All The Best

Speculative fiction is all about reimagining the world.  Taking something ordinary, turning it upside down, and asking, 'What if?'   Pigeon Empathy by Alby Bennett So, quick question ... How do you feel about pigeons?  Pigeons - basic, don’t you think? Scuttling about, cooing vacantly. But in this here audio fiction, they have a secret life. Producer Alby says: “Prepare to emerge from Pigeon Empathy with a new perspective on not only pigeons, but reality itself.”  Producer: Alby Bennett Tutor / Supervising Producer: Danni Stewart Voicework: Benji Mckay Music: Blue Dot Sessions (Corner Store; Highway 104; Lakkalia; No Two Ways) SFX: Beating wings.wav by juskiddink; BIRDSong_Park.Pigeons.Cooing.Flapping wings.Human voices.Traffic 3_EM.wav by newlocknew.; Creepy static fade out into a low hiss from microphone by PantherK.; Domestic Dove Coo by haulaway.; Static Burst 2 by SilverIllusionist   iPad by Joyce de Badts Have you ever had someone you care about no longer be a part of your life and you wonder what they are up to?  Producer: Joyce de Badts  Voicework: Helena De Groot Supervising Producer: M. Cristina Marras     The Looking Glass by Keyari Page This last story comes from our second annual 24-hour radio race. The premise is that a number of audio producers gather at fbi.radio or online and are given a theme.   They spend a little time brainstorming… and then they have  24 hours to have a story finished and submitted.  The theme for this race was Mirrored.  In this audio science-fiction story, Keyari Page explores the idea of someone facing their own reflection.    Extras  You can check out  our Mirrored episode here And here are more  stories from our 24 Radio Race on our Substack   And if you really love audio challenges we are having a listening party for our recent audiocorpse.    And ... pssst ...  if you'd like you'd like to work with the All the Best team and The Wire we are hiring a new Digital Trainee!   All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher All The Best Intern: Nili Javid  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird And a special shout-out to all our volunteers!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we explore taking unnecessary risks, being in the wrong place at the wrong time and how you and your friends can remember the same events very differently. Like very, very differently.    The Medina by Patrick Lazzar Our first story takes us to Egypt.  When the hustle and bustle of the Medina, a chaotic market in the heart of the city centre, becomes all too overwhelming, a stranger offers to show Seamus and his friend Alex  a "secret leather market." Producer: Patrick Lazzar  Supervising Producer: Nicholas Doring  Featuring: Seamus McDyre Tutor: Camilla Hannan     Routine Traffic Stop by Eleanor Crosby-Hardman In a small Victorian town, Craig, on his way to work, finds himself in the middle of a real-life police drama and ends up on the other side of the car crash of a lifetime. Producer: Eleanor Crosby-Hardman Peer Supervising Producer:  Ellie Starkiss Featuring: Craig Hardman Tutor: Dylan Bird   As We Remember It by Alannah Kein Have you ever had that experience where you realise that your memory of an event doesn't match anyone else's version of the story? April 10th, 2026. A night in Adelaide city for Gather Round. As they retraced one night, their stories of the event began to conflict in surprising ways. Through a seemingly simple story of friends, football and beverages, this audio piece explores a bigger question. Are our memories a record of the truth, or simply the stories we come to believe as such? Producer: Alannah Kein  Peer Supervising Producer: Saro Blaikie Featuring: Michaela Kein; Leo Hemsley; Abhay Narsai Tutor: Dylan Bird   Don't forget to check out our Substack! All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher All The Best Intern: Nili Javid  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Episode Tile: Jennifer Ibe And a special shout-out to all our volunteers!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are exploring the liminal spaces. Looking for answers between what we think that we know and the unknown spaces.  Between Two Worlds by Olivia Wright What’s your take on card readings, psychics and traditional understanding of fate and spirituality?   Producer Olivia takes on a journey to explore the realm of psychics and why people are drawn to them. Producer: Olivia Wright  Supervising Producer: Thomas Phillips  Featuring: Michelle Buckley; Callum Moloney Navigating a grief by Isaure Duruy  Sometimes new understandings of the world can come through dealing with the passing of a loved one.  Theo talks to producer Isaure about his experience of the passing of his mother from cancer.   Producer: Isaure Duruy Supervising Producer: Thomas Phillips  Featuring: Theo Schwartzmann Funeral Trees by Fionn McCabe Coming to see the world in a new way can come from a simple misunderstanding.   Fionn’s attempt to explain the death of a loved one to his son creates a new and beautiful understanding.    Written and read by Fionn McCabe Producer: Zacha Rosen    This story was originally published on Or It Didn’t Happen, an audio fiction radio show from fbi.radio’s archives.    Stargazing by Jiali Hong Do you ever just sit still at night and just look at the stars?  It's probably pretty hard to do if you live in the city, but if you get out of the city, into the bush on a clear night, you might be surprised at what you can see.   Producer Jiali interviews Sam, a 26-year-old astrophysicist who drives outside of the cities to chase stars in the night sky.  Produced by Jiali Hong Featuring: Sam  Supervising Producer: Mell Chun  Music:  Youtube Free copyright/ Bilibili Free copyright If you are looking for more stories like this 🙂! Stargazing, Navigating A Grief, and Between Two Worlds were produced by students at the University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Centre for Advancing Journalism. Special thanks to Louisa Lim, Thomas Phillips, Dan Semo, Mell Chun and Persephone Waxman. You can hear more student stories from this cohort over at The Yarn.    All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan (Thank you so much, Immi!) Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Episode Tile: Jennifer Ibe And a special shout-out to all our volunteers!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we return to the theme surveillance.  Looking beyond what it feels like to be watched but, also what it like to do the watching.     Behind Me by Xuanmeng Cai Xuanmeng explores the theme of hyper-vigilance. examining why women feel unsafe on their way home after dark, how the body responds to possible danger, and why this fear has become such a familiar part of everyday life. Producer: Xuanmeng Cai  Supervising Producer: Persephone Waxman  Featuring: Vivian Chen; William Hua; Jordan Liu Music/SFX: BBC Sound Effects; Blue Dot Sessions    Watching From Far Away by Xinnang Wang Xinnang examines that murky area or parental surveillance. She speaks to speaks to Xiaoqi Chen, a master’s student at the University of Melbourne, about family expectations, silence, independence, and how “watching” slowly changed from one-sided into mutual care. Producer: Xinnang Wang Supervising Producer: Thomas Phillips  Featuring: Xiaoqi Chen Music/ SFX:  Cobwebbed from Purple Planet; A Greater Love from Purple Planet   Uber by Ruonan Yang Have you ever thought of what it might be like to be an Uber driver?  Through personal experience and a conversation with fellow rider Shirley Wang, Ruonan reveals how surveillance shapes life in the gig economy. Producer: Ruonan Yang Featuring: Shirley Wang   Mt Rothwell  by Alexandra Nevill  Alexandra Nevill investigates how one sanctuary is doing things differently. Using surveillance as a tool to restore biodiversity, and deal with disruptors. Producer: Alexandra Nevill Featuring: Sheryl Nettleton, Field Officer at Mount Rothwell Safe Haven; Matthew Singleton, COO of Odonata   The stories in today’s episode were produced as part of a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, The Centre for Advancing Journalism, and All The Best. You can tune in to more stories like these on the Centre for Advancing Journalism’s podcast The Yarn.    All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Episode Title: Izzy Boustead And a special shout-out to all our volunteers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would the mixtape of your life sound like? What were the key moments that you think made you the person that you are today? In this episode, students from the University of Melbourne share some of the key moments that have defined their lives or the lives of the subjects they interviewed.         The First Champion by Erielle Sudario Are you an anime fan? Have you heard of Beyblade? In this story, Jon recalls to Erielle Sudario the moment he became the first Beyblade champion in Victoria and how the game has evolved 20 years later,   Producer: Erielle Sudario  Supervising Producer: Thomas Phillips  Featuring: Jonathan Ng Music and SFX: Pixabay; NoCopyrightSounds; Shiny Tech by Kevin MacLeod.    Beyond Dessert Virality by Megan Nicole Yin How do you feel about social media-driven food trends?  In this delicious story, Megan explores the nexus between virality and desserts in the city of Melbourne.  Producer: Megan Nicole Yin Supervising Producer: Thomas Phillips  Featuring: Jiwoo Kim, Callista Ann,  Jerry Naing Music: Bodytonnic;  Vacant Distillery SFX: Connie; Carisa Ong       A Soccer Club Called Home by Sihan Ren Home is where the heart is ...  or, in the case of this story, it's where the football is. Sihan tells a beautiful story about belonging and finding your place.    Producer: Sihan Ren Supervising Producer: Persephone Waxman  Featuring: Mark Baker  Music and SFX: Blue Dot Sessions and BBC Sound Library        Streaming by Hope Kloppenburg Hope Kloppenburg reports on her own experience as a streamer who struggles to find balance between superficiality and connectivity within her streams and moves towards fostering in-person relationships. Listeners are advised that this episode contains coarse language and profanity.   Producer: Hope Kloppenburg   These stories were produced in partnership with the Centre for Advancing Journalism and the University of Melbourne. Special thanks to Louisa Lim, Thomas Phillips, Persephone Waxman, Dan Semo and Mell Chun. You can find more student work from this series over at their podcast, The Yarn.   All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Episode Title: Jess Lobb And a special shout-out to all our volunteers!      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Is there a spot near a body of water that feels like home to you? You know, like a stream, a lake or a river? This week is a reminder that these natural spaces that we come to value are our responsibility and we have to protect them.     Flying Fox by Thomas Phillips  A flying fox colony roosts in the trees by the banks of the Yarra. Meet the scientist trying to understand them.  Produced by Thomas Phillips.  It was originally commissioned and aired on BBC’s Short Cuts    If I have to see it, you have to see it too by Mel Bakewell  An aquatics instructor, caravan park manager, citizen scientist, community advocate - Lochie Cameron has worn many hats living by the coast that grew him up. His latest one has him pocketing seawater samples in the race to understand the cellular algae devastating the oceans and marine life along the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia.  Production, sound design and field recordings by Mel Bakewell.  Featuring: Lochie Cameron \Music by Blue Dot Sessions.  This story was shortlisted for the 2026 HearSay Audio Prize.      A creek love story by Rob Law A symphony of voices guide us along the tributaries of Campbell’s Creek, on Dja Dja Wurrung country.  Produced, sound production, field recordings and music by Rob Law Featured voices: Steve Higgins, Aunty Kath Coff, Ian Higgins, Otto and Ralph Maguire-Law, Cassia Read, and Rob Law. This story was recorded on location on Dja Dja Wurrung land.  This story was also shortlisted for the 2026 HearSay Audio Prize.    All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Episode Tile: Jennifer Ibe  SFX: Rock-pool by the Ocean by Mings -- https://freesound.org/s/172512/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 And a special shout-out to all our volunteers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  This episode is about observation, self-awareness and awareness of the world, of course,  surveillance.   A special shout-out to the audio unit of the University of Melbourne.   Bird Watching by Lewis Weir  In our first story, we are immediately reminded that there are many ways to experience the world. Jack O'Leary teaches us in this next story that bird watching is more than what you can see.     Produced, written and edited by Lewis Weir Supervising Producer is Daniel Semo.  Interviewee is Jack O’Leary   Team Selection by Harry Robertson Sometimes you are the one that is being watched, or in the case of this story, being scrutinised. Harry takes us into the anxious world of team selection by the Fitzroy Football Club.   Produced by Harry Robertson Music by Cherly Kacherly Interviewees were Gus Conheady, George Reed,  Sam Buckley, Hamish Adams, Annabel Phillips, Jack Dalton, Tim Butler, Tom Butler, James Butler, Sophie Arnold.   Watching Over Those Sleeping Rough  by Matt Melia  Surveillance can sometimes be transformed from a weapon into an act of care.   Grassroots activist group Footscray Community Response has been vocal in its advocacy, countering what they see as the punitive, surveillance-centric approaches of local authorities with acts of community and solidarity in addressing homelessness. Producer Matt Melia  Supervising producer Thomas Phillips Interviewees: Monty Green & Matt   Kelp Restoration  by Theoné van der Merwe In our final story, we continue this idea of surveillance as an act of care.  Theoné van der Merwe heads out onto Port Phillip Bay to follow Victoria's first golden kelp restoration project and meet the people working to bring these underwater forests back to life. Producer: Theoné van der Merwe Interviewees:  Prue Francis,  Scott Breschkin, Chris Gillies Music by Purple Planet        All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Cover Tile: Jess Lobb Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is all about reducing your screen time and taking a look around your local.  This could just be observing the places and things around you, or trying to hold onto memories of what was.   Roaming David by Nili Javid  Roaming David, follows a local legend of North Melbourne, @roaming_david on Instagram, who documents the small but fascinating quirks of North and West Melbourne. Production and sound design by Nili Javid Supervising Production by Mark Yin  Music by Moby Gratis and Finally Punk  SFX: Yarra trams     On the ground by Cappy Hall  This one is all about being grounded.   Cappy revisits a place from their past, a place they go all the time, and a place that they miss.    Production and sound design by Cappy Hall  special shout out to the audio unit a the University of Sydney and Danny Stewart.  Music: Phase Purple by Blue Dot Sessions SFX: Wind Chime Noise and Wind Chime Ambience Extended via Pixabay; Dog Bark 1 and Dog Bark 3 by AtoMediaDesign; Dog Bark 2 by jess90; Dog Bark 4 by TheKingOfGeeks; Dog Pant byJKata; Dog Pant 2 byTrashcan_Studios; Neighbour Party by AlienXXX; Bathhouse by George_Papargyris; Korean Bank Ambience by tweeterdj via Freesound     All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is a fit check.  Sort of ... This week is all about the ways that we choose to present ourselves to the world. Whether we are looking for affirmation or planning to go against societal expectations.   Bring a hat  by Sam Elkin  Our first story was originally Performed as part of QueerStories live storytelling event in Mparntwe last year.   Sam explores a space between gender affirming care and hair … or hair loss.   Written and performed by Sam Elkin  Special thanks to NTWF and 8CCC 102.1fm. You can hear more performances from the night by checking out the NTWF podcast.  The Clippers by Mel Bakewell  Sometimes hair as a social symbol is just a little too much to bear, and maybe its better to go against expectations and just chop it all off.   Produced by Mel Bakewell  Music: Myrian by Blue Dot Sessions    The Subtle Art of Chill Guy Nicknames by Jay De Leon Lagman  But it's not just all about who has hair and who doesn’t. Sometimes it's just the way you present yourself to the world. And the way the world lays claim to you in response with ancient art of nicknames.   You know the whole Romeo-and-Juliet-whats-in-a-name thing? Well for Jay a name, or at least a nickname, can be everything.   Writer, illustrator: Jay De Leon Lagman @saturjaysunjay Sound Designer: Matthew Forbes That story was recorded live as part of an All The Best x Read To Me live storytelling event, ExtraOrdinary Tales in 2025, supported by the City of Sydney.  All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the Bars was a co-production between Race Matters, All The Best and 3CR, and we extend our thank you to all those involved for letting us share on the fbi airwaves. This episode features excerpts from the interviews conducted at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre for Beyond the Bars on 3CR in greater Victoria. This broadcast was hosted by Shiralee Hood, Tash Norris and Nayuka Hood.  And an extra special thanks to the labour and love of Juliet Fox, Michaela Stubbs and the 3CR team, Samantha Haran and Shareeka Helaluddin from the Race Matters team for their hard work and planning.   You can find out about Beyond the Bars here: https://www.3cr.org.au/beyondthebars.   For the full experience listen to the full broadcast: https://www.fbi.radio/programs/beyond-the-bars--race-matters--all-the-best/episodes/beyond-the-bars-race-matters-and-all-the-best-12th-july-2026   Race Matters X All The Best Credits  Hosted by Gabriella Accaria and Leya Kim Produced by Kwame Slusher, Prinita Thevarajah and Samantha Haran.  Graphics by Malaak ACAB Betty and Piggy Patrol by Rubyrose Bancroft @rubyrosebancroft  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This one is for the rebels and the rule breakers! If  you like to stick it to the man or you just like testing boundaries, then this one's for you.  This episode looks at pirate radio, a case of kite smuggling and bookmarks that should be illegal.      Pirate Radio by Lindsey Vassallo  Lindsey takes us through pirate radio history; sailing through sound waves and evading the authorities.   Produced by Lindsey Vassallo  This audio essay was produced as part of an AFTRS radio unit. Kite Festival by Lachlan A’Court The Kite Festival had one rule … One Rule. Lachlan does the one thing he’s not supposed to at a kite festival. Produced by Lachlan A’Court   This piece was originally produced for the comedy community radio show and podcast Sydney Tonight , which broadcasts on 2ser. https://www.2ser.com/programs/sydney-tonight Things That Fall Out Of Books by Anne-Marie Middlemast This final story is the kind that would drive a librarian to peer at you over their glasses.  Anne-Marie learns about some of the strangest things that people might use as a bookmark.  Written and performed by Anne-Marie Middlemast  This story was produced as part of a live storytelling night held at the State Library of New South Wales: Special Collections in March 2026.  This story originally featured in the podcast Meet Me At The Library produced by Anne-Marie Middlemast with the assistance of the Community Broadcasting Foundation. https://meetmeatthelibrary.podbean.com/   All the Best Credits  Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Music credit: Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay Special shout-out to all our volunteers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word iconic? This week we explore this idea of ‘iconic’! Whether it's a grimy underground club, a 120-year-old train station or a photo that became viral for a really interesting reason.     David & Goliath by Lou Walsh   Lou’s takes us to Brunswick in Melbourne to tell the tale of a tiny little bistro.    Producer: Louis Walsh  Featuring: Hannah Garvan; Tanzer  Music: Tanzer - Deep Fried Disco To join the fight for the Moreland Hotel, head to the GoFundMe. https://www.change.org/p/save-the-iconic-moreland-hotel-bistro Do you know Arthur Stace? by Rynn Hwang Rynn takes us to the Central station in Sydney! A significant social hub where commuters inevitably leave footprints or some kind of mark. And she asks a simple question, ‘Do you know Arthur Stace?’ Producer: Rynn Hwang   Featuring: Rowan Kemp; Gary Deirmendjian  Tutor: Brett Van Heerekeren This is an introductory episode to the podcast Perhaps, Eternity - explore with us. It examines the concept of Eternity as a hope to share with those who are going through mental illness and difficult times. We really love getting stories from USYD! This story was produced as part of a podcasting unit at USYD. An extra special thanks to Lea Redfern.    Unbelievably Viral by John Thomas   Level with me.  How do you feel about things going viral? John takes us all the way back to the olden times (2007), to revisit a photo that went viral for reasons that you might not expect. Production and sound design by John Thomas  Featuring Murray McKean  Supervising Production by Jeannine Baker This story was produced as part of a media unit at the University of Newcastle – special thanks to Dr Jeannine Baker.   You can find more stories like this here: https://hunterstories.podbean.com/    All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Episode Artwork: Jessamine Lobb Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Happy Pride! While Pride shouldn’t just be confined to a month, one of our audio producers described this time of year  as “ ...  a breath let go that you didn't know you were holding.”  This episode is for everyone, but especially for those who have been waiting to exhale and looking forward to living every day with pride.  It's about resistance and being seen in a time when queer and trans communities are being targeted.   Our two stories this week come from the Queer Stories podcast. They were performed and recorded on the 8th of September, 2025, on Arrente land as part of the Northern Territory Writers Festival. Special thanks to Queer Stories, Maeve Marsden, Northern Territory Writers Festival, and 8CCC Radio.    Patooki by Winnie Dunn Award-winning writer and first-ever published Tongan-Australian writer Winnie Dunn performs a story that traces the history of some other remarkable firsts for Tongan women in her family.   Winnie Dunn is the winner of the Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelist Award 2025 and the Kathleen Mitchell Award 2025 for her debut novel, Dirt Poor Islanders by Winnie Dunn.   Written and performed by Winnie Dunn    Shrewdly Innocent by Daniel Browning  Daniel Browning is a Bundjalung and Kullilli award-winning writer, journalist, and broadcaster.  Daniel muses on all of these things, being First Nations and queer, as well as struggling with a complex medical diagnosis.  Written and performed by Daniel Browning These pieces were performed and recorded on 8 September 2025 in Mbantua, Alice Springs, on Arrente land as part of the Northern Territory Writers Festival. Special thanks to Queerstories, Maeve Marsden, Northern Territory Writers’ Festival, and 8CCC Radio.  You can find out more about Queer Stories at maevemarsden.com/queerstories Looking for more queer stories? Then check this episode out!   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike your favourite rom-com, dating and romance can be messy and complicated.  Recently, the amazing Danni Stewart, producer, artist, and member of the All The Best family (because no one ever really leaves ATB, right?), launched a new podcast called Crip Love, focused on the intersection of disability and love. … initially it was gonna be a much more conventional, traditional kind of podcast, but along the way it transformed into something else. It kind of evolved into what I think of as more of an art project, than a podcast… – Danni This week, we play four clips from this beautiful and heartfelt art project, which seeks to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities. Ava and Mei Lin Interview In this first clip, we follow Ava and Meilin, whose shared passion for art, their little quirkiness and mutual admiration blossomed into a beautiful love story. Eva and Dick Interview When Eva swore off dating and agreed to one last Tinder date, she didn’t expect to meet Dick. Refusing to hide who they were, both embraced radical honesty about their lives, identities, and trauma from the very beginning. “ I was at that point where I realised that you’ve got to be a million percent yourself. And I didn’t want to pretend that I’m somebody I’m not, ’cause I was sick of people expecting me to be somebody different, especially being neurodivergent.” Erin and Lee Interview It all started with a university party and a webcam striptease. Sixteen years later, the fling they thought might not last is still going strong. Today, Erin and Lee share the responsibilities of daily life in ways that work for them: Erin takes on much of the household’s mental load, while Lee handles physical tasks, which can be difficult for Erin as a wheelchair user.  Together, they’ve built their own version of a happily ever after. Plum and Cherry interview From horror games, Pitbull lip-sync performances and an 18-hour Discord call, Plum and Cherry’s relationship grew from the very differences that first set them apart. This story is not only a testament to how opposites can attract, but also how taking a chance on someone unexpected can be the key to finding the Cherry to your Plum. The clips you heard in today’s episode were produced by Danni Stewart.    The Music was by Breanna Jones and Paul MacAdam from Library Siesta.  This series was produced with the support of Create NSW.  You can listen at https://criplove.net where there will be captions, and you will also see the beautiful artwork of Emma Pham … or listen wherever you get your podcast. All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  This week its all about hobbies! Tessa joins her mom for a bell-ringing class, and Mike shows us just how collecting honey can be about a lot more than having a sweet tooth.     The bells by Tessa Crozier  “And you don't pull the rope hard; you pull it gently, but firmly, and get a feel for when it's about to leave on its journey around the frame” As the years pass,  our parents might get more time to take on new hobbies. You know - gardening, mahjong, reformer pilates, ceramics. When Tessa’s mum retired, she got really into…bellringing. Tessa takes us up into the bell tower.   Producer: Tessa Crozier  Supervising Producers: Zacha Rosen, Felicity Weaver, Mel Bakewell  Interviewee: Jeanne Crozier   100 Jars of Honey by Mike Williams Mike’s dad is really into bees. He started a curious collection of honey. In this story, Mike cracks the lid on the collection and offers us a taste.   Written, produced and performed by Mike Williams.  This story was originally performed as part of a live storytelling night All The Best held at the State Library of New South Wales as part of the series The Library That Made Me.   Support ATB If you love what we do, you can donate to the show to support the next generation of audio storytellers. Head to https://allthebestradio.com/donate    to make a tax deductible donation before EOFY.   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Digital Trainee: Imogen Brosnan  Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Pride! In this episode, we look at the shame and discrimination that women and people who menstruate encounter for just existing.   Reproductive Healthcare Leave: A Workplace Issue. Period. by Kate Everest Menstruation affects half the population, yet the pain, stigma, barriers to healthcare, and workplace discrimination remain largely invisible.  Featuring the voices of those living with reproductive health conditions and those advocating for change, this story explores the barriers, stigma, and workplace challenges they face, alongside the growing push for recognition, support, and reproductive healthcare leave in Australia. If the sight of blood gushing from any part of the body is enough to alarm us and a muscle injury is enough to leave one immobilised and requiring days for recovery, why do we expect one who is bleeding, enduring excruciating body pain, wrestling with hormonal chaos and mood swings — all at once — to carry on as if nothing is wrong? Produced by Kate Everest Supervising Producer: Craig Garrett.  Featuring: Emma Hardy, Writer; Carolyn Dunbar, Women’s Team at the Victorian Trades Hall Council; and Tom Hvala, PhD candidate at Melbourne Law School. Emma Hardy’s memoir Periodic Bitch : A memoir of menstruation, madness and monsters is out now.   Cycling Analogy by Felicity Weaver Through the metaphor of a cyclist navigating hostile roads, this story examines the exhaustion and fear of moving through a world that was never designed with women in mind.  “But you know it can be better. You've heard of places where this exists, where you are just a vehicle.” Produced by Felicity Weaver   More than a pad by Wing Kuang For many people, a disposable sanitary pad is an everyday convenience.  But in rural India, where menstruation remains heavily stigmatized and access to menstrual products can be limited, a simple pad can mean confidence, opportunity, and dignity. “ When girls are empowered, they can change the world”. Produced by: Wing Kuang   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Kwame Slusher is our Production Manager Catarina Fraga Matos is our Community & Programming Manager The All The Best Executive Producer is Mel Bakewell Imogen Brosnan is our Digital Media Trainee Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins  And a special shout-out to all our amazing volunteers  Shining Bird composed our theme music Annie Hamilton designed the artwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is all about the truths that we can find in stories.   And on that topic of finding truth in stories, All the Best would like you to take a moment to recognise National Sorry Day, because all good stories are a kind of truth-telling.   A House by Katie Stefankowski In this story, a Lutruwita urban legend lures you into the mystery of a datura plant. Was the house really haunted? If not, where did the noises come from? Were the people really poisoned?” Through interviews with locals, writers, and media researchers, the piece explores why unverifiable stories continue to spread and what they reveal about fear, place, and collective imagination.  “ Even if it isn't true, can there be any kind of meaning in a fake story?” Produced by: Katie Stefankowski Supervising Producer: Sarah Mashman   The Sound of Adventure by Benjamin Chubb In this story, a thrill-filled adventure for gamers. A journey into the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons, where creativity, role-play, and storytelling collide through the eyes of a passionate dungeon master. After all, who wouldn’t want to fight dragons and their own friends’ terrible decisions all in one night? Produced by Ben Chubb Featured Angus Dunk Special thanks to Lea Redfern   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Kwame Slusher is our Production Manager Catarina Fraga Matos is our Community & Programming Manager The All The Best Executive Producer is Mel Bakewell Imogen Brosnan is our Digital Media Trainee And a special shout-out to all our amazing volunteers  Shining Bird composed our theme music,  Annie Hamilton designed the artwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do libraries mean to you? All The Best partnered with the State Library of NSW to mark 200 years and to celebrate 60,000 years of storytelling. The live storytelling event was the Special Collections: A night of live storytelling at the Library Bar at the State Library of NSW.  We heard so many beautiful stories on the night from the storytellers and the audience! This is  just part 1! Look out for part 2!   History or Hoarding? by Rachael Cusick In this first story, Rachel Cusick tells us about the whispers from the library quarters that go beyond the books you see on the bookshelves.  That story was performed live by Rachel Cusick.   What's really cool about this is that it was also a sneak peek into a new ABC podcast hosted by Annabel Crabb.  You can listen to the first few episodes of  the podcast here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/history-or-hoarding-with-annabel-crabb   Three Poems by Nathan Mudyi Sentance Award-winning Wiradjuri poet Nathan Mudyi Sentance returns to the site of his first job to read some poems that were connected to his time working there, where he noticed how libraries record and can rewrite culture.   The poems were We Refuse to Be Shooed, The Diary That Lied and Too Quiet for the Living Written and performed by Nathan Mudyi Sentance.  https://archivaldecolonist.org/about/   Write a letter by Rania Omar Libraries are not just passive places; they are places to act.  In this last story, we hear from another poet, Lebanese-Australian storyteller and activist Rania Omar, who urges us to etch ourselves into the personal and political page. Written and performed by Rania Omar    All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Kwame Slusher is our Production Manager Catarina Fraga Matos is our Community & Programming Manager The All The Best Executive Producer is Mel Bakewell Imogen Brosnan is our Digital Media Trainee Patrick McKenzie writes our newsletter, and a special shout-out to all our amazing volunteers  Shining Bird composed our theme music, and Annie Hamilton designed the artwork      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you hold on to the ones that you love? Is it through shared experiences or through objects? This week, we hear about a grandad’s love for Christmas, we sit in the garden with Pappou, listen to a mum deciding where to put her grandma’s inherited item, a granddaughter remembering moments with her grandmother, and the small things that remind a granddaughter of her grandma.  Between the stories, some of the  All the Best team share their own grandparent memories. (You have to listen! No Spoilers!)   Papou’s Garden  by Olivia Thoma Olivia walks and talks with her Papou through his garden, and she sees how it helped him to make a new home. Producer: Olivia Thoma Featuring: Yiangos Thoma, with contributions from Andreas and Chloe Thoma   I’ll Always Remember by Rae Zhang Sometimes it's not objects or recipes but ... a song. When her grandmother's memory starts to fade, Rae realises that that its okay for her grandmother to forget, because she will always remember. Producer: Rae Zhang  Featuring: Jing Xiang  Translation: Haozhen He These stories were produced as part of a media unit at the University of Sydney - special thanks to Lea Redfern.   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Kwame Slusher is our Production Manager Catarina Fraga Matos is our Community & Programming Manager The All The Best Executive Producer is Mel Bakewell Imogen Brosnan is our Digital Media Trainee Patrick McKenzie writes our newsletter, and a special shout-out to all our amazing volunteers  Shining Bird composed our theme music, and Annie Hamilton designed the artworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As adults, we think we’re too old for fairytales… but they hold such important lessons about strength, transformation and compassion.  In this episode we listen to modern fairytales… a modern rendition of the ugly duckling, and a transformation in an enchanted forest.   Water Off a Swan’s Back by Persephone Waxman In a modern retelling of an ugly duckling, Persephone reminds us that its all just water off a swans back. Written & Produced by Persephone Waxman Sound design and score by Julian Smith Gard The Voice Actors were Persephone Waxman as Swanathon; Gabrielle Angelone as Sweenie; Sofia Morreale as Diana; Thomas Von Rein as Duckworth; Marceline Di Bartolomeo as Dr Ribbit; Mark Spencer as Geese 1; Alex Clouston and Thomas Khulmann as Geese 2 and 3 This story was produced as part of audio fiction collective Script Roulette, who are based in Naarm and want you to make radio plays with them. Check out https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2026/festivals-and-series/play/script-roulette-podcast or their on their insta @scriptroulettepodcast   Where The Water Knows Your Name by Luca Gambirasio/Sound Commons Project A wanderer takes a sip from a magical forest stream and wakes up in someone else’s feathers. Because we all need to be taken care of sometimes, because really, we are all just reflections of one another.  That story was produced by the Sounds Common Project  Find more of their work  Writer, voice over, and composer Charity Rosario  Producer and composer Luca Gambirasio  This story was produced as part of All The Best’s 24 Hour Radio Race back in November 2025.  Check out some previous episodes on the radio race https://allthebestradio.com/featured/617-beneath-the-surface/ ,  https://allthebestradio.com/featured/676-mirrored/  and the second story, Hook, Line & Sinker in https://allthebestradio.com/featured/622-sunburned/    All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Firsts by Kwame Slusher There are some firsts that not everyone shares, like going to an almost abandoned kafeneio in Marrickville, or being a chopper pilot.  Sometimes, we just need a little adrenaline rush and a little courage to step outside ourselves and see what surprises await. Produced by: Kwame Slusher   Dobrinja by Dan Semo For some, home is filled with laughter; for others, it brings tears, or memories of the people who shaped us. But for Dan, returning to his childhood home after 30 years, it felt distant and unrecognisable, its history revealed only in fragments. “Room tour, old stories, fresh raspberries …  there was no blood, only a small mark ect straight to the heart.” Produced by: Dan Semo for Audio Flux Circuit 04.   The First Test by Phoebe Steley  We often imagine high school girls’ drama as something straight out of Mean Girls: petty, gossipy, and a little vengeful. Sometimes, we expect resolutions to look like the movies, too: tearful confessions, heartfelt apologies, maybe even a closure. In this story, Charlotte and Izzy show us how conflict can be very different and how it brought them closer. Often, the other person values the friendship just as much as you do… Produced by: Phoebe Steley     I am the first by M. Cristina Marras  Marble stairs echo. Voices fall silent. A great hall looming over.  The family stood in rows of chairs, uneasy, the girl advanced as her world and their slowly widening. “I cannot tell them that it's okay, that they are legit, that they do not have to hide behind. I am the first person in my family to be awarded a university degree.”  Produced by: Cristina Marras for Audio Flux.   Meet me at the punchline by Ramon Briant The recipe for a good laugh is a good punchline. The question is: how can you make your punchline punching when it is in another language? In this story, a successful first attempt to crack a joke in Spanish. Note: This won’t make you a foreign-language punchline master, but you’ll get a few dad jokes - just as worthy for a laugh. Produced by Ramon Briant   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Kwame Slusher is our Production Manager.  Catarina Fraga Matos is our Community & Programming Manager The All The Best Executive Producer is Mel Bakewell.  Imogen Brosnan is our Digital Media Trainee, Patrick McKenzie writes our newsletter, and a special shout-out to all our amazing volunteers  Shining Bird composed our theme music, and Annie Hamilton designed the artwork.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From maintaining traditional handcrafting techniques to dressing up in the metaverse, to the evils of the fast-fashion industry.   Digital Fashion by Ariana Rigazzi  Could online fashion shows be a sustainable future? As the line between our physical and virtual lives continues to blur, a new world of fashion is starting to emerge ... and it exists entirely online Produced by Ariana Rigazzi   Supervising Producers: Persephone Waxman & Dan Semo.  Produced as part of a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, the Science Gallery and All The Best in 2025. Special thanks to Louisa Lim.    Can traditional handicraft survive fast fashion? by Zhian Zhou  Leanne O’Sullivan is the founder of Kimono House in Melbourne. While living in Japan, she fell in love with traditional Japanese handicrafts like Sashiko and Boro.  Produced by Zhian Zhou   Supervising Producer: Persephone Waxman.    Forced Fashion by Natalie Yeoman Natalie explores the forced fashion industry by following the production of one hoodie, from China to Bangladesh, and back home to Australia, and the exploitative work practices that come with it. Produced by Natalie Yeoman This story was made as part of USYD’s Radio and Podcasting unit. Special thanks to Lea Redfern.    Want more from All The Best? Check out our Substack for a little bit of BTS!   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Don’t talk about the water by Alissar Seyla In this episode, we look at the concept of the homeland and diaspora. That tension between familiarity and unease. A young woman reflects on experiences in her homeland, Lebanon, and abroad, and struggles to find safety in either of those places amid escalating war. Now, it is time to talk about the water. Written and produced by: Alissar Seyla Sound Design by: Tala Issaoui   This story was originally commissioned by Debris Magazine for Issue 06: No! The co-editors were Jon Tjhia and Cher Tan. You can find out more about Debris Magazine here. You can also check out the previous episode featuring the co-editors, John and Cher, here, featuring other excerpts from Issue 6. Want more from All The Best? Check out our Substack for a little bit of BTS!   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Conservation Champion for Cheetham by Sandra Wilson Bernie McCarrick, a former Parks Victoria ranger and site manager of Cheetham Saltworks, reflects on his role in transforming a former industrial site into a thriving wetland ecosystem. Alongside insights from Dr Mike Weston, the story reveals how careful water management and decades of on-the-ground knowledge sustain critical bird habitats. Produced by: Sandra Wilson Supervising Producer: Sarah Mashman.    Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper by Ruijie Tang In this story, the matchstick grasshopper’s grand comeback. Following efforts led by Ary Hoffman to rediscover and protect the matchstick grasshopper — a species thought to have disappeared from Victoria after decades of habitat loss — his team draws on historical records and fieldwork to track the insect to a surviving population and begin the delicate process of rebuilding its numbers through conservation and translocation. Produced by: JJ Tang Supervising Producer: Thomas Phillips Special thanks to Louisa Lim.    Water Trial by Renate Millonig Amid a devastating algal bloom along South Australia’s coast, Renate shares a haunting poem capturing the grief of witnessing mass marine death.  “ In every breath we share, in every drop we drink.” Written and Read by: Renate Millonig Recorded by: Mel Bakewell.   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers   Protest_Zara_Day_22-03-2009.wav by eraylik -- https://freesound.org/s/69954/ -- License: Attribution 4.0      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Stone, A Knife, A Flame by Joshua Santospirito Washing, scrubbing, rinsing, drying, wiping, wetting, drying. These mundane acts led Joshua to reflect so much more. Through his kitchen, the everyday collides with resistance and violence, as he invites us to question what it means to act in the world. Tip: Listen to this while washing your dishes for the immersive thought process. That story was written and performed by Joshua Santospirito as part of a graphic storytelling event run by Papercuts Comics Festival on Kaurna  Land in 2025.    Crime of Ration by Miles Mazzocato  Putting pressure on ourselves to be perfect is a common thing…sometimes at the expense of yourself and those around you. In this story, an apprentice’s obsession with being a perfect cook quietly begins to take over everything else. Remember, sometimes it takes more than techniques to make a perfect steak an enjoyable meal. Written by Miles Mazzocato.  Performed by Chloe Spanos and Helen Grimley.  Sound design by Miles Martignoni. Recorded by Ewan Maccoll at Extra(ordinary) Tales, a live storytelling collaboration between All The Best and Read To Me supported by the City of Sydney.    Story 3: Lentil Tahini Stew by Snack Syndicate Need dinner ideas? A Tahini lover? You are at the right place. In this story, a recipe becomes a love language in this warm, sensory piece from Snack Syndicate, where lentil tahini stew is more than just a dish—it is a joint creation shaped by two lovely voices. Time to get some tahini. That story from the archives was produced by Snack Syndicate. It was originally commissioned by Debris Magazine for their issue The Urge To Know.   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes moving forward is all about realising that you’ve got the power to write your own narrative.  This week you’ll hear stories about people facing down their own internal narratives that threaten to keep them quiet and small.     Like a Preacher by Idayat Jinadu  As a young girl, Idayat is scared to speak her mind. She stutters. But as she becomes an adult, she grows to realise her stutter isn’t an impediment, and that it’s time she claimed her voice, like a preacher.  Produced by Idayat Jinadu.  Sound design by Mel Bakewell The Supervising Producer was Evana Ho.    Ayla by Carey Scheer This next story is from the amazing Purple Orange podcast that centers  narratives around people living with a disability.  Ayla Regione spent years hiding her deafness, trying to “keep up”, and pushing through without asking for what she needed. When barriers got in her way, she blamed herself. Produced by Carey Scheer  And an extra special thanks to Ayla Regione for sharing their story.     All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we focus on Khaled’s story, which offers insight into hope amid conflict. From Yemen to Tasmania, Khaled recalls his journey through university study and creative pursuits in a very different environment from the one he once called home.  Khaled from Yemen by 177 Nations  That story was from the 177 Nations Podcast. 177 Nations is produced by Mark Thompson from Lutruwita, so-called Tasmania.  Edits for this episode were by Ruijie Tang and Mel Bakewell.  You can hear more episodes of 177 Nations wherever you get your podcast, or by checking out Mark’s site here. If you want to know more about what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a round-up of all our activities ... with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to all our volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  This week, lots of jumping, diving, falling and some bold decisions.   On your bike! by Jeffrey Khoo  In this story, your ultimate bike tutorial (absolutely not!) Trying something new in one’s adulthood may feel like a fish out of the water. Jeffrey felt the same way, too. From curving out chaotic zigzags in the grass, tipping over, giving up and back-pedalling through self-doubt, the bicycle has become the love of his life. Now the fish knows how to bike — just in time for Amsterdam’s bike lanes and Berlin’s questionable late-night decisions.   Produced by Jeffrey Khoo  Supervising Producers  Evana Ho and Mel Bakewell.   Just jump by Alannah Vidic-Worth In this story, Matt overcomes his acrophobia as he jumps off a waterfall in Samoa during a study trip. All it takes is a leap and perhaps… a scream off a Samoan waterfall. Produced by Alanna Vidic-Worth. Special thanks to Janak Rogers and Dan Semo.   In the Deep End by Catarina Fraga Matos  After being dragged out by a rip at a dangerous Australian beach, Craig avoids the water for 15 years. Then, a move to Timor-Leste pushes him back into the water. Sometimes the scariest water leads you straight to the most beautiful reefs. Produced by Catarina Fraga Matos Supervising producer Mel Bakewell  And a special thanks to Craig Garrett for sharing his story.     Nathan’s Comedy Failings by Nathan Roach Nathan went in search of a comedy duo and found a community instead. Produced by Nathan Roach   If you want to know more about what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a round-up of all our activities ... with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to all our volunteers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we go analogue by exploring how to document memory through physical media. And to pull back to back from the interconnected digital world and just ... sit with art.    You get to hear why some of our friends at fbi.radio are stepping back from digital. Also fbi.radio is awesome. Please give a little love by being a supporter.  Special thanks to Tommy, Benny, Jasmine, Lindsey and Catarina for being a part of this episode.   The Analog-ish Revolution by Kwame Slusher Kwame even made a 7 minute  story about paring back the digital and going analog ... ish.   Produced by Kwame Slusher     Tintypes by Maya Fawaz In an age where everyone has a high-quality camera in their pocket and a cloud claiming their photos, people are going even more analogue than a digicam. And then some people - like Cole Caswell - are going even further than that.   Produced  by Maya Fawaz Supervising Producer was Persephone Waxman.    Year 2537 by Sepehr Jamshidi Fardi and Eugenia Zoubtchenko  This one is from the archives! On his shelf in Sydney, Sepehr has a camera from the future. Sepehr's father’s camera allows him to reflect on a pivotal moment from the past of the country he was born in … Iran.  That story was produced by Sepehr Jamshidi Fardi and Eugenia    If you want to know more about what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a round-up of all our activities ... with a little bit of BTS. And the deadline for our first Audio Club challenge is on 23 March.  And we plan to have a little listening party.  🎉 🥳 🎈    All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to all our volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we explore stories from the coastline.  The Beach That Grew by Joanna Beard Have you ever been to your favourite beach and noticed that a rock face, or a dune, looks different?  This story explains how erosion isn’t just about loss, but about shifts and transformation, and how this change makes a beach into a resilient landscape that sustains itself.  Produced by Joanna Beard. Supervising Producer was Craig Garrett. Special thanks to Tito Ambyo, one of Joanna’s lecturers at RMIT, who helped shape the story focus for this piece early on.     Trepang by Bridget Chappell Bridget Chappell interviews Yolngu cultural leader Timmy Burarrwanga of Yirrkala about his community’s connection to Makassan sailors from Sulawesi, Indonesia, connected through the sea cucumber, or trepung trade, that began in the early 1700s.  Produced by Bridget Chappell Supervising Producer Mell Chun.  If you want to know more about what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a round-up of all our activities ... with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to all our volunteers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ring ... ring ... Would you answer a call from a number you don't recognise? What if it was a wrong number? Would you keep talking?   I'm Just Gonna Listen by Emma Lehman Olive Brazill starts receiving calls from strangers who just want someone to listen. And she does.  But it’s not just a random connection with strangers. Ten years earlier, Jack - someone Olive once knew - had received the same kind of calls as a social experiment.  Producer: Emma Lehman Supervising Producer: Lawrence Bull   Audio Club If you’re in Sydney, don’t miss our upcoming in-person Audio Club at fbi.radio on the 23rd February.     Substack  If you want to know more about what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS. .... And Happy Lunar New YearI 🐎   All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to all our volunteers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love is in the air … Or at least it's in the airwaves. In this episode, we are going to be playing two stories about love, whether it's love overcoming language barriers or love helping us to overcome physical barriers and how to make the most out of the little things.    Love In Translation by Katie Stokes  So for this first piece, you’ll be taken on a journey through the complexities of a multilingual love story.  You’ll hear Ellie and Lucas navigate learning about each other, meeting each other's families and a little extra challenge of a communication barrier that makes it that much harder.   Produced by Katie Stokes Supervising Producer was Mark Yin   It’s the little things by Carey Scheer  This next piece explores love shaped by disability. From catching the train from Campbelltown together, to sitting in marshland together, Trudy and Chris explore how they’re connected by life’s ordinary ... explore the intimacies of touch and talk … and ultimately … their love for one another transcending life together.  Produced by Carey Scheer from the Purple Orange Podcast. Def worth a listen! And your All The Best host, Kwame, passes the mic on to your new host, Gabriella Accaria! Hurray! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Listen to the episode to learn a little bit more about your new host!   Audio Club If you’re in Sydney, don’t miss our upcoming in-person Audio Club at fbi.radio on the 23rd February.     All The Best Credits Host: Gabriella Accaria & Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Production Manager: Kwame Slusher Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we continue our literary theme with part two (See part one here) of a showcase of the stories that came out of a collaboration between All the Best and WestWords. This week's stories in this episode deal with space beyond and within us. Whether it is literally outer space or the complexities of navigating an emotional space.   Here by Siham Dalila  Our first story begins with navigating the complexity of inner emotional spaces. It features a woman trapped somewhere between reality and a dreamscape.  And she is forced to make a decision about which reality she wants to stay in and which one she wants to escape from.   Written and performed by Siham Dalila Production and Sound Design by Felicity Weaver.    From Beyond the Karman Line by Myra A Our second story takes us to outer space.   When the first female astronaut to undertake a solo mission is sent to the moon, she finds solace in recording her own voice clips. But alone and far from earth, she is forced to confront a haunting past.  Written and performed by Myra A. Supervising Producer was Kwame Slusher Sound Design by Thomas Lu.      Octo by Tabitha Laffernis  Our third and final story takes us into that space of unrequited love.   Too many legs. Too many eyes. Too many feelings. Unrequited love hurts, but interspecies unrequited love hurts harder. A spider falls for her housemate, hoping that one day her housemate will see her.    Written and performed by Tabitha Laffernis Produced by Mel Bakewell  Sound Design and original composition by Suzanne Derry   If you'd like to get involved this month, we are having our first Audio Club meetings for the year! All skill levels are welcome! And if you want to keep what is happening behind the scenes at All the Best, check out our Substack.   All The Best Credits Production Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to all our volunteers.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall ... This week, we have three stories from the 24 radio race in November of last year.   The way it worked is that the audio producers received a prompt a week out from the radio race.  On the day, there was a little bit of a brainstorm. And then the audio producers had 24 hours, working alone or in teams, to complete their stories.    The theme for this year was ‘mirrored’. The theme for the 2025 Radio Race was mirrored in this episode, producers themselves mirrored in other people,  imagining what would happen if your own reflection took over your life, or all the ways that we might actually fail to recognise our own reflection.   R2 Detour by Ramon Briant Our first story is from Ramon Briant. You’re probably familiar with all the use cases or how AI will supposedly make our lives more … efficient. But what are you willing to sacrifice for this efficiency?   Producer: Ramon Briant   It's Meant To Be! by Aya Salah and Mohammed Samir Do you find new social situations stressful? Maybe you are caught up in how anxious you are that you miss the fact that other people around you might feel the same way.   Aya Salah and Mohammed Samir tell a story of what you might find if you can get over that awkwardness. Producer: Aya Salah and Mohammed Samir   A Polished Tale by M. Cristina MarrasThis is a tale about self-reflection, or you being able to recognise your own reflection.And just in case you're not familiar with Cristina’s work, she has a way of taking listeners to places they never expected to be.   Producer: M. Cristina Marras All The Best Credits Program Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Mixed & Compiled: Ramon Briant  Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Clatter Tongue by K.A Ren Wyld  You’ll hear a live reading of a short story written by Ren Wyld and performed by Katie Becket for Story Saloon – a live storytelling show and podcast. The story itself comes from the First Nation Anthology of speculative fiction, titled This All Come Back Now, edited by Koori and Lebanese writer Dr Mykaela Saunders.  This interplay between voice and voicelessness. The juxtaposition of the fantastic with the real world. Tackles the larger question of empowerment and disempowerment.  Written by K.A Ren Wyld, Read by Katie Beckett. It was performed at the Vanguard in 2025 for StorySALOON, a live storytelling show and podcast that combines Australia’s best written storytelling with electrifying live reads.    StorySALOON’s executive producer is Jane Messer, audio recording by Martin Gallagher at Echidna Audio.  Find out more by heading to storysaloon.com.au  Also, a link to the last time we featured a StorySALOON live reading.   All The Best Credits Program Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  In the Editorial to Debris Magazine Issue 06, editors Jon Tjhia and Cher Tan write, "Everywhere you look, the word is no—a word that stakes a powerful foothold as it pushes the walls closer around you. No time for ambivalence or ambiguity. No! And then you wake up." This episode features three excerpts from the Debris Magazine Issue 06: NO!   No Dogs by Luca Demetriadi  Luca's story is about a town that bans dogs after an incident, and how that changes the town forever. Written and read by Luca Demetriadi  Sound design by Mel Bakewell    Grand Theft Autism by Alex Creece  Alex Creece is openly neurodivergent, but their poem is not interested in confirming your suspected Autism diagnosis. Written and read by Alex Creece Sound design by Felicity Weaver    Personal by Claire Cao  An actor’s personal assistant wades through the blurred boundaries of life, work and performance on the day she’s going to quit.   Written and performed by Claire Cao Sound design by Catarina Fraga Matos   Substack  f you want more of what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits  Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Mixed & Compiled: Emma Higgins Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the archives to learn about the long history of pianos, a very unique guitar and maybe why we should start thinking of record stores as more than just places to buy music,  but to be a part of a community.   Donmo by Benjamin Erin It’s not quite the Delta … but our first story takes us to South Australia to meet Don Morrison… to talk about guitar making and why it’s so hard for musicians to break the pub ceiling.     That story was produced by Benjamin Erin in 2019 for the Transom Travelling Workshop. Special thanks to the CMTO.  Greg by Thomas Matijevic Our next story takes us into the story of a particular record shop in Naarm.  Thomas speaks to Greg, owner of Hub 301 Records and the founder of the Now Legendary Rhythm and Soul, about how the culture of consuming music has changed.   That story was produced by Thomas Matijevic. Special thanks to Dan Semo and Janak Rogers.   Joe Leaver by Olivia RosenmanIn our next story, we are asked to see that instruments are more than just things to be used to make music, but they have their complicated histories.   The next story is about pianos and a man who has made a career of tuning and restoring them. Substack  If you want more of what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Program Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year, and here is our second ‘best of’ episode. But this time it’s the All the Best staff picks. Cockroach by Jin Hien Lau Kwame’s first pick comes from #659 Extra(ordinary) Tales – Part One. What begins as a chance encounter with a cockroach on an escalator spirals into a wild story of movie nights, pop culture, and a swarm of roaches bursting out of a DVD case.  Kwame loves this story for its humour and cockroach-themed 90s nostalgia. Produced by: Jin Hien Lau  Sound design by: Gregory Thorsby  The audio corpse Cat’s fav was the #641 The audio corpse. 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. Cat loved seeing the individual styles of storytelling. The sample was from M. Cristina Marras and storytellers in that episode were Lezak, Pierre & Florence, Yhane, Ali, Darien, Arielle, Valdez & Hazel, Ellie, Cole &  Claudia.   The Love Game by Wing Kuang Mel’s pick was from #661 The Love Game. Wing Kuang guides us through a love story of two gamers —one in Melbourne and one in Shanghai —navigating the complexities of long-distance relationships and the bureaucracy of Australia’s immigration system.  This story came from the Jesse Cox Fellowship 2025, and Mel enjoyed seeing Wing explore how to include elements of bilingual storytelling and gamification. Produced by Wing Kuang  Supervising Producer: M. Cristina Marras Window by Danni Stewart Kwame’s second pick comes from #633 Small Audio Art. It came from a Small Audio Art challenge, and Danny’s story, The Window, follows a parasocial relationship with a neighbour. Produced by Danni Stewart Just Breathe by Ben Haywood Our final pick is Mel’s second pick. It’s another one from the Jesse Cox Fellowship 2025. This time it’s #662 Just Breathe Man. Ben suffers from depression after knee surgery. Searching for ways to heal online, he finds himself trapped in toxic ideas of masculinity. It’s only when a friend takes him to his breathwork class that he finally breaks down and begins to heal, learning that recovery can come through friendship, community, and space to breathe. Mel said  ’This story started out when Ben first pitched to the fellowship as a completely different idea. He had a kind of couple of story false starts in the making of this, and then yeah, sort of turned his audio story in on himself and the time that he was going through.’   Substack  If you want more of what’s happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It’s a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Program Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 is almost over, and it’s the time of year when everyone is sharing their ‘best of’s, ‘wrappeds, ‘rewinds’ or recaps of the year. In this episode, our amazing volunteers at All the Best share the stories that really resonated with them.     Second Hand Bandit by Ramon Briant  Episode #640 The Second Hand Bandit was all about community and second-hand op-shops, or in Patrick’s words, it was about those ‘comrad vibes’.  Ramon’s story focuses on how a second-hand shop community came together to solve a string of thefts.   Produced by Ramon Briant     Weaving Ancestral Voices by Shareeka Hellaludin  Sue chose Weaving Ancestral Voices from #629 Ancestral Voices, and the episode focused on that theme of connection and reconnection. The story is about the Shraeeka’s journey to reconnect the different parts of her identity. For Sue, it was the  delicate panning, whispered textures, and ‘really subtle shifts in tone’ that Shareeka uses in the piece.    This story was produced by Shareeka Helaluddin. The Supervising Producer was Mell Chun, with support from John Tjhia.   Wanted: Dunnart Alive by Xanthe Smith  This comes from #660 Wanted: Dunnart Alive. This is one of Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship Stories for 2025. Lindsey’s choice is all about looking for that elusive thing.  Xanthe revisits her childhood memories of meeting ecologist Sue Churchill, whose stories of the rare marsupial stayed with her for decades.  She chose this story because  ’…the amount of effort it takes, even finding something so small.’ Produced by Xanthe Smith Supervising Producer was Karla Arnall All The Best turned 15 this year! And as part of our b-day party showcased stories from the JCAF fellows.    Tubig Lang by Merlinda Bobis   Ray’s choice is the first story in #653 Tubig Lang (Just Water). This takes us to the Philippines and explores what a typhoon looks like in the eyes of a child.   He chose this story because  ‘Even though these episodes moved through world typhoons … What stayed with me were the quieter, more personal details that shape how each person makes sense of the chaos’.  It was originally commissioned by Debris Magazine issue five, Prismatic Joy, and the sound design was by Tala Issaoui. The supervising producer was Phoebe Adler Ryan.    The Great Dingo Debate by Andrea Dixon  Our final pick comes from Imogen! And her choice came from the #623 Humanimal. Andrea shares her love for Taz, a rescued dingo living on her family’s property in Hawkesbury, Darug country. For Imogen, it represented a perspective she hadn’t heard before.   The producer was Andrea Dixon. The Supervising Producer was Thomas Phillips.   All The Best Credits Program Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Stories Our Flats   I've lived in Carlton, in the Carlton Public housing estates for 30-plus years. So I know it like the back of my hand and I've come across very interesting people and I thought it would be important for me to, um, leave a document behind. Ayan Shirwa    This episode is all about community—specifically,  the importance of community in public housing.  Ayan Shirwa from 3CR is a longtime resident of the Carlton Public Housing and, in response to the Victorian government's decision to demolish the flats in 2023, decided to record the stories of residents for future generations.   This is the first episode of Our Stories, Our Flats, but you can listen to the full series on 3CR.    Produced and written by Ayan Shirwa Narrated by Raven    Substack  If you want more of what's happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It's a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Program Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Slow Death Our first story comes from our Westwords and All the Best collaboration. Westwords in the centre for creative writing based in Parramatta, where a small group of writers were paired with producers and sound designers to bring their stories to life. Lee Mckerrecher was one of these writers.   For our first Westwords episode, you can click here.   A story that shows what happens when we ignore those who have protected the environment for thousands of years. Written and Performed by Lee McKerrecher  Sound Design by Ramon Briant.      Keep Moving   We've all faced some form of impostor syndrome. Or maybe struggled to finish something because we felt it could just be a little better than it is. Catarina figures out how to just keep moving.  Produced by Catarina Fraga Matos      Teresa  Sometimes there might be something that slows you down and makes it hard to keep moving. Teresa had a lung transplant, and Beth follows her journey to recovery.   This story was created as part of an audio storytelling course for regional community radio producers. It was delivered in collaboration with the CMTO, with thanks to the generous support of Creative Australia.  Produced by Beth Baillie  Supervising Producer was Maddy Macquine.   Mending More Than Things: The Heart of Ringwood Repair Café  When was the last time you had something fixed? And have you ever heard of a repair cafe? One Saturday afternoon, Boya Yang takes a trip to the Ringwood Repair Cafe. Produced by Boya Yang.  A special thanks to the University of Melbourne, Louisa Lim, Dan Semo and Thomas Phillips.    If you want more of what's happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It's a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In many cultures around the world, water is sacred. In this episode we see bodies of water as conduits for memory, history and, of course, stories.     Pitjantjatjara and Gurintji man talkin’ stories by the river  Think of the anatomy of a river. Our first story is the upper course. Caleb and Orlando reflect on history, their own lives and the families while sitting by a river on Gurintji land.  Produced by Caleb Doolan and Orlando Rubuntja Supervising Producer: Helene Thomas  Interview conducted by Brenton Woods   When I Lived Our next episode meanders into the middle course. Indigenous Papua New Guinean writer and organiser Lungol reflects on a history of colonial violence, and looks forward to a revolutionary future. Written and Read by Lungol Wekina. You can find more of his work here.   Sound design and Original Composition by Danni Stewart.    Bodies of Water Our final story is the lower course of the river. It's where everything slows down. Campbell recreates what life was like  along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River). He demonstrates the way thoughts flow together through time. This story was initially a comics installation and can read the original comic here.   Written and performed by Campbell Whyte.   Sound design by Ryan Pemberton   If you want more of what is happening at All the Best, check out our Substack! It's a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS.     All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Catarina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The act of rebellion can take many forms. Sometimes resistance can be found in the music we listen to and the way we present ourselves to the world.      The Vanishing Culture of Saigon  Our first story deals directly with music, censorship and the history of Vietnam. Ray finds a story resistance in the history of 'yellow music'.   Produced by Ray Vo Supervising Producer: Thomas Lu    Pedal to the Metal  Our next story takes us to Croatia, when it was still part of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It's a journey including long hair, the love metal, military service, family and immigration to Australia.  Produced by Allison Chan    If you want more of what is happening at All the Best, check out Substack! It's a roundup of all our activities with a little bit of BTS.   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Caterina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Lagpas Tao by Neen Ramos When a storm surge swallows a coastal town in the Philippines, a daughter in Sydney receives a shaky phone call from her mother calling from a patchy Wi-Fi.  The floodwaters would recede, but they can’t take away a daughter’s worry from thousands of kilometres away. “ I've been so worried about you. I guess what I really want is to be there, even if I don't know how to say it out loud.”   Produced by Aswathi Matthews Written and performed by Neen Ramos  Mother voiced by: Liza Caliao Special thanks to Amanda Caliao, who generously recommended her mom to voice this piece.    Rapture by Christopher Sammut After losing his job, a young man in Sydney ends up working at his uncle’s chicken farm, where the daily violence of slaughter and the weight of family expectations trigger a crushing anxiety attack. His only comfort comes from Lorenzo, a Sudanese coworker who offers faith, hope, and an unexpected kind of tenderness in a place built on brutality. The smell he’s trying to escape isn’t on his clothes - it’s in his bones.   Produced by: Persephone Waxman  Written and performed by Christopher Sammut  Sound design by Lana Lusina    My childhood is split into Inside Outside by Cathy Stirling What are the small, ordinary moments when you feel safe enough to connect with your body, with others, with place? Cathay’s childhood is split between two worlds: the fear-soaked “inside,” where her father’s rage fills the air, and the bright “outside,” where magpies call, bare feet hit the grass, and the rhythm of games, laughter, lizards, and sunshine offer a taste of freedom. And with every step between inside and outside, she begins to realise that light can live in her too.   Production and sound design by Catarina Fraga Matos Written and Performed by Cathy Stirling  Mark Williamson voiced ‘Dad’   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator:  Caterina Fraga Matos  Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Cover Art: Ray Vo Special shout-out to our volunteers:  Sue, Sharon, Lindsey, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode is all about suspending your disbelief! Whether you're dressed for a Renaissance Fair or watching a magician and their assistant on stage.   A Lady Knight by in Kryal Castle by Persephone Waxman In our first story, you will follow the Knight, Lady Molly,  into the heat of battle just 10 minutes outside the Ballarat CBD in Victoria. Produced by Persephone Waxman alongside Supervising Producer is Mark Yin. $5 Magic Show by Mel BakewellWith just a recorder and $5, Mel Bakewell will not actually pull a rabbit out of a hat, but instead a story of magic in Adelaide. Produced by Mel Bakewell If you love audio stories, the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2026 is now open until November 18. That's next week! An opportunity to take a deep dive into a story idea you are passionate about for six months, with access to mentors and a range of workshops related to all things audiocraft.    All The Best Credits: - Host: Kwame Slusher- Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell- Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie- Theme Music composed by Shining Bird- Cover Art: Ray Vo- A Special shout-out to our volunteers:  Sue, Sharon, Lindsey, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has a friend ever told you they think you have ADHD?   In this episode of Peer Review Diagnosis, host Felicity Weaver explores the humorous yet heartfelt world of “peer-reviewed ADHD”. Through personal stories and insights from psychiatrist Dr. Mohsen Mirzaie, she explores the role casual, “peer-reviewed” observations can play alongside formal diagnosis, and how greater awareness can foster understanding rather than offense. Sometimes, your friends might spot your ADHD before your doctor does - but no, you still can’t try their meds.   Produced by: Felicity Weaver  Supervising Producer: Shelby Traynor.    The other voices that you hear in the story are  Maya, Geronimo and Dr Mohsen Mirzaie.   Cop A Wist by Evie Hilliar In this story, what begins as a funny story about worsening eyesight unfolds into a vulnerable exploration of sincerity, shame, and the layers we build to protect ourselves. Both tender and irreverent, it’s a rallying cry to strip away the armor, face your fears, and as the speaker dares - “flash them your truths and tell them to love you.” Performed by Evie Hillier  Recorded by Zacha Rosen The Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2026 is open until 18 November. An opportunity to take a deep dive into a story idea you are passionate about for six months and you will have access  to mentors and a range of workshops related to all things audiocraft.     All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halloween.  A time when many when mischievous spirits are going from door to door saying 'trick or treat?'. This week is not a trick, but a treat of three haunting audio stories that might just keep you up at night.   Almost A Ghost Story by Yebu ji There is always good reason to carefully research a place before you there. Our first story, its not just an apartment you have to worry about, but even a blog or a reddit thread can be a haunted space.   That story was produced by Yebu Ji  Editor was Sayre Quevedo   The Weeping Wall by Mel Bakewell Our second story definitely falls more into the unexplainable category.  Be wary of those recurring  stains that seem to defy explanation.   Produced by Mel Bakewell Music by Blue Dot Sessions   Highway to Hell by Felicity Weaver Driving in big cities can be pain. Sydney is not exception. If you drive, or have driven in Sydney then you can probably relate with having to deal with confusing street signs, or the stress of missing your exit ... but this story takes a bit of a diabolical turn.   Produced by Felicity Weaver  Music by Blue Dot Sessions    All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just Breath Man by Ben Haywood  This story is a step closer to embracing men’s tears and a step away from toxic masculinity. Ben suffers from depression after knee surgery. Searching for ways to heal online, he finds himself trapped in toxic ideas of masculinity. It’s only when a friend takes him to his breathwork class that he finally breaks down and begins to heal, learning that recovery can come through friendship, community, and space to breathe. Sometimes, not all healing comes with words. Sometimes it’s in the silence between breaths, in the rise and fall of your chest, as the world eases and the universe reminds you: you’re safe.   Produced by: Ben Haywood Supervising producer: Sam Loy  Music: Blue Dot Sessions   This story was made possible by the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. For over six months, Ben worked with an industry mentor and got access to guest workshops on audio craft.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2025, and a very special thank you to Jesse Cox’s family and friends, and to the incredible legacy he left A very special thank you to our mentors, Karla Arnall, Sam Loy, Cristina Marras, and Miles Martignoni.  And thank you to our guest facilitators Belinda Lopez, Jay Gasser, Jesse Lou Lawson, Michelle Macklem, Claudia Taranto, Karishma Luthria, Mike Williams, Dan Semo, Tiffany Dimmack and Cinnamon Nippard.  Applications to the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2026 are live! Apply here. Applications close November 18.   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Events and Partnership Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, Emma and Miles.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So what do gaming and immigration have in common?    The Love Game by Wing Kuang In our second story from the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2025, Wing Kuang guides us through a love story of two gamers,  one in Melbourne and one in Shanghai, navigating the complexities of long-distance relationships and the bureaucracy of Australia’s immigration system.    Produced by Wing Kuang  Supervising Producer: M. Cristina Marras   This story was made possible by the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. For over six months, Wing worked with an industry mentor and got access to guest workshops on audio craft.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2025, and a very special thank you to Jesse Cox’s family and friends, and to the incredible legacy he left A very special thank you to our mentors, Karla Arnall, Sam Loy, Cristina Marras, and Miles Martignoni.  And thank you to our guest facilitators Belinda Lopez, Jay Gasser, Jesse Lou Lawson, Michelle Macklem, Claudia Taranto, Karishma Luthria, Mike Williams, Dan Semo, Tiffany Dimmack and Cinnamon Nippard.  Applications to the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2026 are opening up soon! Watch this space!   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Events and Partnership Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Wanted: Dunnart Alive by Xanthe Smith This week, a story about searching, both for the elusive Sandhill Dunnart and for a long-lost connection. Xanthe revisits her childhood memories of meeting ecologist Sue Churchill, whose stories of the rare marsupial stayed with her for decades. From Sue’s years of digging pitfall traps in the desert to becoming the world Dunnart expert, their conversation explores Australia’s fragile biodiversity, the politics of conservation, and the search for something in the unknown - something you might never even find.   Produced by Xanthe Smith Supervising Producer was Karla Arnall   This story was made possible by the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. For over six months, Xanthe worked with an industry mentor and got access to guest workshops on audio craft.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2025, and a very special thank you to Jesse Cox’s family and friends, and to the incredible legacy he left.   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Events and Partnership Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.