
The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack
166 episodes — Page 2 of 4
From Novelty Socks to Reporting on a Genocide
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Hassan Abo Qamar is a journalist and writer from Gaza. He’s also a first-year engineering student at the Islamic University of Gaza. His work has been published in outlets such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, The Nation, The Electronic Intifada, and The New Arab, among others, with a focus on documenting the humanitarian reality in Gaza beyond traditional political narratives. Not satisfied with just that, he’s also an entrepreneur and the founder of a small business called Socks Store in Gaza. Alongside his work, he is actively involved in community and volunteer initiatives, particularly those supporting children and humanitarian relief. The Epstein Files and the dearth of good reporting:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150004285 Shrapnel's Sam Mcilwaine on deepening political polarisation:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149409039 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1553The Triple Lock and Active Neutrality
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Associate Professor and contributing member of the Neutrality Roadshow, Patrick Bresnihan rejoins us on the Shack to talk about the impending erasure of the Triple Lock, the ongoing erasure of our neutrality, the fallacies at the heart of the militarisation agenda and why there is so much hope in Irish peoples pride in our peacekeeping neutrality. The Epstein Files and the dearth of good reporting:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150004285 Shrapnel's Sam Mcilwaine on deepening political polarisation:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149409039 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1552A Government that isn’t interested in Governing
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack Podcast, Tony is rejoined by Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya, to discuss the latest opinion polls, the Soc Dem rise, the upcoming by-elections and why we have a government who will do absolutely anything to avoid having to do something. The Triple Lock Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149848572 The Rental Reforms Podcast with Rory Hearne is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149857391
Hope in Action with Jenny Maguire
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic, Rory talks with activist, campaigner and commentator Jenny Maguire about her recent column that laid out the need for the broad left to focus on building a coalition that is based on a more hopeful vision and less prone to infighting around identity politics. This is a great conversation with a great voice and The Flash even makes a guest appearance. The Irish Spy Deel (sic) podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149241136?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1551Carers and People with Disabilities left behind again
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Bernard Mulvany is a Disability Rights Activist, founder of Access for All Ireland and a carer to his daughter, Sophia. He rejoins me just a few minutes after his latest meeting with the Government representatives where he outlined (again) the stark reality facing both Carers and People with Disabilities. So we got him at a good time. We are (on paper) a rich country. This doesn't need to be happening! Access for All https://www.instagram.com/access_for_all_ireland/?hl=en Ireland dropping the Triple Lock reaction podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149334686 A Palestinian refugee in Trump's America podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149237003
S1 Ep 1549Comrade Mark Carney and Confronting Wealth Inequality
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Theses first few weeks of 2026 have been a hell of a decade. But we did not have technocrat Mark Carney joining the revolution on our bingo cards. To discuss this, the inequality at the heart of the polarisation, wealth taxes on the 1%, Ireland's role in Global Tax Abuse and more is economist with NERI, Ciarán Nugent. The wealth inequality report is here:https://www.oxfamireland.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/wealth-inequality-report-final-version.pdf The Irish Spy Deel (sic) podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149241136?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
Writing to Remember
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Reem Hamadaqa is a Palestinian translator and storyteller from Gaza. She uses her writing to remember and to keep her lost loved ones alive. In this very special PalCast she tells her story of semi-surviving the genocide in Gaza. Please make sure you listen to this remarkable young woman. Comrade Mark Carney, Davos and Inequality podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148762978 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1548Gilded Rage – Trump, Musk and the Broligarchy
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack special, Tony is joined by independent journalist and author of the brilliant book Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley. Via the prism of the latest Trump madness, they dig deep into the themes of the book including class, oligarchy, the politics of tech, political corruption, illicit finance, the nihilism of forever wars and the depredations of an all too often clueless media and weak political opposition. Buy the Book:https://bookstation.ie/products/gilded-rage-elon-musk-and-the-radicalization-of-silicon-valley?srsltid=AfmBOopVhT4bd54ygp_HyAZnaE5Od4lRmby1o3FVQ0YpNv6ViSg-wByI Comrade Mark Carney, Davos and Inequality podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148762978 Ireland’s GDP is a mirage podcast with Prof Aidan Regan is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148284291 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
Erasing Israeli War Crimes
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this short PalCast, Yousef updates us on what is happening in Gaza, the ever expanding Yellow Line, the destruction of what little infrastructure remains, the creation of new mass graves and how the Knesset plans to hang Palestinian "prisoners." Semi-Surviving the Genocide with Reem Hamdaqa is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148679263 Gilded Rage with Jacob Silverman is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148385638 Support ‘Ocras’ here: https://chuffed.org/project/165535-ocras-hunger-striker-support-fund Ireland’s GDP is a mirage podcast with Prof Aidan Regan is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148284291 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1547Cruel and Wrong – The Immigration Debate
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack special, Tony sits down with immigration lawyer and (sadly) Corkman, Cathal Malone, to talk about Ireland's immigration system, the hardening political rhetoric, the lived reality and lots more. This is a must-listen for anyone who is concerned by statements from our elected officials and even more so for those who think our Government are just talking "common sense." Elon Musk podcast with author Jacob Silverman is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148385638 Support ‘Ocras’ here: https://chuffed.org/project/165535-ocras-hunger-striker-support-fund Ireland’s GDP is a mirage podcast with Prof Aidan Regan is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148284291 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
The 2026 Predictions Pod
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic, Rory is joined by producer Tony Groves to talk the reality of our homelessness crisis, the horror of AI/X Grok's CSAM, Simon Harris joining Jim O'Callaghan on the anti-immigrant bus, Climate Action getting binned by government and why the Left needs to focus on kitchen table issues in 2026. Editors Note: Rory subsequently abandoned his twitter/x account. Ireland’s GDP is a mirage podcast with Prof Aidan Regan is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148284291 The Immigration "Debate" Podcast with Lawyer Cathal Malone is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148191117 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
You’ll Have to Kill Me – Ali’s Story Part 2
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack CW: This podcast contains a personal story that discusses topics that some listeners may find upsetting. Ali Skaik is an English Literature student and writer from Gaza City. In his own words: "Literature should be lived and not just read. Growing up amid the struggles in Gaza, every word I write carries the reality I face daily. Literature became my way of living, feeling, and speaking the truth of the spirit, pain, and enduring hope of my people. In this very special episode Ali shares his story. Warning: He dose not spare any detail and discusses topics listeners may find upsetting. Ali has also been published on We Are Not Numbers, The Nation, The Electronic Intifada, and The Intercept. The Immigration "Debate" Podcast with Lawyer Cathal Malone is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148191117 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1546The Donroe Doctrine – ‘I Heard You Hit My Brother’
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack special, lecturer at ATU Sligo, Editor of the Irish Marxist Review and author of Tax Haven Ireland, Dr Brian O'Boyle, breaks down the so-called Donroe Doctrine and how it differs from the old American imperial expansionist regime. He talks about Venezuela from the Chavez-Bolivarian Revolution to the Maduro Kleptocracy and he gives a great analogy about bullying that you don't want to miss. "You hit my brother!" The Doc mentioned is here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH5nzZU0qCc Editors note: Tony got the Italy -Mercosur vote the wrong way around. But the implication made is still valid. Latest PalCast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148118568 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1545Scales of Justice
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack special, Manager of Environmental Law Ireland, and human dynamo, Attracta Ui Bhroin, joins me to discuss the proposed changes to access to justice that will tilt the scales of justice away from ordinary members of the public. Attracta breaks down what is at stake, the lack of accountability and oversight, how we got here and how you, YES YOU, can help us avoid this potential omnishambles. Call to Action It is essential to encourage submissions before the deadline this Thu 15th Jan at 5:30 to [email protected] on the "Consultation on the regulation of costs payable in matters prescribed on foot of section 294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Scale of Fees)" If there is only one line you have time can get in - it should be something to highlight any concerns you have on the chilling effect of these proposals, and the lack of clarity you have on their implications for cost exposure on your own costs in JR, if you have such concerns. If there is only time for a second line - it should be on your concerns about how poor the consultation has been, if you have such concerns. To get in touch with Attracta email:[email protected] The Donroe-Dumbroe Doctrine Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-147717138 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1544Pedro Sanchez vs Trump and Spain in 2025/26
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Madrid-based Journalist Eoghan Gilmartin and Professor at IE University, Madrid, Joe Haslam are back to talk Pedro Sanchez as the reverse Keir Starmer, standing up to Trump, Spain's economic miracle, Catalan independence in 2026, the frightening rise of far right Vox and why you should never ever get into the pub business. Warning: Contains strong language and tepid debates. Love you, lads xx The Donroe-Dumbroe Doctrine Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-147717138 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
‘You’ll Have To Kill Me’ – Ali Skaik
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack CW: This podcast contains a personal story that discusses topics that some listeners may find upsetting. Ali Skaik is an English Literature student and writer from Gaza City. In his own words: "Literature should be lived and not just read. Growing up amid the struggles in Gaza, every word I write carries the reality I face daily. Literature became my way of living, feeling, and speaking the truth of the spirit, pain, and enduring hope of my people. In this very special episode Ali shares his story. Warning: He dose not spare any detail and discusses topics listeners may find upsetting. Ali has also been published on We Are Not Numbers, The Nation, The Electronic Intifada, and The Intercept. The Donroe Doctrine Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-147717138 Pedro Sanchez's Spain special podcast is out here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146421867 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
The Government Does Not Want To Hear From You!
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Very unhelpfully, our Government chose to publish a "Consultation on the regulation of costs" pertaining to settled EU Law (Aarhaus Convention 2005) just before they headed of for Christmas. An act so sneaky that it gives the public only until Jan 15th to have their say. A cynic might think they don't want to hear from us at all. So in this Call to Action podcast, solicitor (not satan) Fred Logue tells us what is happening and how, if the government get their way, access to justice will become a plaything of the already privileged. If you think this is wrong please make your views known by emailing [email protected] by 15 January Link here:https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/consultations/consultation-on-the-regulation-of-costs-payable-in-matters-prescribed-on-foot-of-section-295-of-the-planning-and-development-act-2024-scale-of-fees/ The Latest from Latin America with el Pais journalist, Nicholas Dale Leal is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-147561629 Pedro Sanchez's Spain special podcast is out here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146421867 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1542Trump, Venezuela and the Far Right in Latin America
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Colombian journalist with el Pais, Nicholas Dale Leal, rejoined me to talk Latin America, Trump’s regime change plans for Venezuela, the far right on the rise in Chile and Honduras and the hopeful pushback from Colombia, Brazil and Mexico. 2025 was not a great year for the left in Latin-South America. But at the end Nicholas gives us some insight into how 2026 might be different. I'm not so confident. Podcast with Palestinian Author, Mahmoud Mushtaha is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146076759 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
A Tent is Not a Home
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Riwaa Abuquta is a young woman from Rafah city whose life has been shaped by displacement, loss, and the constant search for safety. Alongside with her family, her elderly parents and 5 sisters, one of whom is disabled, she shares the story of life in a tent for a year and a half. Since the beginning of the war, she has been uprooted from her home, carrying her family and her memories to a tent; a tent which she refuses to call home. Tune in for the full story. The Year in Spain Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146421867
S1 Ep 15402025, So How Was It For You?
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack It's that time of year again where we sit and reflect on the year gone by and talk optimistically about our pessimistic future. And who better* to do that than Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya and The Gist's Simon McGarr. *we asked better people, but they had better offers. The Trump-Venezuela podcast with el Pais journalist Nicholas Dale Leal is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146527115 Palestinian author Mahmoud Mushtaha podcast is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146076759
S1 Ep 1538The Ditch 2025 Review
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack From Housing Tzar’s to Children’s Health Ireland and on to Israeli military equipment, The Ditch has had another busy year. Add in their collaborations with other international media outlets and it’s fair to say that they have punched well above their weight. Eoghan McNeill joins me to look back over it all. The Trump-Venezuela Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146527115 The Sanctuary Runners Donation:https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/campaign/step-up-for-solidarity-the-12ks-of-christmas Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1535Trump, the EU and a Vision for Ireland
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Listener favourite, US-Based Irish-Russian Prof of Economics, Constantin Gurdgiev is back to wrap 2025 and this is a belter. Please listen and enjoy Constantin on Trumponomics, EU sclerosis, Ireland's windfall taxes vs Irish quality of life and what a vision for the future might be. Thank you, Constantin for your contributions as always. The Ditch 2025 Review Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146018449 The Sanctuary Runners Donation:https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/campaign/step-up-for-solidarity-the-12ks-of-christmas
S1 Ep 1541Cambodia on the Brink
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Cambodia was already one of the most disadvantaged places in the world long before the latest escalation with Thailand. Joining us to talk about the displacement of over a million people, the ongoing bombing and the impact it is having on the ground is Managing Director with seebeyondborders.org Pheung Pov and CEO with same, Colm Byrne. We also discuss the impact western countries reducing and cutting their Overseas Aid Budgets is having on the most vulnerable. Hint: It is catastrophic. The Ditch Wrap of the Year podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146018449 If you or someone you know can help please reach out at [email protected]
The Palestinian Phoenix
Ali Al Omari is a Palestinian-Philippino artist and architecture graduate, who holds a masters degree from the Victoria University of Wellington. His work focuses on Palestinian art, Sumud and Resistance through architecture. In this episode, he talks about architecture in Palestinian history including that of Gaza, a city that rises from the ashes, just like the Phoenix, tune in for the full episode. View Ali's work here:https://www.filemail.com/d/ybtuqoyfindbthf The Ditch 2025 Review Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-146018449 The Sanctuary Runners Donation:https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/campaign/step-up-for-solidarity-the-12ks-of-christmas Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1539It’s a Bad Dose – Flu Season
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr Niall Conroy is Adjunct Professor of Public Health in UCC, but you’ll remember him as the fella who handled the COVID 19 pandemic public health response in Queensland, Australia. He returns to the shack to talk about the worst flu outbreak in years and what we should do to protect ourselves and others. He also talks about the inequalities baked into the health system. The Leilani Farha Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 The Sanctuary Runners Donation:https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/campaign/step-up-for-solidarity-the-12ks-of-christmas Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1536A New Ireland – The Unity Opportunity
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this echo chamber podcast, I’m joined by Prof of Human Rights and Law at QUB, Colin Harvey, to talk about the potential of a new United Ireland. We discuss the work that has already taken place, the conversations that are being held and the ways in which governments need to step up. The Constantin Gurdgiev podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-145972391 The Leilani Farha Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
Gaza Floods as the Genocide Continues
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast, Yousef talks with Tony about the most recent events in Gaza, including the devastating floods, what's happening in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and how the aid situation is nowhere near where it needs to be. They outline the differences between the reality on the ground and the ridiculous narrative that the ceasefire is holding. The Colin Harvey - United Ireland Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-145049560 The Leilani Farha Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1532Derelict Ireland – Awareness is Not Enough
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Jude Sherry and Frank O'Connor are the driving forces behind the #DerelictIreland movement. They’ve been working relentlessly for years to bust the myths and political narratives that say that getting vacant or derelict properties back into use as homes is too complex and costly and , despite many hurdles, they are winning. Their recent appearance at the Oireachtas shows that. So it was a real pleasure to be rejoined by them both, and in-person, for a deep-dive into their work, art, advocacy and even the cost to them professionally for not giving up. The Colin Harvey - United Ireland Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-145049560 Conor McCabe breaks down the Irish economic "miracle" podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-145126732 The Leilani Farha Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1534Antisocial Neoliberalism or Housing and Hope?
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Prof Richard Murphy is back and he's not pulling any punches. We talk the UK's self-sanctioning budget, the Labour-becoming-the-Tories, but somehow worse, the fight between Zack Polanski's Populist Ecosocialist Green Party and Nigel Farage's Populist Far Right Reform Party and heck, even Gramsci gets a mention! The Conor McCabe Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-145126732 The Christy Moore Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/135485064?collection=1509929 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1533Cows for Cars
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack A short podcast with MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, on the return (again!) of CETA, the Governments insane push for unconstitutional investor courts, Mercosur's hormone enhanced cows for German cars and how to react to the EPP and Fine Gael joining with the far right in the EU. The Leilani Farha Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 The Christy Moore Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/135485064?collection=1509929 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
Balsam eases the pain
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Eva Abu Mariam is a 20 year-old woman from Gaza studying dentistry at Al-Azhar University–Gaza, who is involved deeply in community work in the field in Gaza. She joins us from her family home after 25 months of displacement, famine and tragedy. Please watch this podcast. Yes, the subject matter is heavy. But her spirit is indomitable. Her poem that we discuss ‘Balsam’ is available here:https://illuminatedcities.org/poems/eva/balsam The Leilani Farha Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 The Christy Moore Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/135485064?collection=1509929 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1530Thrown Under the EU’s Omnibus
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Worker’s rights getting rolled back. Environmental protections getting torn up. Financial regulation getting loosened. Data privacy laws getting sacrificed to the AI Gods. Access to Justice being undermined. Capitalism isn’t in crisis. Capitalism is the crisis. In this podcast I'm joined by Senator Patricia Stephenson and TUD lecturer, Dr Ciarán O'Carroll and we talk optimistically about our pessimistic future. The Leilani Farha Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 The Christy Moore Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/135485064?collection=1509929 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Abdullah Al-Yazouri, is a 15-year old sophomore currently residing in Gaza. He came to global attention as the narrator of the award winning documentary “Gaza: How to Survive a War-zone." The BBC later pulled the documentary because of his fathers job in the Dept of Agriculture in Gaza. He talks about the documentary, the "controversy", his experience during the genocide, the impact hunger has had on his teenage development and his commendable plans for the future. Tune in for the full story. The Leilani Farha Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 The Christy Moor Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/135485064?collection=1509929 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1525I Hate To Say I Told You So!
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Journalist, writer and our man in Stockholm, Philip O’Connor is back and he had a lot to say. We talk the shift in rhetoric around immigration policy by senior politicians, what the Ivan Yates controversy actually says about our media, the chances of Left Unity beyond the Connolly campaign and some reasons to be optimistic. There are some! Listen to Richard Boyd Barrett here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143926042 Support Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1528‘Keir Starmer’s on his way out. Does it even matter?’ with John Harris
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Award winning Columnist with the Guardian, and host of their Politics Weekly podcast, John Harris, rejoined me in advance of the Budget to talk Labour’s lurch to Farage framing, the lack of a plan to improve the lives of ordinary people and the rise and rise of the Greens under Zack Polanski. The Bernadette Devlin Podcast is out now here: Richard Boyd-Barrett is here: Donate to Dignity for Palestine here:
S1 Ep 1529The Seven Stages of Housing Crisis Grief
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Fresh from her dalliance with another podcast that I try not to listen to, but sometimes do, is returning champion, UCD's Orla Hegarty. She gives us a great breakdown of where the newest housing plan breaks down, talks cheese sandwiches and procurement, true affordability and even a little Charles Stewart Parnell. Enjoy. The Bernadette Devlin podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143788781 Support Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
If I Start To Grieve I Might Never Stop
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Maryam Elwaheidy is a translator with a strong foundation in English, Arabic. She holds a B.A. in English Language and Translation from Al-Azhar University in Gaza. She joins us from Gaza city to update us on the latest situation on the ground with the heavy fall of rain which flooded the tents of displaced Palestinians. We also discuss how the world is pretending that the so-called ceasefire means we can all forget about Gaza and what Israel has done over the last two plus years. Tune in for the full story. Note: this was recorded in Leinster House and Richard Boyd-Barrett makes an impromptu appearance at the end. Richard Boyd-Barrett is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143926042 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1527‘No One Cares About Sudan!’
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Our guest, Andrew Stroehlein, has over 20 years of experience in Human Rights Advocacy, including several years as the European Director of Human Rights Watch. He recently started his own newsletter, International Affairs for Normal People and I was delighted that he agreed to rejoin us on the tortoise shack to talk about his latest piece, "No One Cares About Sudan." Read:https://www.internationalaffairsfornormalpeople.eu/no-one-cares-about-sudan/ Bernadette Devlin McAliskey's podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143788781 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1526The Climate Emergency and the Lie of the Land with John Gibbons
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Campaigning journalist, John Gibbons, is no stranger to talking Climate Breakdown on the tortoise shack, but this chat is a little bit different. His new book, The Lie of the Land, is part memoir, part climate action quick reference guide and part John starting fights with groups who have vested interests in slowing our response to the accelerating climate emergency. We talk about it all. Do get the book. The Orla Hegarty Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143584769 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
‘It’s 2026 soon, But to me it’s always October 2023’
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ayat Abuhelal is a poet, writer, translator, and student of English literature, born and raised in Gaza. She was recently evacuated to Ireland to continue her academic studies. While finishing her BA studies online, she is preparing to start her MA studies in Dublin. She shares a story of struggle between two worlds. This story is of displacement, hope and family that she left behind. When Ayat left Gaza, she also left behind part of her in a city now in rubble. As her new classmates speak of 2026 to come, she at times feel frozen in October 2023. Tune in for the full story. The Philip O'Connor Victory Parade Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143333372 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1522Catherine Connolly is Our President, What’s Next?
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Cian Prendiville was Head of Digital Organising on the Connolly for President Campaign, and late last week he joined me to talk about those history making months, the highs, lows and the learnings he wants us to take forward into a new keepleft.ie movement. Great insights, great enthusiasm and great strategic planning; even this old cynic was impressed. Cian's piece is out now here:https://jacobin.com/2025/11/connolly-ireland-presidential-election-left/ The Sudan podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143324871 The Ivan Yates story/non-story podcast is out here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143255108 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1521AI Bubbles, Infrastructure Deficits and Breaking the Social Contract
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Prof Constantin Gurdgiev returns to talk about Trump’s attack on economic data, the ridiculous surge into AI investment, the booming markets, the fraying social contract, the EU, China, Russia and Ukraine and even a few words on the Connolly presidency victory. There's a lot in this. But please listen. The Connolly Campaign podcast with the campaign's head of digital, Cian Prendiville is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143243777 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
The World is a Hotel, Gaza is my Home
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Sojood Bakroon is a graduate of Literature at Al-Aqsa University in Gaza. She is a writer and a poet, who hopes to amplify the Palestinian voice and let the world know about Palestine and Gaza. She is now in Ireland doing English and Communication at UCD. In this PalCast episode, she shares her experience of loss, displacement and fonding hope and sadness after leaving Gaza. “The world is a hotel and Gaza my home,” she says. She hopes to return back to Gaza one day to help rebuild. The John Gibbons Climate Action - the lie of the land - podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142412733 Support Dignity for Palestine details here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542
S1 Ep 1520The Collison Corrections and Access to Justice
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The great and the good fell over themselves to praise the recent John Collsion think-piece in the Irish Times. But nobody really stopped to ask "is he right?" In this Echo Chamber Podcast we are joined by Planning and Environmental Expert, Sabrina Joyce-Kemper and Solicitor, Fred Logue. Sabrina shares her lived access to justice experience as part of the Greater Dublin Drainage Project and Fred talks about the factual errors in the Collison piece. If you cannot attest a right, then you don't have it. Highly recommend you listen. New podcast with Gaza’s first female photojournalist Eman Mohammed out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142429339
S1 Ep 1518Mercosur and the Simplification Scam
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The EU continues to rollback hard won rights and protections around trade, work practices and environmental regulations all in the name of simplification and competitiveness. Now the previously maligned “free-trade” Mercosur is back on the agenda, consequences be damned. Joining me to discuss this and more is MEP Lynn Boylan, who is organising an event on Nov 6th around Trade Justice. More info here:https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/never-wast The Collison Fact Check podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142411212
There’s No Ceasefire Outside My Window
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack CW: Contains personal stories that some listeners may find upsetting. This week Israel broke the ceasefire with devastating consequences, killing over 100 people, including 46 children. Somehow most western media is reporting that they've now reinstated it. We live in terrible times. Our guest, Hala Al-Khatib is a 20-years-old writer and poet from Gaza and she speaks of the horrors that her neighborhood and all of Gaza went through on October 28, 2025. While Israel carried out the latest massacre, Hala was holding her breath; the IOF tanks visible from what is left of her destroyed home. Earlier in the genocide, she was injured along with some family members when Israel targeted a home on the other side of the street of her parents house. Her parents house now hosts her two sisters, who lost their spouses and homes, and her aunt who lost her home too. Despite all these difficulties, she is still hopeful and has plans for the future. Tune in for the full story. Constantin Gurdgiev podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142410024
S1 Ep 1519Bloody Sunday, British Justice and Soldier F
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack On the 30th of January 1972 a young Tony Doherty was playing marbles on the Bogside in Derry when word reached him that his father, Paddy had been shot. In the hours, weeks, months and years ahead the families of those who were murdered and injured on that day marched, campaigned and dragged the British State into apologising for what became known around the world as Bloody Sunday. Yesterday that journey (seemingly) ended when the mass murderer called Soldier F was found not guilty. Tony joins me to talk about the trial, the outcome, the Irish presidential campaign and much more. Dion Fanning podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142188516 MEP Lynn Boylan podcast is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142349510
S1 Ep 1517President Catherine Connolly – Winners and Losers
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this belter of an Echo pod we combine for the first time ever Mr irishelectionprojections.com's Harry McEvansoneya and thegist.ie's Simon McGarr and is was even more fun than I'd hoped. We talk about the main 3 stories arising out of Catherine Connolly's historic victory and the reasons much of legacy media seem to want to focus on the least important one. We talk winners, losers and the disconnect that this campaign has exposed between politics, media and the public. The Dion Fanning podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-142188516
The Presidential Election and Left Unity beyond the Connolly Campaign
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic, Rory is joined by tortoise shack editor and producer, Tony Groves and Mr irishelectionprojections.com, Harry McEvansoneya, to talk about the Presidential Election, the broad Left-unity movement that may emerge and the far right in Ireland. We also pit Rory's enthusiasm against Tony's cynicism and Harry looks at what lessons might be learned from what was a bit of a mad campaign. Harry's latest:https://irishelectionprojections.com/2025/10/21/2025-presidential-election/ Bloody Sunday, Soldier F and British Justice with Tony Doherty out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141945374
The Genocide Changed Me – Noor’s Story
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Noor Abu Mariam, is a Business Administration student, a writer, and the social media manager for Gaza Great Minds School. She is passionate about using storytelling and digital media to share the voices and experiences of people in Gaza. She shares how she saw body parts for the first time in her life while being displaced to the south from Al-Shatii refugee camp. Noor was displaced at least 15 times and despite all the upheaval she hopes to finish her degree and continue her graduate studies. She recounts how she lost her friend and aunt and how the last two years have changed her. Tune in for the full story The Presidential election podcast with Rory Hearne and Harry McEvansoneya is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141790100