150 episodes

The Irish independent news, politics and culture podcast that doesn't take itself too seriously. Join hosts Tony Groves and Martin McMahon and a wide range of guests as the tackle everything from twitter to the Taoiseach. There will be shenanigans!



Cover art by @Ciaraioch

The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack Tortoise Shack Media

    • News
    • 4.8 • 259 Ratings

The Irish independent news, politics and culture podcast that doesn't take itself too seriously. Join hosts Tony Groves and Martin McMahon and a wide range of guests as the tackle everything from twitter to the Taoiseach. There will be shenanigans!



Cover art by @Ciaraioch

    12. Dignity for Palestine – Dr Abukhalil in Gaza

    12. Dignity for Palestine – Dr Abukhalil in Gaza

    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

    Dr. Musallam Abukhalil is a physician from Gaza, who has been working at a shelter since November. He joins us to speak about what he has witnessed, the horror and medical cases he dealt with and the need to provide the basics for people in his care.

    In addition, he shares his perspective into what Israel aims to achieve in Gaza. Abukhalil runs a campaign to help displaced people at shelters, where 700 families seek refugee at his place of work run by UNRWA. Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves speak to Dr. Musallam about the situation in Gaza and what he experiences in Gaza.

    To support Dr Abukhalil's work check out @dignity4palestine or email tonygroves23@gmail.com

    Jon Schwarz on US politics and Gaza is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-103754202

    • 45 min
    1249. The Last Lefty Standing

    1249. The Last Lefty Standing

    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

    It all kicked off in Spanish politics (again), but it appears that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has outmaneuvered the opposition and is playing the hand he dealt in ways that will likely see his hold on the highest office tighten. A lot can happen in a week.

    Rejoining us to talk about the Last Lefty Standing is Madrid-based journalist, Eoghan Gilmartin. The revolution won't be beaten by Lawfare...

    The Podcast from the Trinity Student Encampment Protests is out here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-103611238

    The Return of Zak Hania posts are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/just-few-of-zaks-103618856

    • 34 min
    1250. Losing Doctors from the Health Service because of our Visa System

    1250. Losing Doctors from the Health Service because of our Visa System

    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

    When our friend and previous guest, Paediatrician Dr Liqa Ur Rehman posted online about the plight of a Psych Doctor, who has had his family reunification visa rejected and is now waiting over 3 years to see his wife and child, we were appalled, but not surprised.

    So joining us alongside Dr Ur Rehman, on this very important podcast, are three doctors who wanted to share their own experiences of the Irish immigration system. Dr X, a Registrar in Limerick, has not seen her family in over two years and has again been denied a visa to bring them here, she is now leaving Ireland and we are losing her and colleagues like her because of our unfair and all too often unworkable immigration system.

    Something has to change.

    The latest from Spain and the Lawfare Scandal is out now here:

    • 40 min
    11. Gaza and the US Student Demonstrations

    11. Gaza and the US Student Demonstrations

    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

    Zarefah Baroud is a Palestinian American who has family in Gaza. When she visited Gaza in 2022 for the first time in her life, she could not have known what was awaiting the coastal enclave.

    Baroud has lost multiple family members, her uncle went missing and some of the people she met during her visit were killed, including our late friend, Dr Refaat Alareer.

    Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves speak to Baroud about her role as a Palestinian in the diaspora in light of campus encampments and how she views changes taking place in the US today.

    Refrences:https://wearenotnumbers.org/

    The Climate Action Podcast with Prof John Sweeney is out now here:

    • 37 min
    1245. The An Post Scandal

    1245. The An Post Scandal

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    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

    Note: Published to members April 19th 2024

    Since the broadcast of the TV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, we have all been disgusted by the treatment of Post Masters by the bullyboy corporation, Post Office UK. It was truly shocking and upsetting to see.

    But what if we were to tell you that your local Post Master was being treated much worse by An Post all across Ireland? Don't believe us? We didn't want to believe it either. But here are the explosive facts.

    The full statement and analysis is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-102763890

    • 16 min
    1243. A Vision for Dublin and No Pasarán with Hazel Chu

    1243. A Vision for Dublin and No Pasarán with Hazel Chu

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    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

    Former Dublin Lord Mayor and Green Party Cllr Hazel Chu has, it’s fair to say, had more than a bumpy few years. From the Lord Mayor’s Office during Covid to the racially charged protests where she’s personally been the target of horrendous abuse; you'd have to ask who’d want to be a local politician these days?

    Hazel rejoins us to talk about this and why she is seeking reelection at what is, in her opinion, a crucial moment for Irish democracy. The full interview is available now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-102539811

    The An Post Scandal podcast is out here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-102763890

    • 23 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
259 Ratings

259 Ratings

JC SuperStarr ,

So Good

I want to leave this review as this podcast is hugely underratted. The consistency of the guests, the output and the bbetween the lads is all great.

Tabbytoframea ,

Fantastic Pod!

Hup Tony and Martin for doing what no one else does.

Tech Bro 77 ,

Nothing like it

Seriously the only podcast that I come back to time and time again for proper coverage of issues. Drives me mad that it's so under appreciated. Sometimes they don't help themselves, but that's why it can be great.

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