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PODCAST

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!

news politics

All Episodes

52:36

Budget 2027 – Fix Housing, Fix Inequality

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/10/05

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn 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

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48:21

Justice For Harvey – Gillian and Stephen in the...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/10/02

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackListeners 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

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The Election Nobody Won, Racism Going Too Far,...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/10/01

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,

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55:32

‘Weird’ Policing, Stormont Pay Rises, Public...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/28

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,

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45:07

Empathy, Inequality and Social Cohesion

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/23

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn 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,

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33:59

Ireland’s failure to regulate social media is killing...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/23

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

en-GB

25:04

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

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/16

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackNour 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

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40:18

The Impact of Immigration Rules on Ireland’s Health...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/16

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

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40:18

The Impact of New Immigration Rules on Ireland’s...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/11

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn 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

en-GB

56:54

The Role of Crime and Security Journalism in Irish...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/08

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

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33:05

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

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/04

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackRoa'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

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33:05

Sharing Art, Culture and Languages during the...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/03

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackRoa'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

en-GB

51:11

You’re Not Angry Enough with Pearse Stokes

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/09/01

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackThe 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

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24:40

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

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/08/27

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn 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

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36:44

The Dan’s vs The Geography Teacher

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/08/25

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn 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

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37:04

Freidreich’s Ataxia and SkyClarys – Emily and Niamh

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/08/19

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackThis 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

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58:27

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

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/08/17

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

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38:24

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

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/08/13

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackAbdulrahman 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

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32:21

The Ceuta Crisis: Spain, FIFA, Ryanair, The Odyssey,...

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/08/11

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn 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

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35:06

And The Jellyfish Shall Inherit the Earth

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack ·

2026/08/07

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

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