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With interest rates heading up, inflation zooming ahead and US banks laying off mortgage staff we asked Colorado based economist, Constantin Gurdgiev what he thought was happening in the housing system, both in Ireland and globally. We talk about the danger for Ireland's beggar thy neighbour tax regime and the shrinking of globalisation. Constantin outlines the dangers of recession and the balancing game Central Banks are playing between quelling inflation and killing the economy. We also talk Ukraine and the energy crisis that is here to stay as we divest from Russian fossil fuels. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

It was a pleasure to talk with Project Manager of wearenotnumbers.org, Enas Fares Ghannam on what is coincidentally the 74th Nakba Day. Enas explains the work they do and how telling personal stories gives a voice to the voiceless. We discuss the killing of "iconic and beloved" journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh and the shameful acts of aggression by Israeli police at her funeral. She tells me about what Shireen meant to her as a young woman and to so many of her friends and colleagues. We also talk about the Nakba and Enas shares her families story and explains to me how the events of that day continue to shape the present. You can support the We Are Not Numbers project at:https://wearenotnumbers.org/get-involved/ Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

It was a pleasure to be joined by singer, songwriter and longtime activist, Mary Coughlan in advance of tomorrow's National Maternity Hospital Rally. In this short podcast Mary talks about her history of standing up against Church and State and why recent events around the world show us why it is essential that we do not allow a public hospital be privately owned. See you at the Rally tomorrow. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

You might have seen this week that Octogenarian Anti-War Activists, Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff were found guilty of interfering with the operation, management or safety of Shannon airport. Joining me to discuss this and their treatment by the Irish State is spokesperson for Shannonwatch, Edward Horgan. We discuss the fine of €10,000 that was imposed in addition to them already having received other penalties. Edward talks about the anti-war movement and Ireland's neutrality through the prisim of our role in assisting the US War Machine. You can support Shannonwatch here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/u7p6wj-support-vets-fighting-us-war-machine-in-ireland?fbclid=IwAR0-CnXnaqmBoKRxOFKW5wDN38MrtcVL8lCrX7ml2ES-jFYWbeRZNY1Jupw Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

On this episode of Policed The Beat, Vicky is joined by Echo Chamber Cohost, Tony Groves and Director of UglyMugs.ie, Lucy Smith. They discuss the recent story in the Irish Examiner by Aoife Moore - Hundreds of reports of men claiming to be Gardaí attacking sex workers - Here:https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40858064.html Lucy talks about the fears sex workers have in going to the Garda for help, the ways they feel dehumanised and how this mindset alongside inadequate laws has made them more vulnerable to predatory practices. We discuss what can be done and ask if there's any political will do actually do it. We want to thank Lucy for her time on what is an issue that needs much more coverage than it receives. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

While the Government are trying to give assurances about the ownership of the National Maternity Hospital, the public, several politicians and many legal experts are far from convinced. Joining me to discuss the #MakeNMHOurs campaign and their deep concerns over the lack of transparency and many aspects of this deal are Bernie Linnane, Karen Sugrue and JoAnne Neary. Rather than spreading disinformation as claimed by Minister Donnelly, the campaign is only asking valid questions and looking to protect rights hard earned into the future. Please have a listen and join us on May 14th at the Rally! Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Why we need Personal Assistant Services with James Cawley of ILMI This Reboot Republic talks to the always wonderful James Cawley, policy officer with Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and proud disabled person, about the ILMI's campaign for Personal Assistant Services for disabled people, to be available as a right. The ILMI is led by disabled people and James explains how it promotes a rights-based social model of disability, challenging the charity/medical view of disability. James outlines the barriers in society such as the lack of Personal Assistant Services that prevent the active and equal participation of disabled people. We also discuss how the housing crisis has a particular impact on disabled people who face additional costs of living. The podcast is released to mark European Independent Living Day and the ILMI is hosting a webinar today about their campaign for Personal Assistant Services. Check out ILMI or email jamescawley@ilmi.ie to find out more. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

For over a year now, Echo Chamber Cohost Martin McMahon has been digging into an issue he spotted with the Public Services Card. Thanks to the great work of investigative reporter at Noteworthy/The Journal, Maria Delaney, we can now reveal what is massive state surveillance that has no legal basis. Martin, Maria and Data Solicitor, Simon McGarr joined Tony to tell you how it was happening and what the Dept of Social Protection have done about it. This is a scandal that has repercussions for the Free Travel Pass and the Leap Card. You can read Maria's full report here:https://www.thejournal.ie/prev/5752187/dv1cOo3Tf7J6/ Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

It was a pleasure to be joined by Dublin Inquirer Reporter, Shamim Malekmian, Prison Officer Whistleblower, Noel McGree and Martin for our rundown of the week that was. We discuss the State failing to recognise Climate Refugees, the investigation into Prison catering services, the US student debt campaign's links to Ireland, a terrible week for Roderic O'Gorman, Ukraine, cost of living, intimidation of political candidates in NI and the handling of deaths in childbirth by the HSE investigative unit. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

It was a pleasure to be joined on the tortoise shack by human rights campaigner, proud Traveller and activist, Rose Marie Maughan, to hear about the reality behind the shocking quality of life statistics that she shares as part of her activism. We discuss how Traveller children are traumatised by the education system and decades of neglect. We discuss the fatigue and frustration of having to continue to reach out to others who have preconceived ideas about you and your community. Rose Marie talks about the need for really allyship and people power that will raise up all marginalised groups in our society. Please have a listen. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Follow Rose Marie @Minceirbeoir

Director of the Cork Life Centre, Don O'Leary came up from Cork to join me onstage for a very special live podcast. We discuss how a man who was arrested and imprisoned for treason goes on to be an educator and incredible advocate for children who have suffered Adverse Childhood Experiences. We discuss him receiving a terminal diagnosis and deciding to make the very most of his time. Don talks about his recent trip to deliver aid to Ukraine and what he'd do if he had 24hrs in the Dept of Education. A great man, a real activist and let's face it, a legend. But don't tell him I said so. Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

As part of our ongoing coverage of the Assembly Elections, I was joined by Belfast Lord Mayor and the Alliance Party candidate for South Belfast, Kate Nicholl. We discuss why at 35 weeks pregnant she is campaigning for what she believes can be a "only way is up" future for her city. We discuss the opportunities in a working Stormont and what she would aim for if elected. We also talk diversity, climate, the Protocol and more. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Belfast City Cllr and Green Party candidate for East Belfast, Brian Smyth joined me to tell me why he was running and what he's hearing on the campaign trail. He talks about linking left-environmentalism to health, housing and social mobility. We talk about the media imbalance, the NI Protocol, cultural identity and much, much more. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Martin got up long enough to chat with regular contributor Loyalist, Unionist and Lefty, Sam Mcilwaine about the upcoming Assembly Elections. As always Sam gives a great insight into the concerns of the electorate and of his community. Interestingly while the NI Protocol is certainly a concern, it is far from the most important one. We also get into the latest polling on the appetite for a border poll and is this really Sinn Féin's election to lose. (recorded April 19th) Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

I've just finished talking with Editor of Slugger O'Toole, Mick Fealty, about the upcoming Stormont Elections. Mick talks about the state of play, the "dreaded" border poll, where voters are looking beyond identity politics and what he sees as the outcome of what has been called the most important election in Northern Ireland's history. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Madrid based Professor and long-time contributor, Joe Haslam was in Dublin for a few days, so he kindly dropped into the tortoise shack for an in person podcast. We discussed the impact the war on Ukraine has had on the internal politics of Spain and what it has meant for their already EU leading ambitions towards structural climate action. We discuss the economic threats and the likely EU response to come. Joe outlines the need for more diversity in the policy making process and how thinking and acting globally is a better model for security and tackling inequality. We also grabbed a pint in the Diggers. Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

If you knew that a train was steaming towards you, you'd get out of the way. So why are we so slow in acting to avoid the incoming climate crisis? Joining me to discuss this and their new book, Supercharge Me, are Corinne Sawers and Eric Lonergan. They outline the steps that are viable now that will not only speed up the actions needed around renewable energy, buildings, food and transport, but actually benefit everyone who is not a member of a Theocracy, Thugocracy or the 1%. Have a listen and get the book. Tickets for Sunday:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tortoise-shack-live-easter-sunday-special-tickets-296620518957?keep_tld=1

(Recorded and released for members on Tuesday Apr 12th) Today we witnessed an unprecedented international police action against the Kinahan Drug and Crime Group. Joining me to discuss this and the implications are two of the people who have done so much work on this story and helped make sure that the ugly facts were reported, no matter how much sportswashing occured, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star, Kieran Cunningham and Crime Correspondent with the same paper, Michael O'Toole. Join us at:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Earlier today Volodymr Zelenskiy addressed the Oireachtas and pleaded for EU States to do more. Joining me to discuss what that 'more' means is Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko. Lesia, as a native of Kyiv, talks passionately about the heartbreaking details emerging from the towns and suburbs like Bucha and Iprin that she knows so well. Her anger and hurt is palpable. We discuss the faded hopes for peace talks, the prospect of a long drawn-out war and the EU's continued funding of the Russian war machine via gas and oil payments. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack