All The Best

  This week, two adventures into the uncharted seas of life. Serendipity 海上的人 by Sharon Wongosari After her lupus diagnosis, Sharon lost what she once held most precious: career opportunities, productivity, and the efficiency that once defined her. Yet in losing them, she discovered a self beyond those qualities and began to reclaim her life. She now credits her friends, family, and her spiritual guide - Mazu, the Taoist ocean goddess she prays to. As red crescent blocks strike the ground, fortune poems are revealed, and prayers are answered.  We are all 海上的人 (people on the ocean), drifting through uncharted seas, carried by chaotic waves of serendipity. Produced by: Sharon Wongosari Supervising Producer: Dan Semo   Antarctica by Dylin Hardcastle At 17, Dylin faced her first psychotic episode, learning too early that life is both fragile and finite.  Then writing became her vessel, carrying her from psych wards to Antarctica, where she witnessed glaciers breaking, whales surfacing, and history dissolving into the sea.  Her story is a reminder that even at the edge of endings, the tide always carries us toward more life. Written and performed by Dylin Hardcastle  music by Elizabeth Jigalin   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Events and Partnership coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork by Annie Hamilton Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout out to our volunteers Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew and Ash  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  This week, stories about what’s going into your mouth.   Avocado by Michael Sun This story follows Michael’s bizarre coming-of-age journey - stuffed with avocados, awkward dates, and complicated moments with his mom. Born with a big mouth and having a “stronger-than-average immune system”, he went on to claim a Guinness World Record by devouring 20 avocados in a minute - and then so much more. So, are you ready to devour 21 avocados in a minute? Produced by Michael Sun  Supervising producer was Allison Chan Sound design by Mia Hull   Eating and Order by Rania Omar This story traces Rania’s journey through a lifelong struggle with eating disorders, shaped by racism, sexism, and impossible beauty standards. From childhood fears of food as an enemy, to panic attacks in the snack aisle, to a bowl of shish barak she made for herself, Rania slowly learns to reclaim her plate, her body, and her joy. You are not just what you eat, you are who you are.   Produced by Rania Omar Supervising producer was Sophie Ellis Additional mixing by Zac Pennington.   Dark Cherry, Limestone and Meat by Eugenia Zoubtchenko This is a story with lots of fermenting, sipping, and the drinkers ‘ahhhh’. Navigating the vineyard with Eugenia, we witness the magic as each barrel brews fermented potions of raspberries, dark cherries, smoky earth, and even fairy floss. P.S Next time, if a friend accuses you of being an alcoholic, be sure to tell them you are just ‘oenophilic’.   Produced by Eugenia Zoubtchenko   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programs and Community Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ruijie Tang  Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout out to Ray, Sue, Lindsay, Andrew and Ash  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  This week’s episode takes us through a war and typhoons in South East Asia and the Asia Pacific.  This week’s episode takes us through a war and typhoons in South East Asia and the Asia Pacific. We learn what a typhoon looks like through the eyes of a child and how even a story of war can be used to talk about the ones we love.     Tubig Lang  The first story takes us to the Philippines, where Merlinda sits down with her brother’s children—her niece and nephews —and learns to see the destructive power of typhoons through their innocent eyes.  Written and Performed by Merlinda Bobis Supervising Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan Sound Design by Tala Issaoui   We Are Gathered Here Today In our second and final story, Annabella helps her mother reach back through time to (re)member and retell her story of the Vietnam War.   Written and Produced by Annabella Luu Supervising Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan Sound Design by Ramon Briant   All The Best Credits Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programs and Community Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ruijie Tang Photo: Children survivors of superstorm Yolanda or Haiyan. At the Cabalawan Transitional Shelter, Tacloban, Philippines, 2015 Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode asks us to pause. To pay attention to the world around us and to think of the power that nature has to heal damaged and abandoned spaces.     Would they survive without humans? The first story is about resilience. Not human resilience, but about the persistence of trees growing in places that you might not expect.  Raihanah takes us on a journey to toxic places reclaimed by trees.   Produced by Raihanah Raihanah as part of a collaboration between All the Best, the University of Melbourne and the Science Gallery.  Supervising Producer Persephone Waxman.    The Forest and the Trees  Have you heard of Shirin-Yoku?  Ruth, who volunteers in palliative care, by helping people record their stories,  learns about the therapeutic benefits of listening to trees from a certified forest therapy guide,  Mayu Kataoka.  Produced by Ruth Melville, Supervising Producer Sarah Mashman.    Between nature and the sound of the guqin  So far, we’ve heard about the resilience of trees and the way nature teaches us to live fully in the moment. In our final story, Jiaen Pan teaches us about Guquin   Produced by Jiaen Pan, another collaboration between All the Best, the University of Melbourne and the Science Gallery.  Supervising Producer Thomas Phillips    All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programs and Community Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ruijie Tang Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our stories this week look at this dissonance between thinking of COVID-19 in the past tense, while also knowing that it is still a very real threat to many vulnerable people in our community.  Just becasue it isn't in the news isn’t giving us a count of Covid infections anymore doesn’t mean that it's gone away.   Hug In our first story, Cristina talks about the desire and the danger of touch with the lingering threat of COVID-19 Produced by Cristina Marras for Audio Playground.   All We’ve Got In our second story, Laura looks at how COVID-19 is still impacting many people today, even though the world seems to have forgotten about it. Produced by Laura Pettenuzzo  Supervising Producer Persephone Waxman   Horror Story: Dawn of the Covid  In the final story, David channels his inner George Romero and digs deep into the classic horror genre to tackle the real-life terrors of COVID-19 and his own MS diagnosis.     Written and Performed by David Maney  Produced and Composed by Ben Keene.    All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programs and Community Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we get outside and get our hands dirty as we take a closer look at the world around us, whether that involves rethinking the uses of the land or trying to protect it. This week's stories don't just call on us to pay attention to the environment around us.  It's also a cautionary tale of what can happen when we don't.    The Weedy One  Are weeds just misunderstood? Society has been conditioned to think about what's good and bad in our gardens. But the what of those surprise guests in our flowerbeds is useful.   In our first story, Diego encourages us to strip away our preconceptions and look at weeds differently. Produced by Catarina Fraga Matos.    The conservation and community of Merri Creek In our second story, we head to Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Maxine Forde follows the Friends of the Merry Creek, who worked hard to rehabilitate spaces around the waterway. Produced by Maxine Ford Supervising Producer Persephone Waxman Special thanks to Dan Semo and Louisa Lim.    Martha  Our final story was a recording of a live performance at a Read to Me event in March this year.  It is an elegy to the last passenger pigeon, Martha,  who died in the United States in 1914.  You can find out more about Read to Me here.     Performed by Zoe Sadokierski Recorded by Zacha Rosen   All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, we continue with stories from the students at the University of Melbourne and explore the idea of having a sustainability mindset – not just when it comes to the environment around us,  but also when it comes to activities that bring communities together or online platforms that try to divide us.  What if nothing matters? With all the crises happening, many young people feel helpless and become nihilistic, thinking life as meaningless. Sometimes, I have a similar feeling. Am I nihilistic, or as many people said, pessimistic?Through chatting with the author of The Romanticism of Contemporary Theory: Institution, Aesthetics, Nihilism, Associate Professor Justin Clemens, and my Gen Z friends, we discuss what nihilism could be for young people, and our way pursuing the “meaning of life”. Produced by Tin Yan Wong Supervising Producer Thomas Phillips    Sharing the city with possums As cities continue to expand, more native wildlife have to adapt to urban life. The possum is one of the most familiar urban wildlife species in Australia. In this story, reporter Peiyao Xu has “a conversation with a possum” to explore residents' views on possums, and an interview with Dr Kylie Soanes to understand the living situations of urban possums and explore the future of people and urban wildlife as “neighbours”. Produced by Peiyao Xu Supervisign Producer  Persephone Waxman    Gender Online Debate Young men and women are getting increasingly socially and politically engaged online – but seemingly in opposing ways. Ava Morrison investigates, by speaking to a digital communications expert and a feminist TikToker, about incels, feminism, and online hostility. Produced by Ava Morrison Supervising Producer Thomas Phillips   Beyond the Needle The tattoo industry in Melbourne is facing a complex challenge. While the city remains a hub for ink culture, artists are grappling with a growing demand for sustainability in a sector dominated by single-use plastics and strict health regulations. As artists innovate and clients become more conscious of their environmental impact, the industry is at a crossroads. Can tattooing evolve without compromising safety? Preeshita Shah reports. Produced by Preeshita Shah Supervising Producer  Thomas Phillips   Forest Food Gardens According to the Foodbank Australia Report, 3.5 million households are experiencing food insecurity. While climate change and social disconnection deepen the crisis, Melbourne Skyfarm transforms a rooftop car park into an urban farm to grow food and build community. So far, it has produced 3.4 tonnes of food worth $118,000, directly to food relief charity OzHarvest.Our reporter Cheuk Lam Li spoke to project leader Zarah Copeland and urban farmer Dario Rivero on how Melbourne Skyfarm is bringing changes in these challenging times and why it matters. Produced by Cheuk Lam Li  Supervising Producer Thomas Phillips   All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Mixed and Compiled by Ramon Briant  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re hearing about climate crises and what we can do about them, from students at the University of Melbourne.   All of them challenge us to rethink our relationship to the land, plants and animals around us. It also asks us to consider the impact that the changing climate is having on our health.      Water Is More Than a Resource  Dr Clint Hansen is fighting to protect the cultural and ecological values of water in sites affected by coal seam gas mining in Central Queensland. Clint asks us to reflect on the conflict between ownership and stewardship when thinking about one of our most precious resources: water. Produced by Ruby Perryman Supervising Producer Thomas Phillips Original Music by Sammy Perryman   Helmeted Honeyeaters Qian Dong takes us on a journey to save the species that emits a sound between a song and a chirp.   Produced by Qian Dong Supervisign Producer  Persephone Waxman    Harvesting Harmony  David wants us to rethink farming’s relationship with nature and farm in a way that improves biodiversity.    Produced by Xianghan Meng Supervising Producer Thomas Phillips.   Asthma and the Impacts of Climate Change Have you thought about the impact of climate change and health? In our next story, Daniel looks at the impact of the changing climate and asthma.   Produced by Daniel Gawne Supervising Producer  Persephone Waxman   Bug Appetit Would you let your pet eat bugs? In our final story,  we look at how we can feed our pets in an environmentally sustainable way …so … instead of meat, your little furbabies … it's insects.  Produced by Kelli Li Supervising Producer Persephone Waxman       All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Mixed and Compiled by Ramon Briant  Theme Music composed by Shining Bird   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we are celebrating NAIDOC Week with an audio drama originally written as a short story by Marcus Woolombi Waters, titled 'No Going Home'.   It's a story set in early colonial Australia that explores the disruption caused by invasion and family conflict. Content Warning: This drama includes themes of mass murder and genocide. Please listen with care and always put yourself first.   No Going Home written by Marcus Wollombi Waters Adapted by Blayne Welsh Directed by Colin Kinchela and Martin Gallagher. Produced  by Pariya Taherzedah Originally Published by Spineless Wonders Audio.    All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Mixed and Compiled by Ramon Briant Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's story is streaked with the glittering rainbow of magical realism.  Atul Joshi queers the fabric of reality in Sydney on the 40th anniversary of Mardis Gras by opening portals and cruising paradise for another state of being.   That story was written and performed by Atul Joshi, with sound design by Ramon Briant and production assistance by Phoebe Adler-Ryan.    All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: Ray Vo Mixed and Compiled by Ramon Briant Theme Music composed by Shining Bird See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Content Warning: This week's stories contain references to a war zone and to gambling. This week, stories that explore how we find joy in dark and challenging times. Acidic Cuts During her trip to Ukraine, Kiera searches for the harmony of the tradition,  and tries to avoid the discordance of fear and air raid sirens. Written and performed by Kiera Brew Kurec. This piece featured recordings captured by Kiera in the Ukraine, in 2024. Sound design by Lana Lusina, find more of her work at https://lanalusina.carrd.co/. Note/Correction:  A MiG can launch a hypersonic missile which takes only minutes to reach Lviv. A TU-95 launching a cruise missile from the Caspian Sea would take longer to reach Lviv.  St Elaine In our next story, George’s narrative follows Elaine, who finds joy through a prismatic vengeance on pokie machines. Written and performed by George Haddad. Find more of George's work at https://georgehaddad.net/. With sound design by Zac Pennington.    Debris Magazine Issue V Launch These stories are from Edition V of Debris Magazine. You heard the voices of co-editors Jazz Money and Mariam Ella Arcilla. Head to Debris’ website to purchase the latest issue, and for information on their Sydney launch and appearance at the Melbourne Art Book Fair, as well as international launch details in Istanbul and Paris. Melbourne NGV Book Fair  Debris, and their latest issue, have a stall at the Melbourne Art Book Fair (NGV). 16-18 May, 10 am-5 pm. https://artbookfair.melbourne/    All The Best Credits Host Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Artwork: By Lindsey Vassalo A Young Girl Riding a Bicycle by Vladyslav HuivykBucha, Kyiv Oblast, Ukrainehttps://www.pexels.com/photo/a-young-girl-riding-a-bicycle-12144038/ Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins Theme Music composed by Shining Bird   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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