The Black Eye

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. 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

We are doing another season. Ewan talks with Tony about why he felt compellrd to bring back the Black Eye and the need now more than ever to pull at the loose threads of thinly covered narratives. Martin McMahon of the Echo Chamber Podcast joins us for what is a combative, but respectful debate on Covid-19, the Government response, NPHET and the health of our health service. It does get a bit heated. Remember to support this work and get lots of extra content join us at: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

All eyes and minds may be on Covid but the world carries on, much of it speeding up as the cliff face approaches. This week we wanted to delve into those other issues and raise some vital awareness. The WWF has just released a report and it turns out humans have outdone themselves, wiping 68 per cent of populations from the face of the planet in a mere 50 years. The group's director of global campaigns, Zach Abraham, joins us from Switzerland as we talk the sociology of it, whether we'll ever really care, what can be done, what will be done, and what if nothing is done. From there we return back to Ireland as, believe it or not, there are other illnesses going unchecked and untreated as the hyperbole of the pandemic has become a disease in its own right. John Wall, a terminal prostate cancer sufferer and patient advocate tells us about what's been happening and more importantly not happening in that area, while clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy discusses the mental health effects and remedies for all the chaos. From there it's onto sport and this week we're going Stateside in the company of arguably the greatest sportswriter on the planet today, the incredible Wright Thompson of ESPN. With him we'll be looking at the landscape and state of society in his neck of the woods through the prism of sport be it nooses in Nascar, LeBron's latest stand, college sports pushing ahead, Trump's golfing exploits, and even how horse racing reflects so much of their history and their present. That's all before we get near the monologue featuring Ewan's love of the Late Late Show, Ryan Tubridy and NPHET, and the news of the week with Tony Groves. Time Stamps From 28.57 - The monologue featuring RTE's long streak of average, Ronan Glynn's move to celebrity, the business of Covid, and the utter hyperbole being used to carve out power and a place in the future. From 44.47 - Zach Abraham from the WWF on our epic destruction of so much around us and what happens if we keep on keeping on. From 1:14.05 - John Wall, cancer patient advocate, and clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy on the other illnesses and concerns that aren't Covid but that are being driven by Covid. From 2:11.47 - Wright Thompson of ESPN looks at American life today through the lens of sport.

On this edition of The Black Eye, we revisit the United States madhouse with Reecie Colbert of Black Women Views Media and the #KHive. Melania's denouncing bullying while her husband bullies right beside her, the race war carries on, and while a paralysed black man is chained up by police they offer water to a cold-blooded killer. Is there any sense? Is there any hope? Is there any humanity? From there we go to where there is no sense or hope - namely to Irish politics. The government is tearing itself apart and taking chunks of the country down with it. Phil Hogan and Darragh Calleary are the latest representation of all that, and to defend the performance and arrogance of the ruling class Bernard Durkan, Fine Gael's TD for Kildare North and Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fail's representative from Clare, are with us. Then it's onto the sports show where editor of the Blizzard, Jonathan Wilson, and chief football writer at the Independent, Miguel Delaney look at Barcelona's demise, Lionel Messi's next destination, Neymar's direction, Pep's reputation, Manchester City's glass jaw, and preview the Premier League as well. That's all before the news of the week and the monologue. TIME STAMPS 2.50 - News of the week featuring a call to arms if alcohol is banned, the fools in NPHET who can't count to six, the fear of numbers that aren't doing much harm in Europe, and why celebrity spats should be settled with brutal violence broadcast live for our entertainment. 27.07 - The monologue looks at the gravitational pull of Phil Hogan's undercarriage, and how he comes from you, is just like you, thus you're to blame rather than him. 34.00 - The USA, black lives and white supremacy with Reecie Colbert. 1:09.14 - Let's all go to the circus of Irish politics. Cathal Crowe and Bernard Durkan join to discuss and defend the government. 2:15.58 - The Sports Show. Jonathan Wilson and Miguel Delaney talk Messi, Neymar, Manchester City and PSG, the Champions League just gone and the incoming Premier League season.

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

Covid, covid, covid. We're told to be terrified and locked down by those in charge who continue to fail in so many areas. But is it really something to be petrified of, and is the treatment becoming worse than the disease? While fear can be good, on this episode we look at the reality behind the scare tactics. From a medical perspective, Professor Hugh Pennington CBE, emeritus professor of bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen and global expert in this sphere, joins us to talk about the very real damage the virus can and is doing, the global governance during it, the economic damage, the rise of other overlooked diseases, and he offers a more sensible way to handle this. From a political perspective, despite all the mistakes and vested interests in Ireland, those behind them and the destruction of the economy are getting a free ride while the media focus on the past of the opposition rather than the present of those calling the shots. In doing so they are influencing minds in a very cynical fashion. Kevin Doyle of the Irish Independent is the current political journalist of the year and doesn't agree. He's also here to talk about Leo, Michéal, Sinn Fein, and the potential collapse of the government as the schools open their doors. Meanwhile in sport, while much of that industry has taken a battering, one area continues to manipulate, abuse and ultimately profit in ever-growing amounts. Gambling is the silent disease enveloping more and more via no more than phone screens and has become the anti-sport while taking over so much of it. Declan Lynch of the Sunday Independent has helped highlight this scourge more than anyone and he tells us about what is being done to so many people and what if anything can be done to stop what is now a bigger issue than doping. And that's before the monologue and the news of the week. TIME STAMPS From 3.24 - News of the week featuring Donald's hair, Priti Patel's ice cream wars, doctors milking the common person, gang wars being turned into race wars, schools rugby, senators thieving and the continued removal of civil liberties. From 31.06 - The Monologue looks at the many Irish experts raking it in from government to NPHET and the HSE to the HSA who failed in their jobs, took the side of big business, take no responsibility for again ignoring the obvious, and now expect to punish you as a result while burying the truth. From 47.22 - Professor Hugh Pennington on the medical realities of Covid and the impact it is having by being seen as the be-all and end-all. From 1:27.22 - Kevin Doyle of the Irish Independent on the media love in with the political establishment. From 2:07.39 - Declan Lynch of the Sunday Independent on what is now the big story of the sporting sphere. Move over doping, gambling is the dangerous blight. If you want this podcast in bite-size then join us on patreon.com/tortoiseshack

On this episode, we're talking China with Sophie Richardson of Human Rights Watch. Over many months now whispers have been growing regarding the treatment of the Uighurs in the west of the country and more and more footage has been shared online regarding what the authorities refer to as re-training. It's led to louder and louder chatter of a genocide taking place, but what is really going on, who and what should you believe, and if it is indeed the evil of that worst-case scenario what can the world do about? From there we speak with Mark Bauerlein, the author of The Dumbest Generation back in 2008. A dozen years ago he thought humanity had hit rock bottom but never could he have imagined the 12 years that followed, thus he's here to talk about what led him to his work initially, the studies that proved him right, life since, as well as the silencing of and trampling on the American right that means a brutal time lies ahead. In sport this week, we're looking at UK's sports golden era. If it were Russia you'd have worried, but so many lost the truth behind the cheer-leading and marketing of moral and physical superiority. It's all rubbish though with a series of investigations by Nick Harris and Edmund Willison beginning to lift the lid on how those taking to podiums may have been no more than human guinea pigs. Both of those journalists along with Sean Ingle of The Guardian join us to rake over that, UKAD, and a lovely story that never added up. That's all before the news of the week, and the monologue where Ewan looks at the hyperbole around Covid and how those in cushy jobs and on good money are costing a lot of people their livelihoods in the name of a pandemic that could have been far more dangerous and brutal. TIME STAMPS From 3.01 - News of the Week including the meaning of populism, a shit show of a government, and guess who is the is the lying, bluffing, spoofing, hypocritical, two faced, egotistical, entitled, arrogant snob? From 25.35 - The monologue. From 35.35 - China with Sophie Richardson. From 1:08.20 - You're so dumb and getting dumber, with Mark Bauerlein. From 1:56.24 - Sport as the UK's triumphs get morally and perhaps legally sullied more and more. Join us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

On this episode, we're talking China with Sophie Richardson of Human Rights Watch. Over many months now whispers have been growing regarding the treatment of the Uighurs in the west of the country and more and more footage has been shared online regarding what the authorities refer to as re-training. It's led to louder and louder chatter of a genocide taking place, but what is really going on, who and what should you believe, and if it is indeed the evil of that worst-case scenario what can the world do about? From there we speak with Mark Bauerlein, the author of The Dumbest Generation back in 2008. A dozen years ago he thought humanity had hit rock bottom but never could he have imagined the 12 years that followed, thus he's here to talk about what led him to his work initially, the studies that proved him right, life since, as well as the silencing of and trampling on the American right that means a brutal time lies ahead. In sport this week, we're looking at UK's sports golden era. If it were Russia you'd have worried, but so many lost the truth behind the cheer-leading and marketing of moral and physical superiority. It's all rubbish though with a series of investigations by Nick Harris and Edmund Willison beginning to lift the lid on how those taking to podiums may have been no more than human guinea pigs. Both of those journalists along with Sean Ingle of The Guardian join us to rake over that, UKAD, and a lovely story that never added up. That's all before the news of the week, and the monologue where Ewan looks at the hyperbole around Covid and how those in cushy jobs and on good money are costing a lot of people their livelihoods in the name of a pandemic that could have been far more dangerous and brutal. TIME STAMPS From 3.01 - News of the Week including the meaning of populism, a shit show of a government, and guess who is the is the lying, bluffing, spoofing, hypocritical, two faced, egotistical, entitled, arrogant snob? From 25.35 - The monologue. From 35.35 - China with Sophie Richardson. From 1:08.20 - You're so dumb and getting dumber, with Mark Bauerlein. From 1:56.24 - Sport as the UK's triumphs get morally and perhaps legally sullied more and more. Join us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

On this edition of the show we're off to the UK, where author and journalist Peter Hichens joins us to discuss what he says is the overstated fear-mongering around Covid, the forced use of muzzles, the attacks on civil liberties, as well as the Conservative jokers running his country into the ground. After that it's back to Ireland for a history lesson with Brian Hanley, who literally wrote the book on southern attitudes to the Troubles. We discuss with him the notion of modern revisionism of the 1970s to suit current agendas, all the while hailing De Valera and Collins as glorious patriots of the distant past. In sport, Manchester City have won another hollow victory, this time in court, and journalists Tony Evans, Christoph Winterbach and Ian Herbert are all on the show as we converse about that ruling and the toxic nature of the club, its owners and backers, and their fans. That's before we get near the monologue and the rest of the happenings in recent days. Enjoy. Time Stamps From 2.52 - The news of the week featuring Sleepy Eamon, Boozy Barry, Fianna Fail's house of cards, Apple's tax dodge, and the farcical and contradictory rules around travel. From 22.34 - The monologue featuring a tale and hypocrisy around two funerals. From 30.51 - A delve into the UK with Peter Hitchens. From 1:02.47 - An Irish history lesson with Brian Hanley. From 1:50.54 - Manchester City's latest amoral success with Tony Evans and Christoph Winterbach while Ian Herbert joins us from 2:15.08. To support this podcast and get it in bite size join us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

With Vladimir Putin taking power for life in a referendum that offered train tickets and raffle prizes and was conducted out the back of vans, Russia knows it's future. It's the same as its recent past. To talk about the strong man leader's ascent and use of power, we're joined by Mark Galeotti, Honorary Professor at the University College London School of Slavonic & East European Studies, by Tanya Loksina who is the Russian expert at Human Rights Watch and by Moscow-based journalist Alan Moore. Back home The Greens sold their souls although they'll claim the price was to save the planet. We aren't so sure as this comes across as a mess thus we hope to untangle a whole host of issues with their chairperson and Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu. In sport, Daniel Kinahan hasn't gone away you know, as he pulls the strings of boxing from the shadows. To talk about him, morality, sports-washing and Fury-Joshua, journalist Gavan Casey of The42.ie and Alan Dawson of Insider.com are on the line. That's all before Ewan and Tony talk the week's issues including one of them putting their foot in it, while in the monologue Ewan looks at a charmless man with an awful political history being the key for Fianna Fail when he ought to have been the lock. Time Stamps 2.40 - News of the week, including Black Lives Mattered, Twitter mobs, and Kim Kardashian's big congratulations. 18.35 - The Monologue. 27.23 - Putin's power grab and Russia's regression. 1:11.09 - Hazel Chu of The Green Party talks over the risk and rewards of their backing the old parties. 1:30.30 - The sports show featuring Daniel Kinahan, MTK, Arab ruthlessness and the moral line we all have to cross. Join us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

After a week off, we've plenty of catching up to do with the latest Covid surge, with political mayhem, with sport back, and with climate chaos. Thus we are whisking you straight off to Brazil where Tom Hennigan in Sao Paulo, Dave Caren in the oft-forgotten poorer north-east, and Marvio dos Anjos in Rio de Janeiro talk us and take us through the pandemic and the lack of leadership as a slow-motion car crash unfolds. You've heard the numbers, now hear the reality. Back in Ireland we've finally got a government that no one seems to want, even the parties forming it, and on that we're joined by Darragh O'Brien of Fianna Fail who has played a key role in the formation and will likely play a key role after formation. We talk tents, tantrums, tribunals and an eye-sore of a leader. Over in sport Liverpool have reached the promised land and are already unbearable in victory, while Leeds are closing in on a return to the top flight. Journalists Michael Foley, Dion Fanning and Diarmuid Doyle have suffered along with those clubs and look at the journey and the destination, featuring marriage hype, Qatari blood money, Sean Dundee and Osama Bin Laden. That's all before the news of the week and Ewan's monologue on the herpes of politics taking charge in Ireland - it's bad but it gets worse when you realise how hard it is to shake. Time Stamps 3.10 Things that caught our attention this week with Ewan and Tony. Featuring Donald Trump's empty seats, water drinking ability and incestuous streak; Siberia as a tanning salon and beach destination; Covid of course; the real destroyer coming right behind it; and those people who talk about white lives mattering. 18.37 The Monologue. 27.15 The Crisis in Brazil with Tom Hennigan of the Irish Times, podcast host Dave Caren, and poet and writer Marvio dos Anjos. 1:00.20 Ireland and her Grand Old Parties with Darragh O'Brien TD. 1:50.45 Liverpool's and Leeds' relative famines with Michael Foley of the Sunday Times, Dion Fanning of Joe.co.uk and Diarmuid Doyle of The Last Word. Join us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

This week we delve into some of the ways in which democracy is under attack and explore the methods that has authoritarianism thriving and on the march. In Hong Kong, it's a year since a million people took to the streets but is this anniversary worthy of celebration and fond memories, what with Covid and Chinese persistence making it all for so little? With rights literally and legally under attack, we're joined from there by journalist Oliver Farry and by Wilson Leung, barrister and member of the influential Progressive Lawyers Group, as they take us through the quietening of the protests, the new and frightening rules creeping closer, and the grim future for a place that may not for much longer be one of society's great melting pots and information centres. Sport has become a feature in this realm too and perhaps there's no better example than Manchester City. The Premier League is returning, their appeal against European punishment is on the verge of a verdict, and yet that pales when you look at a once-proud club that today is predominantly a vessel for Abu Dhabi's soft power. To look at them in the board room and court room, on the pitch and on the battle field that has run red, we're joined by chief football writer of the Independent, Miguel Delaney, researcher, writer and Middle-East human rights expert Nicholas McGeehan, and Sam Lee, The Athletic's City correspondent. Meanwhile in the monologue Ewan looks at the standards Leo Varadkar says he has set around racism, and at the long list of racists he's pushed, protected and promoted against these standards. Does Ireland's leader therefore see a racist in the mirror, and should he? That's all before we talk Daniel Kinahan, Brian Kennedy's early hours sing-song, and that case about the prominent person that has gone away you know. TIME STAMPS 4.20 - A race through the news of the week. The unnamed sports star let free; Daniel Kinahan's legitimisation; the best company to work for - the Irish people; Got bowel cancer? You've got Google too; Brian Kennedys lullaby; And more. 21.35 - The Monologue 34.30 - A year on from Hong Kong's rebellion, China is getting its way. We rake over these past 12 months with journalist Oliver Farry and Wilson Leung, member of the Progressive Lawyers Group. 1:01.34 - Bad moon rising? Manchester City are in a whole host of blinding headlights. To break down the flaws, failures and perhaps even some hope, Miguel Delaney, Sam Lee and Nicholas McGeehan join Ewan. This pod needs support. The content is free, but we believe it has value. Join us on: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

It may be an issue for social media hashtags and Facebook likes right now, but it's an issue for black people every day. Thus on this week's show we wanted to delve deeper and further into the black lives that are again having to beg and fight to merely matter. To discuss what's happening in the United States and around the planet, we are joined by Reecie Colbert - the voice behind Black Women Views - and by psychologist, best-selling author, chartered Scientist and former NBA player John Amaechi. They look at a past of persecution, a present of many briefly peering in, and a future fear of this all going back to their normal. Later on the episode, Eoin Ó Broin, one of the key voices and brains within Sinn Féin, is here to talk about what Ireland might look like with and without his party in power, but he's also here to discuss private schools, Northern Irish poverty, the recent abortion vote, the murder of Paul Quinn, Wolfe Tones song, a hijacking of nationalism by the right, and a whole lot more. Meanwhile in the monologue, Ewan looks at how fascism crept up on so many places around the world while the populous was entertained by the absurdity, only to cop on too late. The United States may be the latest, but as Donald Trump clutches a bible while continuing to create hell on earth for opponents, if he does believe in religion, that notion of hell should be bothering him greatly. Time Stamps 20.51 - Monologue 29.12 - Black lives with Reecie Colbert and John Amaechi 1:29.51 - Eoin Ó Brion interview Follow Reecie @blackwomenviews For more from John see amaechiperformance.com 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 for us all need to meet the 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

This week we're off first to the Middle-East, a place that can be difficult at the best of times, but these they most certainly are not. David Sheen and Budour Hassan join us from Haifa and Jerusalem, as Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial begins. Despite this, he's used the pandemic to grab more power, drag the left into his far-right alliance, and make further threats and promises against Palestinians and even his own who dare to take a stand. Next door in Gaza, Hana Salah is on the line as Covid records its first death in the most densely populated place on the planet. With blockades, politics and war leading to a crippled health system - and with no way out and no real help coming in - more disaster may sadly await. In sport, we're joined for a lengthy and exclusive interview with Floyd Landis as the Tour de France winner (for a while anyway) talks Lance, life, doping, anti-doping, reaching rock bottom, the climb back, athlete welfare, bike motors, and marijuana. And that's just for starters. Meanwhile in the monologue, Ewan looks at the hastening erosion of democracy as so many in power have seen this as a massive opportunity in crisis to make gains at the expense of the most basic freedoms, while also stripping away even the rouse of equality. Time Stamps 18.30 - Monologue. 29.02 - The power grab and the louder threats in and from Israel. 58.50 - Covid catastrophe the latest cocern for those in Gaza. 1:14.50 - Floyd Landis interview. Please support this podcast and the wider platform. Go to patreon.com/tortoiseshack

When Covid became all too real, experts were suggesting that Vietnam and Taiwan would be hit hardest due to their proximity with China. But now that they've faired best, did this proximity, suspicion and downright dislike of their neighbours give them a key headstart? With rumours reaching Taiwan and hacks coming from Vietnam, we're joined from both those nations by journalists Louise Watt and Michael Tatarski to discuss what happened. In sport, Premier League PR and then a pandemic helped to bury a story about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his agent and friend Jim Solbakken that involved questionable practices, conflicts of interest, and an accused rapist that has been on the run from Norwegian law. But as the season gets ready to restart, we wanted to unearth it and are joined by Lars Johnsen to talk about the crazy case of baffling deals, captain's armbands and Babacar Sarr. All that and we haven't even gotten to Ewan's monologue. This week he looks at the media's role throughout this with journalism so often traded for marketing and agendas. At a time when the industry was taking a battering, this was a chance to show its importance and to actually thrive. Instead so many outlets will be lucky to merely survive the biggest of stories. Time stamps. 20.51 - The monologue. 30.53 - From Taiwan to Saigon, we discuss how the big bad boys on the block helped in an eastern miracle and how Vietnam and Taiwan became world leaders to look up to. 1:08.06 - The sports show looks at the dynamic duo and twin tales of Solskjaer and Solbakken, where questionable dealings took them inside arguably the biggest club in the world, and left a serious question over both due to the acts and actions of a fugitive. Help keep the mics on by joining us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

The truth stands naked,but while it's not always pretty, that's not a good enough reason to look away. Therefore this week we head to Hungary where AFP journalist Peter Murphy and Andrew Stroehlein, European Media Director of Human Rights Watch, join us to talk about the man known as the Viktator, Viktor Orban. For right at the heart of the EU there's now a dictatorship which is allowed by some, helped along by others, and even looked at with admiration and aspiration by a certain few. Later on the show we move to boxing, sort of. Michael O'Toole, crime correspondent of the Irish Star, tells us the truth about Daniel Kinahan, his cartel, his threats and his violence, while Kieran Cunningham and Philip O'Connor talk to Ewan about his relationship with the sport as the sweet science is being used to wash away the blood and make major gains. Also on the show we'll be discussing a crazy weekend of UFC, where the veil slipped on their business as Covid was caught, fighters were legally stopped from expressing concern, and journalists were halted from saying a bad word. On top of that lot, there's the monologue as Ewan looks at the most basic life lessons taught to kids everywhere that are absent from our expectations and our judgments of the political classes, leading to the most vulnerable being left to rot. Time stamps. 17.54 - Monologue 27.04 - It's off to Hungary as Viktor Organ again sees opportunity in crisis. 1:08.06 - The sports show begins with Daniel Kinahan, boxing and blood. 1:37.42 - UFC's business model somehow out-uglies violence. Join us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Looking for a pick me up? Maybe this one isn't for you, but if you dare to go on, then fair warning. This week Tom Hennigan of the Irish Times joins us from Sao Paulo, to talk about Brazil on the brink as Jair Bolsonaro tries to lead his people off of a Covid cliff. From Ireland, Eddie Hobbs puts forward his worries about the bailout plans, as he believes small and medium businesses are being hung out to dry which will lead to long-lasting unemployment, lower tax revenue, less bailout money, and around and around we go in a terrible spiral. Meanwhile over in sport (remember sport?), sports writer Paolo Vezzoli and journalist Richard Fitzpatrick are with us from Bergamo and Barcelona as they recall game zero - the night it all seemed to go right for Atalanta against Valencia, when really football was helping along the death of so, so many. And if that's not enough, in this week's monologue, Ewan ponders the stupidity of a species who think this pandemic will soon be solved and aren't even aware of what's coming right behind it. Don't say we didn't warn you. Join us:patreon.com/tortoiseshack