The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

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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 discuss Nicholas's visit to the Azteca Stadium.

The Whistleblowers - In Their Own Words out now:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163159955

Palestinian Writer and Public Health expert Asmaa Dwimah podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163325467

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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 progress.

The Whistleblowers Podcast - In Their Own Words:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163145416

The Venezuelan Earthquake podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162431599

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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 What Remains to Be Said (Wild Goose Publications, 2025). His forthcoming essay collection, If You Cannot Say GENOCIDE: Essays on Conscience and Witness, will be published by New Village Press in October 2026 and distributed by NYU Press. He divides his time between the United States and Colombia.

The Book is available here: https://www.newvillagepress.org/ifyoucannotsaygenocide/

The Venezuelan Earthquake podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162431599

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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 intentions and real-world effects on vulnerable populations. Minister Jim O'Callaghan's run of doing Crazy Jim O'Callaghan stuff continues.

Elaine Crory on Jeffrey Donaldson, Sexual Violence and Rape Myths:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162722611

Author of If You Cannot Say Genocide, Yahia Lababidi podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162503281

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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 into the Government and Garda response. Do not skip this one.

Petro Speech: https://portside.org/2022-09-24/colombian-president-gustavo-petro-calls-end-war-drugs-historic-un-address

Oireachtas Report:https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/34/drugs-use/

Constantin Gurdgiev on Trump, the AI economy and more:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-161617099

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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 Féin front-bench and Eoin’s feelings about the new Barak Obama centre.

Lynn Ruane podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162385343

Reporting from Occupied Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162124288

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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 government in Ireland that does not include Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.

Contantin Gurdgiev on US politics and the global economy:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-161617099

Two Palestinian journalists on life and reporting in Occupied Palestine: https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162124288

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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 in a worsening present.

Paul Murphy wants to go into Government podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-160886543

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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 examines the implications of new bills, what these mean in terms of EU regulations and laws, and the potential risks to privacy and civil liberties.

Welcome to the Ballad of Biometrics, Vol 2.

Paul Murphy wants to go into Government podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-160886543

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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 such as Bukele and Lula.

Nicholas gives his assessment of the Colombian Presidential Election and the optimistic view is not that great. But hope springs eternal, then it kills you.

Liam Cunningham podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-159915188

Support the Hind Rajab Centre:https://www.ionadhindrajab.org/