All The Best

This week, we dive into the All the Best archives, we march alongside the largest lesbian football club in the world, learn about the not-so-secret lives of drag kings, and … and hear about the challenges of living with … fake gay clout? Secrets and Confessions In our first story Jared challenges our assumptions by confessing a shocking secret. That story was written and performed by Jared Richards Bats and Balls In our next story, we learn about the largest lesbian soccer team in the world. That story was produced by Tegan Nicholls in 2018. Drag Kings Madhura Prakash looks behind the curtain at the lives of drag kings. This story was produced by Madhuraa Prakash All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Mixed and Compiled by Ramon Briant Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our celebration of June as Pride month with more live performances from Maeve Marsden's Queerstories. This week’s continued celebration of queer stories is about finding love … or realising that you just want to be loved … whether that’s through a niche television show and a whale obsession or being the only trans woman at a straight sex party in Coolangatta. Straight People At The Sex Party Sean tells us about wanting to truly be seen and to be more than just a stepping stone for someone else to discover their queerness. Written and Performed by Sean Dowling Psychics, Ocean Girl and Falling in Love Chloe lets us know that finding love can be as momentous as spotting a humpback whale from the beach. Written and Performed by Chloe Mills All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's June! Which means that for Pride Month we are celebrating queer stories and queer storymakers! In this episode, we tackle the gender binary and explore gender identity. One of da boiiz How far did you go to fit in when you were in high school? Nico takes us all back to those awkward moments of high school when we might have faked it just to fit in. And he asks, "How far would you go to sit with the boiz?" And a warning, there are swear words in this story. Produced by Nico Bruni Originally produced for Maeve Marsden's Queerstories in collaboration with Western Sydney University. Danny's Story Danny takes us on a journey of gender exploration with the joys and heartbreaks of becoming more of who they are meant to be. Produced by Duncan Stephen Sound Design by Persephone Waxman All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Lindsey Vassallo Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney is full of hidden stories. Lindsey Vassallo guides us to one of those stories hidden under Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD and investigates the mystery of the Travellator. Travelator Lindsey takes a deep dive into Sydney’s most forgotten and strangest landmark, hidden right under the grounds of Hyde Park. The travelator spans almost 700ft and is accompanied by an equally long mural, which has its own fascinating history. For Lindsey, it’s a place surreal enough to feel like it can only appear in dreams. This is a story complete with world records, controversy, mystery, love and a courtroom drama. Produced by Lindsey Vassallo Supervising Producer: Persephone Waxman All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Lindsey Vassallo Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a very special episode of All The Best. Today, we delve into the surreal and cinematic world of Corpse 5—a dark, sci-fi-tinged journey through sound, story, and imagination. This piece is part of The Exquisite Audio Corpse, an ambitious international collaboration between 75 audio makers from around the globe run by Audio Club, creating a series of seven sonic “corpses” inspired by the surrealist game exquisite corpse. Each contributor only hears a sliver of what came before them, crafting their own piece in response—leading to unpredictable, haunting, and often beautiful results. Special thanks to Cristina Marras, who suggested that we do a corpse in the first place and whose amazing story kicked everything off; to Aswathi Matthew for coordinating half-a-dozen time-zones, and to Ray Vo for the amazing artwork for the challenge. The amazing audio makers who participated in the corpse we featured today are: Lezak, Pierre & Florence, Yhane, Ali, Darien, Arielle, Valdez & Hazel, Ellie and Cole & Claudia. Discover SIX more audio corpses on the All The Best Substack. All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The thing about op shops is that they're filled with stories. In this week's episode to mark National Volunteer Week, Ramon Briant joins us in the studio to share his tale of the op-shop thief, The Second Hand Bandit. The Second Hand Bandit When a local op shop becomes the target of a string of mysterious burglaries, the shop’s community is pushed to its limits in the face of adversity, but ultimately bands together and investigates to crack the case. Produced by Ramon Briant. Supervising Producer: Mel Bakewelll Music: Original score and sound design by Ramon Briant. The Glebe Community Op Shop credits (2018 - archive) In the inner city suburb of Glebe, there’s an op shop run by volunteers that’s more than just a shop for second-hand goods. Produced by Karishma Tanvi Supervising Producer: Allison Chan Music: ‘People Everywhere (Still Alive)’ by Khruangbin, ‘Steady’ by Fujitsu All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ramon Briant Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: This week's stories contain references to a war zone and to gambling. This week we feature two stories from Issue V of Debris Magazine: Prismatic Joy, co-edited by Mariam Ella Arcilla and Jazz Money, which is an explosion of colour and nuanced storytelling. Acidic Cuts During her trip to Ukraine, Kiera searches for the harmony of the tradition, and tries to avoid the discordance of fear and air raid sirens. Written and performed by Kiera Brew Kurec. This piece featured recordings captured by Kiera in the Ukraine, in 2024. Sound design by Lana Lusina, find more of her work at https://lanalusina.carrd.co/. St Elaine In our next story, George’s narrative follows Elaine, who finds joy through a prismatic vengeance on pokie machines. Written and performed by George Haddad. Find more of George's work at https://georgehaddad.net/. With sound design by Zac Pennington. Debris Magazine Issue V Launch Head to Debris’ website to purchase the latest issue, and for information on their Sydney launch and appearance at the Melbourne Art Book Fair, as well as international launch details in Istanbul and Paris. Join us for the Sydney launch of Issue 05: Prismatic Joy. Event details here. Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6:30 PM 9:00 PM at Suite7a (map) The evening will begin with an introduction by editors Jazz Money and Mariam Ella Arcilla, followed by readings from contributors Sara M Saleh, George Haddad, Atul Joshi and Farz Edraki. Melbourne NGV Book Fair Debris, and their latest issue, have a stall at the Melbourne Art Book Fair (NGV). 16-18 May, 10 am-5 pm. https://artbookfair.melbourne/ All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: By Lindsey Vassalo A Young Girl Riding a Bicycle by Vladyslav HuivykBucha, Kyiv Oblast, Ukrainehttps://www.pexels.com/photo/a-young-girl-riding-a-bicycle-12144038/ Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is nothing that compares to making that decision to leave everything you know behind. To choose to make a home in a foreign place. And while you might have some pre-conceived ideas … you might even have done your research…none of it will quite compare to the experience itself. In our story this week, Michael’s journey is more than about moving from place to place, but also a journey through different stages of his life. 177 Nations of Tasmania: Micheal from Benin Since arriving in Tasmania about a year ago, Michael has got somewhat accustomed to people questioning whether Benin is a real country - an indication of how little known his homeland is in Australia. Benin is a small country in West Africa, squeezed between the much larger Nigeria and Togo. It was formerly part of a much larger Kingdom of Dahomey and was also one of the centres of the Atlantic slave trade. A legacy of this is seen in places like Haiti, Cuba, Brazil and New Orleans, where Voodoo is still practised, a belief system originating in Benin. In western culture this has become associated with pushing pins into dolls, but in Benin it is still a very much accepted bona fide religion. Michael's story is remarkable other ways though. From a tough time as a child at a boarding school in Nigeria, to University studies in Ghana, where he'd secretly hoped to further his soccer career, he eventually got a scholarship to study agriculture in Israel. During his year in Israel he fell in love with a Filipina, and she was the eventual inspiration for him to come to Tasmania. This story was originally published on 177 Nations of Tasmania, produced by Mark Thomson. To hear the full episode head to www.markthomsonmedia.com or search ‘177 Nations’ wherever you get your podcasts. With additional editing by Jespher Wen. Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities. All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Mark Thomson, 177 Nations of Tasmania Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories of democracy, dreams, and things happening in and out of the ballot box. Elections Elsewhere by Phoebe Adler-Ryan Have you ever wondered how elections operate in other corners around the world? In our first story, ATB takes you on a ‘election tour’ of different countries as our volunteers - from China, Vietnam, some with connections to the US - gather to talk about what voting is like in their country. Can you vote in your country? What does voting mean to you? Featuring Lindsey Vassalo, Patrick McKenzie, Ray Vo and Sue. Counting the Vote by Grace Gooda Next story brings you into the Australian ballot box. In this story, we step inside election day through the eyes of an AEC worker - where impartiality, integrity, and counting replace the usual political buzz. From securing ballot bins to missing out on the ‘democracy sausage’, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the quiet work that keeps Australia's democracy ticking. Welcome to a day in the life of a ballot counter. That story was produced by Grace Gooda in partnership with the Centre for Advancing Journalism and The Yarn from Melbourne University. Young Yarners by Micah Kickett Our third story explores the Young Yarners Program, a new initiative tackling voter disengagement in First Nations communities. From Parliament House workshops to local projects back home, young leaders from the program are building knowledge, breaking down barriers, and making sure Indigenous voices are heard loud and clear at the ballot box. That story was produced by Micah Kickett for The Wire. Young Matters by Ruby Perryman In this story, we hear from a young voter navigating life on Centrelink, housing insecurity, and the growing feeling that dreams like home ownership are slipping away. As the election approaches, it's not grand promises that shape her vote - it’s the urgent need for real support in an anxious, uncertain future. That story was produced by Ruby Perryman in partnership with the Centre for Advancing Journalism and The Yarn, from Melbourne University. Hope for the future by Catarina Fraga Matos and Kwame Slusher Confusion, curiosity, excitement to frustration. Young Australians paint a vivid palette of emotions as they face their first vote. Whether it’s dreaming of climate action, fairness, or just finally being heard, these young Australian voters have big hopes, even if the path to the ballot box is still a little messy. Hear them out. All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork Design: Lindsey Vassalo Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To mark Earthday we’re playing two stories that explore how we can use disruption to effect change and save the environment around us. In our first story, Meagan takes us journey on the Murray-Baaka River that led to the Menindee fish kill in 2019. In Murky Waters Produced by Megan Williams (they/them). The supervising producer was Richard Dinnen. It was produced as part of the National Features and Documentary Series back in 2020. Further Notes from Megan This story was produced after the mass fish kills in 2018/2019 that occurred during the drought. It's estimated 1-2 million fish died in this event and it was a very rude shock to the local community (and the world) as the program details. However, there were much bigger mass fish kills in the flood of 2023 (20-30 million fish).Following the 2023 mass fish kills, NSW has taken a number of steps to better mitigate risk of fish kills, active management to maintain dissolved oxygen at critical times, the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer have published an independent investigation into the 2023 mass fish kills, there was a connectivity expert panel report published last year and there is now more transparent updates on the work that NSW Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water is doing.For a recap on the baaka, tune in to Water Watch Radio's program:https://www.waterwatchradio.com/podcast/episode/31983821/episode-92-restoring-our-darling-baaka What Democracy Looks Like (Archive) This story was produced by Ryan Pemberton, back in 2019. The supervising producer was Zacha Rosen. Since then, anti-protest legislation has been creeping in - over the last five years. New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland have all passed anti-protest laws that impose significant fines, and even imprisonment, for protesting. https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2024/07/03/protest-peril Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities. All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Image Credit: Lindsey Vassalo Mixed and Compiled by Phoebe Adler-Ryan Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does heartbreak sound like to you? This week’s stories are about heartbreak… whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of who you once were…or a relationship that didn’t work out. Sounds of Heartbreak In our first story, Lee explores the sounds of different kinds of heartbreak and whether they can become sounds of healing. Produced by Lee Chan. The Supervising Producer was Phoebe Adler-Ryan Kobi Dog Fionn explores the different ways one can cope with the loss of a pet. Written and performed by Fionn McCabe at live graphic storytelling night Read to Me, on 9 March 2024 at Sydney Town Hall. Musical accompaniment by Martin Peralta. Recording by Zacha Rosen. Find more info about Read to Me by visiting their insta @readtome_ and more of Fionn’s work at https://www.fionnmccabe.com/ Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities. All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Image Credit: Lindsey Vassalo Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you think of a moment when things fell short of your expectations? A book or a movie you’ve been looking forward to. Maybe you’ve met one of your idols … and … wish you hadn’t. Maybe it was something bigger … maybe it’s your own country … a conflict of values around democracy and justice. In this episode, we explore the gap between a citizen and their country. This week, stories from citizens of Hong Kong. Interview with Louisa Lim First, journalist Louisa Lim addresses how democracy has been changing in the indelible city. Louisa is a journalist and the author of the book, Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong, and wrote and reported for the podcast King of Kowloon (ABC). Discover Louisa's book Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong. When Justice Falls Out Then, we hear from Peter - a Hong Konger now living in Naarm. In his ‘20s, he joined the Hong Kong police force, He soon realised justice looked a lot different than he’d thought. Produced by Wing Kuang. The supervising producer was Lawrence Bull. All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Image Credit: Unsplash, Ryan Kwok Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the artist collective Small Audio Art founded by Phoebe McIndoe invites us to contemplate the possibilities of windows… Interview with Phoebe McIndoe Are you creatively stuck, a worried novice audio-maker, or just feeling a little lonely? Don’t worry, Phoebe McIndoe feels you. Establishing Small Audio Art—a 6-month playful, low-stakes project inviting creators to craft stories inspired by everyday objects—the Berlin-based journalist and radio maker welcomes you into her little paradise of quirkiness, randomness, and heaps of laughter. (Shhh… there’s also a listening party with party poppers after each submission round). Next prompt: “clocks” (or any timekeeping device). Submissions can be up to 10 minutes, in MP3 format. Photos or poems welcomed. Jump on the bandwagon. Let your story chime in. Matters of Windows by Jane Lee and Dan Semo In our first story, a reflective monologue on the passage of time, missed opportunities and life choices. “We rush through life pretending we have all the time in the world, but the window is always getting smaller.” Soggy Window by Martin Zaltz Austwick Next up, Martin makes a song out of the squeegee. Time to wipe your windows. Lumi by Andrea Kristinsdottir In our third story, Andrea leaves a window open - and someone escapes. A wholesome search for a cheeky little thing. Meow. The Window by Danni Stewart Through our final window... A ‘part-time’ shirtless guy. Unsolicited flowers. Her window and his window. “The next time I looked at the window, everything was gone.” “I never even spoke to him. So why do I miss him? I don't know.” Thank you to Phoebe McIndoe and all of the audio artists who shared their stories. Follow Small Audio Art and keep an eye out for their next prompt on instagram https://www.instagram.com/smallaudioart_/ All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Image Credit: Lindsey Vassalo Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's stories call on us to humble ourselves before nature…and consider whether maybe …there are some things that animals know that we don’t. The Great Dingo Debate by Andrea Dixon In our first story, Andrea shares her love for Taz, a rescued dingo living on her family’s property in Hawkesbury, Darug country. As tensions rise between farmers, conservationists, and First Nations communities, the dingo emerges as a symbol of both conflict and kinship. Through cultural advocacy and calls for legislative change, Andrea and many others envision a future of respectful coexistence with dingoes. ‘Wild is not something to be feared’. This story featured Steve Trist, Djirabitty: www.djirabittyptyltd.com.au Sonya Takau, Dingo Culture/Defend the Wild: https://www.dingoculture.com/ | www.defendthewild.org | (IG) @dingoculture |(IG) @defendthewild To learn more about the parliamentary inquiry into dingo management, NSW visit: defendthewild.org/dingo-inquiry-nsw The producer was Andrea Dixon. The Supervising Producer was Thomas Phillips. Special thanks to Barry Traill, Phoebe Adler-Ryan and the team of volunteers at fbi & Dingo Den Animal Rescue. That moose shook me to my core by Seb and Sale An impromptu conversation between two friends at the end of a public storytelling event at the Powerhouse Museum in 2023 involving a cottage in the woods and an encounter with a moose. After all, who’s the wild one here? All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Artwork by Minna Leunig See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The experience of exploring childhood memories can vary greatly from person to person. Sometimes, this emotional excavation can be painful, bringing up unwanted memories that you might not be ready to face. But it can also be a beautiful experience, allowing you to rediscover with fresh eyes the places or people you knew ... or thought you knew ... as a child. In this episode, we explore two very different stories about revisiting places and memories. Frequency by Kwame Slusher In our first story, host Kwame speaks with his Dad about HAM Radio and some of the ways they always seemed to be on different frequencies... Produced by Kwame Slusher. The Supervising Producer was Thomas Lu. Tacos by Dan Semo Producer Dan Semo is back in the city he grew up in. A city he hasn’t been back to for over twenty years. And he’s in search of a really good taco. Produced by Dan Semo. This piece is from the third season of Dan's project 14 Days, where he produces a short audio story every day, over two weeks. Check out his work here: https://www.danielsemo.com/14-days-cdmx Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Kwame Slusher Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins Artwork by Lindsey Vassalo Community Coordinator Patrick McKenzie Social Media Manager Sue Hong & Lindsey VassaloSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features voices from the story collection Povo edited by Adam Novaldy Anderson and produced by the Sweatshop Literacy Movement. Australia is often referred to as The Lucky Country — a land of economic opportunity and vast natural resources. But how does this myth square up against the true experiences of Indigenous and culturally diverse Australians living in our nation’s most densely populated regions? Please listen with care as some of these stories feature swears. This episode features performances by Adam Novaldy Anderson, Sarah M Saleh, Adrian Mouhajer and Victor Guan Yi Zhou, recorded at the Blue Mountains Writers Festival 2024. Povo is available through Sweatshop Literacy Movement. Visit www.sweatshop.ws/povo for details. Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Kwame Slusher Recordist: Rylee O'Keefe Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins Artwork by SweatshopSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, three stories about connection: connection to the land and the sea, connection to history, connection to the divine and to ourselves. Weaving Ancestral Voices by Shareeka Helaluddin In our first story, Shareeka reconnects to faith and identity through the voice of the singer Sheila Chandra. Growing up in an interfaith household, Shareeka was immersed in a diverse sonic landscape of Islamic recitations, Hindu chants, Bollywood, folk, and Western music. It wasn’t until Sheila Chandra’s drone-based singing resonated deeply within her that she found solace in voice. “Songs that weave through past and present, a voice that pierces through discordance and uncertainty. An immersive journey of glossolalia and spiritual vocal gateways, reckoning with - and returning to - faith; all bound together by the voice of Sheila Chandra.” This story was produced by Shareeka Helaluddin. The Supervising Producer was Mell Chun, with support from John Tjhia. The artwork was provided by Rekha Dhanaram who can be found @rekha.dhanaram on instagram. The story features the voices of Aarti Jadu and Sheila Chandra, on instagram @thesheilachandra. Our next two stories are recordings from the Red Dirt Poetry Festival, an annual showcase of spoken word and poetry from Mparntwe, Central Australia. Black Pearl of the Desert by Marie Ellis In the first story, Marie takes us into the very heart of the desert. The Black Pearl’s coming - timeless and untamed. Red Dirt by Melanie Mununngurr In the second story, Melanie confronts colonial violence, systemic oppression, and cultural erasure. Through the enduring strength of saltwater people and the unbroken connection between land, water, and ancestry, we celebrate the resilience and defiant song of those who refuse to be forgotten. The water remembers all—carrying echoes of ancestors, the weight of sorrow, and the rhythm of survival. Black Pearl of the Desrt and Red Dirt were performed and recorded at the Red Dirt Poetry Festival, a celebration of spoken word and poetry from Mpartnwe, Central Australia. You can check them out over on their their YouTube or at their website reddirtpoetryfestival.com/ Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Kwame Slusher Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins Artwork by Rekha DhanaramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, two evocative stories exploring the notion of divinity through history and poetry. These stories were commissioned by guest editors Hasib Hourani and Adalya Nash for Issue 04: Illuminated Manuscript of Debris Magazine. The Crystal World by Bella LiThere was, on the island of St John, a commonly sighted mirage, appearing to those afflicted by an excess of light: a sea of glass like unto crystal. In our first story, an enchanting, meditative venture into the realm of lost knowledge, ancient civilizations, and the luminous mysteries of gemstones. From the emerald mines of Cleopatra to Galileo’s forbidden observations, truth is preserved, distorted, and rediscovered - on repeat. Like light through stained glass, knowledge bends, fractures, and reemerges in unexpected colours. Bella Li’s ‘The Crystal World,’ was also selected as part of Unesco's Reading the City of Literature, a snapshot of Melbourne's literary activity over the span of a year. Discover Bella's most recent book Theory of Colours. Sound design by Tala Issaoui. Discover Tala's work here. God is Trans by Lou Garcia-Dolnik In our second story, a divine journey unfolds—like a whispered incantation. Against the weight of grief, through the landscapes of identity and remembrance, pain transforms into transcendent beauty; the fluidity of existence defies rigid confines, and despair metamorphoses into a luminous, boundless realm of self-discovery. Sound design by Zac Pennington. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Kwame Slusher Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins Artwork by Bella Li. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"That’s the nature of movement, isn’t it? We are pulled from one thing to another and these things themselves transform into something else. In that vein, I’m once again moving on from something I love dearly to somewhere else my passions lie. It’s time for me to say goodbye to hosting All The Best and to you all." - Madhuraa Prakash This week, a farewell to our multi-talented host, Mads. Then, two stories about “moving(literally)’, as we all look forward to hopeful beginnings. To Kwame Slusher, our new host, the baton’s now yours! Dance is my Salvation by Catarina Fraga Matos To Cheryl, Salsa is not just an art but a straw she clutched to. Surrounded by the glamour of her parents’ dance studio in Sri Lanka, Cheryl grew up with music in the air and a privileged life beneath her feet. Everything took a downturn after migrating to Australia, where her mother (then herself) had to navigate single parenthood. Through Catarina’s interview with Cheryl, we trace Cheryl’s journey from a dance studio in 1960s Colombo, to finding identity and transformation in the rhythm of salsa. Beneath the tapping heels and the booming salsa tunes is a childhood reminisced, a life reshaped, and the salvation Cheryl seeked. Produced by Catarina Fraga Matos. The supervising producer was Shelby Traynor. Thank you to the Sydney Dance Company and Arthur Murray Inner West for allowing Catarina to record sound during their dance classes. Doug’s Hill by Jacqui Pham Jacqui goes for a run up a hill with a trail runner waiting for a knee reconstruction. This story was produced by Jacqui Pham (FAM) as part of the Transom Travelling Workshop in 2019, in partnership with the CMTO. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash & Kwame Slusher Mixed & Compiled by Zac PenningtonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about how ADHD can impact a person’s life, relationships and identity. Partners In Time by Felicity Weaver Are you a Type A, always-on-time kinda person? Or are you the one who is always last to arrive at a social gathering? In our first story, often-late Felicity speaks to her slightly frustrated husband about how ADHD has impacted their relationship dynamic. Through a cheeky husband-and-wife exchange, Paul recalls Felicity’s lateness and disorganization, while she finds relief (and soon self-compassion) in her ADHD diagnosis. The episode also highlights the complexities of living with ADHD, the challenges of support, and the impact of societal misconceptions. Studying Abroad with ADHD by Shixin Wang In our next story, experiences of ADHD from students in the Chinese community. Through accounts of three Chinese young adults, we navigate late ADHD diagnoses caused by cultural stigma, treatment barriers, the emotional toll of self-blame - and the hope for a more inclusive future. "Embrace ADHD, your future is full of hope." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a specifically Australian take on magical realism weaving a mystery involving a baby, a potentially poisonous mushroom, and the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Chia. Through rich symbolisms and tension, this episode explores truth, lies, friendship, and vulnerability. Shhh…Listen. Banksia’s tell two truths, one lie. The game starts now. Written and read by Leo Alder. Composition and sound design by Suzanne Derry. With production support by Zacha Rosen & Phoebe Adler-Ryan. Recorded at Echidna Audio. This story was originally published by Spineless Wonders. Special thanks goes to Bronwyn Mehan. Meet the Author Leo Alder: https://shortaustralianstories.com.au/meet-the-slinkies-leo-alder/ Cover Art by Ashleigh Green.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're sharing stories performed at our live storytelling night (Un)Intended Consequences last October with live music composed and performed by Matthew Forbes. Explore influential encounters, moments and ideas - and if you're eager for more, you can find three more stories in our 'Part I' Episode. Highly Strung - 'Neverland'Emily Suine and Oliver Durbidge are part of the lively puppeteering group HighlyStrung. Together, they tell a comical fantasy about the emotional waves of puberty.Along this whimsical journey, the dashing boy from Neverland becomes our guidethrough this tumultuous period of life. Ruth Melville - 'Americana'Ruth Melville is a nurse by trade and a literary artist by heart. She has publishednumerous stories enriched with interpersonal details and it is here that she sharesone of these stories. A tale combining the enchanted wonder of Disney movies andthe unfiltered facets of reality. All in one big queer American road trip. Jumaana Abdu - 'Children Go Straight to Heaven When They Die'Jumaana Abdu is an award-winning writer exploring the friction between Islamic andAustralian culture. Through the reading of one of her short stories, Jumaana detailsthe bloody ordeal of adult prejudice and its impact on two childhood friends. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Special thanks to the City of Sydney for helping us pay the artists involved, and to Knox Street Bar for hosting us!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, words by First Nations people on January 26, Sovereignty and Identity. 'Australia Day' In our first story, people at the 2012 Yabun festival speak about what so-called ‘Australia day’ means to them. That story was produced by Lauren Carroll Harris, with interviews gathered by Lauren Carroll Harris, Carly Anne Kenneally & Jesse Cox. Unwelcome to Country by Dominic Guerrera Written and performed by Dominic Guerrera, with production by Mel Bakewell. Unwelcome to Country is featured in a poetry and story collection co-edited by Dominic and Karen Wyld, called The Rocks Remain, available through Wakefield Press. Music: Submerging Green by Podington Bear. Murrumu - Selena Shannon Produced by Selena Shannon in 2015. Murrumu’s goal was to return to his Country, return to his Elders, and to the law of Yidindji Nation. In many ways he has been successful, and as of 2023, there were 200 citizens of Yidindji Sovereign Nation. Finally, a piece about lost language and the difficulty of reconnecting to culture. Bigger than School Stuff - Declan Furber Gillick Written and performed by Declan Furber Gillick in 2020. Sound design was by Ryan Pemberton. All The Best is recorded on stolen Gadigal land and we pay our respects to Gadigal elders past and present and also recognise that the area where fbi.radio is situated, Redfern, has long been a place of storytelling, strength, resistance and resilience for First Nations communities. Yabun Day Broadcast Bigger than ever, Yabun Festival is back January 26 live from Victoria Park, Gadigal Country. This year, fbi radio is teaming up with Koori Radio, National Indigenous Radio Service, One Mob Radio, and the Community Radio Network to bring you a special live broadcast of the largest community led, one-day festival of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures. Join us from the Yabun main stage to hear knockout performances from Barkaa, Electric Fields, Miss Kanina, JK-47, Dameeela and many more. Yabun Festival, live on-air! This January 26 from 12pm on fbi radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories that delve beneath the surface of the summer heat. Sunburned First up, Phoebe heads back to school to learn about workshops educating teens on sun safety and the lifelong risks of skin cancer - which affects two in three Australians. Through stories from survivors, students, and insights from experts and volunteers, she highlights the urgent need for prevention, behaviour change, and prioritising sun safety education. What you do under the sun today is a step toward a safer, brighter tomorrow. This story was produced by Phoebe Adler-Ryan with Supervising Production by Shelby Traynor. Special thanks goes to Susan Collins, Simon Board, Dr. Philip Tong and the team at Dermscreen, Kirstie Fitzpatrick and the students and teachers at Inner Sydney School. Educate yourself about sun safety and skin cancer by heading to: https://conqueringcancercampaign.com/conquering-skin-cancer/ Music featured: Nuisance - 'We live in gardens' & 'Flourescene' [Free Music Archive] Howard Harper-Barnes - 'The Light from Within' [Epidemic Sound] Sindrandi - 'Summer in November' [Epidemic Sound] Hook Line and Sinker Then, Kwame and Ramon dive into the surprising world of fishing, uncovering its appeal among young people from diverse backgrounds who find it both relaxing and thrilling. Whether passed down through family, inspired by social media, or propelled by a need to escape, fishing is more than a hobby—it’s a blend of freedom and connection. Beneath the surface, it’s not just about catching fish; it’s about finding peace, purpose, and a tug on the line that feels like life itself. Produced by Ramon Briant and Kwame Slusher, featuring B Fung Ling. The story was made in Audio Club's 24 Hour Radio Challenge in November 2024, you can hear the other works produced in our episode Beneath the Surface. Do you have an idea for your own audio story? We're currently accepting pitches and everyone is welcome to apply. Find the full details here! All The Best Credits: All The Best is hosted by Madhuraa Prakash. Executive Producer is Phoebe Adler-Ryan. Editorial Producer is Mel Bakewell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final instalment of Sink or Swim, we look to the future and explore how we can survive the hotter summers that lie ahead for all of us. Blacktown is facing increasingly extreme urban heat, but locals are coming up with their own solutions. We visit two cool refuges where we discover ordinary citizens and local leaders who are shaping the communities they want in the places where they live. You’ll hear from Maryam Zahid, a community leader creating spaces for newly arrived women to learn skills like swimming, and Emma Bacon, who is campaigning for community-led heat responses. And you’ll find out – will Angelica and her swimming classmates reach their goals this summer? Will they sink or swim? Sink or Swim is a UTS Impact Studios production. You can listen to the full series at Impact Studio’s official website: https://impactstudios.edu.au/sinkorswim/ It is written and produced by Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis and Britta Jorgensen. Audio editing by Britta Jorgensen and Celine Teo-Blockey. Additional support from Jane Curtis and Tamson Pietsch. The executive producers are Olivia Rosenman and Sarah Gilbert. Sound design by Melissa May. The theme song is Beaming by Friday. Podcast artwork and graphic design by Alexandra Morris. Research by Jackie May. All The Best Credits: All The Best is hosted by Madhuraa Prakash. This episode was mixed by Zac Pennington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angelica has decided: this is the summer she finally takes the plunge. Go with her as she joins an adult swim class for beginners, and realises that there are plenty of other adults who share both her trepidation and her determination. Angelica’s home of Western Sydney is heating up faster than nearly anywhere else, making swimming an essential survival skill – not just for staying afloat, but for staying cool. She talks to local doctor Kim Loo to learn what extreme heat can do to the human body, and to urban planning and heat researcher Professor Sebastian Pfautsch, who explains how the new homes and suburbs we build – without the community’s input and without an eye to our hotter future – are exacerbating the discomfort and the risk. Sink or Swim is a UTS Impact Studios production. You can listen to the full series at Impact Studio’s official website: https://impactstudios.edu.au/sinkorswim/ It is written and produced by Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis and Britta Jorgensen. Audio editing by Britta Jorgensen and Celine Teo-Blockey. Additional support from Jane Curtis and Tamson Pietsch. The executive producers are Olivia Rosenman and Sarah Gilbert. Sound design by Melissa May. The theme song is Beaming by Friday. Podcast artwork and graphic design by Alexandra Morris. Research by Jackie May. All The Best Credits: All The Best is hosted by Madhuraa Prakash. This episode was mixed by Zac Pennington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney holds a strong identity as the capital of sandy shores, ripper waves and thefinest swimmers in the world. But this idealistic depiction of a devoted swimmingculture doesn’t connect to many locals like Angelica who has never learned how toswim. Come and join Angelica on her personal quest to overcome the deep blue waters.Along the way, she talks with her local community of Blacktown. A part of Sydneythat lacks the postcard beaches whilst the limited swimming spots fail to meet thegrowing demand. This week’s episode of All the Best is the first episode of a 3-part series called “Sinkor Swim”. A podcast hosted by Angelica Ojinnaka Psillakis and produced by ImpactStudios, located at UTS. You can listen to the full series at Impact Studio’s officialwebsite: https://impactstudios.edu.au/sinkorswim/ Sink or Swim is a UTS Impact Studios production. It is written and produced by Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis and Britta Jorgensen. Audio editing by Britta Jorgensen and Celine Teo-Blockey. Additional support from Jane Curtis and Tamson Pietsch. The executive producers are Olivia Rosenman and Sarah Gilbert. Sound design by Melissa May. The theme song is Beaming by Friday. Podcast artwork and graphic design by Alexandra Morris. Research by Jackie May. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we journey back in time to look at Sydney’s music scene through the eyes of three different women. You can hit it as loud as you can First up, we hear from musician and music mentor turned academic, Hannah Fairlamb, about rock boot camps and gender equity. Produced by Mel Bakewell, with music by Ferus Cut Blue Dot Sessions.You can learn more about Rock Camp here. What About Her? Frances Swan co-wrote What About Me (A Moving Pictures Song), the 1982 classic Australian anthem, during a decade often described as a boy’s club. Christa Hughes rejected gender expectations in the late 90s and early 2000s, touring with Machine Gun Fellatio. Today, up-and-coming Milly McPherson has been making waves in a rock and roll circuit, inspired by the women who came before her. Join your host, Zara Upfold, as she explores the expectations and successes of these incredible women, the sadly predictable reactions of a male dominated music industry, and asks What About Her? Frances Swan played her original music live in front of an audience for the first time on the 25th of November. Milly McPherson is currently raising funds to re-released Milly's song under her own name, alongside a new album and a short film. Finally, Machine Gun Felatio have recently reunited and Christa Hughes has been performing in the band for the first time in 20 years. Produced by Zara Upfold, with support from Phoebe Adler-Ryan and Evana Ho. Songs Played (in Chronological Order) What About Me, Gary Frost & Frances Swan - Frances Swan Beer Drinking Woman - Christa Hughes, Dick Hughes Mutha Fukka On A Motorcycle - Machine Gun Fellatio Milly’s Song (Live Recording) - Milly McPherson Blue Moon - Frances Swan Sound Effects ES_Digital, Call On Speaker, No Answer, Russian Voicemail, Plastic, Modern, Office - Epidemic Sound.wav from Epidemic Sound. All The Best Credits Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell Host Madhuraa Prakash Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Image credit: Lindsey Vassallo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re playing stories from our 24 hour radio challenge, in which producers are tasked with creating audio stories from scratch in a day! This year we had people participating in Sydney here at fbi but also down in Naarm and even overseas as far as Italy and the UK. 1 - Cristina Marras takes us into a recurring dream. 2 - Keyari Page constructs a radio drama about the road to perfection. 3 - You know when you keep texting someone but they just..don’t reply? Linda Gao, B Fung Ling and Kaspar Visser weave a tale through voice notes about a secret and a lie wrapped up in sushi. 4 - Finally, Jac Hope delves into an underground community that subverts expectations. Congratulations to all of the makers who took part. We’ll be playing more stories from our 24 hour radio race in upcoming episodes. Can’t wait? Come hang out with us early for an online listening party on 11 December at 8am Eastern Standard time. You can register via the humanitix link here. And you can always support the show by hitting subscribe or follow if you're listening to the podcast, or tuning in to your weekly broadcast on fbi radio at 9.30 am on Sunday or the Community Radio Network. All The Best Credits Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell Host Madhuraa Prakash Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Image credit: Lindsey VassalloSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we're diving deep into the world of lost media, and in particular the mystery of - Australia's most intriguing missing song - which you might just be able to help solve!    The Most Mysterious Song in Australia: A Lostwave Story by Strange Australian   In January 2024, Strange Australian was browsing Reddit looking for some obscure lost media, when he came across a thread about something they weren't really expecting to. A mysterious Australian song. A Lostwave. This pop-punk song has been unidentified since 2019, and is connected to a Sydney suburb.   Through Reddit, Discord and other conversations and research, he learned an incredible story. It is about a song, and it's also about community. So sit back and let us tell you the story about the most mysterious song in Australia-The Chatswood Youth Unknown Song.   You can discover the full documentary on Strange Australian's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeGemmNlo6U A Lost Media Deep Dive   In this episode, we also speak to the caretakers of this great search - Lindsey Vassallo and Strange Australian to discover more about the world of lost media, archiving practices and the latest updates in the search for Austalia's most mysterious song!   Produced by Phoebe Adler-Ryan featuring an audio documentary on The Chatswood Lost Tape by Strange Australian with the support of Lindsey Vassallo.   Featured music 'Just Be Curious' by Jerry Lacey on Epidemic Sound   Do you have a lead on the Chatswood Lost Song? Reach out to us at All The Best (pm@allthebestradio.com) or reach out to the Lost Wave Community: https://lostwaves-finest.fandom.com/wiki/Woo_Hoo   All The Best Credits   Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan   Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell   Host Madhuraa Prakash   Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins   Image credit: Lindsey VassalloSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about reclaiming public spaces. Demon Derriere by Azrielle de Vor Azrielle interviews an absolute icon of the local arts scene here in Sydney. Demon Derriere is a mesmerising performer and host, and the creator of Big Thick Energy.  Produced by Azrielle de Vor with mentorship from Danni Stewart. It was produced as part of the Community Media Training Organisations's Audio Ability program. Audio Ability is currently open for applications for their 2025 cohort, head to www.cmto.org.au to learn more and apply!   Out here by Angelina Mazza Producer Angelina explores queers reclaiming the hiking trail in New York City. She investigates how the policing of public spaces has made it hard for queer and trans people to access the outdoors.    Riis Beach by Danni Stewart During New York Pride last year Danni took their Zoom recorder to Riis Beach. For generations Queer New Yorkers have come to Riis but it's a space that is constantly under threat. This moment in time was contentious for the future of the space as the abandoned hospital building behind it had just been demolished, with property developers and conservative council members eyeing off the space for development. Produced by Danni Stewart.   Have an idea for your own story? If you have an idea for your very own ambitious audio documentary, think about applying for the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. Successful applicants will get access to monetary support as well as individualised training and mentorship to help realise their ideas.  Applications are open until November 27, head to www.allthebestradio.com   All The Best Credits Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell Host Madhuraa Prakash Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Image: Danni Stewart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you think I look like? Is that a weird question? Probably. But I do have a point, stay with me.  In a perfect world we're all moving away from judging a book by its cover, I don't think we can say we've achieved this quite yet.   This idea is unpacked in our stories this week which delve into growing into our own skin, against the grain of social expectations.  Dating when different by Carey Scheer In our first story, Daniela Biagi shares the challenges of dating with physical differences. From traumatic encounters, malicious body-shaming to numerous not-so-happy dates, Daniela finds healing, growth, and resilience, as she leads us through a quest for genuine connection—with others and herself—in a world too quick to judge. Remember, you are worthy of love just as you are—the right person won't need you to have Snow White's beauty, or Cinderella's glass slippers to see the princess you've always been. This story was produced by Carey Scheer with additional production by Mel Bakewell. You can discover more of Carey's work at Purple Orange podcast. Comfortable by Samuel Luke   In the second story, Samuel reflects on his transition journey of coming out as transgender and the emotional weight of his first year on testosterone. Through recalling vivid memories and emotions, Samuel explores the dissonance between his evolving body, the long-held feelings of discomfort, alongside the slow, surreal process of self-acceptance.    It's not just about becoming—it's about relearning how to exist, to heal, and to finally see oneself in a body that feels like home.   Find more of Samuel's work on Instagram @samuellukeart or at samuellukeart.com.   All The Best Credits Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell Host Madhuraa Prakash Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Image: Liz Ham lizham.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about the things we sometimes need to do to get a decent bite to eat.    Table Diving by Patrick Mckenzie In our first story, Patrick explores the odd temptation and social taboo of "table-diving"—taking leftover food from strangers' plates. Through his inner thoughts and expert interviews, the episode delves into themes of etiquette, hygiene, and practicality behind the peculiar act of table-diving.  To take or not to take—would you dare snatch that chip? Don't worry, human pigeon, your secret's safe with us. Produced by Patrick McKenzie with Supervising Production by Mark Yin.   Big Rat by Miles Mazzocato In the next story, Miles tells a story of confronting a community of rats: a symbol of the sacrifices needed for survival. As one weighs the cost of economic stability against the value of joy, the harsh reality of their choices becomes painfully clear.  When the pasta is cold, wet, and rosemary can't fix it, maybe it's time to question if survival alone is worth the taste.   Around the back by Danielle O'Neal, Inger Kviseth, Doreen Lee and Christina Lu  In our third story, Charlie, a performer, shares his weekly adventures of dumpster diving with his partner, Jenny, uncovering treasures like Dutch chocolates and olive oil.  Highlighting systemic inefficiencies and hypocrisy of supermarket chains, the story exposes the paradox of food abundance and waste in a world facing hunger. Dumpster dive, gourmet finds; a treasure hunt worth a try.   Would you like to get involved in audio storytelling? Audio Club Come along to Audio Club to meet other makers and collaborate on fun, low-stakes creative challenges. In November we're running a 24-hour radio challenge! Details here: https://forms.gle/yYWyxaibKvmrbsnf8   The Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship Or, if you're already a budding maker, make sure you take a look at the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. We're supporting four emerging audio producers with some cash, tailored mentorship and workshops in 2025. Full details here.   All The Best Credits Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell Host Madhuraa Prakash Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Cover Art by Miles Mazzocato  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a podcast fiction story that examines the media industry and an interview about the artistic process behind it. B Fung-Ling and Derek Dao are the hosts of the Licensed Poetics podcast and extremely passionate about supporting emerging artists.   All The Best Exec Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan sat down with the duo to talk about the story they created for us and their artistic process delving into audio fiction for the first time.   A Literary Podcast Origin Story   Two literary critics are tasked with writing a book review at Big Media Company. It's their first real job where their opinion will carry influence, but things go wrong even before they can select a book. Receiving little help from their dysfunctional Editor, the young writers are stuck between personal interest and intellectual integrity. What is the duty of a critic? Whom do they serve? And in the age of AI, is it even worth it?   That story was produced by Derek Dao and B Fung-Ling. B Fung-Ling also directed the piece. Voice acting by Derek Dao, Eva Chen and Angela Wu. Postproduction by Ivy Xu and artwork by Sofi Sun.   The Supervising Producer was Persephone Waxman.   You can follow B Fung-Ling @licensedpoetics, Derek Dao @daonationspls, Eva Chen @eva0765, Angela Wu @li_vermin_li, Sofi Sun @afterclasstourist and more of Ivy Xu's work at www.31atlarge.com   Would you like to get involved in audio storytelling?   Audio Club Come along to Audio Club to meet other makers and collaborate on fun, low-stakes creative challenges. In November we're running a 24-hour radio challenge! Details here: https://forms.gle/yYWyxaibKvmrbsnf8   The Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship Or, if you're already a budding maker, make sure you take a look at the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. We're supporting four emerging audio producers with some cash, tailored mentorship and workshops in 2025. Full details here.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a story about connection through theatricality and a night at the circus. For Persephone, La Clique is both home and family. She shares childhood memories spent in circus cabaret wings, sketching and watching performers she now calls colleagues.  The episode also features Harley Mann, custodian of Na Djinang Circus, a First Nations led contemporary troupe. Blending Indigenous themes with Western circus traditions, Harley explores “identity” and how “failures", both choreographed and accidental, bring authenticity to circuses, blending superhuman feats with human vulnerability. Ending the episode is David Bates, Persephone's father and founder of La Clique. Walking down the memory lane of La Clique's past and its iconic Spiegel tent, the father-daughter look toward the future of circus and cabaret, celebrating its ever-evolving nature and its power to bring joy, and provoke thoughts. Under the circus lights, we are all part of the act—each gasp, each clap a heartbeat in the night; a legacy that pulses wonder across generations. This story was produced by Phoebe Adler-Ryan. With special thanks to Harley Mann, David Bates and Persephone D'Arbela Bates for sharing their stories. You can see La Clique at the Sydney Opera House until November 17. Find out more about Na Djinang and their next tour dates at: https://www.nadjinang.com.au/ Music Credits This story featured Kotoba, Usufruct, Primordial by Nuisance from the Free Music Archive. And music from La Clique including Hurry On Down by Madam And The Rent Party, Curtain Call by La Soirée and the La Clique Trailer theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a story and an interview about resistance, dissent and the power of storytelling as an act of protest.  Where to from here? by Isabella Lee In this episode, Isabella speaks with Marto, a Pro-Palestinian cyclist, and Annie, an emerging writer. Reflecting on the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, they express their feelings of helplessness as they struggle to find impact in their efforts. Together, they explore how movements foster solidarity and how small, creative actions can ignite lasting change and sustain long-term activism. Remember, all it takes is a little compassion and creativity to shed light where it's needed most… because often, “the most important light is the one you cannot see”. Sara Saleh & Hasib Hourani Host Mads speaks with two of the staunchest voices for Gaza in our local community, Sara Saleh and Hasib Hourani. We spoke about resistance through storytelling and finding solace and inspiration from one's own community.  Hasib Hourani's debut book is now in bookshops, rock flight can be purchased here. The fourth edition of Debris Magazine is also available now, co-edited by Hasib Hourani and Adalia Nash Hussain.  You can buy The Flirtation of Girls and Songs of Dead and the Living here. Sara Saleh's poetry anthology is also on its way and you can catch her at writing events, including at the upcoming Blue Mountains Writers Festival - tickets here. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, All the Best Radio invites you to grab a drink and maybe a snack and settle down, as we hear stories that explore influential encounters, moments and ideas from ‘(Un)Intended Consequences', a live storytelling event we held recently at Knox Street Bar. That Time I Was Visited By An Angel by Pat Morrow In our first story, Pat tells the story of his encounter with the Archangel Gabriel, who arrives not with soft words of comfort - but with life-shattering news. This story is about an unexpected visit and the futile, yet comedic, attempt to wrestle an angel.  Spoiler alert: No amount of heavenly cologne will save you from the angel's bad news. Turbo Kick by Tanya Vavilova Next up is Tanya's story. A swim squad becomes captivated by a new swimmer, Olga, whose unconventional style and mysterious “turbo kick” spark a wave of imitation. As the group adopts her fashion and technique, they grow increasingly obsessed—until Olga discovers they've been copying her unique, double-jointed kick. When she leaves, they continue the trend, forgetting how it even started.  As you can see, it only takes one turbo kick…to spark a full-blown swimming group revolution. Serena Hor's Story In our third story, Serena reflects on her struggles with speech and deafness, navigating between the hearing and deaf communities while juggling societal expectations and her own self-acceptance. After enduring bullying, parental pressure, and a challenging quest for a sense of belonging, she learns to embrace her unique voice. Because, in the end, sometimes the voices we've been ashamed of, turn out to be the most beautiful of all. From Serena to her teenage self, “I'm deaf and sometimes I sound weird, but that's okay with me now.”  And from us to her bullies and her terrible teachers, “Thank you, next”. Thank you to the City of Sydney for funding this beautiful storytelling night, to Knox Street Bar for hosting us and to the wonderfully talented team of volunteers who helped us put on a wonderful show! Keep an ear out for the next three stories in a future episode... All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay author, storyteller and performer dedicated to the making and sharing of culture.  This week, we hear Nardi Simpson's keynote address from the 2023 Mick Dark Talk For the Future. This episode takes listeners on an enchanting journey to understand how Yuwaalaraay ideas represent the spirit, natural order, and guiding principles of life and connection to the land. Through Nardi Simpson's poetic prose and vivid imagery, we are guided through spiritual reflections on the inner self, the majestic grandeur of nature, and captivating tales of renewal, sacredness, and the duty to live in harmony with the land—stories of our ancestors who sought to leave a lasting, beautiful legacy for the world we live in. This is an invitation to reflect on our past, our present, and how we might all look to the future. Let the magic sink in.   Thank you to the Blue Mountain's Writers Festival The Mick Dark Talk for the Future is an annual keynote address on the environment that honours the legacy of Mick Dark, who in 1989 gifted Varuna, the National Writers' House to the writers of Australia. The 2024 Talk will take place at the Blue Mountains Writers Festival on November 3rd. You can find tickets for the festival here.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week: two stories about matriarchs in the Mediterranean and the lingering presence of lineage in the present day.    The birth of honoured peasant In our first story, Peter Polites tells us the story of Midwife Friday who assisted in the birth of his mother in a small village in Greece.  Through the eyes of Midwife Friday, the story beautifully captures the harsh realities of village life, her resilience shaped by war and loss, and the enduring strength of a community bound by tradition and survival.   Pigeons, cats, rosegardens In our next story, a mother and her children have a heartfelt conversation about their fragmented past, trying to piece together their connection to Greece and Istanbul, Turkey. Through anecdotes passed down from their mother about their grandparents—some factual, some hearsay—coupled with exchanges of their own imagined stories, they grapple with gaps in their family history, confronting questions of identity and lineage. Sometimes… we just need a little fantasy… to bring the past back to life.   All The Best Credits Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when all of your stories fall through the day before you go to air?  A. Run repeats B. Make a whole new show in 24 hours... In today's special episode we're taking you back to the wonderfully chaotic early days of All The Best, to reflect on the legacy of Jesse Cox, a visionary audio storyteller and the co-founder of All the Best, who passed away in 2017.  Through a combination of personal stories, archived audio, and reflections of friends and past colleagues, this episode celebrates Jesse's groundbreaking contributions to Australian radio, as we pay tribute to his fearless creativity.  This episode also marks the re-launch of Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. Established in 2020 in his honour (briefly paused in 2022), the fellowship was designed to support aspiring audio storytellers, inheriting Jesse's mission to “strengthen the Australian audio community, push storytelling boundaries, and amplify underrepresented voices.”  From 2025, each recipient of the fellowship will receive $1000 to create an ambitious audio feature story, supported by an individualised learning program and national broadcast outcome.   Apply to the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2025 Applications are now open for the 2025 Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. Click here to apply. Applications close at 5 pm on Wednesday November 20th 2024. We are indebted to Eliza Sarlos, Belinda Lopez,, Miles Martignoni, Zacha Rosen, Louise Cox and Jesse's family for their contributions and help telling this story.  Special thanks also go to the JCAF and FBi Radio teams for helping to make All The Best the new home of the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship.   All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Compiled and Mixed by Emma HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on All The Best, stories about making sense of your past - from our Audio Club, and host Mads has some special guests in the studio! Audio Club is a community of audio makers. It was created to encourage new storytellers and to inspire those who are more experienced. Audio club meetups both online and in person have been places for people to discuss story ideas, audio editing, and other aspects of creating a story. So far we've had seven challenges, and in this episode we want to share some stories from our most recent one, ‘making sense of your past' Audio Club regulars Felicity, Kwame and Ramon shared the stories they made in response to this challenge and why they love working with the audio medium.   Understanding My Love of the Sea Felicity Weaver explores her past to understand her love of swimming in the sea. This poetic soundscape takes us with her as she reminisces about her childhood and what gifts her parents gave her, what she gave her children, what she has lost and what she receives when she swims in the sea.  Produced by Felicity Weaver, with support from Phoebe Adler-Ryan. You can find more of Felicity's work at www.felicityweaver.com or on Instagram @felicityweavermedia   Childhood and Hurricanes In early July, a massive hurricane formed in the Atlantic Ocean ripped through the Caribbean. When it formed, it occurred to Kwame, he couldn't actually remember what it was like to experience one, despite growing up with them. So Kwame seeks out his Mum to find out what we remembers about living through hurricanes and storms. Produced by Kwame Slusher. Music Credit to En La Playa by Julias H. from Pixabay.com  Thanks to mum, Lyn Slusher,  who is one of best storytellers I know. And thanks, to the Know Your Caribbean Instagram page for always being a font of wisdom. And you can find more of Kwame's work at:  https://kwameslusher8.wixsite.com/mysite    Until You Are No Longer Here In 2020 Ramon was living overseas in Argentina with his partner Nadia. They had decided to separate so that Ramon could return to Australia, when COVID hit. They were stuck - separated but confined to the same room every day for a whole year. This is the story of Ramon speaking to Nadia to help make sense of this strange and confusing time.  Produced by Ramon Briant. This story was produced and recorded on the lands of the Eora and Pampa people. The background music used are instrumental covers of the songs: Gracias A La Vida and Alfonsina Y El Mar by Mercedes Sosa.  The photographic series spoken about in the piece Mientras Estés Acá by Nadia Soledad Pinochetti can be found here  https://nadiapinochetti.myportfolio.com/mientras-estes-aca Many thanks to the team at all the best for their knowledge guidance and fbi.radio for their support of the project   Interested in making some audio stories? If you're interested in making some stories of your own, we'd love to see you at our next Audio Club Meet Up! Everyone's welcome, regardless of experience. We bring you a new prompt each month, host online workshops and in-person audio excursions. You can find out more about audio club on our website: www.allthebestradio.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on All The Best, a feature length audio-documentary about Matildas Mania. Please note this story contains some swears!   The Matildas Express The Matildas Express is a journey to the historic semi-final of the Women's World Cup 2023, and how our women's football team inspired the nation.  One year ago, on a cold winter night, Australian sports witnessed a historic moment. The Matildas, playing on home soil, defeated France in a nail-biting penalty shootout, earning their spot in the semi-final of the Women's World Cup. This was not only Australia's best run at any World Cup but also a defining moment for women's football in the country. The nation erupted in joy, and the Matildas became national icons, capturing the hearts of millions and solidifying Australia's passion for football.   It takes a team to play football, and it no doubt takes a team to create an audio documentary… Produced by Kaspar Visser - @kaspar.visser Audio Engineer Roy Hayoon - @iloveroyki Supervising Producer - Shelby Traynor With special thanks to Mel, Eric, David, Drew and Beattie Goad. Featuring music by Blue Dot sessions and Podington Bear. Image Credit: Kaspar Visser   This piece was recorded from Wurundjeri to Gadigal lands and pays respect to all the indigenous communities along the journey from Naarm to Warrane.   All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.