‘Dark matter’ is a component of the universe that scientists say encompasses 80% of its makeup.

It doesn’t emit light and is therefore invisible and it cannot be detected by electromagnetic or other means.

Scientists say dark matter exists, not because they’ve encountered it but because it doesn’t make sense for the rest of the universe to exist without it. 

The students of the Master of Journalism at the University of Melbourne were tasked with creating an audio story using the term ‘dark matter’ as inspiration. As part of All the Best’s annual collaboration with these students we have chosen some of our favorites to share with you.

1 - Psilocybin

Amelia investigates Australia’s journey into legalising psychedelic assisted therapies, where MDMA and magic mushrooms could be used to treat severe PTSD and depression. 

Produced by Amelia Costigan

2 - Taboo

Our next story focuses on the idea of ‘taboo’, a term that has a long history from ancient religious societies. But despite this history are taboos still relevant in contemporary society? Or they just a way for families to maintain control?

Produced by Li Guangao

3 - New Parents

Post-natal depression and anxiety is a common issue suffered by new parents, but is rarely talked about in the mainstream. Our next story explores the toll this isolating feeling can take on the people bringing new life into the world. 

Produced by Angelina Maroulis

4 - A Light in Dark Times

Our final piece is the story of Sarah Chien. Sarah is an international student from Taiwan who used her creativity and connection to culture to create a light for herself in the darkest of times. 

Produced by Chung-Yun Hsu



Supervising production for these stories were by Sami Shah, Daniel Semo and Mell Chun.

Music: Dark Matters by Leftfield



All The Best credits:

Production Manager: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Manager: Mell Chun

Host: Madhuraa Prakash



All the Best's Monthly Newsletter is back! Sign up here.

Stay in the loop with all things All The Best by signing up for our monthly newsletter. On the second last Wednesday of every month, receive a rundown of the latest episodes, info on upcoming events, giveaways, competitions and free resources! 

‘Dark matter’ is a component of the universe that scientists say encompasses 80% of its makeup.
It doesn’t emit light and is therefore invisible and it cannot be detected by electromagnetic or other means.
Scientists say dark matter exists, not because they’ve encountered it but because it doesn’t make sense for the rest of the universe to exist without it. 
The students of the Master of Journalism at the University of Melbourne were tasked with creating an audio story using the term ‘dark matter’ as inspiration. As part of All the Best’s annual collaboration with these students we have chosen some of our favorites to share with you.
1 - Psilocybin
Amelia investigates Australia’s journey into legalising psychedelic assisted therapies, where MDMA and magic mushrooms could be used to treat severe PTSD and depression. 
Produced by Amelia Costigan
2 - Taboo
Our next story focuses on the idea of ‘taboo’, a term that has a long history from ancient religious societies. But despite this history are taboos still relevant in contemporary society? Or they just a way for families to maintain control?
Produced by Li Guangao
3 - New Parents
Post-natal depression and anxiety is a common issue suffered by new parents, but is rarely talked about in the mainstream. Our next story explores the toll this isolating feeling can take on the people bringing new life into the world. 
Produced by Angelina Maroulis
4 - A Light in Dark Times
Our final piece is the story of Sarah Chien. Sarah is an international student from Taiwan who used her creativity and connection to culture to create a light for herself in the darkest of times. 
Produced by Chung-Yun Hsu
 
Supervising production for these stories were by Sami Shah, Daniel Semo and Mell Chun.
Music: Dark Matters by Leftfield
 
All The Best credits:
Production Manager: Phoebe Adler-Ryan
Editorial Manager: Mell Chun
Host: Madhuraa Prakash
 
All the Best's Monthly Newsletter is back! Sign up <a href="http://eepurl.com/ia24c">here</a>.
Stay in the loop with all things All The Best by signing up for our monthly newsletter. On the second last Wednesday of every month, receive a rundown of the latest episodes, info on upcoming events, giveaways, competitions and free resources!

All The Best is for new Australian storytelling. Hear from a Melbourne-based cannibal, how the Australian Wallabies used theatre workshops to improve their game, anxiety attacks in a Tantric sex class, and what the shopping centre Santa Claus is really thinking, all on All The Best. 


We're a weekly radio show and podcast produced at FBi Radio in Sydney in association with SYN and Triple R in Melbourne, and broadcast nationally via the Community Radio Network. We’ve been telling stories in a variety of forms since 2011, picking a theme each week and using short form documentary, personal narrative, interviews, and spoken word to bring you the best from across Australia.

All The Best is for new Australian storytelling. Hear from a Melbourne-based cannibal, how the Australian Wallabies used theatre workshops to improve their game, anxiety attacks in a Tantric sex class, and what the shopping centre Santa Claus is really thinking, all on All The Best. 
 
We're a weekly radio show and podcast produced at FBi Radio in Sydney in association with SYN and Triple R in Melbourne, and broadcast nationally via the Community Radio Network. We’ve been telling stories in a variety of forms since 2011, picking a theme each week and using short form documentary, personal narrative, interviews, and spoken word to bring you the best from across Australia.

All The Best

Dark Matter - Melbourne Uni Stories

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 

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

out hear

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 

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 <a href="https://purpleorange.org.au/stories/podcast-evolution-self-understanding">Purple Orange podcast</a>.
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 <a href="http://samuellukeart.com/">samuellukeart.com</a>.
 
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

it's not me it's you

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 worldfacing 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

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: <a href="https://forms.gle/yYWyxaibKvmrbsnf8 ">https://forms.gle/yYWyxaibKvmrbsnf8 </a>
 
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 <a href="https://allthebestradio.com/all-the-best-fbi-radio-present-the-jesse-cox-audio-fellowship/">here</a>.
 
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

Dark Matter - Melbourne Uni Stories

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