The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

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Hussam Tannera is a teacher, father and a survivor of the Gaza genocide. He shares his experience taking care of his two children while trying to live as best a life is possible in Gaza today. He tells us an uplifting and ingenious story about starting a coffee brand despite the lack of coffee beans. Many of us take eating meat for granted, but Hussam tells us an entirely different personal story during a prolonged period of starvation. Tune in for full details.
James Leonard podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158043146
Mohammed Isdodi in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157949546

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
As promised, Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya is back to make sense of the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections. Sense (from Groves) is maybe a bit of a stretch.
Will Fine Gael's Ray McAdam get Soc Dem's Dan Ennis elected or will Gerry Hutch's transfers turn everything upside down? Will Labour pull of a shock in Galway?
Enjoy or endure. There is no in between.
Read the latest Projections here:https://irishelectionprojections.com/2026/05/19/dublin-central-and-galway-west-by-election-poll-analysis/
James Leonard podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158043146
Mohammed Isdodi in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157949546

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
It's been another clown-show in UK politics over the last couple of weeks. Re-joining me to wade through the mud is Prof Richard Murphy. He analyses the recent Local Elections and the state of the Labour Party. We discuss the attacks on the Green's Zack Polanski and explore the need for a vision beyond the politics of mediocrity. This is a great example of Richard's ability to cut through the bullshit and it's why he's a listener favourite. Don't miss it.
The By-election Special Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158481974
James Leonard podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158043146

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
In this episode we dive into the "Cut Taxes" narrative that is dominating our economic and political media at the moment with NERI Economist, Ciaran Nugent. We dig into Ireland's topsy-turvy fiscal policies, the reality of our personal tax system, Ireland's tax (avoidance) system, the housing crisis, our weak energy transition, and the impact of international policies on Ireland's future. We also look at the current prominent economic debates, tired old government strategies, and the importance of resilient planning for sustainable growth.
There's also some patreon-only predictions at the end...
James Leonard on Building Community interview:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158043146
Mohammed Isdodi in Gaza report:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157949546

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
Writer, columnist and political commentator Elaine Crory rejoined me on the tortoise shack to talk Stormont and the mood music of a managed decline. She breaks down why the politicians MUST stay the course and not betray their constituents and the reasons for the latest opinion poll data that shows a 60%+ lead for the Irish unity with EU membership question.
This is a belter of a chat with a great voice we need to hear from.
The Hope, Courage and Community podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157607730
James Leonard in the Shack podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158043146