The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

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/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170055503

Saudi influence at the IPCC podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170256675

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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