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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! Sonnie from the University of Georgia writes:  So, another Trump pseudo-family scandal with Kimberly Gilfoyle.  In my opinion, the questions extend beyond how this looks.   What does it say about U.S. diplomatic integrity when an ambassador is accused of soliciting a $100,000 payment from a political donor in exchange for access to senior administration officials?   If the allegations are true, does Guilfoyle’s conduct represent an isolated lapse, or a broader culture of influence‑peddling within the Trump administration?   How should the State Department’s Inspector General respond when an ambassador is accused of quid‑pro‑quo behavior involving personal debt relief? At what point does alleged ‘access‑for‑payment’ cross from ethical misconduct into criminal corruption?   What factors should President Trump and Secretary Rubio weigh as they consider whether to fire Guilfoyle, and how might their decision shape public trust in the administration?   Does the administration’s hesitation to comment reflect due diligence, political calculation, or internal disarray?   How does Fox News’ near‑silence on the scandal influence public understanding, and what does it reveal about partisan media ecosystems? How might allegations of influence‑trading and luxury travel funded by Greek businessmen affect U.S.–Greece relations and perceptions of American diplomatic integrity?   What does Guilfoyle’s alleged promise to be a donor’s ‘ride or die in Trump world’ reveal about the blurred lines between personal loyalty and public duty? 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  ...

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! Todd, from Texas Christian University, writes: What does it mean for American justice, and American society, that the Pentagon will publicly livestream the first U.S. military firing squad execution since World War II?”  Does livestreaming an execution serve transparency, or does it risk turning capital punishment into a public spectacle?  Could broadcasting Hasan’s execution create unintended risks, such as martyrdom or radicalization, despite DHS officials insisting ‘no one has to watch’? Why is the U.S. returning to a firing squad, an execution method unused by the military since 1945, and what does that say about the state of capital punishment today? Is livestreaming an execution a step toward greater transparency, or a step backward toward public executions last seen in America in 1936?  What message is the Pentagon sending by executing Hasan at Fort Hood, at the same time of day the 2009 shooting began, and broadcasting it live? I know there is a lot here, but I really wanted the panel's take.  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  ...

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 again welcome back one of our favorite guests Eva Posner. Eva Posner 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 with Evinco Strategies, leading a dedicated team with over 110 combined years of political experience. Her firm is committed to transforming the political landscape by supporting progressive causes and candidates. Beyond her work with Evinco, Eva offers free presentations and trainings to political operatives nationwide, sharing her expertise across the country. She champions local politics at a national scale, having successfully supported staff, candidates, and organizations across 17 states. 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  ...

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 again welcome back one of our favorite guests Eva Posner. Eva Posner 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 with Evinco Strategies, leading a dedicated team with over 110 combined years of political experience. Her firm is committed to transforming the political landscape by supporting progressive causes and candidates. Beyond her work with Evinco, Eva offers free presentations and trainings to political operatives nationwide, sharing her expertise across the country. She champions local politics at a national scale, having successfully supported staff, candidates, and organizations across 17 states. 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  ...

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! James from SUNY Albany writes: I’m studying Political Science, and I fully admit I’m a political nerd. I can’t get enough of polling, and I love watching the electoral map shift almost daily.  From what I’m seeing, it’s not just looking rough for Republicans; it’s starting to resemble a potential electoral disaster. It's remarkable that states like Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, North Carolina, and even South Carolina are being discussed as competitive. I know the panel doesn’t put much faith in polling, and I understand why. Historically, polls tend to underestimate Republican support and overestimate Democratic strength. But maybe this cycle is different. It’s also interesting that mainstream outlets are giving more attention to prediction markets, treating them as potentially meaningful indicators of how races might unfold. So here are my questions: does the panel think polling might be more accurate this time around? Have pollsters actually learned anything from the last few cycles where their models missed the mark? And what about prediction markets, are they a potentially reliable source for understanding the direction of these races? 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  ...

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! Terry from the University of Georgia writes: I’m sure this will spark debate, and Dr. Mark will probably roll his eyes reading it, but I need to ask the question anyway.  Trump has repeatedly declined to rule out declaring a national emergency if a Blue wave materializes next month. That kind of refusal to affirm a commitment to free and fair elections is deeply troubling.  The hypocrisy doesn’t help: he’s urging Republicans to vote early, vote by mail, and monitor the polls, the very practices he has spent years criticizing or trying to restrict through executive action. And when pressed, he won’t even rule out deploying the military or ICE to polling places. So, humor me for a moment. What if the worst‑case scenarios people worry about actually happened? What if ICE or the military were sent to interfere at the polls? What if he declared a national emergency or even attempted to invoke martial law? Essentially, what if the fears Dr. Brooklynn keeps raising came to pass? What scenarios would be possible? Could things turn violent? How would the military respond if placed in that position? What about Congress? Would Republicans defend constitutional norms, or would they simply go along? And once the dust settled, what consequences might fall on those who enabled such actions, and on those who resisted?  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  ...

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! Sierra, from THE Ohio State University, writes: As a law student who also minors in Political Science, I watched the Senate hearings with Jack Smith knowing full well they were designed more for spectacle than for any meaningful insight into the investigations. Even with that expectation, I was stunned. The Republicans managed to embarrass themselves at nearly every turn. Missouri’s Eric Schmitt couldn’t get the city, the state, the league, or even the league’s gender right, one of the most blatant displays of incompetence I’ve seen in a congressional hearing. And Darlene Graham’s exchange with Smith was remarkable for all the wrong reasons: she showed little grasp of the investigative process, only for Smith to politely praise her brother and note that Lindsey Graham would have been a witness for the prosecution. That moment alone could be taught in a seminar on unforced political errors. I won’t even get into Senator Kennedy and his “throw up in my mouth” remark.  But credit where it’s due: Amy Klobuchar stood her ground amid a panel of testosterone‑charged Republicans trying to score points instead of asking substantive questions. So, here’s what I’m wrestling with: why hold a hearing like this so close to the midterms? What was the strategic logic? Did Republicans genuinely think they had a compelling argument, or was this simply a last‑minute attempt at distraction? If it was the latter, it backfired, and badly. Instead of shifting attention, they highlighted exactly the weaknesses they hoped to obscure. What was the panel's impression of the clown show? 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  ...

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! Sydney from Las Vegas, Nevada writes: I’m a student from UA studying Political Science. Last week, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly. Trump’s remarks, particularly his threat to “annihilate” Iran, were met with scattered laughter in the chamber, while Netanyahu faced a largely empty hall as many delegates walked out before he began. These moments are symbolic, of course, but symbolism can be powerful. And speaking of symbolism, Denmark’s choice to play “Send in the Clowns” during a signing ceremony with U.S. officials regarding Greenland was undeniably pointed, and admittedly, darkly humorous. None of these gestures are likely to change policy outcomes in the eyes of Trump or Netanyahu. Yet the message they send to the rest of the world is unmistakable. I want to focus on the substance of the two leaders’ remarks. Both essentially threatened to eliminate another member state of the United Nations, an extraordinary escalation in tone for speeches delivered in that forum. And when we consider the broader strategic context, Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, the fact that the United States is facing real constraints in its military capacity, and the growing diplomatic isolation of both the U.S. and Israel, these kinds of statements seem counterproductive. The situation is already volatile, and much of the world is nearly unified in condemning the ongoing war. Looking ahead to November, an important question emerges: if congressional power shifts significantly, could that meaningfully influence U.S. war policy? Even if a new majority replaced certain officials, such as Secretary Hegseth, foreign policy has traditionally been dominated by the executive branch. Would a change in Congress be enough to alter the direction of U.S. engagement in the conflict? And one final question: why wasn’t Netanyahu arrested under the ICC warrant? Given the international legal framework, the optics of his appearance raise questions about enforcement, jurisdiction, and the political realities that shape how international law is applied.  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  ...

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  ...

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  ...

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  ...

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  ...

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  ...

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  ...

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  ...