The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "Unwinding neoliberalism is the key challenge in housing politics" In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony sits down with Mick Byrne, an Associate Professor of Social Policy at UCD, to discuss his excellent piece on the historic Spanish housing proposals and what it means for a housing system trying to unravel decades of neoliberal policies. Spain has ignited significant public unrest, leading to protests that have captured not only national attention but also given a template to housing activists internationally. Tony and Mick debate this in the context of the Irish system. It is...

Please see patreon.com/tortoiseshack 'The AI Boom is starting to look a lot like the Dot Com Bubble.' In this Tortoise Shack podcast, U.S.-based Professor of Economics, Constantine Gurdgiev and Tony explore the intersections of economics, AI, equity and bond markets, and how Ireland's future is tethered to the growing/peaking bubble. We discuss how current trends threaten global stability and dinner table prosperity. The lessons of the near past are often forgotten too quickly, and today's economic landscape is fraught with challenges reminiscent of historical crises. Be Rosa Luxemburg and not one of Hayek's Bastards. ...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode, Madrid-based Journalist, and host of the excellent Sobremsa podcast, Eoghan Gilmartin, rejoins us to discuss his fantastic investigative journalism piece that reveals the influence of conflicts of interest in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the role of Saudi Arabia in climate diplomacy, and the political implications of Spanish border policies. The conversation highlights the complexities of climate negotiations and the importance of transparency in scientific assessments. The investigation is here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/21/saudi-arabia-aramco-oil-scientists-ipcc-climate-reports The Spanish Housing Revolution:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "They’ve included the working family payment as part of your income that’s assessed. These are primarily lone parents, primarily single mothers, and this is where the increase is now up to 53%." In this Tortoise Shack episode, PBP Councillor with SDCC, Jess Spear, discusses the ongoing fight against rent hikes in local authority housing in South Dublin, which will impact the most vulnerable and those at greatest risk of poverty in the area. They discuss the lack of power in County Councils, and the broader issues of housing standards and policy in Irel...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Ahmed Alqady and Dr. Abdullah Almobayed are Palestinian physicians from Gaza. They established a small medical point/clinic inside a simple tent following the destruction of most medical facilities in the area. They joined us from Gaza to talk about how difficult it is to administer medical services in an area that has at least 100,000 displaced people, many of whom have had extremely limited access to essential healthcare and basic medical services for the last two plus years. They describe the unimaginable suffering: families losing their homes and loved ones, children arriving...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this pre-budget tortoise shack episode, we explore Ireland's complex issues around poverty measurement, the links between the housing crisis and inequality, and all the budget goodies promised so far. We also ask why there's such reluctance to implement a living wage in the country with the worst market income inequality in the EU. Economist at NERI, Ciarán Nugent and Tony discuss the flaws in current metrics, the impact of housing costs, and potential policy solutions to foster a more equitable society. Stop The Rent Hikes with Cllr Jess Spear:https://www.p...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Listeners will be aware of the story of the late Harvey Sherratt, who passed away at only nine and a half years old. Many of you would also know of the dedicated activism and campaigning done by his parents, Gillian and Stephen; two remarkable people, doing incredible advocacy under the most heart-breaking of circumstances. They both joined me in the Tortoise Shack for an evening where we discussed activism, their campaign, State failures, Simon Harris's broken promise, the importance of great neighbours, their personal grief journeys, and how their determination to let the...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "You spent the last four years telling these people you don’t want them. And then you wonder why they don’t vote for you." — Philip O'Connor Lock-in, this is a long one. The recent Swedish elections have left many asking who won? Philip O'Connor returns to the Echo Chamber Podcast to discuss the results and the implications of a government that appears to be neither here. Turns out you can be just a little too racist. Then we dive into the Trump nonsense, the antisemitism in public issue, A.I. seeking regulation-ish, what t...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Hala Hanina is an academic, a writer, a student of colonialism and host of the podcast, Falasteeniya. She left Gaza to complete her PhD a few days before October 7th. Now in London, she lives a life in many realms, pursuing academia, constantly checking in on her family in Gaza, and helping to platform the voices that might otherwise go unheard. She shares the story of her own wedding day and talks about how the Gaza of then, and many of the people who attended, no longer exist. We also share our mutual...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "Society saw this coming a long way, and we let them walk right into that crack." In this episode, listener favourite, writer, community activist, and commentator, Elaine Crory rejoins (the James Corden of podcasting) Tony to discuss pressing social issues in Northern Ireland, including youth services, inequality, political tensions, and the ongoing impact of Brexit. They explore how resource allocation, austerity, underfunding, Punch and Judy nonsense, and political decisions shape the North’s future. They also discuss https://securebritishfuture.com/ This is not as bleak as it sounds. Honestly! Budget 2027 Preview Podcast:https://ww...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Hassan Herzallah is an English Literature Graduate, a writer and translator from Rafah, Gaza, Palestine. He joins us to talk about his experiences of the ongoing genocide, the near-fatal trips to get aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) death-traps, losing his home and sense of self, and why he committed himself to speaking up, writing the reality on the ground and completing his university degree. Elaine Crory on Stormont Pay Rise vs Public Cuts:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170375043 The Saudi influence at the IPCC Investigation:https://www.patreon.com...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic episode, Rory and Tony are rejoined by Senior Lecturer of Applied Psychology at University College Cork and President-elect of the Psychology Society of Ireland, Dr Sharon Lambert, who explores and outlines the stark realities of child poverty, social inequality, and policy choices in Ireland. They discuss how societal and political decisions impact mental health, social cohesion, class solidarity and long-term well-being, emphasizing the importance of empathy and equitable participation. They also get into the new health referral system around drugs and Sharon explains how it may and may not...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack episode, Philip O'Connor talks about the tragic school attack in Fagersta, Sweden, a place close to him and his family. He explains the influence of social media and online "true crime" communities on violence, and the urgent need for regulation and action to protect young people. We also discuss the role played by the companies based in Dublin, who have less than zero interest in tackling the toxic content spread on their networks. Philip's piece:https://philipoconnor.com/irelands-failure-to-regulate-social-media-is-killing-our-children/ Political Violence vs Systemic Violence podcast:https://www.patreon.com...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack episode, writer, political commentator and campaigner, Emma DeSouza and Tony explore (post-Trump-Burnham statements) the evolving landscape of Irish unification, the current political dynamics, and the varying community and media engagement across the island of Ireland, and in the UK. They discuss the recent political statements from all sides, delve into the importance of inclusive dialogue, and why there should be a focus on the opportunities for shaping a new Ireland. Ed Sheeran, Macklemore vs the news that matters in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169808205 The Govt-Media...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Nour Alali is a trainee lawyer who has graduated with her law degree, but has been unable to start her career because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She joins us from her home, which she has returned to after being displaced for over two years. She shares her story of living through bombardments, attacks, hunger and cruel weather. She also shares her belief that justice and law can be upheld if people find the courage to fight for it. Latest from Gaza with Hassan Herzallah:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169604628...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony dives deep into the evolving/devolving immigration landscape and its implications for the Irish health system. The discussion centres around the right wing political shift and how they threaten to reshape the fabric of our health service. He’s joined by four Medical Professionals who are at various stages of their careers, from trainee to hospital consultant, to dig into the impact the lengthening citizenship process will have on patients, medical staff, their families and the public. No one should be reduced to their economic utility, but no...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic episode, Rory and Tony are rejoined by Senior Lecturer of Applied Psychology at University College Cork and President-elect of the Psychology Society of Ireland, Dr Sharon Lambert, who explores and outlines the stark realities of child poverty, social inequality, and policy choices in Ireland. They discuss how societal and political decisions impact mental health, social cohesion, class solidarity and long-term well-being, emphasizing the importance of empathy and equitable participation. They also get into the new health referral system around drugs and Sharon explains how it may and may not...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode, Rory is joined to talk with returning guest, Senior Lecturer of Applied Psychology at University College Cork, and President-elect of the Psychology Society of Ireland, Dr Sharon Lambert, who explores and outlines the stark realities of child poverty, social inequality, and policy choices in Ireland. They discuss how societal decisions impact mental health, social cohesion, class solidarity and long-term well-being, emphasizing the importance of empathy and equitable participation. They also get into the new health referral system around drugs and Sharon explains how it may and may not work. The...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode of the Echo Chamber Podcast, Tony dives deep into the evolving/devolving immigration landscape and its implications for the Irish health system. The discussion centres around the right wing political shift and how they threaten to reshape the fabric of our health service. He’s joined by four Medical Professionals who are at various stages of their careers, from trainee to hospital consultant, to dig into the impact the lengthening citizenship process will have on patients, medical staff, their families and the public. No one should be reduced to their ec...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack CW: This episode contains subjects that listeners/viewers might find disturbing. Abdulkhaliq Burnat is a Palestinian law student from the village of Billin in the West Bank. He was jailed for a total of 5 years in Israeli jails, four of them were under administrative detention, without charge or trial. He joins us to share his prison experience and describe the abuses he suffered and witnessed there, and why he now wants to become a lawyer who will help legally dismantle the illegal Administrative Detention System. Dr Sharon Lambert on Empathy and Inequality:https...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack (Note: Recorded for members Aug 28th) In this Tortoise Shack episode, NUI Lecturer in Criminal Law, Policing and Criminology, Cian ó Concubhai, rejoins us to discuss his report, The Role of Crime and Security Journalism in Irish Democracy. We explore recent (and not so recent) cases, the relationships between crime correspondents and Policing Authorities, surveillance issues, and the influence of funding on journalistic independence. Cian discusses systemic challenges, legal protections, and the risks faced by journalists in Ireland and Northern Ireland. They also discuss the Justice Minister's reaction to the tragic events on the M...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Roa'a Abuaser is a 19-year-old medical student from Gaza. Alongside her studies, she is a poet, creative writer, and musician, she speaks 4 languages. Driven by a passion for cultural exchange, she founded PolyVera, the first language and cultural community in Gaza. She had the temerity to tell Yousef and Tony that there's nothing interesting about her. We disagree. Former Palestinian Child Prisoner, Abdulkhaliq Burnat podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168488833 The Bookmarks Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168199727

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Roa'a Abuaser is a 19-year-old medical student from Gaza. Alongside her studies, she is a poet, creative writer, and musician, she speaks 4 languages. Driven by a passion for cultural exchange, she founded PolyVera, the first language and cultural community in Gaza. She had the temerity to tell Yousef and Tony that there's nothing interesting about her. We disagree. Former Palestinian Child Prisoner, Abdulkhaliq Burnat podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168488833 The Bookmarks Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168199727

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The best way to improve our biodiversity is to support, protect and when necessary, rescue the wildlife we already live among. Joining us for the first time is Animal Rescue Coordinator with Kildare Wildlife Rescue, Pearse Stokes. We talk about his journey into this work, his sense of duty to the environment and why he believes finding purpose is a powerful antidote to the toxic masculinity that is present in our society. We also discuss why we seem stuck in the politics the past and how that is going to help us mitigate...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Self-described former Unionist, TIK Tok, Irish-Northern Irish-British identity content creator, Claire JC, joins Tony in the Tortoise Shack to talk about her journey, identity-wise, politically and even geographically. We discuss the United Ireland movement, the Happy Lundy community and why she is building Ulster Says Maybe. A cracker of a chat, and no Andy, a border poll is not off the table. Find Claire at https:https://www.patreon.com/UlsterSaysMaybe and at //www.tiktok.com/@clairejc_official The Police Surveillance of journalists podcast is out here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast, Yousef Aljamal talks to cohost Tony Groves about the latest news on Gaza, the current worseninig reality on the ground and the truth behind the ceasefire and the Hamas position on surrendering their weapons. Then they look at the upcoming Israeli election and the polling that shows that the problems with the actions towards Palestinians extends beyond the current Netanyahu government. Medical Student Roa'a Abuaser in Gaza podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167819316 Ulster Says Maybe podcast with Claire JC:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167578305

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony is joined by author, lecturer and neutrality campaigner, Dr Patrick Bresnihan, to discuss Ireland's neutrality, climate change, military spending, and the influence powerful (and often vested) interests have on Irish policy. They explore the political landscape, societal debates, and the importance of informed discourse. They also get into the social media attacks on Patrick by prominent mainstream commentators that dragged into question freedom of expression and academic freedoms. The Gardai and the Crime Correspondent:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167637329 Ulster says Maybe podcast:https://www...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this very special PalCast, Yousef and Tony are joined from Gaza by Zain Abu Tawela, a brilliant 10yr old who enjoys crafting, designing clothes, and creating art with playdough. She tells us about her dream of owning a bookshop and becoming a pottery artist. She also recounts her experience of displacement, food insecurity, school and how her sense of humour makes the serious times lighter and sometimes the lighter moments more sad. The Geography Teacher vs the Dan's:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167005633 Pearse Stokes System Change podcast:https://www...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack This Tortoise Shack episode is a heartfelt and open discussion on Friedreich's Ataxia, its impact on young people, and the urgent need for accessible treatments. Journalist Niamh Ní Hoireabhaid and Legal Student, Emily Felix share their personal journeys, advocacy efforts, frustrations, struggles and hopes for the future. The conversation ends with a focus on the importance of societal support, the need for government action and the hope of medical advancements. The Dan's vs The Geography Teacher:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167005633 10yr Old Zain in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/p...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode, American-based Professor of Economics, Constantin Gurdgiev, joins Tony to analyse the latest US economic data, the job losses, NILF's and the newly emerging political landscape. Exploring the impact of populism, the economy's disconnection from society, geopolitics and global financial strategies. We delve into the implications of recent market movements, debt management, and potential solutions for economic stability. The Gap with Trick Mist podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-166647410 The Friedrich's Ataxia - Skyclars podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-166919583

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Abdulrahman Al-Sheikh Khalil chose to leave Egypt to pursue his studies in IT. Less than a month later October 7th occurred and he’s spent the last almost 3yrs going through experiences he very much didn’t sign up for. He joins us from Gaza to tell his story. Don’t miss it. Note: This episode is clunky because of the nature of stable WiFi and electricity challenges in Gaza are as bad as they’ve been for a long time. But please stick with it. Constantin Gurdgiev on the US economy and the trou...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack episode, Tony is rejoined by Madrid-based journalist Eoghan Gilmartin to explore the complex geopolitical and humanitarian issues surrounding the Western Sahara conflict, migration crises at Ceuta, and Europe's strategic vulnerabilities. Eoghan and Tony discuss the influence of US and Israeli policies, the role of Spain, and the broader implications for European security and climate change. Constantin Gurdgiev on the US Economy and the indicators of a rough time ahead:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-166312690

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The Cooled versus The Cooked In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony and climate advocate, activist and TUD lecturer, Dr Ciarán O'Carroll, discuss the catastrophic impacts of climate change on marine life, weather events, and global food security, emphasising the need for collective action and policy change. Ciarán outlines a way out of this mess, so it's not all doom and gloom. I swear. The Ceuta Refugee Crisis,FIFA, Ryanair, The Odyssey, Meloni, Trump and the Abraham Accord podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-166008419

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this PalCast, Yousef is rejoined by long-time PalCast collaborator, Just World Educational's Helena Cobban and political analyst, commentator and Palestinian from Gaza, Muhammad Shehada, to talk about the truth about the situation in Gaza, the Trump regime's grift, the global response to the Board of Peace and much more. Wildfires and Ocean Heatwaves podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-165441358

Please join us at patreon.com/tortosieshack In this episode, UCD's School of Architecture Asst Prof Orla Hegarty, is back to talk housing. We dive into the current state of housing, planning regulations, and urban development in Ireland. Orla explores the race to the bottom in housing standards, deregulation impacts, and the importance and undermining of the democratic planning processes. The Saoradh not Syria podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-164958354 Budget 2027, Taxes and a more equal society podcast with Michael Taft is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-165240842

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dana Besaiso is a Gaza-born Palestinian LLM candidate, specialising in Public International Law. She is also a writer with We Are Not Numbers, and having "survived" the Gaza genocide, is now completing her studies in London. She joins us to share her story of hunger, displacement, loss and her hope to complete her studies and then play a role in holding those responsible for the many crimes committed to her people accountable. Orla Hegarty on the Housing Race to the Bottom podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-164573894 The Syria-Saoradh Podcast:https...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode, Prof Richard Murphy joins Tony to discuss the flaws in the UK's tax system, the myths around wealth taxes, and practical solutions for tax reform to address inequality and fund public services. They talk about Piers Morgan quoting Richard to take down Gary Stevenson, and what, if anything, is changing for the UK under the Andy Burnham-led government. This is a deep dive into economic justice and policy reform. Orla Hegarty on the race to the bottom in home building standards:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-164573894 ...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack podcast, Tony is joined by MEP Luke Ming Flanagan to discuss the dangers posed to farmers and fishers by the upcoming EU budget, the work (regressive and progressive) of the last parliament, and even his admiration for Maria Walsh on one day of infamy in the European Parliament. Prof Richard Murphy on wealth taxes, Gary Stevenson and Andy Burnham:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-164447574

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Leila Warah is a Palestinian American multimedia journalist currently based in Palestine. Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, she holds a degree in Journalism and Media and has significant experience in reporting across digital platforms. Through her social media (@leila.shw on Instagram), Leila creates videos that stay true to the Palestinian question, breaking it down for an international audience to better understand what life under Israeli occupation in the West Bank looks like. Her content delivers on-the-ground visual storytelling, tailored for an international audience, that humanizes the headlines, shedding light...

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan joins us to talk about the EU Parliament, the rolling back of workers rights and environmental protections in the name of competitiveness and simplification and why Ryanair are flying to occupied territory. And yes, we also discuss her party’s position on hare coursing. The Right To Tell, whistleblower Special Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163159955