Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Israel is waging a war against UNRWA to defund it amidst genocide. The world watches as Palestinians are starved in Gaza, and does nothing enough to help people there, not as fast as some western countries rushed to defund UNRWA. China, Belgium, Ireland and Spain and other countries call for supporting the UN agency in the face of a campaign that aims to eradicate it. Here we stand watching more regional developments as Houthis continue to blockade the Red Sea and the UK and the US continue to target them. The Biden administration is trying to convince Arab Americans to vote for them again but this does not seem to be the case. Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban, and Tony Groves bring Gaza to the discussion in light of global politics. Stay tuned for an amazing live performance by Ara, Aziz and the Accidental Rapper as part of Podcasts for Palestine at the Sugar Club.

Tickets for the Live Show:https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/podcasts-for-palestine-tickets-782538141647 As the Israeli military advances towards Khan Younis, they are taking more losses, with 24 army personnel killed in one day. Meanwhile over 150 Palestinians were killed last night, including displaced Palestinians in the south and those who had their tents and caravans crushed. Israeli politicians are causing more embarrassment to the EU by declaring a plan to build an artificial island for Palestinians and Netnatyahu is as clear as crystal, despite Joe Biden's comments, on not having a Palestinian state. All the while, starvation is spreading in the north of Gaza, with Palestinians eating animal food as the entire costal enclave is suffering from a blackout again. Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves talk about this and more. The Podcast with MEP Luke Ming Flanagan is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-97063426

Tickets for Podcast for Palestine:https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/podcasts-for-palestine-tickets-782538141647 The crime of Domocide, the planned and deliberate destruction of homes, has undoubtedly taken place in Gaza on one of the largest scales in modern history. Over 69,700 housing units have been completely destroyed and hundreds of thousands have been damaged. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, joins Dr. Yousef Aljanal, Helena Cobban, and Tony Groves to talk about this important issue. Raj is one of the first UN experts to highlight Israel’s domocide of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in Gaza, and identify it as a systemic policy to deny the Right to Housing, a crime that is part of the ongoing genocide. Listen as we discuss this, the latest from Gaza and more! Interview starts at 27 minutes. The Gaza Kids Fundraiser details are here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/update-thank-you-96784904

Please join us at patreon.com.tortoiseshack The case brought by South Africa, against Israel over committing genocide in Gaza to the International Court of Justice, has captured the world’s attention and shone a light on the plight of the Palestinians. South Africa was clear that the genocide didn’t start on October 7th, and that what Israel is doing can’t be justified, exposing the Israeli government and pushing American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to describe Johannesburg’s move as “meritless.” Meanwhile, the US and the UK attacked Houthis in Yemen, with a total of 73 targets, which brought the specter of a regional war to the fore, as Israel continues to attack Lebanon and with Hezbollah attacking Israel almost on daily basis. Helena Cobban, Yousef Aljamal and producer, Tony Groves speak about this and much more. The Latest Reboot Republic on Homelessness and Mental Health is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-96165382

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack and help keep this show going Note: The intro is Irish comedian, actor and activist, Tadhg Hickey Palestinian refugees have always been mapping their return, but today they are also mapping their displacement in Gaza due to genocide, death and domicide. Today on the PalCast, the meaning of homeless and houselessness is deeper. The world is watching as Israel wages its war on not only Palestinians, but also their memories, with some becoming refugees for the second time in their life. Dr. Nour Joudeh shares her thoughts not only on refugees, homelessness, houselessness, geography, South Africa's case against Israel, but also her personal story as a descendent of a refugee from Gaza with PalCast co-hosts, Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves, by connecting what's happening in Gaza with other struggles around the world. Please listen to this engaging and informative podcast. And get out and show solidarity!

Tickets for Podcasts for Palestine:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/podcasts-for-palestine-tickets-782538141647?aff=oddtdtcreator In a week in which tensions spurred on by Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza spiked in many parts of West Asia, PalCast's Dr. Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban, and producer Tony Groves hosted distinguished retired U.S. diplomat Amb. Chas W. Freeman Jr for a broad discussion of the effects the genocide is having on both U.S. domestic politics and America's place in the world. Freeman surmised that as Israel continues its assault in Gaza it has been dragging the United States' global reputation down with it-- along with, domestically, Pres. Biden's chances for success in the upcoming Presidential election. But make sure you listen in to catch the many nuances in this timely conversation! Please help keep this show and platform going. Click on patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Tickets for Podcasts for Palestine:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/podcasts-for-palestine-tickets-782538141647?aff=oddtdtcreator The genocide in Gaza is taking longer than planned by the Israeli military. But this is ok for Netanyahu, who wants to prolong the war because the last day of war will most likely be his last day in politics. Israel is withdrawing more battalions and suffering heavier losses than anticipated. Palestinians too have suffered immensely with 30,000 killed including those under the rubble. The fact is that Palestinians will continue to be in Gaza and the world, despite the lazy narrative, is changing. South Africa is taking Israel to the ICJ and more middle powers are emerging and forming new economic and political blocs, such as the BRICS. How will this affect Gaza? Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves discuss all of this and more. Please help keep the mics on by joining us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack PalCast co-hosts Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and producer Tony Groves had a wonderful and uplifting discussion with Philip Farah, who is a member of the Christian Palestinian community and who lived in Jerusalem until the age of 27. Philip still has family in Gaza, of whom some have been killed of during the current genocide, and his warmth for the land shines through. He recalls celebrating Christmas in Palestine, walking from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and visiting family in Gaza. He sang for us some of the songs he learnt from his mom, cracked some jokes and told us that baby Jesus would be under the rubble in Gaza today. While Christians across the world celebrate Christmas, they should remember Palestine that gave Christianity to the world and Gaza is home to one of the oldest churches in the world that is now sadly in ruins. The podcast with Paul Biggar about speaking out about Gaza in the tech industry is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-94993305

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Education has long been a top priority in Palestinian society and Gaza has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Sadly, and criminally, Israel’s war on Gaza has ruined the education system by targeting educational infrastructure. The three main universities were destroyed, hundreds of schools are reduced to rubble and hundreds of educators were killed, while over one million shelter at the remaining schools. Yousef Aljamal is joined by Helena Cobban and Tony Groves to talk to Ayman Qwaider, a Palestinian educator, based in Perth in Australia about the tragic loss of his family in Gaza and the impact that the genocide is having on the educational system. Teachers are heroes. The latest with Zak in Gaza is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-94983627

Please click on patreon.com/tortoiseshack and help keep the mics on. Using Palestinians as human shields by the Israeli militarty is not new. It goes back at least to the first Intifada. Israel’s genocide in Gaza has seen the Israeli military using dozens of Palestinians as human shields, including by forcing them to enter tunnels and or staging footage of them throwing away guns to tell the Israeli public that they were Hamas fighters who surrendered to the Israeli army. Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves discuss mass arrests, using Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, and starvation in Gaza in light of the war on campuses in the U.S in this episode about Gaza and the West Bank Irish Nationalism and the far right podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-94361655

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Starvation is being used by Israel in Gaza as a weapon of war. After two months of little or no food supplies, Palestinian families of seven in the south received only three sacks of flour. An increasing number of Palestinians have been posting that they no longer can find food in the south, let alone the north of Gaza. Famine and starvation have been used as a weapon of war in Ireland and in the US too, will the world allow this to happen in Palestine? As Palestinians watch western countries support Israel, they at least expect their supporters and friends to not let them die, not by bombs nor starvation. Dr Yousef Aljamal, Helena Cobban and Tony Groves discuss starvation in Gaza and how nothing kills like hunger. For more see:https://justworldeducational.org/ The latest Martin and Tony "Irish Politics" podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-94061403

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The tortoise shack is delighted to be working with Just World Education on a brand new series, PalCast, hosted by Palestinian refugee (and friend of the shack) Dr Yousef Aljamal and his longtime collaborator and friend Helena Cobban, herself an activist and author of great renown. This twice weekly series will discuss the ongoing crisis, the geopolitics at play, the place of Palestine in the world and the global demand for better that is summed up in the mantra 'One World, One Struggle.' One World, One Struggle is been used with the permission of the Blood Sunday Families. Music is Sabreen (West Bank 1987) More at:https://justworldeducational.org/ The Al-Shifa podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-92584697 Please subscribe to PalCast - One World, One Struggle wherever you get your podcasts Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/palcast-with-yousef-aljamal/id1716151851 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ds0A1iqsArKTeNEOiRWEE

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack " I ran from death in Gaza City to find it in Rafah" If you've been with us a while you'll have heard from author, academic, researcher with Politics Today and proud Gazan, Dr Yousef M Aljamal, before. Sadly and tragically he rejoins us today to talk about how the Israeli bombing of Gaza has killed nine of his family and what that brutality is doing to his home and any sense of hope he might have for a peaceful and just life in a free Palestine. Yousef outlines what he feels is the goal of 'the most right wing government in Israeli history' and how this campaign is unprecedented in both cruelty and ambition. This is another voice that we need to hear from on our mainstream platforms. Read his latest piece here: https://politicstoday.org/gaza-death-march/ Dr Sharon Lambert on the Citizens Assembly for Drugs is out now:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-91593486

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Longtime listeners will be familiar with the Palestinian NASA engineer, Loay Elbasyouni, as the man who designed a helicopter that flew on Mars. But today he rejoins us to talk about the conflict raging in Gaza and how his parents (dual Palestinian and German citizens) have ended up trapped in the city and what, if anything, is happening to help get them out. This is a deeply personal podcast and Loay talks with great warmth for his homeland and great passion for his people. We also discuss resistance, Israel's goals and learning to live in peace. Reminder that the National Demonstration - End the Siege is Sat Oct 21st at 1pm from the Garden of Remembrance The Hidden Homelessness Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-90849548

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack On Thursday July 20th Sam travelled down to Dublin to take part in the tortoise shack live at the sugar club. It was a special night with amazing people, a very lively audience some great contributors. In this part you'll hear from Sam, writer, campaigner and host of the Lost in Implementation podcast, Emma DeSouza and cohost of the Echo Chamber Podcast, Tony Groves. We talk Loyalism, nationalism, the middle ground, health, housing, education, the Good Friday Agreement, a border poll, political cowardice and lots more. I hope you enjoy it as much as the audience did. Part 2 featuring the journalists behind the Ditch website, Roman Shortall and Eoghan McNeill is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/86683661

In what happens to be the last episode recorded before she died, Vicky is joined by Dr Sindy Joyce and Dr Amanda Haynes of the University of Limerick, speaking about the findings of their recently published report on Irish Travellers Access to Justice. They discuss the reasons for conducting the research and how they went about doing it. They discuss the findings as they relate to issues of victims, stop and searches, arrests, detention and searches of homes. We see just how much members of the Traveller Community are under-policed and over-policed, and how this is traumatic and becomes inter-generational. This is a report of enormous significance which is equally upsetting, but which we commend to all our listeners to engage with. You can watch the launch of the project here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1070251160543582 We are heartbroken. Rest in Power, Dr Vicky Conway.

On Tuesday May 31st at Noon the National Traveller Mental Health Network are holding a protest outside the Dáil. Joining us to discuss the reasons for the protest and why we need feet on the streets are Chairperson of the Network, Mags Casey and Traveller Activist, Rose Marie Maughan. We discuss the tragic reality behind the shocking mental health statistics for the Traveller community and why it is unacceptable that plans and reports to address this remain largely unimplemented. Please do come out Tuesday and or let your local TD that this has to stop.

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

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

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

In this powerful and important panel, Vicky speaks to Selina and Louise McDermott who lost 3 siblings in the Stardust disaster. They speak openly about what it was like at the time of the fire and the impact on their family. Joined by Senator Lynn Boylan and solicitor Darragh Mackin we also cover how the state has failed the families through previous investigations and why the upcoming inquests are so important. We are calling on you all to email your TD and the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee helen.mcentee@oireachtas.ie Join us and help keep the mics on here

Regular listeners will be aware that journalist and lawyer, Hannah McCarthy (@Hannahmc_carthy) has spent time reporting from Afghanistan about the desperate humanitarian crisis, the tragedy of food insecurity and the damage the sanctions are having on the citizens of long-suffering nation. In this exclusive podcast you'll hear from Mary Ellen McGroarty, Head of WFP in Afghanistan, Gaia, an Italian nurse with Doctors without Border overseeing malnutrition unit in Afghanistan and Dr Ebad, the Taliban Health Minister. Tickets for this Sunday:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tortoise-shack-live-tickets-264459263777

We spoke to Ciara in November (episode 173, Disabled, Homeless & Sleeping in My Car) and in this episode she talks to us again about how she is still in her car, and staying on and off with friends. She is part of the hidden homeless. She talks about the impact on her - of feeling invisible, and shame, but determination to get appropriate housing for her needs, that is close to her support network. She highlights the hidden homeless crisis for disabled people and those with medical needs. This is not acceptable. We are again asking listeners to contact the Minister for Housing about Ciara's case. Join us and support these podcast at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This week on the Sunday Special we were joined by Glow West podcast host, Dr Caroline West, Dublin Inquirer reporter, Shamim Malekmian and Adoption Rights and Clann Project co-founder, Claire McGettrick. It was an absolute privilege. We discuss Shamim's latest story about how migrants are denied access to life-saving organ transplants because of the possible later requirement for State supports HERE. We go into a lot of depth as to why the recent "gamechanger" on access to records for the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes/Magdalene Laundries was very much NOT a gamechanger. Then we discussed the outpouring of emotion following the shocking murder of Ashling Murphy, some of the aspects of the societal response and what it says about us and our need for genuine change versus the actual willingness to change. Please do join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This Reboot Republic talks with Bulelani Mfaco, activist, educator, and asylum seeker living in Ireland in Direct Provision since 2017. Bulelani tells his story from growing up in Apartheid South Africa to his housing activism and why he could not return due to violence against the LGBT community. He also explains the positive impact of the right to housing in the South African Constitution, what home means to him, the necessity of safety and how direct provision is not home. He also explains why language matters and how the Government is using the language of direct provision but leaving many problems central to direct provision in place. He also talks hope, values and resilience. An incredible human story, an incredible guy. Bulelani is also a spokesperson for MASI, the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, and he explains how you can support them at www.masi.ie Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This Reboot Republic talks to Professor Emeritus of Economics of Trinity College Dublin, PJ Drudy about a new economics for society wellbeing and home. PJ lectured Rory on economics in his degree, and reveals how Rory was as a student! He also discusses the limits to understanding housing through a market theory of economics, as aspects such as housing demand do not capture need, it is based on ability to pay, which leads to exclusion. PJ and Rory discuss how markets fail all the time, and investor funds deliver housing as a profit generating commodity and therefore do not provide for housing need. They also talk hope in solutions such as the state building cost rental, affordable homes on scale, housing for disabled people, treating housing as a human right, and a culture change and the need for people to raise their voice to persuade for real change. PJ outlines a vision for an economics for society that places caring central. Please join us and help us stay independent and ad free in 2022 at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This Reboot Republic is a deep dive discussion and analysis into the Irish housing crisis with Rob Cass, who has a background of 15 years in Real Estate. He is currently developing a community real estate project based on regenerating vacant homes. He explains his background, his perspective and analysis of the crisis and solutions that are there if the state played a central role in tackling vacancy through an innovative fund, and supplied modular homes. He also outlines why he sees Dublin as risky for investment, and how the state delivering, through community housing, towns and regions could be a key solution to the crisis. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In this Reboot Republic, Jana Lyons, primary school teacher and trade unionist joins Rory as co-host to talk risk and ventilation in schools. Joining them are a brilliant panel of Orla Hegarty, of the School of Architecture UCD, school principal and host of the If I Were Minister for Education Podcast, Simon Lewis and SNAs Carol McSherry and Linda O Sullivan. They discuss the difficulties they face, the supports they need and aren't getting. We delve into Respect4SNAs and the reality of what SNA's are doing and how are they being affected. They also discuss masks, fearmongering and far right profiteering from fear and confusion and lack of leadership. Checkout #Respect4SNAs Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

"Disabled, Homeless & Sleeping in my Car" This Reboot Republic talks to Ciara, who tells her story of the housing crisis and homelessness. It's a heart breaking story, and shows the failure of the Irish Government and local authorities to provide housing for disabled people. She explains how she is in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment, but her private rental accommodation became unsuitable, and she was issued a notice to quit. She couldn't find any suitable private rental, and her HAP was insufficient to cover the Carer support she requires. Ciara was then made homeless, but the Council could not offer her accessible emergency accommodation appropriate to her needs. Ciara is incredibly brave and articulate in telling her story. This is completely unacceptable and we are asking the Minister for Housing to intervene and ensure Ciara gets proper accessible social housing immediately. You can email the Minister for Housing minister@housing.gov.ie and ask him to intervene to house Ciara. Please support this podcast by going to patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In this Reboot Republic podcast both Rory and Tony talk with Islamic Theologian, founder and chairperson of the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri. This is a really engaging conversation about new Irish identities, hurling, home, Islam, gender equality, racism, inclusion and hope. Enjoy! If you missed our Reboot Housing Special live at the Sugar Club or the COP26 reaction podcast, they're available now at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In this episode of ConverSayTrans we have Jamie and Chloe O’Herlihy, sisters who both came out as trans in 2016. They have been on the Late Late Show, cover of GCN, the subject of tabloid interest & more. Their rise in prominence was a lot to deal with, but their bond helped them deal with the aftermath. Now they’re talking to us about how they viewed their younger self, the power and beauty of make-up and looking after oneself externally. Chloe lives in Scotland and works at a fabulous queer inclusive salon, and Jamie is a blogger who uses YouTube and Onlyfans, where she says being able to be her own boss and have a direct control over her image has been liberating! Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

We were putting together today's podcast on NAMA (out now on the patreon feed) and adding the "patreon ad", when the conversation got a bit more serious. Rory and Tony discuss the work that goes into The Tortoise Shack, the personal costs that come with that and the choices facing the platform in the weeks ahead. We reflect on the social good this space has provided and the reasons we believe in it, despite the current difficulties. If you can, please join us on patreon.com/tortoiseshack

As part of our continued coverage of the 'historic' Minimum Corporation Tax Rate deal this Reboot Republic talks with Jorge Coronado who is a sociologist, specialized in Political Economics, Jorge is an expert in Taxation, Poverty and Social Protection. Trade union advisor and social activist, he is part of the Comisión Nacional de Enlace in Costa Rica and is a member of Red de Justicia Fiscal de América Latina y el Caribe (RJFALC) and Plataforma por Justicia Económica y Social (Latindadd). Jorge outlines how the deal is seen outside the already wealthy countries and the anti-democratic process of its foundations. He outlines the impact it will have on developing countries and how it will concentrate more wealth and influence in the hands of 100 multinational companies and fail to redistribute profits and taxes needed to tackle inequality and fund pubic services. Jorge also gives us an alternative way, a democratic and transparent fair taxation system that uplifts all. You won't hear a better 20 minute breakdown of the deal than this anywhere. Thank you to Alfonso for his assistance on making this podcast happen and to Alejandro for his work. I literally couldn't have produced this without you! Come see us live in November in the Sugar Club. Support us HERE.

In this crossover Reboot Republic and Echo Chamber podcast, Rory and Martin dissect the Budget to see what impact it is likely to have. Rory explains how the Budget is a budget for the investor funds, developers and landlords and ignored Generation Rent. It failed to implement measures to tackle the investor funds or rents or borrow and build state affordable housing on a major scale. Martin also discusses the pensions and the question of what is the purpose of the economy? Is it for society or simply to use us all as economic units. Rory points out that people have reached their limit with the housing crisis and its time for citizens to take action. There's also a mention of Paw Patrol. Tickets for our upcoming show are now on sale HERE Support this Podcast HERE

This Reboot Republic Podcast talks to Mike Allen, Director of Advocacy of homelessness charity, Focus Ireland and Ann-Marie O'Reilly, Policy officer with Threshold, the national housing charity for tenants. We discuss the reasons underlying the recent increase in homelessness, and evictions in the private rental sector. Mike describes the current situation as one which they have never seen before as people who were never exposed to homelessness are now facing eviction and the prospect of homelessness. Ann-Marie explains how they have seen the number of tenants coming to them for support increase by 25% since the lifting of the COVID pandemic related eviction ban, and its back to 'business as usual' for evictions in the private rental sector. They also outline what should be in Budget 2022 to prevent homelessness, and provide protections for tenants. We also discuss the impact of homelessness on children and ask why the state does not even count the number of children who have been made homeless in Ireland in recent years. We also discuss reintroducing the eviction ban, and what is happening to the Referendum on the Right to Housing. Tickets for our upcoming live HERE Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Join us as we launch the second season of ConverSayTrans! In our first episode we talk to Amrou Al-Kadhi. Amrou is a well established writer who also performs drag under the pseudonym Glamrou. Taking all that you could call them a professional unicorn and in this glorious episodes we discuss their debut book - a memoir , Life as a Unicorn: A Journey from Shame to Pride, and Everything In Between. We also chat about queer intersectionality, schools and their repressive natures, the freedom of owning ones entire self, familial ties and all the gorgeous tid bits you can when bring such fine people together. Life as a Unicorn: A Journey from Shame to Pride, and Everything In Between out in Paperback now, and you can see Glamrou who has been described as a Muslim drag sensation, in their solo show GLAMROU: FROM QURAN TO QUEEN, October 4 to 9th 2021 at the Soho Theatre in London. Being bold and showing what it means to live in a state of harmonious contradiction. More information HERE. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This Reboot Republic talks to student representatives from across the country about the student accommodation crisis which has been described as the worst this country has ever seen. We talk to Clare Austick, President of the Union of Students in Ireland, Róisín Nic Lochlainn of the NUIGalway SU, Aine Daly of Technical University for the Shannon, Rachel McCartney of Waterford IT, and Liam Cosgrove of Maynooth University SU. They outline the impact of the crisis on students, that there are 10,000 students across the country in some form of housing emergency right now, the problems with private investor provided student accommodation, solutions such as the funding and building of affordable student accommodation by third level colleges, the right to housing and a possible future of emigration. There isn't much hope coming from Government policy, but these leaders offer some real hope. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Fianna Fáil TD, Paul McAuliffe, joined us to discuss his party's plan: Housing For All. We talk about the right to housing that is in and isn't in the plan, the lack of curbs on investor funds, the positives of the plan and we ask if it is a missed opportunity. We also discuss the blockers within government, Fine Gael pushback and more. Support us by becoming a member at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

It feels like two steps forward & then kicked three steps back: Systemic racism, mental health and the Traveller accommodation crisis with the Cork Traveller Visibility Group This #HousingShock episode of Reboot Republic talks to Breda O Donoghue, advocacy officer with Cork Traveller Visibility Group about the issues of systemic racism faced by Travellers, the impact on their mental health, their history in Ireland, culture, and the recent Ombudsman for Children’s Report on the terrible living conditions faced by Travellers in the Spring Lane halting site in Cork. Breda talks about how Traveller children are feeling the impact of the embarrassment of the poor accommodation now more than ever, as they see on social media how others live. Its like two steps forward and being kicked five steps back in regard. Breda has been highlighting these issues for over 30 years, and still is awaiting real change. She believes that there has to be a change to the State attitude that still is trying to assimilate Travellers, to fix what the State wrongly sees as a problem people. They have to see Travellers as valued Irish citizens. Breda believes the political will has to change in order to sanction local authorities to build Traveller specific accommodation, and end the discrimination faced by Travellers in social and private rental housing. Breda also talks about what keeps her going – her motivation for change and resilience. Help this podcast by becoming a member at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In this Tortoise Shack podcast Beirut based journalist, Hannah McCarthy, speaks with Irish man, James, who served with the British army in Afghanistan. They discuss the initial invasion, the Taliban, the experience of battle, the geopolitics of the situation and why the people who really suffer are the civilians. A fascinating insight. Follow Hannah @Hannahmc_carthy Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In this Reboot Republic Rory and Martin from the Echo Chamber Podcast are joined by Professor Aidan Regan, Associate Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin (UCD), and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in the New Political Economy of Europe at UCD's Dublin European Institute. We discuss the limitations of traditional 'neoclassical' economics and economists and the value of a political economy approach to give a broader understanding of economies and societies. Aidan outlines a new approach for fiscal and budgetary policy in Ireland - that would focus on the state borrowing and investing in key areas of housing, and in particular addressing the climate crisis. We also discuss the shift to the economic left -for investment not tax cuts - amongst the Irish people and its implications for politics. Please help this podcast continue by joining us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This week we are joined by youth worker, chronic illness advocate and mental health advocate amongst the ethnic minority community, Blessing, to talk all things wellbeing, mental health, minority spaces and much more. Don't miss it. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

We're joined by Prof Clifford Stott of Keele University, a world leading researcher on crowd psychology who has long been involved in advising police forces internationally on the policing of crowds, particularly around football hooliganism. Reflecting on what happened in Dublin this weekend, he explains why it is essential we leave moralising at the door, engage with the underlying issues, and really carefully reflect on how the police action can potentially descalate or exacerbate a crowd situation. This is something An Garda Síochána, city councils and the government need to engage with immediately. Support this podcast and the wiser platform by joining us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack