Author Archive: The Tortoise Shack

Today the Ukrainian Parliament gathered in person to pass emergency laws and show unity to the world. Joining me to discuss the latest from Kyiv is MP Lesia Vasylenko. She tells me why they risked getting together in possibly the worlds most targeted building, the emotions of the day and the unfolding tragedy that is the continued destruction. Donate to […]

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 […]

I was joined by Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko as she was trying to get her children away from Kyiv and the incoming convoy of Russian tanks. Lesia is calling on the International Community to at the very least open humanitarian corridors that will allow for the safe passage of children and more vulnerable people. She discusses the sense of hopelessness […]

(Recorded Feb 19th) Joining me in the tortoise shack is Progressive Unionist Party member and Community Activist in Rathcoole, Rosey Bell. Rosey tells me how my assumptions on her upbringing are wrong, why the she believes in an inclusive and equal Northern Ireland, while maintaining her Loyalist identity and culture. We talk about what the NI Protocol means to her […]

As the fighting and losses of life continue across the Ukraine, I was joined by opposition MP Lesia Vasylenko to discuss the latest situation. We discuss the tragic loss of life, the resilience of the citizens of Ukraine and the further ramping up of international action against Russia. Lesia also runs the numbers and estimates just how long the Russian […]