Advertise on podcast: The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "Removing the triple lock means Ireland is no longer neutral" In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony and Senator Tom Clonan delve into Ireland's military neutrality, ongoing government moves to abolish the triple lock, and the implications for Ireland's foreign policy and defense. They explore the systemic issues and risks associated with ending Ireland's historic peacekeeping role, in contrast with a potential future of a non-neutral role of peace enforcement. We also discuss Tom’s statement in the Seanad regarding St John’s Ambulance and his views on the cost of disability payments outlined in Budget 2027. No Go Zones in Northern Ireland podcast with Luke Butterly:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172889801 Simon McGarr on the Ignored vs the Adored in Irish politics:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "Build accessibility into everything from the ground up." In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony is joined by activist, campaigner and Co-Founder of Equality Not Care, Ann Marie Flanagan and Senior Accessibility Lead and Daddy, Brian Dalton, to explore the recent budget's impact on disabled people, the true costs of disability, and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure equality and accessibility for all. We talk about the urgent need for the Government to create parity by giving working disabled people a €500 tax credit, and the way we've built a country that fails to see our disabled community as equal. "To hear that they were calling what is now a top-up to disability pay, a disability allowance, was hugely upsetting... Disabled people are treated as passive recipients waiting for the crumbs of government. This is just not good enough." The Ignored vs the adored with Simon McGarr:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259 Peace Keeping vs Peace Enforcement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172888082

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Belal Adnan Abuiyada is a physician working in paediatrics in Gaza. Alongside his medical work, he writes on Instagram about life in Gaza, displacement, grief, memory, and the small moments of tenderness that endure. His writing offers a personal view of a place and a people too often described only through headlines. He joins us to talk about his patients, his experiences and his hopes for the future. The Ignored vs the adored with Simon McGarr:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259 Peace Keeping vs Peace Enforcement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172888082

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "Andy Burnham is a neoliberal to his very core. Let's be blunt about this." In this Tortoise Shack episode, listener favourite, Prof Richard Murphy, returns to talk about how he's packing it all in because Andy Burnham has fixed everything without even putting together a budget. But while he's here, we might as well discuss the failures of neoliberalism, the urgent need for big, bold shifts, and the power of protest (see France and Spain) to shape a better future. They explore the current political landscape, economic control, and potential pathways for transformative change. Richard then gives us a "if I had 48hrs in charge, I'd do..." masterclass to describe what a better song might sound like. Don't miss it. The Public Sector Strikes vs Government Spin:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172328073 A Call for Fairness - Budget 2027 and the Real Cost of Disability:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172433910

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Will Pedro Sanchez win, but still lose? "Vox hates brown people" This Tortoise Shack episode jumps into a tumultuous few weeks in Spanish politics. It explores the complex political landscape, focusing on the runners, riders and far right nutters, who are all headed towards an election in less than two months. Is it a housing referendum? Is it an immigration election? Madrid-based guests, journalist Eoghan Gilmartin and Professor Joe Haslam, discuss the implications for Spain's future and the broader European context. Is a miracle comeback on the cards? Prof Richard Murphy on Burnham and Polanski:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801910 Dr. Belal Adnan Abuiyada in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171782366 The Public Sector Strikes Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172328073

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Malak Abu Krayem is a Palestinian Computer Scientist, App Developer, and children's book writer. She joins us from Gaza to talk about how she lost the career that was planned out after October 7th. She explains how she is carving a new path through the genocide and, working within Gaza and remotely with people abroad, is creating Apps and Art that open doors for herself and her friends struggling in Gaza. Colour Palestine: https://www.amazon.fr/-/en/gp/product/B0HL7D45NJ?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tpbk_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1790680560&sr=8-1 Snaptek:https://snaptek.app/ Burnham, Polanski and Another Song with Prof Richard Murphy:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801910 The Worker's Budget Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801404

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 a friendly disavowal of one another. Mick's Substack:https://theweekinhousing.substack.com/ The Spanish Election Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171874179 The Worker's Budget podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801404 Note: Recorded October 6th, before the sad passing of Mariacarmen.

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. The Green Party 's Zionism is Racism motion:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171492244 A Worker's Budget?:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801404

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/posts/patron-exclusive-171581922 The Zionism is Racism motion:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171492244

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 Ireland. She shares insights into the legal challenge she has instigated to stop this affront to local democracy. For more click: https://www.norenthikes.ie/ Finding a path through the genocide:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171585351 The Zionism Is Racism motion:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171492244

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 with injuries, elderly patients struggling with chronic diseases, and civilians living without reliable access to basic healthcare. Yet they are adamant that they will not abandon their patients nor their people. Support their work here:https://chuffed.org/project/heart-of-gaza-clinic The Green Party 's Zionism is Racism motion:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171492244

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.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171197381 Rosa Luxemburg vs Hayek's Bastards with Prof Constantin Gurdgiev:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171014508

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 world know that Harvey mattered keeps them going. Please listen. Rosa Luxemburg vs Hayek's Bastards podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171014508 Two Doctors in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170897014

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 the NAZA documentary says about western media, and more Philip's piece:https://philipoconnor.com/welcome-to-sweden-and-the-election-nobody-won/ The Justice For Harvey podcast with his parents, Gillian and Stephen:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171094500 Why The The AI Boom is starting to look a lot like the Dot Com Bubble with Constantin Gurdgiev:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171014508

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://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170546260