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.
Episodes
646 episodes
Is the Clock Ticking for the US in Iran? S5E79 07.06.2026
Randy from Sacramento, California writes: Well, that didn’t take long. The peace framework already looks on the verge of collapse. Iran and the United States are still exchanging fire, commercial shipping is under attack in ...
Housing Affordability and the SAVE Act, A Republican missed opportunity? S5E78 07.03.2026
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 SA...
A hard look at the Iran Peace Deal S5E77 07.01.2026
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. T...
The Reflecting Pool S5E75 06.29.2026
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...
Trump Irks Italy S5E75 06.26.2026
Tyrell from Denver, Colorado writes:Trump seems to have a remarkable talent for alienating America’s allies. Just last week, he declared that without the United States, “there would be no Israel.” It’s hard to imagine that landing ...
Is this peace deal for real? S5E74 06.24.2026
Brandon from Boroughbridge, England writes So now we’re being told yet again that a peace deal has been reached. After forty‑plus previous “breakthroughs” that went nowhere, does the panel see any reason to believe this one is any diff...
Trump Travels to the G7 S5E73 06.22.2026
Joseph from Boston, MA writes: I see that President Trump will be meeting with the G7, and given the turmoil surrounding the conflict with Iran, I’m curious how the other leaders are likely to respond. What does the panel think they w...
Could the US Legislate a ban on social media Use by children? S5E72 06.19.2026
Renee from Miami, FL writes: I really enjoyed your episode on the dangers that social media poses for young people. I’ll admit that several of the points you raised were things I hadn’t fully considered before. I know the panel has praise...
Scott Talks the Knicks S5E71 06.17.2026
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 Baske...
The Middle East, What's Next S5E70 0615.2026
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 Leban...
Trump, Meet the Press, and the NBA Finals S5E69 06.12.2026
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 ...
Immigration Law with David Zimmer S5E68 06.10.2026
Today we welcome immigration lawyer David Zimmer, who will be unraveling some of the misconceptions around immigration law and policy in the US.
Israel's new plans for Gaza S5E67 06.08.2026
Ari from Liverpool, England writes:It now appears that Netanyahu is signaling that Israel intends to take control of roughly 70% of Gaza. I can’t imagine this ending well for Israel. No matter how anyone tries to frame it, this is, in pl...
All this winning? S5E66 06.05.2026
Roberta from Scranton, PA writes: I’ll admit it. Every time one of Trump’s plans collapses under its own weight, I feel a certain satisfaction. And this week has been something to watch. Major figures have pulled out of Freedom 250, leaving the...
How might the news change post Trump S5E65 06.03.2026
Paul from San Francisco, CA writes: I’m seeing reports that CBS has fired Scott Pelley for speaking out, and honestly, none of this surprises me anymore. Ever since Bari Weiss took over CBS following the Ellison purchase, the network has drifte...
Is social media harming our children's mental health? S5E64 06.01.2026
Corbin from Portland OR writes, I’d like to talk about a couple of health issues in the news. New studies show that teens may be experiencing severe mental health issues due to screen time. I can see it everywhere I go. Young people glued...
Shootings and Weddings. Conspiracy theories? S5E63 05.29.2026
Ted from Little Rock AR writes, OK maybe I’m being a conspiracy theorist here but is all seems just a bit convenient. Trump skips his oldest sons wedding and low and behold, shots are fired on the White House grounds, making it look like a real...
The Texas Primaries S5E62 05.27.2026
Renee from Dallas Texas Writes, Even though his poll numbers are in the low 30s it would seem the Trump hold on the Republican party is still strong. Here in Texas, Paxton has won the primary ousting John Cornyn. It wasn’t only a win, it was a ...
Questions from ASU S5E61 05.25.2026
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 Ame...
Shootings and Weddings. Conspiracy theories? S5E63 05.29.2026
Ted from Little Rock AR writes, OK maybe I’m being a conspiracy theorist here but is all seems just a bit convenient. Trump skips his oldest sons wedding and low and behold, shots are fired on the White House grounds, making it look like a real...
Trump's IRS settlement and a slush fund for the Proud Boys S5E60 05.22.2026
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-...
The Post China visit analysis S5E59 05.20.2026
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...
Redistricting in Virginia S5E58 05.18.2025
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 appro...
Trump's trip to China S5E57 05.15.2026
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 ...
Attacking the Dragon A book about China where fiction and reality collide with A. Marc. Ross S5E56 05.13.2026
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...