
The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack
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!
Latest episodes

Nov 25, 2024 • 45min
GE2024 – The Candidates, Hazel Chu
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
In this GE2024 podcast we talk with Green Party Cllr and candidate in Dublin Bay South.
We discuss her reasons for running, why she’s keeping faith with the Greens and how she wants to see the next Dáil move beyond market solutions for climate action.
For all of our GE2024 coverage including more candidate interviews and manifesto analysis please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Nov 24, 2024 • 26min
1365. GE2024 and RTE’s Hurt Feelings
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In this GE 2024 podcast we go into the latest campaign news and then very in-depth on Sinn Féin's manifesto pledge to review RTE, the belated change to the code of practice regarding Karshan and bogus self employment and our take on why Minister Heather Humphries had to retire before she was pushed. Up the Workers!
Full GE2024 coverage including lots of candidate interviews and analysis is available now at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Nov 23, 2024 • 28min
1357. GE2024 – The Candidates, Thomas Pringle
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In this GE 2024 podcast we talk with independent candidate in Donegal, Thomas Pringle, about his experience of the last Dáil and what his hopes are for the next term, should he be re-elected.
Mica scandals, healthcare availability, housing crisis, a left alliance, Gaza activism, tackling anti-immigration sentiment and more. Yup the Big Fella.
For all our candidate podcasts and GE2024 coverage please go to patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Nov 21, 2024 • 32min
1354. GE 2024, The Candidates – Conor Reddy
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PBP Cllr Conor Reddy is in Tony’s constituency of Dublin North West. So this was a conversation between two locals and Martin about local, national and international issues via Conor’s political lens. A fascinating fella. Yup Finglas!
To access all our GE Candidate pods and coverage go to patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Nov 19, 2024 • 40min
1353. GE2024 The Candidates – Neasa Hourigan
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In this GE 2024 Candidate podcast we talk with (when she's not suspended) Green Party TD for Dublin Central, Neasa Hourigan.
Naturally as her party is in government this interview was a bit different from our usual candidate interviews and that makes for a great listen.
More Candidate Interviews here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/116245060

Nov 17, 2024 • 1h 22min
1355. #GE2024 – The Polls and Projections
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Echo Chamber Pod GE 2024 Special we are joined in the tortoise shack by Mr irishelectionprojections.com's Harry McEvansoneya and the man behind irelandthinks.ie, Kevin Cunningham to discuss everything from why Nate Silver is a spoofer to what the polls are saying less than three weeks out from the Irish general election.
A feast of a podcast for political polling and projection nerds. Enjoy!
The Candidate Pods are available now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/116133576

Nov 14, 2024 • 33min
1351. GE 2024 – The Candidates, Chris Pender
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In this candid and honest GE 2024 candidate podcast we talk with Kildare South Cllr Chris Pender of the Soc Dems in what is a conversation that went in directions we didn't expect. Chris opens up about becoming homeless, mental health struggles and why there's nothing in the Dáil more difficult than the obstacles that he has had to overcome.
The Candidate Podcasts are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/115534461

11 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 47min
1352. America, We Need to Talk
In this discussion, Constantin Gurdgiev, a Professor of Economics, analyzes the surprising election results and their global implications. He explores topics like U.S. isolationism, the influence of wealthy figures on democracy, and the polarization in American society. Gurdgiev also addresses the disconnect in political messaging and the chaotic state of immigration and tariff policies. Finally, he highlights how global events are impacting Ireland's economic landscape, suggesting reforms for greater stability amid turmoil.

Nov 10, 2024 • 0sec
1349. GE2024 – The Candidates: David Cullinane and Sinn Féin’s Prescription for Change
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In this (slightly different) GE 2024 candidates podcast we talk to Sinn Féin’s Health Spokesperson, David Cullinane about his plan to deliver a public health service that works for all.
We discuss the plan in great detail, while also delving into Sinn Féin’s mistakes in the last few years, their relationship with the mainstream media and the way they’re treated by the far right. An in-depth interview for anyone wanting to know what Sinn Féin mean by 'change'.
The Polls and Projections Pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/115656727

Nov 9, 2024 • 32min
1347. GE 2024 – The Candidates, Patricia Stephenson
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In this GE2024 candidates chat we talk with Patricia Stephenson, who is the Social Democrats General Election candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny. Her route into politics took her from Belfast to East Africa, on to Dublin, before finally settling down in Carlow-Kilkenny. Her human rights background and experience makes her a candidate well worth your consideration. Even if I doubt her Coddle bona fides.
The Neasa Hourigan podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-115493314
The Polling and Projections Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-115656727