Explore a conference talk on the evolving understanding of shocks in nova eruptions. Delve into findings from astrometric, photometric, and spectroscopic all-sky surveys that provide a comprehensive view of white dwarf populations in the Galaxy. Examine how these observations offer insights into stellar and planetary formation, Galactic star formation rates, and potential gravitational wave sources. Learn about the latest developments in white dwarf modeling, including advances in equations of state and opacities. Discover how this research contributes to various fields of astrophysics, from fundamental physics to using white dwarfs as diagnostic tools. Cover topics such as the Fermi Large Area Telescope, classical nova shocks, gamma-ray production, radio light curves, X-ray emission, dust formation, and nova light curves, concluding with open questions in the field.