What Sierra Leone tells us about DOGE, Trump and Overseas Aid

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Infectious disease expert, UCC's Prof Adjunct and Hospital Consultant, Niall Conroy, recently returned from his second home of Sierra Leone, where he witnessed first-hand the impact of the cuts by the likes of Trump, Musk and others are having on some of the most vulnerable people in the world. This is both a necessary eye-opening conversation about epidemics, pandemic prevention and why we might be sleepwalking into more problems. Niall's children malnutrition ward fundraiser is here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/childrens-malnutrition-ward-bo-govt-hospital-sierra-leone Kieran Cunningham on Daniel Kinahan's arrest podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156664295 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode, Tony and Mr Judge Street Journal, Timmy Facciola, explore the first 100 days of Zoran Mamdani's NYC mayoralty, political strategies, and the evolving landscape of New York City politics. Timmy also breaks down his phone call with President Trump. They also touch on international issues, sports (NBA briefly), and personal passions (Timmy's fishing), providing current affairs and personal stories that get a little loose. We'll have to redial the President on the shack soon ;) The One Million Homes Project: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156658656 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Khaled Al-Qershali is a writer and journalist from Gaza, focusing on personal narratives and reporting on the humanitarian impact of conflict. He has published articles and essays in outlets such as The Electronic Intifada, The Washington Report of Middle East Affairs, and The Independent. His work highlights stories of resilience, survival, and the lived experiences of civilians under occupation. He joins us from Gaza City to share his story and his hopes for the future. The case for Community Wealth Building Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156362917 NERI's Tom McDonnell on the Energy Crisis and Solutions Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156099307 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Independent (Govt) TD Barry Heneghan came over to the tortoise shack to discuss his decision to vote confidence in the government, his reasons and redlines for what he deems government stability and why he believes that his voters will understand his position even as the cost of living crisis continues to worsen. Editors Note: Recorded for members 17th April The case for Community Wealth Building Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156362917 NERI's Tom McDonnell on the Energy Crisis and Solutions Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156099307 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Sonia Borwick has worked caring for people in their homes for over two decades. Now, like many of her Section 39 colleagues, she is paid less than she was almost 20 years ago. Worse still, she’s been suspended from her workplace because, in my opinion, she has continued to raise the issue. She joined me in the tortoise shack to talk about her experience and need for workers to stand together. NERI's Tom McDonnell on the Energy Crisis and Solutions Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156099307 Barry Heneghan Debate pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155860288 Khaled Al-Qershali with the latest from Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156249499 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join me at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Editor's note: This podcast contains details that you might find upsetting. Amira Attiya, a writer and a student of translation from Gaza, tells the story of how she lost her three siblings—one of them was kidnapped, killed, and even fed to dogs—and that of her father, who was burned with white phosphorus during the Cast Lead operation. Amira was displaced 12 times, and has spent the past two years in a tent. Despite this, she is about to graduate from her translation department and she has five offers to study abroad. Tune in for the full story. Barry Heneghan Debate pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155860288 The Energy Crisis with NERI's Tom McDonnell:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156099307 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this in-depth conversation, Tony talks with listener favourite, Professor Richard Murphy, about the stark reality of the global energy crisis and the lack of political courage in the era of Trump madness. They explore the current global economic crisis, energy shortages, food security, and the failures of governments to build resilience. They also analyse the impact of geopolitical tensions, market failures, and the urgent need for systemic change to build a sustainable future. Barry Heneghan Debate pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155860288 Poet Mikey Cullen on the Gaza Flotilla:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155844130 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Despite knowing everything about everything, I decided to ask for another opinion on the fuel protests. So here's an in-depth interview with the wonderful Saoirse McHugh, who discusses the recent protests, the systemic issues in agriculture, energy, and social policy, and explores potential solutions for a sustainable future. The conversation highlights the influence of powerful (shady) interest groups, EU policies, and the urgent need for systemic change. Barry Heneghan on that Government confidence vote:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155860288 Mikey Cullen on the Gaza Flotilla:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155844130 Run for Teddy: https://www.patreon.com/posts/short-message-155503232 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/ Conor McCabe's piece:https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41826395.html Simon's Gist:The Gist:https://www.thegist.ie/the-gist-a-denial-of-service-attack/

For More Please visit AFSC.org The Occupation Killed My Grandchildren and Dispersed My Family is written by Yusra Salem Abu Awad and narrated by Bernadette Devlin McAliskey "Where is the United Nations? Where are the world’s nations? Where are those who stand with us? I raise my voice with all Palestinians. My scattered children, I hope to meet them safely soon." Bernadette Devlin is a lifelong civil rights activist and leader. We are very grateful for her contribution to this audiobook. To purchase Displaced in Gaza click:https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2620-displaced-in-gaza All proceeds go to We Are Not Numbers in Gaza. Production by Tony Groves @ the tortoise shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic podcast, Rory and Tony discuss the costs of Trump's war - Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon, the fuel protests, the need for societal solidarity and how they reflect a deep distress amongst people struggling with the cost of living and where this is all headed. They draw the parallel between government arrogance and lack of compassion on Homelessness and evictions, which are at record levels, to their dismissive response to the scenes on our streets. Hubris? Maybe. But not unfounded until now. Prof Richard Murphy on the global energy crisis and the political leadership vacuum:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155762052 Run for Teddy:https://www.patreon.com/posts/short-message-155503232 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here:https://spicebagmerch.com/