

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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 21, 2024 • 32min
1354. GE 2024, The Candidates – Conor Reddy
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
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
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
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
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
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
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
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
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
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

Nov 7, 2024 • 48min
38. Gaza – Medics Under Fire
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Dr. Yipeng Ge is a primary care physician and public health practitioner who has witnessed the atrocities in Gaza firsthand as a humanitarian medical volunteer. He shares with the PalCast co-hosts his experience of being in Gaza as a medical worker during the ongoing genocide.
He tells us how hungry people were so kind to him and his colleague, going so far as to share their meals, and although the medical system in Gaza was destroyed by Israel, and many medical professionals were targeted by Israel, Palestinians still maintained a sort of social structure to survive. He also sadly outlines how the deaths are much higher than many people think and how hospitals became a target. Listen to hear heartbreaking stories from Gaza. We must bare witness.
Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/112598735
The US Election Reaction Pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-115480043

Nov 6, 2024 • 23min
1345. General Election 2024: The Candidates, Ciarán Ahern
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
Next up in our candidates series is Labour Party Cllr for Rathfarnham-Templeogue, and employment rights solicitor Ciarán Ahern.
He outlines his local ambitions for a national agenda, talks about his background and civic minded work and why he’s adapted his career in law to pursue his career in politics. A terrific candidate.
The US Election Reaction Pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/115480043

Nov 4, 2024 • 29min
1344. General Election 2024, The Candidates – Hazel De Nortúin
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
In this, the first of our GE 2024 Candidate podcasts, we talk with PBP candidate in Dublin South Central, Hazel De Nortúin. She talks about her route into politics, how her family shaped her values and how her love of the Irish language has made her class conscious.
To access the full list of candidate interviews so far click here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/115017828