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.

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All The Best Credits

Host Kwame Slusher

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie

Artwork: Mark Thomson, 177 Nations of Tasmania

Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Theme Music composed by Shining Bird 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories of democracy, dreams, and things happening in and out of the ballot box.

Elections Elsewhere by Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Have you ever wondered how elections operate in other corners around the world?

In our first story, ATB takes you on a ‘election tour’ of different countries as our volunteers - from China, Vietnam, some with connections to the US - gather to talk about what voting is like in their country. 

Can you vote in your country? What does voting mean to you?

Featuring Lindsey Vassalo, Patrick McKenzie, Ray Vo and Sue.

Counting the Vote by Grace Gooda

Next story brings you into the Australian ballot box.

In this story, we step inside election day through the eyes of an AEC worker - where impartiality, integrity, and counting replace the usual political buzz. From securing ballot bins to missing out on the ‘democracy sausage’, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the quiet work that keeps Australia's democracy ticking.

Welcome to a day in the life of a ballot counter.

That story was produced by Grace Gooda in partnership with the Centre for Advancing Journalism and The Yarn from Melbourne University. 

Young Yarners by Micah Kickett

Our third story explores the Young Yarners Program, a new initiative tackling voter disengagement in First Nations communities. From Parliament House workshops to local projects back home, young leaders from the program are building knowledge, breaking down barriers, and making sure Indigenous voices are heard loud and clear at the ballot box.

That story was produced by Micah Kickett for The Wire.

Young Matters by Ruby Perryman

In this story, we hear from a young voter navigating life on Centrelink, housing insecurity, and the growing feeling that dreams like home ownership are slipping away. As the election approaches, it's not grand promises that shape her vote - it’s the urgent need for real support in an anxious, uncertain future.

That story was produced by Ruby Perryman in partnership with the Centre for Advancing Journalism and The Yarn, from Melbourne University.

Hope for the future by Catarina Fraga Matos and Kwame Slusher

Confusion, curiosity, excitement to frustration. Young Australians paint a vivid palette of emotions as they face their first vote. 

Whether it’s dreaming of climate action, fairness, or just finally being heard, these young Australian voters have big hopes, even if the path to the ballot box is still a little messy.

Hear them out.

All The Best Credits

Host Kwame Slusher

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie

Artwork Design: Lindsey Vassalo

Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Theme Music composed by Shining Bird 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To mark Earthday we’re playing two stories that explore how we can use disruption to effect change and save the environment around us. 

In our first story, Meagan takes us journey on the Murray-Baaka River that led to the Menindee fish kill in 2019.

In Murky Waters

Produced by Megan Williams (they/them).

The supervising producer was Richard Dinnen.  It was produced as part of the National Features and Documentary Series back in 2020. 

Further Notes from Megan

This story was produced after the mass fish kills in 2018/2019 that occurred during the drought. It's estimated 1-2 million fish died in this event and it was a very rude shock to the local community (and the world) as the program details. However, there were much bigger mass fish kills in the flood of 2023 (20-30 million fish).

Following the 2023 mass fish kills, NSW has taken a number of steps to better mitigate risk of fish kills, active management to maintain dissolved oxygen at critical times, the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer have published an independent investigation into the 2023 mass fish kills, there was a connectivity expert panel report published last year and there is now more transparent updates on the work that NSW Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water is doing.

For a recap on the baaka, tune in to Water Watch Radio's program:
https://www.waterwatchradio.com/podcast/episode/31983821/episode-92-restoring-our-darling-baaka

What Democracy Looks Like (Archive)

This story was produced by Ryan Pemberton, back in 2019. The supervising producer was Zacha Rosen. 

Since then, anti-protest legislation has been creeping in - over the last five years. New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland have all passed anti-protest laws that impose significant fines, and even imprisonment, for protesting. 

https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2024/07/03/protest-peril 

Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities.

All The Best Credits

Host Kwame Slusher

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie

Image Credit: Lindsey Vassalo

Mixed and Compiled by Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Theme Music composed by Shining Bird 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does heartbreak sound like to you? This week’s stories are about heartbreak… whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of who you once were…or a relationship that didn’t work out.

Sounds of Heartbreak

In our first story, Lee explores the sounds of different kinds of heartbreak and whether they can become sounds of healing.

Produced by Lee Chan.

The Supervising Producer was Phoebe Adler-Ryan

If you have a heartbreak story to share with Lee, submit it here.

Kobi Dog

Fionn explores the different ways one can cope with the loss of a pet.

Written and performed by Fionn McCabe at live graphic storytelling night Read to Me, on 9 March 2024 at Sydney Town Hall.

Musical accompaniment by Martin Peralta.

Recording by Zacha Rosen.

Find more info about Read to Me by visiting their insta @readtome_  and more of Fionn’s work at https://www.fionnmccabe.com/

Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities.

All The Best Credits

Host Kwame Slusher

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie

Image Credit: Lindsey Vassalo

Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Theme Music composed by Shining Bird 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you think of a moment when things fell short of your expectations? A book or a movie you’ve been looking forward to. Maybe you’ve met one of your idols … and … wish you hadn’t.  Maybe it was something bigger … maybe it’s your own country … a conflict of values around democracy and justice. In this episode, we explore the gap between a citizen and their country. 

Interview with Louisa Lim

First, journalist Louisa Lim addresses how democracy has been changing in the indelible city.

Louisa is a journalist and the author of the book, Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong, and wrote and reported for the podcast  King of Kowloon (ABC).

Discover Louisa's book Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong.

When Justice Falls Out

Then, we hear from Peter - a Hong Konger now living in Naarm. In his ‘20s, he joined the Hong Kong police force, He soon realised justice looked a lot different than he’d thought. 

Produced by Wing Kuang. The supervising producer was Lawrence Bull.

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: Unsplash, Ryan Kwok

Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Theme Music composed by Shining Bird 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the artist collective Small Audio Art founded by Phoebe McIndoe invites us to contemplate the possibilities of windows…

Interview with Phoebe McIndoe

Are you creatively stuck, a worried novice audio-maker, or just feeling a little lonely?

Don’t worry, Phoebe McIndoe feels you.

Establishing Small Audio Art—a 6-month playful, low-stakes project inviting creators to craft stories inspired by everyday objects—the Berlin-based journalist and radio maker welcomes you into her little paradise of quirkiness, randomness, and heaps of laughter. (Shhh… there’s also a listening party with party poppers after each submission round).

Next prompt: “clocks” (or any timekeeping device).

Submissions can be up to 10 minutes, in MP3 format. Photos or poems welcomed.

Jump on the bandwagon. Let your story chime in.

Matters of Windows by Jane Lee and Dan Semo 

In our first story, a reflective monologue on the passage of time, missed opportunities and life choices.

“We rush through life pretending we have all the time in the world, but the window is always getting smaller.”

Soggy Window by Martin Zaltz Austwick 

Next up, Martin makes a song out of the squeegee. 

Time to wipe your windows.

Lumi by Andrea Kristinsdottir

In our third story, Andrea leaves a window open -  and someone escapes.

A wholesome search for a cheeky little thing. Meow.

The Window by Danni Stewart 

Through our final window...

A ‘part-time’ shirtless guy. Unsolicited flowers. Her window and his window. 

“The next time I looked at the window, everything was gone.” 

“I never even spoke to him. So why do I miss him? I don't know.”

Thank you to Phoebe McIndoe and all of the audio artists who shared their stories. 

Follow Small Audio Art and keep an eye out for their next prompt on instagram https://www.instagram.com/smallaudioart_/

Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities.

All The Best Credits

Host Kwame Slusher

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie

Image Credit: Lindsey Vassalo

Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Theme Music composed by Shining Bird

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's stories call on us to humble ourselves before nature…and consider whether maybe …there are some things that animals know that we don’t.

The Great Dingo Debate by Andrea Dixon

In our first story, Andrea shares her love for Taz, a rescued dingo living on her family’s property in Hawkesbury, Darug country. As tensions rise between farmers, conservationists, and First Nations communities, the dingo emerges as a symbol of both conflict and kinship. Through cultural advocacy and calls for legislative change, Andrea and many others envision a future of respectful coexistence with dingoes.

‘Wild is not something to be feared’.

This story featured Steve Trist, Djirabitty: www.djirabittyptyltd.com.au  

Sonya Takau, Dingo Culture/Defend the Wild: https://www.dingoculture.com/ | www.defendthewild.org | (IG) @dingoculture |(IG) @defendthewild

To learn more about the parliamentary inquiry into dingo management, NSW visit: 

defendthewild.org/dingo-inquiry-nsw

The producer was Andrea Dixon.

The Supervising Producer was Thomas Phillips.

Special thanks to Barry Traill, Phoebe Adler-Ryan and the team of volunteers at fbi & Dingo Den Animal Rescue.

That moose shook me to my core by Seb and Sale

An impromptu conversation between two friends at the end of a public storytelling event at the Powerhouse Museum in 2023 involving a cottage in the woods and an encounter with a moose.

After all, who’s the wild one here?

Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie

Theme Music composed by Shining Bird 

Artwork by Minna Leunig

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The experience of exploring childhood memories can vary greatly from person to person. Sometimes, this emotional excavation can be painful, bringing up unwanted memories that you might not be ready to face. But it can also be a beautiful experience, allowing you to rediscover with fresh eyes the places or people you knew ... or thought you knew ... as a child.   

In this episode, we explore two very different stories about revisiting places and memories.   

Frequency by Kwame Slusher

In our first story, host Kwame speaks with his Dad about HAM Radio and some of the ways they always seemed to be on different frequencies...

Produced by Kwame Slusher.

The Supervising Producer was Thomas Lu.

Tacos by Dan Semo

Producer Dan Semo is back in the city he grew up in. A city he hasn’t been back to for over twenty years. And he’s in search of a really good taco. 

Produced by Dan Semo.

This piece is from the third season of Dan's project 14 Days, where he produces a short audio story every day, over two weeks. Check out his work here: https://www.danielsemo.com/14-days-cdmx

Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Host: Kwame Slusher

Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins

Artwork by Lindsey Vassalo

Community Coordinator Patrick McKenzie

Social Media Manager Sue Hong & Lindsey Vassalo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features voices from the story collection Povo edited by Adam Novaldy Anderson and produced by the Sweatshop Literacy Movement.

Australia is often referred to as The Lucky Country — a land of economic opportunity and vast natural resources. But how does this myth square up against the true experiences of Indigenous and culturally diverse Australians living in our nation’s most densely populated regions?

Please listen with care as some of these stories feature swears.

This episode features performances by Adam Novaldy Anderson, Sarah M Saleh, Adrian Mouhajer and Victor Guan Yi Zhou, recorded at the Blue Mountains Writers Festival 2024.

Povo is available through Sweatshop Literacy Movement. Visit www.sweatshop.ws/povo for details. 

Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Host: Kwame Slusher

Recordist: Rylee O'Keefe

Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins

Artwork by Sweatshop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, three stories about connection: connection to the land and the sea, connection to history, connection to the divine and to ourselves.

Weaving Ancestral Voices by Shareeka Helaluddin

In our first story, Shareeka reconnects to faith and identity through the voice of the singer Sheila Chandra.

Growing up in an interfaith household, Shareeka was immersed in a diverse sonic landscape of Islamic recitations, Hindu chants, Bollywood, folk, and Western music.

It wasn’t until Sheila Chandra’s drone-based singing resonated deeply within her that she found solace in voice. 

“Songs that weave through past and present, a voice that pierces through discordance and uncertainty. An immersive journey of glossolalia and spiritual vocal gateways, reckoning with - and returning to - faith; all bound together by the voice of Sheila Chandra.”

This story was produced by Shareeka Helaluddin. The Supervising Producer was Mell Chun, with support from John Tjhia. The artwork was provided by Rekha Dhanaram who can be found @rekha.dhanaram on instagram. The story features the voices of Aarti Jadu and Sheila Chandra, on instagram @thesheilachandra.

Our next two stories are recordings from the Red Dirt Poetry Festival, an annual showcase of spoken word and poetry from Mparntwe, Central Australia.

Black Pearl of the Desert by Marie Ellis 

In the first story, Marie takes us into the very heart of the desert.

The Black Pearl’s coming - timeless and untamed.

Red Dirt by Melanie Mununngurr 

In the second story, Melanie confronts colonial violence, systemic oppression, and cultural erasure.

Through the enduring strength of saltwater people and the unbroken connection between land, water, and ancestry, we celebrate the resilience and defiant song of those who refuse to be forgotten.

The water remembers all—carrying echoes of ancestors, the weight of sorrow, and the rhythm of survival.

Black Pearl of the Desrt and Red Dirt were performed and recorded at the Red Dirt Poetry Festival, a celebration of spoken word and poetry from Mpartnwe, Central Australia. You can check them out over on their their YouTube or at their website reddirtpoetryfestival.com/

Support emerging producers, artists & creatives by hitting follow or subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Make, meet and learn with All The Best - follow our Substack for audio workshops, events and pitching opportunities.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Host: Kwame Slusher

Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins

Artwork by Rekha Dhanaram

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.