Best Human Tortoise Podcasts (2025)

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The Housing Crisis and Why I Still Believe in Human Rights 51:13

Play Pause

16m ago51:13

51:13

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackLeilani Farha is a human rights lawyer, host of PushBack Talks, founder of Right to Housing organisiation, The Shift, former UN Special Rapporteur for the Right to Adequate Housing and most importantly a Tortoise Shack fan.She rejoins us to talk about the ongoing global financialisation of housing, the way…

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Clayton Christensen: The Godfather of Disruption 21:22

2d ago21:22

21:22

Send us a text Clayton Christensen's theory of disruptive innovation explains why great companies fail by doing everything right and has found applications far beyond business into military strategy, religion, and personal development. His framework provides a universal pattern that brings clarity to complex problems, creating a common language tha…

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When Kevin the tortoise and Squeaky the monkey have a chat.. 47:12

3h ago47:12

47:12

Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise with bold, smart marketing. Visit the http://coup.co website or book a meeting with us at. https://go.oncehub.com/RequestMeetingBy Annie McCubbin

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Kate the pharmacist or Bree the influencer. Mmm who to trust ….? Episode 1:05:00

3d ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise with bold, smart marketing. Visit the http://coup.co website or book a meeting with us at. https://go.oncehub.com/RequestMeetingBy Annie McCubbin

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Child Poverty – What Must Be Done.

4d ago

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Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this Reboot Republic podcast, Rory talks with Tanya Ward, Director of the Children’s Rights Alliance about the reasons underlying the shocking figure that 1 in 5 children in Ireland are in poverty after housing costs are paid. We discuss the impact of the housing costs – as families are forced into food…

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Françoise Gilot: The Woman Who Said No to Picasso 24:06

5d ago24:06

24:06

Send us a text Françoise Gilot was the only woman who ever left Pablo Picasso. She shared her remarkable story with Malte Herwig in many interviews, which became a book: "The Woman Who Says No". Hers is a story of passion, creativity, and courage in the face of artistic genius. In this episode, Malte and his two AI-Hosts Alex and Isabel explore her…

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What If Your Imperfections Are Actually Human? 37:26

5d ago37:26

37:26

What if your biggest flaws aren't flaws at all, but simply part of being human? We've all had that moment—catching a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror and immediately focusing on some perceived imperfection. That unexpected view of "tuck shop arms" (as we call them in Australia) or an unflattering angle in a video can trigger an avalanche of self-…

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Snow Leopards Don't Need Ambulances (But Humans Do) 40:40

9d ago40:40

40:40

What happens when a woman's desire for a "natural" birth clashes with medical reality? In this gripping episode, I share the second part of the first chapter from my upcoming book - a story that will have you holding your breath until the very end. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise …

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Save Irish Citizens in Gaza: An Irish-Palestinian family’s story 27:00

10d ago27:00

27:00

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this Reboot Republic podcast, Rory talks with Khalid El-Astal, who was born in Belfast in 1993, and Melissa Murphy who is part of the Kildare Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Khalid is now living in Ireland with his two young children, Ali and Sara, who were injured in an Israeli airstrike that struck the…

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John Malkovich: From Demon Child to Hollywood Star 24:28

12d ago24:28

24:28

Send us a text Hah! Are our AI hosts gender biased? Malte tells Alex and Isabel about listener feedback to episode 1. What will our lovely pieces of code make of this criticism? This week's topic is John Malkovich, who opened up to Malte about his contrarian perspectives on fame, power, and what truly matters in life while reflecting on his experie…

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When Beth Calls at 2AM, Everything Changes Pt.1 45:33

14d ago45:33

45:33

Today's episode takes a creative turn as I share the opening chapter of my forthcoming book. Set in Sydney, Australia, this story follows three sisters whose lives have been shaped by a mysterious incident in their past and the subsequent estrangement of middle sister Beth from her siblings Harper and Emmy. Send us a message! Support the show Proud…

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Living in Two Worlds – Abubaker Abed

15d ago

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Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackWhen journalist and accidental genocide correspondent, Abubaker Abed, left Gaza a few months ago the only thing certain was that he would continue to speak up and report on what is happening in his homeland. He rejoins us to discuss his advocacy, campaigning and reasons for hope in the face of so much suff…

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Could a Metaphor Save your Sanity? 47:50

16d ago47:50

47:50

Ever caught yourself saying you're "banging your head against a brick wall" or "can't get your head above the parapet"? These aren't just figures of speech—they're powerful mental frameworks that might be intensifying your anxiety without you realizing it. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through th…

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Alfred Brendel: The Pianist Who Walked a Tortoise Through Vienna 20:02

20d ago20:02

20:02

Send us a text Hosts Alex and Isabel talk about a remarkable interview with the legendary pianist and writer, Alfred Brendel, conducted by Malte Herwig eleven years before Brendel's death in 2025. Join us as we discover the surprising wit and wisdom of an extraordinary musical mind and talk about how Malte managed to get the famously cantankerous p…

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Trailer 2:59

20d ago2:59

2:59

Send us a text What makes someone tick? And how do you get them to reveal their truest self? The Art of the Interview goes on an expedition into the human spirit, peeling back the layers of captivating conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating figures. Join hosts Alex and Isabel as they team up with veteran interviewer Malte Herwig to…

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The thin line between anti-vax ideology and white supremacy is getting thinner. 51:41

21d ago51:41

51:41

When neo-Nazis take the podium at your rally and receive cheers instead of condemnation, it's time to question what movement you're truly part of. The Snarky Gherkin joins Annie McCubbin to examine the disturbing connection between Australia's anti-vax "freedom" movement and white nationalist groups that have found fertile recruiting ground among c…

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396. Community Wealth Building 38:25

25d ago38:25

38:25

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this Reboot Republic, Rory chats with Sean McCabe who is Head of Climate and Sustainability at Bohemians Football Club about the potential for community wealth building and cooperatives to create a sustainable more equal economy. We chat about the work that's happening in Spark the Bohs communities coop…

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Why are we so quick to say ‘ I’m not racist but…….’? 35:38

27d ago35:38

35:38

What happens when our mental shortcuts lead us astray? In this thought-provoking episode, I dive deep into the psychology behind prejudice and how our brains create harmful generalizations about people who don't look or sound like us. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise with bold, sma…

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Acting Beyond Pretense 39:23

28d ago39:23

39:23

Have you ever noticed how some people can command attention with seemingly effortless authenticity while others leave you feeling manipulated or confused? The secret might lie in techniques actors have been refining for centuries. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise with bold, smart m…

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Acting! Why Stepping Into Someone Else's Shoes Changes Everything 42:32

30d ago42:32

42:32

What happens when shy, self-conscious people discover they can transform into someone else through acting? In this captivating conversation between three veteran Australian actors – Annie McCubbin, Lucinda Armour, and Deborah Galanos – we explore the profound psychological journey of becoming an actor and how performance art builds confidence, resi…

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Gaslit at gunpoint. The real story behind Stockholm Syndrome. 44:51

1M ago44:51

44:51

Have you ever wondered if Stockholm Syndrome is actually real? The startling truth might shake your understanding of this widely accepted psychological concept. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise with bold, smart marketing. Visit the http://coup.co website or book a meeting with us a…

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Australia is an amazing place to live. Snarky, Dave and Annie ask, ‘ Why do the cookers feel oppressed?’ 41:09

1M ago41:09

41:09

The disturbing connection between anti-vaccination groups and neo-Nazi recruitment has been laid bare in this eye-opening conversation with two dedicated misinformation fighters. What begins as skepticism about vaccines can become a dangerous pipeline to extremism, as revealed by the neo-Nazi leader who openly admitted: "Half of our recruitment in …

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The Snarky Gherkin and Dave ask, Are coffee enemas really helping ? 37:31

1M ago37:31

37:31

What happens when wellness culture promises certainty that medicine can't? When soft lighting, gentle music, and a sympathetic ear replace scientific evidence? The consequences can be devastating. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise with bold, smart marketing. Visit the http://coup.co…

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Why do I have Covid ? AGAIN? 42:03

1M ago42:03

42:03

What happens when a self-proclaimed impatient person tries to embrace ancient Stoic philosophy? After returning from Bali with an unexpected case of COVID-19, I found myself facing the perfect opportunity to practice what the Stoics preached about controlling what you can and accepting what you can't. We mentioned Reasons Not to Worry by Brigid Del…

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Mini Goats and Massive Protests: Lessons in Human Connection 34:23

2M ago34:23

34:23

What happens when your holiday isn't going according to plan? When the stranger next to you on the plane is hostile, or when fellow travellers are making too much noise? Annie McCubbin calls in from her Bali fitness retreat with profound insights about navigating life's frustrations with grace and wisdom. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly…

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Myths and monsters | The Lab Detective Ep4 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

Rachel Sylvester travels to Greece to investigate whether genetic science could change the story in the case of Roula Pispirigou – a mother who was convicted of killing her three young children just last year. Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. Reporter: Rachel Sylvester Producer: Gary Marshall Music supe…

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Rabbit hole. What rabbit hole ? 37:38

2M ago37:38

37:38

"It's kind of the most important time in my life to be a skeptic," declares Michael Marshall in this thought-provoking exploration of conspiracy theories and disinformation in the digital age. From infiltrating flat Earth conventions to tracking cancer treatment crowdfunding campaigns, Marshall offers unprecedented insights into how misinformation …

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If the earth is flat, how do you not fall off? 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

Michael Marshall takes us behind the scenes of his daring three-day undercover mission at a UK Flat Earth Convention, offering rare insights into the minds of conspiracy believers. This fascinating conversation reveals why smart people believe strange things and how compassionate skepticism can succeed where confrontation fails. Send us a message! …

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Poverty and Hope

2M ago

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Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this Reboot Republic, Rory talks to Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice & Policy with the St Vincent De Paul. 250,000 people sought support from SVP last year showing the scale of on going cost of living crisis. We discuss the stigma of poverty and its continued pervasiveness despite this country's w…

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Science versus the law | The Lab Detective Ep3 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

Scientist Carola Vinuesa and her team test their extraordinary genetic discovery in a court of law. Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. Reporter: Rachel Sylvester Producer: Gary Marshall Music supervisor: Karla Patella Sound design: Rowan Bishop Podcast artwork: Lola Williams Executive producer: Basia Cumm…

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There’s a villain in all of us! 25:47

2M ago25:47

25:47

Ever wondered why the villains in Shakespearean drama captivate us so deeply? In this fascinating exploration of character and identity, Annie McCubbin and her guest David draw compelling connections between classical acting techniques and everyday decision-making. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut t…

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Coldplay Kisscam - The end of forgiveness? 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

Ever noticed how women are constantly encouraged to be forgiving, grateful, and blessed, regardless of how poorly they're treated? This episode dives straight into the dark side of forgiveness. The conversation kicks off with a laugh about "novel-induced vagueness" (forgetting dogs in cars and wearing mismatched shoes), but quickly turns to somethi…

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The eureka moment | The Lab Detective Ep2 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

Kathleen Folbigg is just trying to survive. She’s a grieving mother, sentenced to life in jail for killing her four infant children. That is, until a small group of people start to question whether she might be the victim of a terrible miscarriage of justice. Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. Reporter: R…

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Three is murder | The Lab Detective Ep1 40:09

2M ago40:09

40:09

Journalist Rachel Sylvester investigates the case of 'Australia's worst serial killer'. And discovers, in a story about mothers who have been accused of murdering their own children, there is one man who connects them all: a doctor called Roy Meadow. Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. Reporter: Rachel Syl…

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Snarky Gherkin goes 2 rounds with the Anti Vaxers 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

What drives someone to fight dangerous misinformation when it would be easier to stay silent? Meet The Snarky Gherkin, who found himself thrust into the world of conspiracy debunking after participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial and facing a barrage of threatening messages from anti-vaxxers. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored b…

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Honey, I Shrunk the Evidence: Why Natural Remedies Often Fail 40:30

2M ago40:30

40:30

Annie McCubbin's voice might be compromised by illness in this episode, but her critical thinking remains razor-sharp as she demolishes popular myths around natural cold remedies and wellness treatments. With characteristic wit and evidence-based analysis, she unpacks why so many of us fall prey to unproven solutions when we're feeling under the we…

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394. New Apartment Standards – The 21st Century Tenements with Orla Hegarty 37:18

2M ago37:18

37:18

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this Reboot Republic, Rory discusses the new apartment standards the Government have brought in with Orla Hegarty of the UCD School of Architecture and Planning. Orla outlines the major flaws in these new guidelines, around creating liveable homes, and analyses the Governments justifications as lacking …

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Introducing...The Lab Detective 4:08

2M ago4:08

4:08

Introducing...The Lab Detective Kathleen Folbigg experienced unimaginable loss. All four of her infant children died suddenly, over a 10-year period. Their deaths were unexplained. Until a police detective turned up at her door, and arrested Kathleen on suspicion of murder. She was labelled ‘Australia's worst female serial killer’, convicted, and w…

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The Great Fob Fiasco: Tales from the Marriage Frontlines 43:47

2M ago43:47

43:47

A missing car fob, a dentist appointment, and a blocked car park entrance become the perfect storm for examining how our brains process blame and responsibility in relationships. Send us a message! Support the show Proudly sponsored by COUP — helping brands cut through the noise with bold, smart marketing. Visit the http://coup.co website or book a…

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Annie and the $400 Mandarin: 41:30

3M ago41:30

41:30

Have you ever made a decision that seemed perfectly reasonable in the moment, only to have it blow up in your face later? In this hilarious and insightful episode, Annie shares the mortifying story of how a single forgotten mandarin cost her $400 at New Zealand customs, despite her confidence that she'd cleared her bag of all prohibited items. Send…

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Itching for a fight? Hold your fire. 31:06

3M ago31:06

31:06

When unexpected laryngitis strikes podcast host Annie McCubbin, her husband David steps into the spotlight, offering a refreshingly candid look at relationship dynamics and the unnecessary drama we create. Drawing from their 30+ years of marriage and careers as actors and corporate facilitators, David unveils the fascinating mechanics behind interp…

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393. Women’s Equality & Feminism

3M ago

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Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this Reboot Republic, Rory talks with Orla O Connor who has recently announced that she is leaving her role as Director of the National Women's Council of Ireland. We talk about Orla's 23 years of experience of campaigning for women's equality and social justice in the National Women's Council, the lear…