All The Best

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 Adalia Nash Hussain.    You can buy The Flirtation of Girls and Songs of Dead and the Living here. Sara Saleh's poetry anthology is also on its way and you can catch her at writing events, including at the upcoming Blue Mountains Writers Festival - tickets here.   All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa 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.

This week on All The Best, stories about weird and wonderful hobbies and what drives us to them. Hobbies  In our first story, a university student dissects recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data suggesting a gender gap in time spent on hobbies.Molly Frew produced the story, which featured postdoctoral research fellow August Harrington, a psychology expert from the University of Melbourne. Gaming  In our second story, imagine trying to fit into the online gaming world with angry humanoid figures with scary eyes who may rant about entitled women ruining their hobbies. This piece reveals a female perspective on gender discrimination when gaming.This story was written and produced and written by Arshia Anand.Lego  In our third story, after finding the Lego clubroom, an innkeeper from the club informs that the assortment of coloured bricks “can be used as a tool for mindfulness and relaxation.”This story was written and produced and written by  Georgie Preston.Boxing In our fourth story, “Ding Ding,” boxing training is used to relax and distract some from muscle soreness and a waring body or mind.This story was written and produced and written by Yuanyuan Zhang.LARPing Our final story involves escaping into the narrative of characters dressed up in armoured gear all in the name of Live-Action Role-Playing, also known as LARPing.  This story was written and produced and written by Olivia Tan. Today’s stories were produced as part of a collaboration between All The Best, the University of Melbourne and the Science Gallery. Unimelb Masters of journalism students created audio works relating to the theme of ‘distraction’. Special thanks to Louisa Lim, Mell Chun, Dan Semo and Corey Martin and to All The Best mentors Persephone Waxman, Thomas Philips, Lisa Divissi and Melanie Bakewell. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on All The Best, beautiful and bilingual stories about family.Content Warning: These stories contain references to people experiencing cancer, passing away and detailed descriptions of war. They may be considered to be emotionally intense for some. Please listen with care.Sirius and the Moon In our first story, While weaving between English and Mandarin, Sharon shares an emotional conversation with her brother about surviving cancer. This story was Written and Produced by Sharon Wongosari thanks to Lea Redfern. We Are Gathered Here Today  In our second story, a young woman Annabella reflects on her relationship with her mother during the Vietnam War. This story is introduced in Vietnamese and then in English.  This story was written and produced by Annabella Luu in collaboration with sound designer Ramon Briant. The supervising producer was Phoebe Adler-Ryan.    All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Image Credit: Annabella Luu  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on All The Best, apocalyptic audio stories. Apocalyptic Radio Fiction In our first story, Producer Phoebe speaks with audio fiction producer Ian Walker about the process of creating new Australian audio fiction. Produced by Phoebe Adler Ryan in conversation with podcast producer Ian Walker. With special thanks to Bronwyn Mehan. You can listen to The Next Five Minutes wherever you get your podcasts or visit www.shortaustralianstories.com.au/. An Alien Sends Home a Status Report from the West In our second story, an alien returns to his homeland to report what it's found on a postcard containing odd human rituals and habits. Written and read by Antoinette Luu, with sound design by C.L Hughes & ealing. You can find further work from C.L. Hughes on their Insta page @ealing_ealing, and from Antoinette at @annette_luu_art. Apocalypse Story Our third story explores two women on their third date discussing the apocalypse. Written and performed by Mira Schlosberg. Originally broadcast on FBi's audio fiction program, "Or It Didn't Happen." Mira’s work can be found at miraschlosberg.com or on insta @homotaschen. With special thanks to Zacha Rosen. The Perfect Human Our final story explores what it looks like to be born as the perfect human in the modern world. Written and performed by Niki Bañados, with sound design and composition by Suzanne Derry. The piece was initially performed in the illustrated live storytelling event "Read To Me." Find more of Niki's work at @stickwriter on Instagram. With sound design and composition by Suzanne Derry. If you're interested in working with Suzanne, you can reach her at: s.derry@yahoo.com All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Image Credit: Niki Bañados   Make your own Audio Fiction! If you're keen to make some audio fiction of your own, come along to our online Audio Fiction workshop hosted by Script Roulette on September 24th. Reach out to phoebe@allthebestradio.com or make sure you're subscribed to our monthly newsletter to receive the details: https://allthebestradio.com/ Audio Fiction Recommended Listening Batman: The Audio Adventures The Next Five Minutes Welcome to Nightvale Soft Voice by QCODESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on All The Best, stories about fighting violence against women.  Content Warning: These stories  contain references to gendered violence, including those of a domestic, family or sexual nature. Please listen with care. The Park (4.35) In our first story, Jasmyn, on a wet rainy night, investigates after hearing someone in distress at a local park.  Produced by Jasmyn as part of an audio walking tour collaboration between Outloud Arts Bankstown and All The Best. You can complete the audio walking tour at: https://outloud.org.au/projects/stories-from-here-an-audio-tour-of-bankstown/  We Stand Surviving (7.40) In our second story, Sarah shares a suite of poems about patriarchy and sisterhood. Content Warning: This work includes references to sexual assault.  This story was written and read by Sarah Dee with production support from Phoebe Adler-Ryan and sound design by Tala Issaoui. Find more of Sarah’s writing on instagram where she’s @detailednoodle. And more of Tala’s sounds, she can be found at @tala.the.creative on instagram. Helen, and the Spirit of Woman (11.33) In our third story, Helen Oxenham, speaks about her experience fighting against violence since she was a child.  Produced by Tiarne Cook with the support of Transom and the Community Media Training Organisation. To learn more about the trailblazing life and work of Helen Oxenham, visit spiritofwoman.com.au/. If these stories raise any concerns or distress, support is available to you: 1800 RESPECT - that’s 1800 737 732.  Men’s Referral Service - 1300 766 491 Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 Lifeline - 131 114 13 YARN - 13 92 76 (First Nations  24/7 helpline)  Qlife - 1800 184 527 (LGBTQIA+ 24/7 phone line)    All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Image Credit: Sarah DeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about connections transcending through our mortal  plane, from the spirit world to our ancestral past.   To start us off, host Mads takes us to Colombo, Sri Lanka, where her grandmother seeks to impart the wisdom of Hindu astrology.Ancestral Echoes  In our second story, Xueyi reconnects to the tradition of ancestor worship that  her family has long upheld. She connects to this on a meaningful level during one of their culture's traditional Spring Festivals.   Content Warning: Please listen with care. This story contains references to  paranormal phenomena and death that may be distressing for some listeners.   This story was produced/narrated by Xueyi Zhang and features Shuang  Zhang Shuang, Xueyi Xuejian Xuejian, and Zhengying Zou.   Mid-autumn Mooncakes  In our third story, Elieen experiences an incredible connection through food to the people of  her culture and their kin. Produced by Eileen Chong. This story originally aired on the FBi radio fiction program,  Or It Didn't Happen.   Pang  Finally, Claire's questions about her ancestors intertwine with a supernatural event at  her primary school.  Produced by Sarah Mashman, with contributions from Lea Redfern.   All The Best Credits  Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan  Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell  Host: Madhuraa Prakash   Mixed by Emma Higgins  Image Credit: Xueyi Zhang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about how hard it is to stay focused these days. Dumb Phones by Sam Irvine Our first story this week follows this line of thinking, with a personal experiment using old technology. A Close Shave by Jining Wen Next up, a barber experiences a time crunch. Cooking as Distraction by Kepuyan Wu Then, Kepuyan explores cooking as a form of positive procrastination.  Proustian Memory by Siyi Chen Next, a story about the power of smell to transport to a different time and place. Apps That Help You Focus by Yeting Gao Our final story explores using modern methods to help with focus. These stories were produced as part of a collaboration between All The Best, the University of Melbourne and the Science Gallery. University of Melbourne Masters of Journalism students created these audio works relating to the theme of ‘distraction’. Special thanks to Louisa Lim, Mell Chun, Dan Semo and Corey Martin and to All The Best mentors Persephone Waxman, Thomas Philips, Lisa Divissi and Melanie Bakewell. All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Mixed by Emma HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about the burden of expectations and the triumph of defying them. The Burden of Low Expectations In our first story, Esther navigates different cultural expectations of disability when she migrates to Australia via Uganda and Sudan. Content Warning: A note that this story contains examples of discriminatory attitudes towards disability. This story was made by Carey Scheer for the Purple Orange Podcast. Purple Orange is a South Australian organisation that aims to create a fair world for people with disability. Find out more by visiting their website.   Fashion Liberation In our second story, Zeb moves back to their home state of Tasmania, and wants to find the right clothes.  Content Warning: Please listen with care as this story contains references gender based violence. Produced by Sarah Mashman, with contributions from Lea Redfern. This is an extended version of a story originally produced for the KCRW 24 Hour Radio Race.     All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Mixed by Emma HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we're bringing you the second half of All The Best's collaboration with Outloud Arts, working with young people in Bankstown to make an audio walking tour about the places that matter to them.  For those who aren’t familiar with Sydney, Bankstown is a suburb located in the South-West Sydney region. Due to the multicultural immigrant demographic and the presence of housing commission properties, certain people characterise the area as being rough, dangerous and downtrodden.  But if you live in Bankstown you know that the suburb can’t be reduced to narrow stereotypes. Through these stories, the young people of Bankstown invite you to discover their home in their own words.   You'll hear stories from Jack Miller, Areebah Armani, Maithly Dhawan, Amy Wong (aka Tofu Pants) and Danielle Lam.  The participants were mentored by director-dramaturg Finn Ó Branagáin and local author Kavita Bedford. The audio stories were recorded by Phoebe Adler-Ryan and Ramon Briant. Editing and sound design by Thomas Phillips. With support from Outloud Arts Creative Producer Nicole Issa.  Go to www.outloud.org.au and find the ‘Stories from Here’ page to finish the audio walking tour. You’ll find the full set of stories and a digital walking tour map.  All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Mixed by Emma HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re bringing you more bird stories. i love birds First up, Matt Cooper explores his neighbourhood’s relationship to birds and learns a thing or two. Produced by Matt Cooper, with special thanks to Lea Redfern.  Mothercluckers Then, Dione Green investigates the politics of free range chickens.  This story was produced as part of the 2020 National Features and Documentary Series, with support from the Community Media Training Organisation and the CBAA. The supervising producer was Hamish Sewell.  All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Host: Madhuraa Prakash Mixed by Emma HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.