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The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack
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The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

Author: Tortoise Shack Media

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Ireland’s original independent left leaning news, politics, and culture podcast that doesn’t take itself too seriously and still punches well above its weight. Join critically acclaimed & derided hosts, Martin McMahon and Tony Groves as they delve into the news of the day, pull apart the spin and challenge you to be an activist. This is the non-corporate, ad free, non-plastic-podcast reality that the medium is made for. There will be shenanigans!
1328 Episodes
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Writing to Remember

Writing to Remember

2026-01-23--:--

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
Scales of Justice

Scales of Justice

2026-01-1224:40

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 aarhus@dcee.gov.ie 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:ScalesOfJusticeIreland@gmail.com 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 aarhus@dcee.gov.ie 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
A Tent is Not a Home

A Tent is Not a Home

2026-01-0232:54

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
The Ditch 2025 Review

The Ditch 2025 Review

2025-12-2734:23

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
Cambodia on the Brink

Cambodia on the Brink

2025-12-2321:37

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 info@seebeyondborders.org
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
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Comments (3)

asefeh saremy

you don't want to say anything about Iran we are under attack

Jun 17th
Reply

Kyle Kmalango

I think Ireland needs to vote for a king and a queen. my family's last name is leslie. who are related to the churchills. I'm willing to take throne. if need be. yours truly kyle leslie.

Jan 8th
Reply (1)