This week we journey back in time to look at Sydney’s music scene through the eyes of three different women. 

You can hit it as loud as you can

First up, we hear from musician and music mentor turned academic, Hannah Fairlamb, about rock boot camps and gender equity.

Produced by Mel Bakewell, with music by Ferus Cut Blue Dot Sessions.
You can learn more about Rock Camp here.

What About Her?

Frances Swan co-wrote What About Me (A Moving Pictures Song), the 1982 classic Australian anthem, during a decade often described as a boy’s club. Christa Hughes rejected gender expectations in the late 90s and early 2000s, touring with Machine Gun Fellatio. Today, up-and-coming Milly McPherson has been making waves in a rock and roll circuit, inspired by the women who came before her.

Join your host, Zara Upfold, as she explores the expectations and successes of these incredible women, the sadly predictable reactions of a male dominated music industry, and asks What About Her?

Frances Swan played her original music live in front of an audience for the first time on the 25th of November. Milly McPherson is currently raising funds to re-released Milly's song under her own name, alongside a new album and a short film. Finally, Machine Gun Felatio have recently reunited and Christa Hughes has been performing in the band for the first time in 20 years.

Produced by Zara Upfold, with support from Phoebe Adler-Ryan and Evana Ho.

Songs Played (in Chronological Order)

What About Me, Gary Frost & Frances Swan - Frances Swan

Beer Drinking Woman - Christa Hughes, Dick Hughes

Mutha Fukka On A Motorcycle - Machine Gun Fellatio

Milly’s Song (Live Recording) - Milly McPherson

Blue Moon - Frances Swan 

Sound Effects

ES_Digital, Call On Speaker, No Answer, Russian Voicemail, Plastic, Modern, Office - Epidemic Sound.wav from Epidemic Sound.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell

Host Madhuraa Prakash

Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Image credit: Lindsey Vassallo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re playing stories from our 24 hour radio challenge, in which producers are tasked with creating audio stories from scratch in a day!

This year we had people participating in Sydney here at fbi but also down in Naarm and even overseas as far as Italy and the UK.

1 - Cristina Marras takes us into a recurring dream. 

2 - Keyari Page constructs a radio drama about the road to perfection.

3 - You know when you keep texting someone but they just..don’t reply? Linda Gao, B Fung Ling and Kaspar Visser weave a tale through voice notes about a secret and a lie wrapped up in sushi. 

4 -  Finally, Jac Hope delves into an underground community that subverts expectations. 

Congratulations to all of the makers who took part. We’ll be playing more stories from our 24 hour radio race in upcoming episodes. 

Can’t wait? Come hang out with us early for an online listening party on 11 December at 8am Eastern Standard time. You can register via the humanitix link here.

And you can always support the show by hitting subscribe or follow if you're listening to the podcast, or tuning in to your weekly broadcast on fbi radio at 9.30 am on Sunday or the Community Radio Network.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell

Host Madhuraa Prakash

Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Image credit: Lindsey Vassallo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re diving deep into the world of lost media, and in particular the mystery of - Australia's most intriguing missing song - which you might just be able to help solve! 

The Most Mysterious Song in Australia: A Lostwave Story by Strange Australian

In January 2024, Strange Australian was browsing Reddit looking for some obscure lost media, when he came across a thread about something they weren't really expecting to. A mysterious Australian song. A Lostwave. This pop-punk song has been unidentified since 2019, and is connected to a Sydney suburb.

Through Reddit, Discord and other conversations and research, he learned an incredible story. It is about a song, and it's also about community. So sit back and let us tell you the story about the most mysterious song in Australia-The Chatswood Youth Unknown Song.

You can discover the full documentary on Strange Australian's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeGemmNlo6U

A Lost Media Deep Dive

In this episode, we also speak to the caretakers of this great search - Lindsey Vassallo and Strange Australian to discover more about the world of lost media, archiving practices and the latest updates in the search for Austalia's most mysterious song!

Produced by Phoebe Adler-Ryan featuring an audio documentary on The Chatswood Lost Tape by Strange Australian with the support of Lindsey Vassallo.

Featured music 'Just Be Curious' by Jerry Lacey on Epidemic Sound

Do you have a lead on the Chatswood Lost Song? Reach out to us at All The Best ([email protected]) or reach out to the Lost Wave Community: https://lostwaves-finest.fandom.com/wiki/Woo_Hoo

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell

Host Madhuraa Prakash

Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Image credit: Lindsey Vassallo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about reclaiming public spaces.

Demon Derriere by Azrielle de Vor

Azrielle interviews an absolute icon of the local arts scene here in Sydney. Demon Derriere is a mesmerising performer and host, and the creator of Big Thick Energy. 

Produced by Azrielle de Vor with mentorship from Danni Stewart. It was produced as part of the Community Media Training Organisations’s Audio Ability program.

Audio Ability is currently open for applications for their 2025 cohort, head to www.cmto.org.au to learn more and apply!

Out here by Angelina Mazza

Producer Angelina explores queers reclaiming the hiking trail in New York City. She investigates how the policing of public spaces has made it hard for queer and trans people to access the outdoors. 

Riis Beach by Danni Stewart

During New York Pride last year Danni took their Zoom recorder to Riis Beach.

For generations Queer New Yorkers have come to Riis but it’s a space that is constantly under threat.

This moment in time was contentious for the future of the space as the abandoned hospital building behind it had just been demolished, with property developers and conservative council members eyeing off the space for development.

Produced by Danni Stewart.

Have an idea for your own story?

If you have an idea for your very own ambitious audio documentary, think about applying for the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. Successful applicants will get access to monetary support as well as individualised training and mentorship to help realise their ideas.  Applications are open until November 27, head to www.allthebestradio.com

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell

Host Madhuraa Prakash

Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Image: Danni Stewart 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you think I look like?

Is that a weird question? Probably. But I do have a point, stay with me. 

In a perfect world we’re all moving away from judging a book by its cover, I don’t think we can say we’ve achieved this quite yet.  

This idea is unpacked in our stories this week which delve into growing into our own skin, against the grain of social expectations. 

Dating when different by Carey Scheer

In our first story, Daniella Biagi shares the challenges of dating with physical differences. From traumatic encounters, malicious body-shaming to numerous not-so-happy dates, Daniella finds healing, growth, and resilience, as she leads us through a quest for genuine connection—with others and herself—in a world too quick to judge.

Remember, you are worthy of love just as you are—the right person won’t need you to have Snow White’s beauty, or Cinderella’s glass slippers to see the princess you’ve always been.

This story was produced by Carey Scheer with additional production by Mel Bakewell.

You can discover more of Carey's work at Purple Orange podcast.

Comfortable by Samuel Luke

In the second story, Samuel reflects on his transition journey of coming out as transgender and the emotional weight of his first year on testosterone. Through recalling vivid memories and emotions, Samuel explores the dissonance between his evolving body, the long-held feelings of discomfort, alongside the slow, surreal process of self-acceptance. 

It’s not just about becoming—it’s about relearning how to exist, to heal, and to finally see oneself in a body that feels like home.

Find more of Samuel's work on Instagram @samuellukeart or at samuellukeart.com.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell

Host Madhuraa Prakash

Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Image: Liz Ham lizham.com 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, stories about the things we sometimes need to do to get a decent bite to eat. 

Table Diving by Patrick Mckenzie

In our first story, Patrick explores the odd temptation and social taboo of "table-diving"—taking leftover food from strangers' plates. Through his inner thoughts and expert interviews, the episode delves into themes of etiquette, hygiene, and practicality behind the peculiar act of table-diving. 

To take or not to take—would you dare snatch that chip? Don’t worry, human pigeon, your secret’s safe with us.

Produced by Patrick McKenzie with Supervising Production by Mark Yin.

Big Rat by Miles Mazzocato

In the next story, Miles tells a story of confronting a community of rats: a symbol of the sacrifices needed for survival. As one weighs the cost of economic stability against the value of joy, the harsh reality of their choices becomes painfully clear. 

When the pasta is cold, wet, and rosemary can’t fix it, maybe it’s time to question if survival alone is worth the taste.

Around the back by Danielle O’Neal, Inger Kviseth, Doreen Lee and Christina Lu 

In our third story, Charlie, a performer, shares his weekly adventures of dumpster diving with his partner, Jenny, uncovering treasures like Dutch chocolates and olive oil.  Highlighting systemic inefficiencies and hypocrisy of supermarket chains, the story exposes the paradox of food abundance and waste in a world facing hunger.

Dumpster dive, gourmet finds; a treasure hunt worth a try.

Would you like to get involved in audio storytelling?

Audio Club

Come along to Audio Club to meet other makers and collaborate on fun, low-stakes creative challenges. In November we're running a 24-hour radio challenge! Details here: https://forms.gle/yYWyxaibKvmrbsnf8

The Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship

Or, if you're already a budding maker, make sure you take a look at the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. We're supporting four emerging audio producers with some cash, tailored mentorship and workshops in 2025. Full details here.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer Mel Bakewell

Host Madhuraa Prakash

Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

Cover Art by Miles Mazzocato

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a podcast fiction story that examines the media industry and an interview about the artistic process behind it.

B Fung-Ling and Derek Dao are the hosts of the Licensed Poetics podcast and extremely passionate about supporting emerging artists.

All The Best Exec Producer Phoebe Adler-Ryan sat down with the duo to talk about the story they created for us and their artistic process delving into audio fiction for the first time.

A Literary Podcast Origin Story

Two literary critics are tasked with writing a book review at Big Media Company. It’s their first real job where their opinion will carry influence, but things go wrong even before they can select a book. Receiving little help from their dysfunctional Editor, the young writers are stuck between personal interest and intellectual integrity. What is the duty of a critic? Whom do they serve? And in the age of AI, is it even worth it?

That story was produced by Derek Dao and B Fung-Ling. B Fung-Ling also directed the piece. Voice acting by Derek Dao, Eva Chen and Angela Wu. Postproduction by Ivy Xu and artwork by Sofi Sun.

The Supervising Producer was Persephone Waxman.

You can follow B Fung-Ling @licensedpoetics, Derek Dao @daonationspls, Eva Chen @eva0765, Angela Wu @li_vermin_li, Sofi Sun @afterclasstourist and more of Ivy Xu's work at www.31atlarge.com

Would you like to get involved in audio storytelling?

Audio Club

Come along to Audio Club to meet other makers and collaborate on fun, low-stakes creative challenges. In November we're running a 24-hour radio challenge! Details here: https://forms.gle/yYWyxaibKvmrbsnf8

The Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship

Or, if you're already a budding maker, make sure you take a look at the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. We're supporting four emerging audio producers with some cash, tailored mentorship and workshops in 2025. Full details here.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Host: Madhuraa Prakash

Episode Mixed and Compiled by Emma Higgins

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a story about connection through theatricality and a night at the circus.

For Persephone, La Clique is both home and family. She shares childhood memories spent in circus cabaret wings, sketching and watching performers she now calls colleagues. 

The episode also features Harley Mann, custodian of Na Djinang Circus, a First Nations led contemporary troupe. Blending Indigenous themes with Western circus traditions, Harley explores “identity” and how “failures", both choreographed and accidental, bring authenticity to circuses, blending superhuman feats with human vulnerability.

Ending the episode is David Bates, Persephone’s father and founder of La Clique. Walking down the memory lane of La Clique’s past and its iconic Spiegel tent, the father-daughter look toward the future of circus and cabaret, celebrating its ever-evolving nature and its power to bring joy, and provoke thoughts.

Under the circus lights, we are all part of the act—each gasp, each clap a heartbeat in the night; a legacy that pulses wonder across generations.

This story was produced by Phoebe Adler-Ryan. With special thanks to Harley Mann, David Bates and Persephone D'Arbela Bates for sharing their stories.

You can see La Clique at the Sydney Opera House until November 17.

Find out more about Na Djinang and their next tour dates at: https://www.nadjinang.com.au/

Music Credits

This story featured Kotoba, Usufruct, Primordial by Nuisance from the Free Music Archive.

And music from La Clique including Hurry On Down by Madam And The Rent Party, Curtain Call by La Soirée and the La Clique Trailer theme.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a story and an interview about resistance, dissent and the power of storytelling as an act of protest. 

Where to from here? by Isabella Lee

In this episode, Isabella speaks with Marto, a Pro-Palestinian cyclist, and Annie, an emerging writer. Reflecting on the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, they express their feelings of helplessness as they struggle to find impact in their efforts. Together, they explore how movements foster solidarity and how small, creative actions can ignite lasting change and sustain long-term activism.

Remember, all it takes is a little compassion and creativity to shed light where it’s needed most… because often, “the most important light is the one you cannot see”.

Music credits

Nuisance - Qanisqineq (Instrumental)
Dan Warren - Restoration (Instrumental)
Nuisance- Burnt Orange and Burning
Nuisance - Cabbage Moth (Instrumental)

Sara Saleh & Hasib Hourani

Host Mads speaks with two of the staunchest voices for Gaza in our local community, Sara Saleh and Hasib Hourani. We spoke about resistance through storytelling and finding solace and inspiration from one’s own community. 

Hasib Hourani's debut book is now in bookshops, rock flight can be purchased here. The fourth edition of Debris Magazine is also available now, co-edited by Hasib Hourani and Adalya Nash Hussein. 

You can buy The Flirtation of Girls and Songs of Dead and the Living here. Sara Saleh's poetry anthology is also on its way and you can catch her at writing events, including at the upcoming Blue Mountains Writers Festival - tickets here.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Host: Madhuraa Prakash

See 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.