Firstly, get well soon, Martin. I'm sorry I was so mean! We are just finished this weeks live podcast and it was packed! Caroline, Linda and I were joined by Environmental Law Officer, Attracta Uí Bhroin and Irish Examiner Journalist, Cianan Brennan to discuss the week that was. We extensively cover the revelation that the Government are set to ratify the CETA (EU and Canada) "free trade" deal this Tuesday and open Ireland up to some very serious problems in terms of corporate power. Please follow Attracta on twitter @attractaub and let's tell our TD's that this vote needs to be postponed until it can be given the relevant scrutiny! We also discuss Cianan's story about unused ventilators and PPE, as well as this weeks events in the PAC, relating to the Prison Service and Whistleblowers. We also talk about the recent Symphysiotomy ruling and what it says about access to justice for women in Ireland. Finally we talk polarisation online, where Linda tells us about her own experience with accounts that also hounded Roman Shortall recently. Finally, finally, we have our Q&A and we were joined by Saoirse McHugh and Lorcan Sirr. (members podcast) Please do tweet, call, contact your TD and let them know that the vote needs to be postponed so we can discuss it democratically. More information HERE To attend these live podcast and get access to hundreds of exclusive posts (including the full version of this podcast) please join us: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

What a week. This week Caroline West of Glow West took the lead and led Linda, Martin and Tony through some of the stories of the week and on into others that flew a little under the radar. We were Joined by Jacob Woolf to discuss Jeremy Corbyn and antisemitism and Saoirse McHugh to discuss the Village Magazine story about the Leo Varadkar leak. We then opened the mics for a "not for public" Q&A. To support these podcasts, access lots of additional content and attend future events like this join us on: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

As part of our coverage of the second wave and it's impact on the health of the Health Service we were joined by Professor of Health Systems, Anthony Staines and GP Dr Maitiu O Tuathail. This is a terrific insignt into what living with the virus means as opposed to crushing it. Professor Staines talks about our options and the ways these aims can be achieved and Dr O Tuathail describes the current situation in GP Practices. Both men talk us through what changes they would like to see and give us their solutions to the many problems that Covid-19 has only exacerbated. Note: The #GolfGate scandal broke mid-pocast and you can hear our live reactions. Full version available on patreon. Professor Staines is on twitter @astaines & Matt is @DrZeroCraic Join us: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

As anti-racism protests continue around the world the "tone police" are desperately trying to reassert and protect the old power structures. To discuss this we are joined by former political prisoner, human rights activist and now law student, Ibrahim Halawa. Recorded in front an audience of our patreon supporters, we discuss Black Lives Matter, the microaggressions People of Colour face daily and why saying that Ireland is not as bad as the US is not an excuse for inaction. Ibrahim is totally open and honest about his experiences and the impact this has had on his mental health. Join us: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

The murder of George Floyd by a police officer has sparked protests across America and indeed the world. The actions of the Divider in Chief, President Donald Trump, have only exacerbated the problems. I'm joined in the tortoise shack by Team USA track and field athlete, 3 time Olympic Gold Medalist, 3 time World Champion and writer, Tianna Bartoletta, to discuss these events and the need for us all to meet this moment. As Tianna herself says, we can't solve our problems with the same thinking that created them. It's not enough to say 'I'm not a racist', we need to active anti-racists. I'm very grateful to Tianna for her time. Follower her on twitter: @tibartoletta Her writing: tiannabee.com Join us: patreon.com/tortoiseshack