Episodes

  • Jim O’Callaghan’s Criminally Ignorant ‘Cost Saver’

    Jim O’Callaghan’s Criminally Ignorant ‘Cost Saver’
    Jul 3 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack podcast, solicitor Cathal Malone discusses the impact of proposed (resulting in dozens of solicitors walking out) changes to Ireland's criminal legal aid fee structure, the long-time underfunding of the justice system, and the broader implications for access to justice. The conversation highlights the disconnect between policy intentions and real-world effects on vulnerable populations. Minister Jim O'Callaghan's run of doing Crazy Jim O'Callaghan stuff continues. Elaine Crory on Jeffrey Donaldson, Sexual Violence and Rape Myths:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162722611 Author of If You Cannot Say Genocide, Yahia Lababidi podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162503281
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    38 mins
  • Breaking the Silence: Jeffrey Donaldson, Sexual Violence and Society in Ireland

    Breaking the Silence: Jeffrey Donaldson, Sexual Violence and Society in Ireland
    Jul 7 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony is rejoined by Writer, Commentator and Community Advocate, Elaine Crory to discuss the Jeffrey Donaldson case, sexual violence, challenges within the justice system, and societal issues across the island of Ireland. They explore the impact of political power, rape myths, and systemic failures on justice and social progress. The Whistleblowers Podcast - In Their Own Words:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163145416 The Venezuelan Earthquake podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162431599
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Venezuelan Earthquake, Mexico’s World Cup and Colombia’s Right Wing Political Pivot

    Venezuelan Earthquake, Mexico’s World Cup and Colombia’s Right Wing Political Pivot
    Jul 9 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony and Mexico-based Colombian journalist with El Pais, Nicholas Dale Leal, discuss the recent natural disasters in Venezuela, the political landscape in Colombia, and the economic reforms in Cuba. They explore the impact of these events on local populations and the broader implications for Latin America. They also discuss Nicholas's visit to the Azteca Stadium. The Whistleblowers - In Their Own Words out now:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163159955 Palestinian Writer and Public Health expert Asmaa Dwimah podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163325467
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    50 mins
  • Public Health in Gaza and Bearing Witness

    Public Health in Gaza and Bearing Witness
    Jul 14 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Asmaa Dwimah is a Palestinian writer, poet, artist and dentist from Gaza. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Public Health in London. In this PalCast she shares her experience of life in two worlds, her writings and exploring loss, resilience, identity and bearing witness. MEP Lynn Boylan podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163437304 The EU Presidency Podcast with Rory Hearne:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163350431
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    32 mins
  • Justice For The Children – No Building Over Bessborough

    Justice For The Children – No Building Over Bessborough
    Jul 15 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony speaks with activist, artist and Cllr Noelle Brown, who is herself a survivor of the Mother and Baby Homes, about the ongoing issues surrounding mother and baby homes in Ireland, focusing on the recent planning permission granted for a development over the Bessborough site, where many children are buried and where at least 859 of their remains are still missing. They explore the historical injustices, the fight for justice, and the importance of preserving sites of conscience. Lynn Boylan on the EU, Ryanair and Hare Coursing:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163437304 The Exclusive Whistleblowers series:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163159955
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    23 mins
  • The EU, Ryanair, Hare Coursing, Data Centres and More with MEP Lynn Boylan

    The EU, Ryanair, Hare Coursing, Data Centres and More with MEP Lynn Boylan
    Jul 17 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan joins us to talk about the EU Parliament, the rolling back of workers rights and environmental protections in the name of competitiveness and simplification and why Ryanair are flying to occupied territory. And yes, we also discuss her party’s position on hare coursing. The Right To Tell, whistleblower Special Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163159955
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    37 mins
  • Luke Ming Flanagan: The Next EU Budget, Farming, Fisheries, Praise for Maria Walsh and More

    Luke Ming Flanagan: The Next EU Budget, Farming, Fisheries, Praise for Maria Walsh and More
    Jul 22 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack podcast, Tony is joined by MEP Luke Ming Flanagan to discuss the dangers posed to farmers and fishers by the upcoming EU budget, the work (regressive and progressive) of the last parliament, and even his admiration for Maria Walsh on one day of infamy in the European Parliament. Prof Richard Murphy on wealth taxes, Gary Stevenson and Andy Burnham:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-164447574
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    37 mins
  • Prof Richard Murphy on Andy Burnham, Gary Stevenson, Wealth Taxes and More

    Prof Richard Murphy on Andy Burnham, Gary Stevenson, Wealth Taxes and More
    Jul 26 2026
    Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack episode, Prof Richard Murphy joins Tony to discuss the flaws in the UK's tax system, the myths around wealth taxes, and practical solutions for tax reform to address inequality and fund public services. They talk about Piers Morgan quoting Richard to take down Gary Stevenson, and what, if anything, is changing for the UK under the Andy Burnham-led government. This is a deep dive into economic justice and policy reform. Orla Hegarty on the race to the bottom in home building standards:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-164573894 Greg Stoker and Mark Wayne podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-164663697
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    49 mins