The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack
Ireland's original independent left-leaning news, politics, and culture podcast, hosted by Martin McMahon and Tony Groves. It unpicks the day's news, challenges spin, and encourages listeners to become activists. The show is non-corporate, ad-free, and doesn't take itself too seriously, often leading to shenanigans.
Episodes
The Trick is to not take the Serious Stuff Seriously – Zain’s Story
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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
Freidreich’s Ataxia and SkyClarys – Emily and Niamh
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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 foc
Trump’s America: Hope Springs Eternal, Then it Kills You…
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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 implica
I Don’t Want to Leave Gaza – Wining The Reverse Lottery
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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
The Ceuta Crisis: Spain, FIFA, Ryanair, The Odyssey, Meloni, Trump and the Abraham Accords.
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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 br
And The Jellyfish Shall Inherit the Earth
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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 n
The Gaza Grift and the Geopolitical Reality
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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
The Race to the Bottom – Ireland’s Lack of Progress in Housing
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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 Saor
International Law didn’t fail, World Leaders failed International Law
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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
Prof Richard Murphy on Andy Burnham, Gary Stevenson, Wealth Taxes and More
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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
Luke Ming Flanagan: The Next EU Budget, Farming, Fisheries, Praise for Maria Walsh and More
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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
Ethnic Erasure – The Reality in Occupied Palestine
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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 q
The EU, Ryanair, Hare Coursing, Data Centres and More with MEP Lynn Boylan
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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, whistlebl
Justice For The Children – No Building Over Bessborough
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In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony speaks with activist, artist and Cllr Noelle Brown, who is herself a survivor of the Mother and Baby Homes, about the ongoing issues surrounding mother and baby homes in Ireland, focusing on the recent planning permission granted for a development over the Bessborough site, where many children are buried and where at
Public Health in Gaza and Bearing Witness
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Asmaa Dwimah is a Palestinian writer, poet, artist and dentist from Gaza. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Public Health in London. In this PalCast she shares her experience of life in two worlds, her writings and exploring loss, resilience, identity and bearing witness.
MEP Lynn Boylan podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/p
Venezuelan Earthquake, Mexico’s World Cup and Colombia’s Right Wing Political Pivot
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony and Mexico-based Colombian journalist with El Pais, Nicholas Dale Leal, discuss the recent natural disasters in Venezuela, the political landscape in Colombia, and the economic reforms in Cuba. They explore the impact of these events on local populations and the broader implications for Latin America. They also discus
Breaking the Silence: Jeffrey Donaldson, Sexual Violence and Society in Ireland
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony is rejoined by Writer, Commentator and Community Advocate, Elaine Crory to discuss the Jeffrey Donaldson case, sexual violence, challenges within the justice system, and societal issues across the island of Ireland. They explore the impact of political power, rape myths, and systemic failures on justice and social pro
If You Cannot Say Genocide
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Yahia Lababidi is an Arab American poet of Palestinian descent and essayist, and the author of sixteen books. His work appears in Liberties, Salmagundi, The Threepenny Review, The New Statesman, The New Arab, and DAWN, among others. His recent books include Palestine Wail (Daraja Press, 2024), written in the first months of Israel’s assault on Gaza, and
Jim O’Callaghan’s Criminally Ignorant ‘Cost Saver’
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, solicitor Cathal Malone discusses the impact of proposed (resulting in dozens of solicitors walking out) changes to Ireland's criminal legal aid fee structure, the long-time underfunding of the justice system, and the broader implications for access to justice. The conversation highlights the disconnect between policy inte
Drug Use – Harm Reduction vs State Snobbery
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Senator Lynn Ruane returns to talk about the cross-party Oireachtas Committee Report on Drug Use. She discusses the report's recommendations, harm reduction, decriminalisation, and trauma-informed care, emphasising the need for evidence-based policies and community-led initiatives to reduce drug-related harm.
We also get i
The Housing Crisis and a Broad Left Government with Eoin Ó Broin
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Eoin Ó Broin is back to discuss Ireland's housing crisis, recent legislative changes, and strategic solutions to address homelessness and housing affordability.
We also get involved in cross-party efforts (or lack thereof), policy reforms, quick wins, and urgent actions needed to improve housing conditions.
There’s also chat about his role on the Sinn Fé
I Want to be in Government – Paul Murphy
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In this episode, Tony is joined by PBP TD Paul Murphy to dig into the lay of the land in Irish politics, the current left-wing strategies for change, future coalition possibilities, and the influence of global corporations on our current political realm. Paul explores and gives his take on the challenges and opportunities for building a progressive gover
I Don’t Want To Write Tragedies
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Sondos Sabra is a Palestinian writer from Gaza and co-author of Voices of Resistance, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Creative Writing in the UK. She joins us to discuss her experience of the genocide, the harsh reality of the famine she endured, the loss of several of her family and the heartache of planning for a future when everything is stuck
Jim O’Callaghan’s Humpty Dumpty Biometric Bamboozlement
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"This week Jim O'Callaghan, the Minister for Justice, stood up and explained why his plan to give the Garda Síochána powers to use AI to surveil the public didn't need the safeguards set down in EU law."
Tony and solicitor Simon McGarr jump into the recent legislative proposals and developments surrounding biometric data and AI law in Ireland. Simon exam
Mexico’s World Cup and Colombia’s Day of Reckoning
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony and Nicolas Dale Leal, a Mexico-based journalist with El País, discuss the intersection of politics, football, and current events in Latin America and beyond. They examine the impact of protests during the World Cup in Mexico, the political landscapes in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, and the influence of global figures
Protect Our Neutrality – The People’s Forum
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“The People's Forum on Peace and Neutrality has been organised in a context where the EU policy of rearmament, with an increased reliance on weapons production, calls in to question its origins as a peace project and its commitment to UN authority, diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.”
Joining me this evening from the Neutrality Roadshow is Rory R
The Gaza in my mind is not the Gaza I live in now
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Mohammed R. Isdodi is an English language student from Al-Azhar University whose studies were interrupted by the war. He rejoins us from a "hub" in Gaza City to update us on the latest situation on the ground, the struggle for basics like clean water and his work with others of telling their stories of the last almost three years. He offers a poignant in
We Have an Extremely High Tolerance for Intolerance – Emma DeSouza on the Belfast Riots
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony is rejoined by writer, commentator and activist, Emma DeSouza to analyse the recent riots, racially motivated violence and social unrest in Northern Ireland. Emma explores the underlying causes, societal impacts, and the role of social media, political rhetoric and some mainstream media players. They try to emphasise
The Belfast Pogroms – ‘There’s Always Embers. Leave Them Alone and They’ll Go Out. Add Fuel and They’ll Go Up’
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In this Tortoise Shack special, Tony speaks with writer, columnist, community advocate and Belfast woman, Elaine Crory about the recent riots in the city, community resilience in the face of political failure, and the complex issues surrounding violence and social cohesion in Northern Ireland.
She explains how community members stepped up, showing solida
We Don’t Need a Rainy Day Fund When it’s Already Pouring Down
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Time and time again, the disabled and carer community are left behind. When the Government found over 700m for the fuel protests, while saying they couldn't pay out an emergency 145m cost of disability payment the message was loud and clear; you don't matter enough in our economic model.
Joining us on the podcast to discuss the inherent unfairness of our
The Societal Cost of Ireland’s Data Centre Boom
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This Reboot Republic Podcast, is a deep dive into the environmental and societal impacts of data centres and AI development in Ireland. Rory and Dr Ciaran O'Carroll analyse the rapid expansion of data centre infrastructure, its economic benefits (if any?), and the urgent need for sustainable and equitable strategies.
This podcast outlines the finance cha
‘We Just Ran’ – Mohammad’s Story
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Mohammad AlTurk is a young English Translator in Gaza. He joins us from Gaza City to discuss the current situation on the ground and to tell his story of the past two and a half years. He also shares his hope for the future.
Mikey Cullen from the Gaza Flotilla podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-160504651
Support the Hind Rajab Centre:
‘Sinn Féin’s Left Wing Politics Are Not Up For Debate’
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It's been a testing time for the broad left and the vote-left-transfer-left movement, and with the speculation swirling around about internal disputes within Sinn Féin, it was the perfect time to be joined by their party spokesperson for health, David Cullinane.
We discuss the state of left unity, leadership speculation, and the tell-all book about the p
So Jeremy Corbyn, Mary Lou McDonald and Roddy Doyle walk into a festival
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Longtime listeners would be well aware of the annual left-a-palooza that is the Robert Tressell Festival. This year, it’s going bigger by moving to the RDS.
Joining me to talk all about the events and why this political and cultural space matters are two of the organisers, Trade Unionist, Claire O’Connor and Filmmaker Graham Seely.
Tickets and details:ht
The Trump Regime, Cuba’s Collapse, World Cup of Uncertainty and Colombia’s New Hope
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The Cuba humanitarian crisis shames the world. Yet not even their allies or nearest neighbours are helping in any meaningful way. Joining me to discuss this is Nicholas Dale Leal, a Mexico-based Colombian journalist with El País.
We also have some potentially good news in Colombia, some eye-raising news about the CIA operating in Mexico in the lead up to
King Charles, Peter Mandelson and a Tyrone Goldmine
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Longtime listeners will be well aware of the environmental disaster that is Lough Neagh and the work of journalist and returning guest Tommy Greene in exposing it.
Tommy talks us through the latest Lough updates and then tells us about a story that links a US mining company, King Charles, Peter Mandelson and a goldmine in the foothills of the Sperrin Mou
Gaza: My Students Keep Me Going – A Teacher Speaks
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Palestinian teacher, academic and plain-talker, Arwa Alzraiy was a PhD Student in Durham before October 7th. She had returned to Gaza to collect data as part of her studies just before the genocide began. She joins us now from Gaza to talk truthfully about the reality of the current situation, the plight of the students she teaches and how even the subje
Adam SpiceBag Doyle – You Can’t Let Apathy Win
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Activist, artist and creator, Adam SpiceBag Doyle, has made waves in Irish media and politics. But his biggest challenge is building and sustaining a centre for displaced children in Gaza, Ionad Hind Rajab.
He joined me to discuss the latest Sumud Flotilla, his journey from fundraising to becoming the Director of a school in Gaza and more.
The latest on
The bye-bye, By-Elections Special-ish
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Tá an ghrian ag scoilteadh na gcloch, so of course we're inside looking at what just happened in Dublin Central and Galway West.
And to do so, I am delighted to be joined by Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya and Data and Digital Rights expert, solicitor, Simon McGarr, to dig into the results, the data, the party positions and what can (a
On Violence and Justice for Yves Sakila
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Journalist in Stockholm, Philip O'Connor, is a long-time Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner. So when he wrote his piece below, On Violence, and outlined the hard reality of what took place on Henry Street, we decided we'd have a wider conversation about it all.
Philip ties together all of the strands from policing, to security, to media framing and to syste
James Leonard – Building Community from the Bottom Up and Getting a Seat at the Table
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James Leonard is no stranger to the tortoise shack. Yet this is his first-ever appearance in the shack, and it is, like the man himself, really great.
We talk about his post 2 Norries work, including collaborating internationally to raise awareness about the carceral experience, his work in Cork in building life-long learning initiatives and his work in
Being a Father is My Most Important Role
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Hussam Tannera is a teacher, father and a survivor of the Gaza genocide. He shares his experience taking care of his two children while trying to live as best a life is possible in Gaza today. He tells us an uplifting and ingenious story about starting a coffee brand despite the lack of coffee beans. Many of us take eating meat for granted, but Hussam te
The Byelection Special-ish
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As promised, Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya is back to make sense of the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections. Sense (from Groves) is maybe a bit of a stretch.
Will Fine Gael's Ray McAdam get Soc Dem's Dan Ennis elected or will Gerry Hutch's transfers turn everything upside down? Will Labour pull of a shock in Galway?
Enjoy or
Starmer, Burnham, the Hapless Horserace and the Need for a New Recipe
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It's been another clown-show in UK politics over the last couple of weeks. Re-joining me to wade through the mud is Prof Richard Murphy. He analyses the recent Local Elections and the state of the Labour Party. We discuss the attacks on the Green's Zack Polanski and explore the need for a vision beyond the politics of mediocrity. This is a great example
Time to Cut Taxes?
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In this episode we dive into the "Cut Taxes" narrative that is dominating our economic and political media at the moment with NERI Economist, Ciaran Nugent. We dig into Ireland's topsy-turvy fiscal policies, the reality of our personal tax system, Ireland's tax (avoidance) system, the housing crisis, our weak energy transition, and the impact of internat
You Were Elected, Now Do Your Job
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Writer, columnist and political commentator Elaine Crory rejoined me on the tortoise shack to talk Stormont and the mood music of a managed decline. She breaks down why the politicians MUST stay the course and not betray their constituents and the reasons for the latest opinion poll data that shows a 60%+ lead for the Irish unity with EU membership quest
The First Draft of History
Malak Hijazi is an English Literature graduate, writer, historian of displacement and journalist from Gaza. She joins us from Gaza City to share her story, describe life under the ongoing genocide and explain why she is compelled to record what is happening to her people despite the danger to herself.
A remarkable young woman. Don’t miss it.
Stormont on the Brink pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/
One Million Homes
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In this tortoise shack special episode, Tony speaks with community development expert and big ideas guy, Rob Cass, about Ireland's housing crisis, the data-driven solutions, and the importance of measuring and implementing effective and proven policies to build a sustainable future for young people and communities. It's not Urban vs Rural - it's old lock
Journalism, Boxing, Daniel Kinahan and Why Everything is Upside Down
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It’s 2026, Gerry Hutch has left his second home of Lanzarote to run as a candidate in the upcoming Dublin Central byelection and Daniel Kinahan is in a Dubai prison cell fighting not to be sent back to Ireland to face justice. Irish sports legend Katie Taylor is looking to book her swansong fight in Croke Park. all the while the Regency shooting hangs li
What Sierra Leone tells us about DOGE, Trump and Overseas Aid
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Infectious disease expert, UCC's Prof Adjunct and Hospital Consultant, Niall Conroy, recently returned from his second home of Sierra Leone, where he witnessed first-hand the impact of the cuts by the likes of Trump, Musk and others are having on some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
This is both a necessary eye-opening conversation about epid
I think I should call the President
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In this episode, Tony and Mr Judge Street Journal, Timmy Facciola, explore the first 100 days of Zoran Mamdani's NYC mayoralty, political strategies, and the evolving landscape of New York City politics.
Timmy also breaks down his phone call with President Trump.
They also touch on international issues, sports (NBA briefly), and personal passions (Timmy'
Gaza bleeds as the world looks away
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Khaled Al-Qershali is a writer and journalist from Gaza, focusing on personal narratives and reporting on the humanitarian impact of conflict. He has published articles and essays in outlets such as The Electronic Intifada, The Washington Report of Middle East Affairs, and The Independent. His work highlights stories of resilience, survival, and the live
Barry Heneghan – A Deal With the Devil or Right for the Country?
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Independent (Govt) TD Barry Heneghan came over to the tortoise shack to discuss his decision to vote confidence in the government, his reasons and redlines for what he deems government stability and why he believes that his voters will understand his position even as the cost of living crisis continues to worsen.
Editors Note: Recorded for members 17th A
Suspended for Seeking Pay Parity – We Don’t Care About Carers
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Sonia Borwick has worked caring for people in their homes for over two decades. Now, like many of her Section 39 colleagues, she is paid less than she was almost 20 years ago. Worse still, she’s been suspended from her workplace because, in my opinion, she has continued to raise the issue.
She joined me in the tortoise shack to talk about her experience
My Brother Was Food For Wild Dogs
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Editor's note: This podcast contains details that you might find upsetting.
Amira Attiya, a writer and a student of translation from Gaza, tells the story of how she lost her three siblings—one of them was kidnapped, killed, and even fed to dogs—and that of her father, who was burned with white phosphorus during the Cast Lead operation. Amira was displac
Societal Resilience in a Wartime Economy
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In this in-depth conversation, Tony talks with listener favourite, Professor Richard Murphy, about the stark reality of the global energy crisis and the lack of political courage in the era of Trump madness. They explore the current global economic crisis, energy shortages, food security, and the failures of governments to build resilience. They also ana
The Fuel Protests – Real Concerns Are Turned Into Anger and Hate with Saoirse McHugh
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Despite knowing everything about everything, I decided to ask for another opinion on the fuel protests. So here's an in-depth interview with the wonderful Saoirse McHugh, who discusses the recent protests, the systemic issues in agriculture, energy, and social policy, and explores potential solutions for a sustainable future. The conversation highlights
Displaced in Gaza – Bernadette Devlin McAliskey
For More Please visit AFSC.org
The Occupation Killed My Grandchildren and Dispersed My Family is written by Yusra Salem Abu Awad and narrated by Bernadette Devlin McAliskey
"Where is the United Nations? Where are the world’s
nations? Where are those who stand with us? I raise my voice with all Palestinians. My scattered children, I hope to meet them safely soon."
Bernadette Devlin is a lifelong ci
Gaza Has Shown The World The Truth – Iran and Lebanon is Just a Continuation
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Dr. Belal Alakhras is a lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) who was born and raised in Gaza. His research focuses on settler colonial studies, conflict resolution, and the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East and Southeast Asia and the escalating war on Iran.
In this episode, he talks about his experience watching the gen
New York Mayor Mamdani and the Mad King Trump
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Timmy Facciola is a freelance journalist who worked previously with the New York Times and Politico. He now covers the new Mayor Zohran Mamdani from his excellent substack https://judgestreetjournal.substack.com/
He made his first ever podcast appearance on the shack earlier and we discussed his work, the mad king Trump, the Jewish communities feelings t
Ireland’s Meta Money, Meta Problems
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Solicitor and Digital Rights expert, Simon McGarr re-joins me to discuss the recent legal woes for Big Tech, the novel legal argument that challenges their business model, the Government's attempts to improve online safety and why what Ireland is planning to do with its EU Presidency is at odds with tackling online disinformation and misinformation.
Spoi
Fuel Protests – ‘Send In The Army’ and it’s Not Left vs Right
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Editors Note: Contains strong language from a part of the protest
The fuel protests have caused havoc to people's travel plans and made many turn on the protests. But Dublin City Councillor, Conor Reddy went along twice and despite what you see in the video at the start, he was able to find common ground with many there and engage in civil debate and con
Displaced in Gaza: My Mother Returned Home to Die
Please visit AFSC.org
"We cried with my mother every time. She cried from
pain and agony, and we cried from our helplessness and
inability to provide assistance, medication, or relieve her
pain. My mother suffered all the time, and our hearts
were crushed with pain. This is our mother whom we
love dearly, whom we do not want to lose, and who loves
life and wants to continue it with us in goo
Gaza, The Daily Reality As The World Looks Away
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Editor's note: I'd recommend watching this episode as Noor shares some glimpses of Gaza now.
Noor Alhinnawi is a Palestinian writer from Gaza. She is graduating this semester and planning to start her career. After multiple displacements and attempts to cross to the south, she now lives in her relatives home after their own home was destroyed by Israel.
Iran and the Global Economic Crisis
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Rejoining me on the shack to delve into Iran, the US, Big Tech, the interlinked global financial system and the economic troubles ahead is author of Tax Haven Ireland and editor of the Irish Marxist Review, Dr Brian O'Boyle.
This is a deep dive into the economics of this idiotic war, shadow banking, tax avoidance and the long-term geopolitical game behin
This Feels Like a World War
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CEO of Emergency Logistics Team, Will Holden has spent years in some of the most dangerous places in the world. From Yemen to Syria and the then ISIS run Iraq, he’s seen a lot. He joined me from Erbil, Kurdistan to talk about the current situation, the supply chain issues created by the war and why this situation has him more concerned than anything he’s
Access to Justice – Planning to Fail
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The Government has sought to limit Access to Justice via their public 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). But it turns out that the public are overwhelmingly (98%) opposed. So what now for the planning eejitry?
Solicitor Fred Logue joins me
Chasing My Dream
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Shahd Ismail Mahmoud Miqdad , is a PhD student from Gaza, who dreams of a life beyond the genocide where she will complete her education and life a an independent life safe, far from anything that hurts or touches her or her loved ones.
Will Holden joins us from Ebril, Kurdistan, Iraq:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-154305070
Song by Cabi
Does Cuba Have Any Allies?
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In this episode journalist with El Pais in Latin America, Nicholas Dale Leal talks Cuba and the impossible choice facing its citizens, the Trump regime’s mafia style bullying of its neighbours and the lack of support for Cuba from her traditional allies.
We also discuss the US-Ecuador attacks on “narco-terrorists” that killed innocent dairy farmers and w
Boots on the Ground in Iran? – Former US Green Beret, Anthony Aguilar
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Former US Green Beret and Gaza Humanitarian Foundation whistleblower and now US Senate candidate, Anthony Aguilar rejoined me to discuss the current situation in Cuba, Iran and the US. He outlines the military situation and, not to be all doomer, gives a stark assessment of where things are heading. A must listen/watch
Vijay Prashad podcast:https://www.p
Evictions Up 41% – A National Emergency
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This Reboot Republic again delves into Ireland's housing crisis, government policies, and the influence of international investment on the economy. Rory and Tony analyse the systemic issues, the role of private sector interests, the government fund festival vs the mass evictions that are occuring and the potential solutions for sustainable, green and pub
Everyone Should Have a Home – Passing the Baton
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Martin Leahy is a real one. The dedicated housing protester, activist and musician shares his journey from housing struggles to completing a one-man a 200-week housing crisis protest. We talk about the power of activism, protest songs, community building, and the ongoing fight to make housing a human right.
Hope to see lots of you outside the Dáil on Th
Are We Headed For Another Crash?
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Prof of Economics, Constantin Gurdgiev, rejoins us from an unseasonably warm Colorado to talk US politics, global economics and polarising geopolitics.
We delve deeper into the cracks in the social contract and ask what it means for a world that is more war focused than solution oriented.
Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.ban
Game Over Israel, UEFA and FIFA?
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The campaign to kick Israel out of football got A LOT spicier this week when FIFA President Gianni Infantino disagreed with international law over the Israeli illegal occupation of Palestinian lands.
Re-joining me to talk about this, the awkward Slovenian dinner table discussions and what is going to happen next is cofounder of #GameOverIsrael Ashish Pra
Hope, Overcoming Adversity and Staying in the Fight
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Emma Ward is a disability rights activist, a freelance journalist, an Irish Traveller and a person with a disability. She is also unapologetically outspoken, mischievous, ambitious and just great to talk to.
She speaks about her struggles honestly and her passion to leave the world a better place than she found it. Her love of family, friends and community is o
Trump’s Attack on Iran: Lessons on US Imperialism
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Author of Tax Haven Ireland, editor of the Irish Marxist Review and listener favourite, Dr Brian O'Boyle has written an excellent piece of analysis on the US-Israel war on Iran. He joins us to talk through the many narratives, underlying motivations and the overarching hegemonic battle central to these awful events.
MEP Lynn Boylan on Gaza, Iran and the
Displacement is not a Journey
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Heba Zeineddin holds a Bachelors Degree in English language and Teaching Methods from Alaqsa University in Gaza. She shares details of her life of displacement and loss in Gaza, where she has displaced with her family, including brother who has a disability, to a tent 12 times. Her family’s home was destroyed. Now she is trying to get back to normal by t
Lough Neagh, the Earl of Shaftesbury and the NHS Whilstleblower
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We have one very big podcast about two very important stories both covered superbly by freelance journalist and soon-to-be author, Tommy Greene. Both are a testament to good old fashioned journalism. Tommy explains how it’s taken almost 8yrs to get some traction with the case of NHS Whistleblower, Dr Chris Day and then we get into the latest for-profit s
‘It’s not just your life on the line’
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With over 250 journalists killed in Gaza since Oct 7th 2023, there is no more dangerous place in the world to be reporting the news. The threat of death hangs over the journalist and their families.
Joining us is Issam Adwan, who is a Palestinian researcher whose work bridges international media, grassroots activism, and academic inquiry. He has worked
Don’t let them Normalise the Abnormal
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Davy Adams has lived many lives, from becoming a loyalist paramilitary, to go on to contribute to the initial ceasefire agreement and subsequent Good Friday Agreement and then to carry out another lifetime of humanitarian work in places like Syria, Sudan and Sierra Leone.
He joined me to talk about his bottom-up view on conflict, his take on the US-Isr
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