The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

There's a lot of popular economic narratives out there at the moment that don't seem to tally with the lived experience of a majority in our society. It can be hard to make sense of it all. So it was great to chat again with UCD's Assoc Prof of Political Economy, Aidan Regan, to delve into it framing, figures and facts.

Aidan simplifies the complicated and outlines some of the options available to Ireland in dealing with the crises of housing, climate and inflation. We discuss the need for urgent action in all three areas and how the EU, with some creative thinking, can turn these crises into opportunities.

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We watched with sadness as the US Supreme Court overturned Roe and Casey last week. But we weren't without hope. Joining us to discuss what it means, the lessons grassroots activists have learned and where the hope is are former Socialist Party TD and ROSA cofounder, Ruth Coppinger, academic, activist and Author of Repealed, Dr Camilla Fitzsimons and activist and researcher on reproductive health, Dr Lorraine Grimes. A really informative and (dare we say) hopeful listen!

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Further reading from the podcast:https://www.amalwomenirl.com/projects/a-mother-is-born-too-research/

And https://www.camillafitzsimons.com/post/overturning-roe-lessons-from-ireland-on-how-to-fight-back

(Note: Published for members Jun 23. But following comments on Data Centers we thought we'd lift the paywall as a fact check) It was a pleasure to be joined by Political Correspondent and Environmental Reporter with the Business Post, Daniel Murray, to discuss the Venn Diagram of politics and climate action.

Daniel explains why Ireland is so overexposed to the current dual energy crises and why without significant investment it will only get worse. We discuss the widening gaps between climate action plans and their implementation and the cost vs opportunity narratives.

I really enjoyed this chat.

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Earlier this morning Russian missiles hit a residential building near central Kyiv. This follows a big escalation of missile attacks on the previous day of between 40 and 50 strikes across Ukraine.

To discuss this latest escalation, the G7 meeting, Ukraine's EU membership application, weaponry and the crises in energy and food supply is Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko.

Note: Recorded Sunday, Jun 26

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In this Reboot Republic, Rory and Tony discuss the preliminary results of Census 2022 which showed that 166,000 homes are vacant across the country, including 35,000 vacant rental properties, while there are just 850 properties available to rent nationally.

We break down the figures, and highlight the gap in housing provision around the country. We also discuss the Generational mental health crisis of young adults, the policy being made for the banks, lack of regulation of profiteering and the cost of living, and the REIT investor funds. Warning; contains some strong language and high anger levels!

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I was hopeful, but not optimistic that Gustavo Petro would make history by becoming Colombia's first ever leftist President. So when the news came in late last night of his victory it was a little moment of happiness for this self-declared lefty!

Rejoining us on the podcast to tell us how it happened and what it might mean is Colombian journalist, Nicholas Dale Leal.

We talk about the politically broad church that Petro has built, the ambitions he has for his term and the likely opposition. We also talk hope. It's good to have hope!

Note: This was recorded on Monday, Jun 20th. Full episode along with hundreds of exclusive posts are all available now on patreon.com/tortoiseshack

As the UK Government attempts to once again rip up a deal that they told everyone was "oven-ready" we decided to chat with Human Rights Professor at Queens University Belfast, Colin Harvey.

Colin shares details about the targeting he continues to receive while he advocates for the need for preparatory work for a United Ireland and what impact such attacks might have on the debates that are necessary.

We then take a look at the current situation, the Tory Govt agenda, the dangers to the Good Friday Agreement and the attempts to change the principle of democratic consent.

We also discuss the role the Govt in Dublin has to play in defending the rights of citizens across the island.

Please do join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Thank you.

While we have definitely noticed food prices going up, we might not have an inkling that the global food crisis is far more acute than just the price at the tills.

Joining me from Lebanon to discuss food systems, insecurity and scarcity for over 320m people are International Development Consultant, Sinead Mowlds and International Debt Finance Expert, Mike Azar.

Sinead talks about the breakdown in the supply chains and the confluences of crises that are creating famine and under-nourishment in numbers we haven't seen in decades, if ever. Mike outlines the role of finance in both domestic and global systems and gives brilliant insights via the lens of the last three years in Lebanon on what challenges are ahead.

We also talk militarisation, hope in collective action and how to avert this catastrophe.

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Find Sinead at @SineadMT and Mike at @AzarsTweets

In this Reboot Republic Rory and Tony speak with Jane Ann McKenna, CEO of Dochas, the Irish Network for International Development and Humanitarian Organisations, about the fact that 23 million people in the Horn of Africa face extreme food insecurity, and are on the brink of famine. She explains what can and should be done at a global level, to respond now, and their pre-budget call on the Irish Government to meet global Aid targets, we also discuss the role of tax injustice, debt, Climate and billionaires in contributing to global inequality.

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Whatever the outcome of this Sunday's second round of the Colombian Presidential Election, history was already made in the first round when left wing candidate, Gustavo Petro, finished top of the pile with 40% of the vote.

The bad news is that the "Trump-like" Rodolfo Hernandez finished second on 28% and might be the man who benefits most from the votes that will transfer from the eliminated candidates.

Joining me to discuss this is Colombian journalist, Nicholas Dale Leal. We talk about the 2 men's different agendas and the polarisation within Colombia. Nicholas outlines the issues with corruption, protest suppression and how significant Petro's success is.

We also discuss the links back to Ireland's use of fossil fuels and indeed our tax system that impacts the Colombian economy.

follow Nicholas @ndaleleal

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