As adults, we think we’re too old for fairytales… but they hold such important lessons about strength, transformation and compassion. 

In this episode we listen to modern fairytales… a modern rendition of the ugly duckling, and a transformation in an enchanted forest.

Water Off a Swan’s Back by Persephone Waxman

In a modern retelling of an ugly duckling, Persephone reminds us that its all just water off a swans back.

Written & Produced by Persephone Waxman

Sound design and score by Julian Smith Gard

The Voice Actors were Persephone Waxman as Swanathon; Gabrielle Angelone as Sweenie; Sofia Morreale as Diana; Thomas Von Rein as Duckworth; Marceline Di Bartolomeo as Dr Ribbit; Mark Spencer as Geese 1; Alex Clouston and Thomas Khulmann as Geese 2 and 3

This story was produced as part of audio fiction collective Script Roulette, who are based in Naarm and want you to make radio plays with them. Check out https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2026/festivals-and-series/play/script-roulette-podcast or their on their insta @scriptroulettepodcast

Where The Water Knows Your Name by Luca Gambirasio/Sound Commons Project

A wanderer takes a sip from a magical forest stream and wakes up in someone else’s feathers.

Because we all need to be taken care of sometimes, because really, we are all just reflections of one another. 

That story was produced by the Sounds Common Project  Find more of their work 

Writer, voice over, and composer Charity Rosario 

Producer and composer Luca Gambirasio 

This story was produced as part of All The Best’s 24 Hour Radio Race back in November 2025. 

Check out some previous episodes on the radio race https://allthebestradio.com/featured/617-beneath-the-surface/ ,  https://allthebestradio.com/featured/676-mirrored/  and the second story, Hook, Line & Sinker in https://allthebestradio.com/featured/622-sunburned/ 

All The Best Credits

Host: Gabriella Accaria

Kwame Slusher is our Production Manager. 

Catarina Fraga Matos is our Community & Programming Manager

The All The Best Executive Producer is Mel Bakewell. 

Imogen Brosnan is our Digital Media Trainee,

Patrick McKenzie writes our newsletter, and a special shout-out to all our amazing volunteers 

Shining Bird composed our theme music, and Annie Hamilton designed the artwork.