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 it’s all just water off a swan’s 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, which is based in Naarm and wants 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 on their Instagram @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.