The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

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!

1313. The Future of Work – RTE Workers Speak

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack This week this very podcast triggered several Parliamentary Questions to Ministers about illegality in the "gig-economy". So we're lifting the paywall so as many people as possible get to hear what is for workers an important and must-listen podcast. This was recorded in front of a live audience in the Sugar Club, where Martin and Tony talk with former RTE worker, Angie Mezzetti and current workers, Maebh Keary and (joining us for an impromptu few minutes) RTE Broadcaster and Journalist, Philip Boucher Hayes. This is not just about the future of RTE, it is about the future of work. The Gaza Appeal details are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735 The Simon Harris vs The Truth About Immigration Pod is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112623729

09-27
01:04:37

The US Presidential Election and the Global Economy with Constantin Gurdgiev

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this packed podcast US-Based, Russian-Irish Professor of Economics (and listener favourite) Constantin Gurdgiev talks Trump v Kamala, the broader context of US politics, the Apple Tax in the US and Ireland, his thoughts on Sinn Féin's housing plan, Ireland's ongoing corporate tax take, the BRICS working to become a rival to US hegemony and much, much more Simon Harris and the Half Truth Prince Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112623729 Rory's Dublin Marathon for Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735

09-25
01:05:34

1320. Dignity for Palestine and SpiceBag

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack It was a great pleasure to be rejoined on the pod by Dr Musallam Abukhalil, from Dignity for Palestine in Gaza and activist-artist Adam -SpiceBag- Doyle, to talk about the incredible work the volunteers do on the ground and the importance of art and Irish solidarity to their work. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Don't stop talking about Gaza. We Won't. SpiceBag Scarfs:https://spicebagmerch.bigcartel.com/product/an-phalaistin-scarf Gaza Appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111983961

09-23
28:40

1316. Identifying and Countering Antisemitism with Harry McEvansoneya

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Most of our listeners know and love Mr irishelectionprojections.com, Harry McEvansoneya. They know he's as good a poll aggregator as any and has an astute eye for political trends. But this is not one of those podcasts. This is a podcast about Antisemitism, how it exists across the political spectrum, the ways ignorance and (sometimes) malice spreads it and what we can do to counter it. It should go without saying that Harry is our friend and we are very grateful for him agreeing to this podcast. But we'll say it anyway. The second part of this podcast is available now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112422119

09-20
32:25

31. Refaat Writes Back

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Rawan Yaghi was a student of our dearly missed friend, Dr. Refaat Alareer. She holds an MA from CUNY in the United States and she is launching a newsletter titled “Refaat Writes Back.” The Initiative aims to nurture young writers from Gaza and to help get their message out to the world, a mission Refaat himself dedicated his life to Rawan speaks to PalCast co-hosts about his own journey as a writer who centered the voices of children in Gaza, and how Refaat supported her in this process. Tune in for more details. Gaza Appeal Details:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111983961

09-19
46:15

1321. Pager Bombs in Lebanon – A Dangerous Escalation

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Echo Chamber Podcast, Beirut-based Irish journalist, Hannah McCarthy rejoins us to talk about the extraordinary 'Pager Bomb' attack directed at Hezbollah (but was without doubt indiscriminate) that has left over 2,900 injured, 150 in critical condition and 9 people dead. How did this happen? How do you blow up a pager? What will be the Lebanese/Hezbollah response? What will Iran do? We talk about it all until the power went in Beirut! The SpiceBag Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112164527 Dignity for Gaza Appeal details:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111983961

09-18
08:45

1311. The Future of Work – Live from the Sugar Club

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this very special live podcast Martin outlines how the “gig economy” was concocted to reduce costs for certain employers and reduce benefits for workers. He explains the 25 year journey he’s been on to expose the illegal practices that underpin the Bogus Self Employment system and how very recently himself and Matt McGranaghan won a case that changes everything. Don’t miss it. Gaza Appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111983961 The Future of Work with RTE Staff Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111531436

09-16
58:17

1312. Sinn Féin’s A Home of Your Own plan with Eoin Ó Broin

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this in-depth podcast Martin and Tony speak with Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, about his plan to help fix our broken housing system. We parse/debate/dig into the 112/109 pages in detail and delve into whether it is, as Eoin suggests, a radical plan or just more business as usual. Talking everything from financing, the commons, paying the brickies and much, much more; this is an honest, critical and fair conversation about the biggest challenge facing Irish society; safe, secure and adequate housing. The US Politics Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111858654 The Gaza Appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111983961

09-14
01:12:43

30. Gaza – Art in a Genocide

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Malak Mattar is an artist from Gaza, known for her incredibly colorful paintings. She is now struggling to paint the Gaza that she knew. That Gaza is no more, and for this reason, Malak wants to document what she knew, having left on October 5, 2023. For her, documentation, baring witness and her art is a national duty, an obligation of her heart and a continuation of a legacy started by many Palestinian artists. Malak hails the works of Palestinian artists who were killed in Gaza or those who continue to paint from their tents. Listen to this PalCast episode to understand the role of arts during genocide in Gaza. The US Presidential Debate Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111858654 The Gaza Appeal is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/109090405 -Art has a power to heal.

09-12
43:05

1315. The Apple Tax – What it Really Means

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Shortly after the European Court of Justice ruled that the Irish State had given illegal state aid to Appple, via what was a sweetheart tax evasion scheme, we spoke with one of the people who has being covering this and studying tax, tax justice, corporate power and its impact on democracy, UCD's Assoc Prof Aidan Reagan. So now we know, Ireland is legally adjudged to be a tax haven. What happens now and who will be held accountable? We get into it. Note: This podcast is going out now as it was a member-only podcast, but so many members asked us to put it out as they wanted it to get as big an audience as possible. The Eoin Ó Broin Housing Plan Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111406218 The Gaza Appeal is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/103882396

09-11
38:38

1310. Israeli Weapons in Irish Airspace with The Ditch

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Editors note: Tony misquotes In this tortoise shack exclusive, Roman Shortall and Eoghan McNeill of The Ditch rejoin us to discuss what has been revealed by their reporting into the transfer of US weapons to Israel through Irish Airspace. We discuss the mainstream reaction and how the framing has been unhelpful in informing the public on the reality of the situation. They also reveal the shocking numbers of exemptions coming from the desk of Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan. Don't miss it. The Sinn Féin Home of You Own Plan Podcast you need to hear is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111406218 The Gaza Appeal details:https://www.patreon.com/posts/108592125

09-06
36:04

29. From Heaven to Hell: Seven Months in Gaza

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Mohammed H. Alaqad is a distinguished academic from Gaza, now based in Malaysia. In the Autumn of 2023 he went to visit home after 14 years of being away. Having received a red carpet reception by family and friends, he wanted most for his wife and kids to meet his extended family, including his mother who had only recently being diagnosed with cancer. A few days later on October 7, his kids woke up the sound of rockets and a war that still rages. He shares his story of living seven months during the genocide in Gaza, including the story of how his disabled brother was killed; of whom they only recovered his head after an Israeli drone targeted him with 2 missiles. This is a powerful, sometimes uplifting, but more often heartbreaking story. Above all it is a story everyone should listen to. The Gaza Appeal details are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/108592125 The Ditch on Israeli weapons in Irish Airspace Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/47414904

09-04
55:52

1308. Postmasters Sold Out?

Please join us patreon.com/tortoiseshack A Radol is a Ridiculous Argument Devoid Of Logic. Bear that in mind as you listen. In this short podcast Martin reveal the "legal opinion" sent to Irish Postmasters by their Union that contradicts previous Judgements like Denny and Karshan and flies in the face of an ongoing Postmaster High Court Case where employment status is on the table. Why? The Ditch on Israeli weapons in Irish Airspace: https://www.patreon.com/posts/47414904 The Workers Rights Live @ the Sugar Club:https://www.patreon.com/posts/111268040

09-03
17:57

1309. ‘The Gig Economy Is a Lie’ – A Game Changing Win for Workers

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack You might have seen the headlines across Irish media about the blow struck to the Gig Economy and bogus self employment by musician and workers rights activist, Matt McGranaghan. But only here will you hear from Matt himself. This is a huge result that will help thousands of workers currently misclassified and therefore denied their rights as employees. Well done Matt and Martin. Up the Workers! Tickets for Sunday:https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-tortoise-shack-tells-an-echo-chamber-exclusive-tickets-1002392050607?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*1f8z42w*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjYyMzc5OTcyLjE3MjQ4MjU4NjI.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTcyNDgyNTg2Mi4xLjAuMTcyNDgyNTg2Mi4wLjAuMA..

08-30
35:08

28. Gaza – Paralysed By Fear

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Anas Abu Samhan is a Palestinian writer and translator with a deep focus on the decolonization of mind and language, as well as decolonial epistemology. Anas talks about language, literature and translation during genocide and he narrates how his family was displaced multiple times and lost all their homes. In between, Anas brings in the memory of Refaat Alareer, his late lecturer from Gaza. Helena Cobban touches on regional developments, the Hezbollah-Iran Israel tensions and the possibility of a regionals war breaking out. Tune in for more. Tickets for the Live Show are here:https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-tortoise-shack-tells-an-echo-chamber-exclusive-tickets-1002392050607?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*1f8z42w*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjYyMzc5OTcyLjE3MjQ4MjU4NjI.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTcyNDgyNTg2Mi4xLjAuMTcyNDgyNTg2Mi4wLjAuMA..

08-28
40:29

1305. The SpyCops Scandal – Police Preying on the Vulnerable

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack As promised we are rejoined by the best person on the planet currently covering the decades old SpyCops Units, who have done some deplorable things to people in predominantly left wing movements in order to maintain some false sense of State order and power. You all need to listen to this and check out Tom on twitter @tombfowler Limited Tickets for the Live Show are available now here:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-tortoise-shack-tells-an-echo-chamber-exclusive-tickets-1002392050607?aff=oddtdtcreator

08-27
36:33

1306. Delay, Deny and Wait For Me to Die with Noelle Brown

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Echo Chamber Pod we are rejoined by writer, actor and activist, Noelle Brown to discuss the Mother and Baby Home Redress Scheme that has effectively excluded 40% of the people impacted by the National Scandal, while also seemingly indemnifying the Catholic church. Noelle talks the politics of injustice, the State working against her and her fellow survivors and the sense that this is penny-pinching cruelty. Trauma informed solidarity Podcast out here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-110652055 Gaza Appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/look-what-you-us-109090405

08-24
39:24

27. My Children Draw Pictures of a Home That No Longer Exists

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Ibrahim Alsemeiri is a PhD Candidate at the University of Utarah in Malaysia. Being from and living in Gaza, with four children, he has been displaced 5 times since October 7th. He lost his home and as you'll hear, is doing his best to comfort his children. He joins the PalCast co-hosts, yousef, Helena and Tony to talk about the daily struggles in Gaza and an academic initiative he started along with other colleagues to help Gaza rebuild. Helena Cobban shares her pessimistic insights from the US about the DNC and the US political system this week. Gaza appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/look-what-you-us-109090405

08-21
36:39

1303. Beyond Electric Picnic and Other Stories

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this peek-behind-the-paywall Echo Chamber special, Martin and Tony talk the news of the week and things get a bit heated. Which is a good thing. We cover Trump, RTE, transphobic journalists, Coolock Says No to Ireland and the awful behaviour of legacy media in both race-baiting and our politics. CW: contains traces of Irish Times FG hagiography. Gaza Appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/look-what-you-us-109090405

08-17
18:14

26. Gaza: A Crucial Week To Come

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Hani Albassous is an Associate Professor in Security and Strategic Studies, he taught in Gaza, Qatar and Oman. He joins PalCast to talk about recent developments in Gaza and Israel, his view of the ongoing negotiations, the possible regional war breaking out between and Iran and Hezbollah on one hand and Israel on the other hand. This is all in light of the next National Democrat Convention in Chicago next Monday. Tune in for more detail! Gaza appeal:https://www.patreon.com/posts/109090405

08-14
45:43

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.

01-08 Reply

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