All The Best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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