This week, two evocative stories exploring the notion of divinity through history and poetry.

These stories were commissioned by guest editors Hasib Hourani and Adalya Nash for Issue 04: Illuminated Manuscript of Debris Magazine.

The Crystal World by Bella Li
There was, on the island of St John, a commonly sighted mirage, appearing to those afflicted by an excess of light: a sea of glass like unto crystal.

In our first story, an enchanting, meditative venture into the realm of lost knowledge, ancient civilizations, and the luminous mysteries of gemstones. From the emerald mines of Cleopatra to Galileo’s forbidden observations, truth is preserved, distorted, and rediscovered - on repeat.

Like light through stained glass, knowledge bends, fractures, and reemerges in unexpected colours.

Bella Li’s ‘The Crystal World,’ was also selected as part of Unesco's Reading the City of Literature, a snapshot of Melbourne's literary activity over the span of a year. Discover Bella's most recent book Theory of Colours.

Sound design by Tala Issaoui. Discover Tala's work here.

God is Trans by Lou Garcia-Dolnik

In our second story, a divine journey unfolds—like a whispered incantation. Against the weight of grief, through the landscapes of identity and remembrance, pain transforms into transcendent beauty; the fluidity of existence defies rigid confines, and despair metamorphoses into a luminous, boundless realm of self-discovery.

Sound design by Zac Pennington.

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All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Host: Kwame Slusher

Mixed & Compiled by Emma Higgins

Artwork by Bella Li.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"That’s the nature of movement, isn’t it? We are pulled from one thing to another and these things themselves transform into something else. In that vein, I’m once again moving on from something I love dearly to somewhere else my passions lie. It’s time for me to say goodbye to hosting All The Best and to you all." - Madhuraa Prakash

This week, a farewell to our multi-talented host, Mads.

Then, two stories about “moving(literally)’, as we all look forward to hopeful beginnings.

To Kwame Slusher, our new host, the baton’s now yours!

Dance is my Salvation by Catarina Fraga Matos

To Cheryl, Salsa is not just an art but a straw she clutched to.

Surrounded by the glamour of her parents’ dance studio in Sri Lanka, Cheryl grew up with music in the air and a privileged life beneath her feet. Everything took a downturn after migrating to Australia, where her mother (then herself) had to navigate single parenthood. Through Catarina’s interview with Cheryl, we trace Cheryl’s journey from a dance studio in 1960s Colombo, to finding identity and transformation in the rhythm of salsa.

Beneath the tapping heels and the booming salsa tunes is a childhood reminisced, a life reshaped, and the salvation Cheryl seeked.

Produced by Catarina Fraga Matos.

The supervising producer was Shelby Traynor. 

Thank you to the Sydney Dance Company and Arthur Murray Inner West for allowing Catarina to record sound during their dance classes. 

Doug’s Hill by Jacqui Pham

Jacqui goes for a run up a hill with a trail runner waiting for a knee reconstruction.

This story was produced by Jacqui Pham (FAM) as part of the Transom Travelling Workshop in 2019, in partnership with the CMTO. 

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: Madhuraa Prakash & Kwame Slusher

Mixed & Compiled by Zac Pennington

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about how ADHD can impact a person’s life, relationships and identity.

Partners In Time by Felicity Weaver 

Are you a Type A, always-on-time kinda person? Or are you the one who is always last to arrive at a social gathering?

In our first story, often-late Felicity speaks to her slightly frustrated husband about how ADHD has impacted their relationship dynamic. Through a cheeky husband-and-wife exchange, Paul recalls Felicity’s lateness and disorganization, while she finds relief (and soon self-compassion) in her ADHD diagnosis. The episode also highlights the complexities of living with ADHD, the challenges of support, and the impact of societal misconceptions.

Studying Abroad with ADHD by Shixin Wang

In our next story, experiences of ADHD from students in the Chinese community.  

Through accounts of three Chinese young adults, we navigate late ADHD diagnoses caused by cultural stigma, treatment barriers, the emotional toll of self-blame - and the hope for a more inclusive future.

"Embrace ADHD, your future is full of hope."

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a specifically Australian take on magical realism weaving a mystery involving a baby, a potentially poisonous mushroom, and the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Chia.

Through rich symbolisms and tension, this episode explores truth, lies, friendship, and vulnerability.

Shhh…Listen. Banksia’s tell two truths, one lie. The game starts now.

Written and read by Leo Alder.

Composition and sound design by Suzanne Derry.

With production support by Zacha Rosen & Phoebe Adler-Ryan.

Recorded at Echidna Audio.

This story was originally published by Spineless Wonders. Special thanks goes to Bronwyn Mehan.

Meet the Author Leo Alder: https://shortaustralianstories.com.au/meet-the-slinkies-leo-alder/

Cover Art by Ashleigh Green.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're sharing stories performed at our live storytelling night (Un)Intended Consequences last October with live music composed and performed by Matthew Forbes.

Explore influential encounters, moments and ideas - and if you're eager for more, you can find three more stories in our 'Part I' Episode.

Highly Strung - 'Neverland'
Emily Suine and Oliver Durbidge are part of the lively puppeteering group Highly
Strung. Together, they tell a comical fantasy about the emotional waves of puberty.
Along this whimsical journey, the dashing boy from Neverland becomes our guide
through this tumultuous period of life.

Ruth Melville - 'Americana'
Ruth Melville is a nurse by trade and a literary artist by heart. She has published
numerous stories enriched with interpersonal details and it is here that she shares
one of these stories. A tale combining the enchanted wonder of Disney movies and
the unfiltered facets of reality. All in one big queer American road trip.

Jumaana Abdu - 'Children Go Straight to Heaven When They Die'
Jumaana Abdu is an award-winning writer exploring the friction between Islamic and
Australian culture. Through the reading of one of her short stories, Jumaana details
the bloody ordeal of adult prejudice and its impact on two childhood friends.

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: Madhuraa Prakash

Special thanks to the City of Sydney for helping us pay the artists involved, and to Knox Street Bar for hosting us!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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!

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:

All The Best is hosted by Madhuraa Prakash. 

Executive Producer is Phoebe Adler-Ryan.

Editorial Producer is Mel Bakewell.

Compiled and mixed by Emma Higgins.

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 the
finest swimmers in the world. But this idealistic depiction of a devoted swimming
culture doesn’t connect to many locals like Angelica who has never learned how to
swim.

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 Sydney
that lacks the postcard beaches whilst the limited swimming spots fail to meet the
growing demand.

This week’s episode of All the Best is the first episode of a 3-part series called “Sink
or Swim”. A podcast hosted by Angelica Ojinnaka Psillakis and produced by Impact
Studios, located at UTS. You can listen to the full series at Impact Studio’s official
website: 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.