The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Martin Leahy is a real one. The dedicated housing protester, activist and musician shares his journey from housing struggles to completing a one-man a 200-week housing crisis protest. We talk about the power of activism, protest songs, community building, and the ongoing fight to make housing a human right. Hope to see lots of you outside the Dáil on Thursday at 1pm!

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Prof of Economics, Constantin Gurdgiev, rejoins us from an unseasonably warm Colorado to talk US politics, global economics and polarising geopolitics. We delve deeper into the cracks in the social contract and ask what it means for a world that is more war focused than solution oriented. Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Latest Reboot Pod on the Rise in Evictions:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153505035 Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The campaign to kick Israel out of football got A LOT spicier this week when FIFA President Gianni Infantino disagreed with international law over the Israeli illegal occupation of Palestinian lands. Re-joining me to talk about this, the awkward Slovenian dinner table discussions and what is going to happen next is cofounder of #GameOverIsrael Ashish Prashar. Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Latest Reboot Pod on the Rise in Evictions:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153505035 Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Emma Ward is a disability rights activist, a freelance journalist, an Irish Traveller and a person with a disability. She is also unapologetically outspoken, mischievous, ambitious and just great to talk to. She speaks about her struggles honestly and her passion to leave the world a better place than she found it. Her love of family, friends and community is obvious. As is her ability to get things done. Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Latest Reboot Pod on the Rise in Evictions:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153505035 Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Author of Tax Haven Ireland, editor of the Irish Marxist Review and listener favourite, Dr Brian O'Boyle has written an excellent piece of analysis on the US-Israel war on Iran. He joins us to talk through the many narratives, underlying motivations and the overarching hegemonic battle central to these awful events. MEP Lynn Boylan on Gaza, Iran and the EU: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153100794 Read the piece here:https://rebelnews.ie/2026/03/14/trumps-attack-on-iran-four-lessons-on-us-imperialism/ Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Heba Zeineddin holds a Bachelors Degree in English language and Teaching Methods from Alaqsa University in Gaza. She shares details of her life of displacement and loss in Gaza, where she has displaced with her family, including brother who has a disability, to a tent 12 times. Her family’s home was destroyed. Now she is trying to get back to normal by teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. She joins us from her tent in Gaza to tell her story. Tune in for the full story. Trump's war on Iran podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153166120 Donate to the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack We have one very big podcast about two very important stories both covered superbly by freelance journalist and soon-to-be author, Tommy Greene. Both are a testament to good old fashioned journalism. Tommy explains how it’s taken almost 8yrs to get some traction with the case of NHS Whistleblower, Dr Chris Day and then we get into the latest for-profit suggestions regarding Lough Neagh, Stormont's inaction and the PR interview given by the Lord of Shaftesbury. Note: C4 updated their piece to credit the work of Tommy NHS Story:https://www.livpost.co.uk/a-doctor-takes-on-the-nhs-and-its-liverpool-law-firm/ Lough Neagh latest: https://thedetail.tv/articles/lough-neagh-future-plans-wind-farms-carbon-credits The Immigration Reality Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-152732273 Latest PalCast with Heba Zeineddin in Gaza is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-152695708 Donate to the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack With over 250 journalists killed in Gaza since Oct 7th 2023, there is no more dangerous place in the world to be reporting the news. The threat of death hangs over the journalist and their families. Joining us is Issam Adwan, who is a Palestinian researcher whose work bridges international media, grassroots activism, and academic inquiry. He has worked as a journalist for global outlets including The Associated Press and Al Jazeera English, providing frontline coverage and investigative reports from Gaza during times of crisis. He joins us to discuss his displacement, the choices he had to make as a journalist and his views on the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. The Immigration Reality Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-152732273 Latest PalCast with Heba Zeineddin in Gaza is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-152695708 Donate to the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Davy Adams has lived many lives, from becoming a loyalist paramilitary, to go on to contribute to the initial ceasefire agreement and subsequent Good Friday Agreement and then to carry out another lifetime of humanitarian work in places like Syria, Sudan and Sierra Leone. He joined me to talk about his bottom-up view on conflict, his take on the US-Israel war on Iran and why despite all the horrors he's seen, he remains hopeful. An unremarkable looking remarkable man is Wee Davy. The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack It’s all a bit mad at the moment, so it was a salve for the soul to sit down and chat with Palestinian photo-journalist from Gaza, Eman Mohamed. She describes growing up in a matriarchal household, going to a convent school and falling in love with photography. We discuss her life outside of Gaza, in the US and now in Ireland. I loved this conversation and I hope you will too. See emanmohammed.com for more The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

For more please visit AFSC.org Ahmed Alnaouq grew up in Gaza and is the cofounder of We Are Not Numbers. 21 members of his family were killed in one Israeli airstrike during the ongoing genocide. 'During the ethnic cleansing of the Nakba 76 years ago, Palestinians took it upon themselves to immortalize their stories, documenting these massacres in writing. But, the old did not die, and the young did not forget, as Zionist leaders wrongly assumed they would. Palestinians, within the confines of their prison in Gaza, are once again writing their stories and recording history.' To purchase Displaced in Gaza click:https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2620-displaced-in-gaza All proceeds got to We Are Not Numbers in Gaza. Production by Tony Groves @ the tortoise shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Editors Note: I’d recommend watching this interview in order to get a sense of the reality in Gaza right now. Muhammad Almassarey holds a PhD in Business-Management (Entrepreneurship) from UUM- Malaysia. He wrote 60% of his thesis during the genocide from Gaza. He shares with us the journey of getting his PhD from a tent in Gaza and how acts of solidarity allowed him to achieve his goals, despite all challenges and having been displaced 10 times after losing his home. He literally rescued his PhD thesis from under the rubble, repeating “There is tomorrow and it will be better.” Tune in for the full story. Palestinian photo journalist Eman Mohammed joined us for a BIG chat. It's out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-151378526 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Editors Note: This podcast was recorded shortly before the Green Party won the UK by-election Prof Richard Murphy is one of the best commentators and analysts of the UK’s politics, economy and societal challenges. His own blog and output reaches millions of people every month. Which makes the fact that he is a tortoise shack regular all the more remarkable. We love having him and this is him at his frank speaking (Starmer, Polanski, SNP etc) best. Note: Richard also discusses his diagnosis with Autism as an older person and how that affects (even more) his views on the UK government’s “changes” on special needs education. Palestinian phot journalist, Eman Mohammed joined us on the latest podcast out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-151378526 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Tucker Carlson’s interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee made headlines across the world for many reasons. Not least of which was the Ambassador’s personal attack on Gaza Humanitarian Foundation whistleblower, US veteran and former Green Beret, Anthony Aguilar. Anthony joined me to talk about his experiences in Gaza, what it is like to be in the centre of a propaganda war, his own political ambitions and how ICE have rapidly become the Trump Regimes own personal army. Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Shams Mazen Rajab is a Palestinian graduate in English Language and Teaching Methods from Al-Aqsa University in Gaza. She is a writer and translator whose work conveys the resilience, struggles, and hopes of her community. Her articles and poems have been published in international platforms such as We Are Not Numbers, the collective blog Through Our Eyes, and the academic journal Brief Encounters. She joins us from her displacement tent in Deir Al Balah. Exclusive - Gaza Humanitarian Foundation whistleblower, Anthony Aguilar responds to Mike Huckabee and THAT Tucker Carlson interview here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-151502695 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Of the 4,521 new homes built in Dublin in 2025 only 208 went For Sale in an estate agents window. Something is deeply broken and given Ireland's retirement system is based on a homeownership model, it'll only get worse if action isn't taken soon. Joining me to discuss this and a whole lot more is Housing Expert and Lecturer at TUD, Lorcan Sirr. Enjoy. Or become worried. Or do both. The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this podcast I'm rejoined on the tortoise shack for the first time in over a year by the best voice on the biggest (and arguably least reported) public inquiry in UK history, Mr Tom Fowler. We talk how the decades long political policing of the left has contributed to the rise of the far right, how failing Prime Minister Keir Starmer keeps showing up in the SpyCops story and how an undercover British policeman led a sabotage mission on Irish farmland. Sounds mad? That's the mild stuff. The Epstein Class podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-151070182 The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Mohammed Isdodi is an English student in Al-Azhar University, Gaza, whose studies and plans were interrupted by the genocide. He joins us from Deir Balah to talk about his experiences, dreams, plans and why he speaks with an English accent. Please note I've not done too many audio cosmetics on this podcast as we are joined by drones and jets during the interview and I think people need to hear the reality. The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Depending on the reporting Cuba has 2-4 weeks of oil left and despite Trump saying that he's not involved, my guest journalist with el Pais, Nicholas Dale Leal, thinks the US has its knee on the throat of the small nation. We get into Cuba, the US, Mexico and Venezulea post Maduro. The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Last November, Ireland joined with other countries by publicly calling on UEFA to suspend Israel from international football. So inevitably Ireland has been drawn against Israel in the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Sadly the FAI and Taoiseach Micheal Martin have already said that the games will take place. Joining me to discuss this is one of the founders (alongside Richard Falk and Craig Mokhiber) of Game Over. Israel, Ashish Prashar, and he has a lot to say. Time to stand up to the bullies! For more visit gameoverisrael.com The Cuba Podcast with el Pais Latin American journalist Nicholas Dale Leal is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150664699

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Abdalkhaliq Abugaza is a high school student living in Gaza. He was born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents and moved home to Gaza in 2020. He is passionate about programming, storytelling, using technology to support education and humanitarian work. In this Palcast episode, he shares his experience of displacement, loss, life before the genocide and why he feels he’s one of the lucky ones. Tune in for the full story. The SpyCops Inquiry Pod is out now:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150521167 Poet Paula Meehan pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150317193 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic podcast, Rory chats to producer Tony about the biggest changes to Ireland’s rental market in a generation, the Government’s response (or lack of) to the recent floods and the need for the opposition to make the public believe that it doesn’t have to be this way when it comes to the current politics of mediocrity. The Epstein Files and the dearth of good reporting:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150004285 Poet Paula Meehan pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150317193 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack A lot of people are drawing comparisons between events in Minneapolis and the worst days of the Troubles. So I asked Shrapnel cohost and a loyalist voice of great sense, Sam Mcilwaine to come on and have a chat about how sometimes history doesn't rhyme, but it might echo. Editors Note: This was released for members on Jan 29th and we're lifting the paywall as supporters asked us to. The Epstein Files and the dearth of good reporting:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150004285 Poet Paula Meehan pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150317193 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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]

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

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

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

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