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The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

Tortoise Shack Media

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!

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  • 37 episodes
  • Avg 40 min
  • English

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Episodes 37

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  • S1 · E1637
    Today · 41 min

    Trump, Burnham and the reality of the United Ireland movement

    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 Roundabout of Shite:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169410750 Hassan Herzallah in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169604628

  • Wednesday · 25 min

    A Trainee Lawyer in Gaza – I Want To Fight For Justice

    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 The Govt-Media Roundabout of Shite:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169410750 Trump, Burnham and the United Ireland Movement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169515803

  • S1 · E1635
    Wednesday · 40 min

    The Impact of Immigration Rules on Ireland’s Health System

    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 one who was asked to come here should be told that they aren’t really wanted. The Govt-Media Roundabout of Shit podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169410750 Trump, Burnham and the case for a Border Poll with Emma DeSouza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169515803

  • Wednesday · 45 min

    Empathy, Inequality and Social Cohesion with Dr Sharon Lambert

    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 work. The Fagersta School Attack podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168854108 The Case for Left Wing Populism podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168936278

  • Monday · 45 min

    Empathy, Inequality and Social Cohesion with Dr Sharon Lambert

    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 Populist Left and the Govt-Media Roundabout pod:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169410750 The Fagersta School Attack pod:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168854108

  • S1 · E1635
    September 11 · 40 min

    The Impact of New Immigration Rules on Ireland’s Health Service

    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 economic utility, but no one who was asked to come here should be told that they aren’t really wanted. The Case for Left Wing Populism:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168936278 Dr Sharon Lambert on Empathy, Inequality and Social Cohesion:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168594354

  • September 8 · 48 min

    ‘I Did Not See The Sun. I Did Not See The Sky’ – A Palestinian Child Prisoner speaks

    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://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168594354 The case for left populism:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168936278

  • S1 · E1634
    September 8 · 56 min

    The Role of Crime and Security Journalism in Irish Democracy

    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 M9. Report is here:https://www.iccl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Role-of-Crime-and-Security-Journalism-in-Irish-Democracy-MU.pdf The Case for Left Wing Populism:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168936278 The Fagersta School attack:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168854108

  • S1 · E1631
    September 4 · 33 min

    Let Them Study – Roaa’s story: A Medical Student in Gaza

    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

  • S1 · E1631
    September 3 · 24 min

    Sharing Art, Culture and Languages during the Genocide -Roa’a Abuaser

    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

  • S1 · E1629
    September 1 · 51 min

    You’re Not Angry Enough with Pearse Stokes

    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 the climate collapse of today. See more at:https://www.kwr.ie/ New Bookmarks Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168199727

  • S1 · E1628
    August 29 · 46 min

    Ulster Says Maybe – A Border Poll is Not Off the Table

    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/patron-exclusive-167637329 Roa'a in Gaza podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167819316

  • August 27 · 24 min

    Gaza and the Israeli Elections – It’s Not Just Netanyahu

    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

  • S1 · E1627
    August 25 · 36 min

    The Dan’s vs The Geography Teacher

    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.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167578305

  • August 21 · 45 min

    The Trick is to not take the Serious Stuff Seriously – Zain’s Story

    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.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-167184601 Yousef and Tony break down the Israeli election:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-166571088

  • S1 · E1626
    August 19 · 37 min

    Freidreich’s Ataxia and SkyClarys – Emily and Niamh

    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/posts/patron-exclusive-166824885

  • S1 · E1625
    August 17 · 58 min

    Trump’s America: Hope Springs Eternal, Then it Kills You…

    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

  • August 13 · 38 min

    I Don’t Want to Leave Gaza – Wining The Reverse Lottery

    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 troubles ahead:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-166312690 The Left Populism and Dan O'Brien's cancel culture podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/mamdani-left-and-166467069

  • S1 · E1624
    August 11 · 32 min

    The Ceuta Crisis: Spain, FIFA, Ryanair, The Odyssey, Meloni, Trump and the Abraham Accords.

    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

  • S1 · E1623
    August 7 · 35 min

    And The Jellyfish Shall Inherit the Earth

    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

Showing 1–20 of 37 episodes