reimagines how voters participate in the primary process.
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In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more...
US Aviation policy and the death of Spirit Airlines S5E54 05.08.2026
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Today our question comes from Peter from San Antonio Texas who writes, Last week Spirit Airlines closed operations. Although Spirit sucked as a carrier, it did offer opportunities to many wanting a less cost prohibitive option for air travel. So, and I’m sorry I have a lot of questions, I want to ask the panel, what does Spirit Airlines’ collapse reveal about the fragility of the ultra‑low‑cost carrier...
SCOTUS and the Voting Rights Act S5E53 05.06.2026
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Today our question is from Alicia from Rome, GA writes, Recently SCOTUS handed down a major decision impacting the voting rights Act in striking down Louisiana v. Callais. I have a bunch of questions regarding this decision.
Civil rights groups like the NAACP and ACLU have called the ruling a “devastating blow” and a “profound betrayal.” What does this decision mean for the future of multiracial democracy and federal p...
Hegseth on the Hill S5E52 05.04.2026
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Today our question is from George from Tallahassee, FL writes: Recently Pete Hegseth was questioned by congress, and it was explosive. Some members questioned the war in Iran. Calling it a “Quagmire”. In usual Trump administration fashion, Hegseth shot back calling the members unpatriotic and treasonous and giving aid and comfort to the enemy. I’ve been seeing this sentiment in many social media feeds recently. So, my question is, did Heg...
A Shooting at the WHCD? S5E50 04.29.2026
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Today our question is from Kay from Lancaster PA writes: So what could have been a disastrous Whitehouse Correspondents dinner was avoided by a gunman. Of course conspiracy theorists are saying that it was all planned. But I tend to believe that this was a real incident. However, by all reports, this was not as life threatening as the right would like to have us believe. The gunman never got...
The King's visit and changes at OPEC S5E51 05.01.2026
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Today we hear from Heather from Lexington VA writes, King Charles III is visiting Washington in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. What is the real purpose of the King’s visit? Since he has no real power is there a diplomatic reason or agenda that the King can promote, or do you think this is just for show? Given the tension between the UK and US over Iran shou...
Tweets, Decline, and Manipulation S5E49 04.27.2026
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Today, we welcome back Dr. Stephen Ducat as we discuss Trump Tweets, Cognitive Decline, and the impact of manipulation on society.
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In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
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Predictions from the IMF S5E48 04.24.2026
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Today, we answer a question from Thomas from Las Vegas, Nevada, who writes, Of course, the economy is on everyone’s mind. The conflict in Iran is helping raise the price of almost everything. I’ve been following the IMF, and my questions stem from concerns they have raised; I’d like the panel's take on them. With Brent crude climbing above $100 per barrel, how vulnerable is the global economy to a p...
Could the Iran Conflict Expand and who really has the leverage? S5E47 04.22.2026
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Today we hear from Joyce from Kansas City, Missouri, who writes: " It’s hard to decide what is truth and what is fiction coming out of the Iran conflict. But it seems almost all social media and news outlets are asking the same questions. How close is the world to a broader regional war as Iran expands its blockade threats from the Strait of Hormuz to the Sea of Oman an...
Trump V the Pope S5E46 04.20.2026
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A listener writes; I know Mark is Catholic. How does he and the panel see the fight Trump seems to have taken up with the Pope? What about that Jesus/Doctor post on Truth Social? I see in the news even his most MAGA of Morons are not happy with this.
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Elections in Hungary S5E45 04.17.2026
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Candace from Butte, Montana writes, Victor Orban’s party was elected out in what is being described as a landslide in Hungary. I think this is interesting for us here in the US since Trump has used the Orban playbook to move us toward a more authoritarian government. Trump even sent JD Vance over to stump for Orban. But for all Orban’s and Trump’s maneuvering, taking over the press...
What's the Point with Eva Posner S5E44 04.15.2026
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Today we had a lot of fun with our special guest Eva Posner.
Eva is a sought-after podcast guest known for her insightful, direct, and often humorous takes on Democratic politics, campaigns, and ideology. She fearlessly pulls back the curtain on the political industrial complex, offering a candid perspective on its implications for the future of democracy.
In 2026, Eva marks ten years of powerful movement building w...
Iran Oil, War, and Credibility Part 2 S5E43 04.13.2026
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Today we finish our conversation started on Friday. We try to make sense of the Iran war and Scott says the quiet part out loud.
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In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
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Iran Oil, War, and Credibility S5E42 04.10.2026
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Today, we begin a conversation attempting to make sense of recent events for many of our listeners.
Today, we’re stepping into a week so packed with developments that it feels like the news cycle is running on fast‑forward.
The messages pouring into our inbox made one thing clear: people are trying to make sense of a lot at once. There’s the uproar surrounding Presiden...
Breaking the Chains of Party Politics with Metin Pekin S5E41 04.08.2026
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Today, we welcome our guest, Metin Pekin, to the Nova Society. Metin introduces a compelling vision of politics without traditional political parties, one built on truly independent representatives whose only loyalty is to their constituents.
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In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Iran, Oil, and Birthright Citizenship Part 2 S5E40 04.06.2026
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Today, we conclude our conversation from last Friday as we discuss the Iran Conflict, Oil, innovation, the future of America's world influence, birthright citizenship, and Israel.
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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 pro...
Iran, Oil, Birthright Citizenship and the mess we are in S5E39 04.03.2026
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Today, we have 2 questions that we will be splitting up into 2 episodes.
Tonya from Statesville, North Carolina writes: OK, it seems American and world politics get crazier and crazier by the day. Snowflake Hegseth is threatening to arrest Colin Jost for picking on him on SNL. As gas prices go up, Trump's approval rating continues to nose-dive. Finally, SCOTUS is hearing arguments over an Executive Order that ends Bi...
The dangers of Technology and AI with Dr. Peter Solomon S5E38 04.01.2026
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Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Peter Solomon onto the Podcast. Dr. Peter Solomon is a scientist, educator, successful entrepreneur, and author. His current mission: to warn the next generation about the threats posed by unchecked science and technology. He is sounding an alarm about the potential tyranny of technology through his novels, 100 Years to Extinction and the sequel, 12 Years to AI Singularity. <...
The philosophical Angle with Chris Angle S5E37 03.30.2026
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Today, we welcome Chris Angle to the Podcast. Chris is a University of Michigan,
graduate who studied in Japan Missionary - Japanese Language & Culture
When matriculating at the University of Michigan, Chris discovered a desire to write creatively. In his senior year, he discovered that he could meld the disciplines of human biological behavior with philosophy, and, as such, he produced a research paper proposing a relationship am...
TSA, ICE in Airports, and Trump's Muller comments S5E36 03.27.2026
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Today our question is from Troy from Pine Valley, California, who writes, ICE in airports? As if they weren’t bad enough out in the open! This just sounds like a disaster looking for a place to happen. I never thought I’d be defending the TSA, as they can be some real asshats, but here we are. So, I know DHS is still operating on limited funding as Republicans and...
What is really going on in Iran S5E35 03.25.2026
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Today we field a question from Tina from Wildwood, New Jersey, writes: OK, I think I’m confused, and I’m not the only one. Please, if you have any insight, what is really the status of the War with Iran? Trump says we’ve won. Then we are making progress. The Strait of Hormuz is open, then maybe not so much. We are negotiating successfully. Then Iran has 5 days to agr...
Ramon Perez The Digital Democracy Project S5E34 03.23.2026
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Today, we welcome Ramon Perez to the podcast. Ramon is an expert on Artificial Intelligence, a former military officer, and Executive Director at the Digital Democracy Project (DDP). After years in both civic service and the tech sector, he’s made it his mission to bridge the gap between citizens and government. DDP, which he leads, now operates in seven states, empowering people to directly weigh in on the real le...
Trump asks the world for help S5E32 03.18.2026
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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 Stra...
Are Republicans crashing and what can Democrats do to take advantage S5E33 03.20.2026
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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 goin...
Will the Iranian War end soon? S5E31 03.16.2026
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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 i...
Is there a plan in Iran? S5E30 03.13.2026
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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 a...
Money an Fairness with Paul Musson S5E29 03.11.2026
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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.
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In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in...
The War in Iran S5E28 03.09.2026
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Today, we continue our conversation on the War in Iran.
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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 wi...
The Iran War S5E27 03.06.2026
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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?
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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 we...
Breaking the Red Wall with Adrianne Marsh of Altum-Insight S5E26 03.04.2026
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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...
Trump's SCOTUS Tariff loss and the SOTU S5E25 03.02.2026
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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, a...
Should DHS be defunded? S5E24 02.27.2026
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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...
Zolal Habibi Action Center for Iran Freedom S5E23 02.25.2026
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Today we have a special guest Zolal Habibi, who will be talking to us about a movement within Iran seeking to overthrow the current regime and create a secular democratic Iran.
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In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
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Rubio at the Security Conference and should AOC run for President S5E22 02.23.2026
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Today our question is from Tina from Hamburg, Germany, who writes, Your Secretary of State Marco Rubio was here in Munich at the Security Conference. As was AOC and Hillary Clinton. Among others. Clinton was basically bashing the Trump/Epstein files debacle, where AOC seemingly is positioning herself for a potential presidential run in 2028. First, to AOC, do you think she should run? Could she be successful? Looking at Clinton, d...
