The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr Cian Ó Concubhair is Assistant Professor in the Dept of Law in NUI Maynooth, lecturing in Criminology and Criminal Justice. His doctoral research examined police-media relations, and the power of news media and policing. So as the presidential election has gotten more 'law and order' political media coverage than ever before, I thought he'd be the perfect guest to talk us all through it, and I wasn't wrong. I really enjoyed this and got a lot out of it. Listen/watch and don't worry about me spilling water all over the place! Latest from on the ground in Gaza with Noor Abu Mariam:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141721859

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Baraa Qandeel is a Palestinian poet, translator and writer from Gaza. She works in marketing and has suffered immensely during the genocide losing friends and family, and surviving an airstrike nearby that left her in shock for hours. She joins us from Gaza to talk about the ceasefire and what people around her think about it. She discusses conversations amongst her friends about their experiences in what she calls 'triggering sessions.' Tune in for more The Fionnan Sheehan vs Heather Humphreys vs Martin pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141563126 Please support Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Echo Chamber Podcast, Sinn Féin's Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin sits down with Tony to talk about Catherine Connolly, left unity, the groups that are shaping the government's housing policy and why social housing can be beautiful. He also correctly calls Tony deranged. But they don't fall out... Baraa'h Qandeel in Gaza on the "ceasefire" is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141438094 Please support Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this explosive Echo Chamber Podcast, Prison Office Whistleblower, Noel McGree, talks about his eviction into homelessness following his proven and legally tested accusations of mass fraud and misogyny in the Irish Prison Service. Noel talks candidly about his devastating experiences and of how he has been failed by many including former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and current Fine Gael presidential election candidate, Heather Humphreys. This is an interview that I'm very sad to say was necessary, but that you do not want to miss. The Willa White podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141104503 The 'Smear the Bejaysus' podcast is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141038145

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Echo Chamber Pod we’re joined by Mr Irish Election Projections himself, Harry McEvansoneya to discuss the Irish presidential election, the Jim Gavin fiasco, the Jim O’Callaghan leadership campaign, the momentum behind Catherine Connolly and media coverage of the election so far. For more from Harry go to https://irishelectionprojections.com/ Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon/com/tortoiseshack Comedian, satarist, activist and Corkman, Tadhg Hickey spent over six weeks at sea as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Their attempt to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza was illegally intercepted in international waters by Israel and he, alongside the rest of the volunteers, then spent almost a week in an Israeli "terrorist" prison. He joins us to talk about the entire experience, including descriptions of humiliations and torture, and to discuss how even in failing to deliver the aid, the flotilla was successful in ways that the Israeli State cannot block. Watch this podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-140896423 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Roaa Aladdin Missmeh is a Palestinian from Gaza who loves reading books and finds solace in them. Having left Gaza only a few weeks ago, she is currently doing her Master's degree in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics in Dublin. She shares with us her story of genocide, her journey out of Gaza and her need to tell the story of her people. Tune in for more. The Presidential Election podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-140724971 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this podcast you'll hear from Independent TD Barry Heneghan, both before and after (via pre-recorded message anticipating his abduction) his illegal abduction in international waters by Israeli forces, alongside the rest of the humanitarians who were participating in the Thousand Madleens to Gaza flotilla. Barry talks about entering the so-called 'red zone,' the treatment of the Sumud flotilla participants and his communications with his family just hours before his ship was illegally boarded. We hope he and all the participants are safe, treated humanely and are released home very quickly. Eoin Ó Broin on Housing, the nothing budget and the Presidential Election Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-140192205 Please donate to Dignity for Palestine here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In what is being called an "opportunity to regularise employment misclassification" the Revenue Commissioners are to grant a two year amnesty to employers who engaged in bogus self employment. The repercussions this will have for the workers (across many industries) who have been denied benefits, entitlements and pay for the years outside of this 'opportunity' seem not to matter a jot. To add insult to injury it turns out that Arthur Cox, the legal firm representing RTE against bogus self employed workers, is using this “opportunity” as a marketing tool for their business. Arthur Cox Sales Pitch This tangled web involves media, the govt, the legal profession and even current Fine Gale presidential candidate, Hearther Humphreys. We unpick it all here. Eoin Ó Broin on Catherine Connolly, Housing and Left Unity podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-140192205 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ruba Khalid Al-Faleet is a Palestinian writer, artist, and poet based in Gaza. Her work explores the intersection of identity, resistance, and the poetics of survival under siege. As an active member of the Gaza Poets Society and a contributor to the Resilient Voices digital storytelling project by the British Council, Ruba uses her voice to document lived realities, reclaim narrative agency, and build bridges through creative expression. Her art and poetry are deeply intertwined—each piece a visual and verbal testament to what endures when language is all that remains. She joins us from Gaza to share her story. The When Tony met Simon Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-140180209 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/some-good-news-140335712

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Here's everything we know about the huge success - and it is a huge success - of the Sumud Flotilla and what is still happening at sea to break the siege of Gaza. I'm joined also by Independent TD Barry Heneghan, who is onboard the Thousand Madleens Flotilla, which is a few days behind the Sumud and is determined to sail on for Gaza no matter what the next few days bring. The Video Version of this podcast is available here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-140257804 Donate to Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-in-139268758

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In his long overdue return, journalist with El Pais in Latin America, Nicholas Dale Leal, talks Argentina's chainsaw libertarian nightmare, Brazil not bending the knee to Trump, Venezuela vs the US regime change bollixology and the grim rise of fascism in the US. This is belter of a podcast. The Arthur Cox Sales Pitch Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-140027928 Nicholas' recent piece here: https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-22/more-deportations-but-far-from-the-largest-in-history-nine-months-of-trumps-immigration-crusade-in-charts.html?sma=elpaisenglishedition_2025.09.25&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=elpaisenglishedition_2025.09.25 Donate to Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-in-139268758

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this podcast I am joined from Nuseirat, Gaza by a very tired Dr Musallam Abukhalil, to discuss the latest developments on the ground, his day job in the barely functioning Nasser Hospital and the work of the amazing volunteer team he helped to setup, Dignity for Palestine. The Doc explains the strain the latest displacement is putting on the services they provide and outlines the help they need. You can help from as little as $3. So please click the link below and give what you can. Donate now:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-in-139268758 Video version of this podcast is available here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-139814952

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Chris Andrews is a Sinn Féin Senator and he's taking part in his fifth Gaza Flotilla. His ship was struck four times last night by Israeli drones. Despite this he and his fellow Sumud Flotilla shipmates, including over 20 Irish people, remain undeterred and committed to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. He joins us from his ship to talk all about it. Yousef also covers the latest news from Gaza City, where the relentless destruction and bombing drives thousands out in what many fear is a permanent exodus. There's also an update from Ty Gickey ;) The Argentina Bailout podcast with El Pais's Nicholas Leal is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-139738780 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-in-139268758

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Paddy Maguire is the (mad?) man behind the viral RareWitch-PetalReaction videos that excoriate the media, politics, racist movements and liberal doggies of Northern Ireland. In a rare interview with a Free-Stater he talks to me about his process, his inspiration/frustration and the artistic dysfunction of trying to shoehorn messages of solidarity into 90 second animations about the Belfast Live House. The Catherine Connolly Hamas "controversy" podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-139542482 The Flotilla Attack Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-139635747 Support Dignity for Palestine: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-in-139268758

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Belfast Green Party Cllr and Community Worker, Brian Smyth has never been shy about calling a spade a spade. Unfortunately the rise in racist attacks (including an attempted lynching!) has meant that he has had to be even more vocal than he’d like. He joins me to talk about the failure of politics, the grimness of inequality, the fraying of societal norms and the things that can be done to reverse the decline. The RareWithch Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-139267100 Donate to Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-in-139268758

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Senator Patricia Stephenson has just returned from the West Bank, Palestine and she joined me to discuss the apartheid regime she witnessed, the sanitising of settler violence and how any declarations about a two state solution falls apart in the face of the reality on the ground. And yes, we also discuss the latest Eoin Hayes controversy. Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-in-139268758

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ahmad Abushawish is a 19-year-old writer and activist from Gaza. He has successfully conveyed his voice and the stories of his people through several prestigious platforms, including Al Jazeera, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, Electronic Intifada, Prism Reports, and We Are Not Numbers. He is also an alumnus of the Access 16 program. Ahmad aspires to pursue higher education abroad and earn a scholarship at a prestigious university, where he hopes to further develop his skills and amplify the voices of his community. He joins us from Nuseirat, Gaza, hours after he completed his final high school (Leaving Cert equivalent) exams. What a fabulous young man. May he live to fulfill his dreams. Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-two-134250846

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr Niall Conroy is a consultant in public health medicine and adjunct professor of public health in UCC. He's also a person who has fought epidemics and pandemics in Sierra Leone, Australia and Ireland. He joins me to discuss the chainsaw that RFK Jnr is taking to the US's Human Health Services, the CDC and the impact globally this might have. Inequality, wellness, homelessness and standing on your head at Electric Picnic all feature. Honestly, the lad from Tallaght is top notch. The Child Poverty Podcast with Children's Rights Alliance is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138724146 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-two-134250846

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack We Tell Our Stories Hani Mahmoud decided 23 months ago to shift from academia and to stand in front of the camera in order to tell the story of Gaza and its people. He works as the Aljazeera English correspondent in Gaza, becoming one of the most important journalists alive, sharing with the world a story that would otherwise go untold or manipulated. Tune in to learn about Hani, his work and the people of Gaza, from whom he takes his strength to continue. Tadhg Hickey on the Drone Strike on the Global Sumud Flotilla:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138604625

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Nour Abo Aisha is a writer, journalist, and translator from Gaza. She writes about living under the siege, memory, displacement, and survival; from her own life and the lives of those around her in Gaza. For Nour, writing is a form of resistance against erasure and a voice that breaks through imposed silence. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Prism Reports, Mondoweiss, and Al Jazeera Net, and she is also a member of We Are Not Numbers. She joins us from Gaza City as the Israeli military rains both bombs and paper warnings to leave now or perish. The Flotilla Drone Attack Pod with Tadhg Hickey is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138604625

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Late last night an incendiary device was fired at the Global Sumud Flotilla's Steering Committee's ship (full video podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138492264) The final departure as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla is due (overdue?) to leave Tunis in the coming days. Professional troublemaker and longtime Palestinian Rights activist, Paul Murphy is there now ready for the off and he joined me for a chat about what is happening there and what is like to be part of this incredible people-led movement that is trying to fill the void left open by Western Governments. Public Health Consultant Dr Niall Conroy on RFK Jnr and the war on vaccines is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138145272 Paul Murphy in Tunis part 2 video podcast out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138492264

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Greg Stoker is a US army veteran with a Special Operations background. He's also an anti-imperialist activist, podcast host (Colonial Outcasts) and shipmate on the US Veterans Ship as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, that is attempting to break the blockade and deliver aid to Gaza. He joins us from off the coast of Tunis to discuss the colonial boomerang we all need to be paying attention to, the need for a global media campaign to support the flotilla, the threat from Israeli Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, to lock the humanitarians up in "terror prisons" and life on a small boat when you are a six foot five inch giant. The RFK Jnr Podcast with Public Health Consultant, Dr Niall Conroy is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138145272 The latest Reboot Republic podcast with Palestinian journalist Abubaker Abed is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138016359 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-two-134250846

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Lynn Boylan is an Irish MEP for Dublin, who serves as the Chair for the EU's Relationship with Palestine Committee, and she is one of many (alongside international law experts, human rights lawyers and academics) people who are joining a Legal Monitoring ship that is shortly setting sail from Italy to accompany the Global Sumud Flotilla, that is attempting to break the near 20 year siege of Gaza and deliver aid to people experiencing both the ongoing genocide and a manmade famine. The RFK Jnr Podcast with Public Health Consultant, Dr Niall Conroy is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138145272 The latest Reboot Republic podcast with Palestinian journalist Abubaker Abed is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138016359 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-two-134250846

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast we are joined by Imad Qudaih, who is a 22 year old visually impaired student at the Islamic University of Gaza, majoring in English translation. Another accidental genocide correspondent, he’s been working as a freelance journalist with BBC News since June 2024. He joins us from Al-Mawasi to speak of displacement and his cat, who was killed by an Israeli sniper. Tune in for more from this remarkable young man. The Global Sumud Flotilla Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138024067 The latest Reboot Republic podcast with Palestinian journalist Abubaker Abed is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-138016359 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-two-134250846

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Sara Awad is an English literature student, writer, and storyteller based in Gaza. Passionate about capturing human experiences and social issues, Sara uses her words to shed light on stories often unheard. Her work explores themes of resilience, identity, and hope amid war circumstances. I contributed to The Intercept, Truthout, PRISM, The Electronic Intifada, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, and We Are Not Numbers. She joins us from Gaza City to share her story, discuss the most recent events including the "double tap" bombing of Nasser Hospital and her hopes for the future. An absolute must listen. Support our friend Hana Salah's family:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-injured-father-and-younger-siblings-survive-in-gaza

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this podcast we are joined by two School Secretaries, Luisa Carty and Noreen O'Callaghan, to discuss the reasons for their upcoming indefinite strike action and why it is a workers rights issue that all of us have a stake in. They discuss the inequality in the current system, the impacts the lack of entitlements have had on them and their colleagues and they are calling on us all to support them as the look for what is only fair. Up the Workers. Support our friend Hana Salah's family:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-injured-father-and-younger-siblings-survive-in-gaza