A Good Story

Janis Dunning from Play at Life
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  • Society & Culture

Hi, and welcome to A Good Story. This podcast exists because I listen to a lot of true crime… and sometimes, after hearing about the worst of humanity, I need a gentle reminder of the best. A Good Story is a place for uplifting stories of kindness, joy, and everyday goodness. Stories about people doing quietly wonderful things. Stories that soften you a little. Stories that remind you the world isn't only what makes the headlines. This isn't a self-help podcast. There's no advice here, nothing to fix, and nothing you need to do. Just a good story — when you need one.

Episodes

  1. Ice Cream & City Lights

    May 20 ·  Video

    Ice Cream & City Lights

    Some evenings don't need a plan to become a story. In this episode of A Good Story, I wandered through Sydney with nowhere to be and nothing I had to do. I followed the sound of buskers through city streets, watched strangers drift past under the lights, and ate ice cream while the night unfolded around me. No big event. No perfect itinerary. Just one of those quiet, unexpected evenings that reminds you how alive a city can feel when you stop trying to control it. A story about wandering, people watching, music in the streets, and finding magic in an ordinary night. I'd love to hear from you. Find me in Instagram @janisplayatlife or email janisplayatlife@gmail.com

    9 min
  2. Volleysquash. What??

    Apr 18

    Volleysquash. What??

    Volleysquash… even the name sounds like someone made it up mid-laugh — and honestly, that's kind of the vibe. This quirky, mash-up game lives in pockets of passionate communities who've kept it alive purely for the fun of it, not the fame. It's a bit unconventional, and completely unbothered by whether it makes sense to anyone else. In this episode, we lean into the charm of something wonderfully niche — a sport that feels like an inside joke you're lucky enough to be let in on, and a reminder that play doesn't have to be polished to be powerful.

    6 min
  3. Bike Bus Movement

    Mar 28

    Bike Bus Movement

    In this feel-good episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Sam "Coach" Balto, a teacher who reimagined the daily school run by creating a "bike bus" for kids. What started as a simple idea quickly became a powerful movement—boosting physical activity, building confidence, and bringing an entire community together. It's a story of joy, connection, and how one small shift can spark something much bigger. 🚲✨ Link to news article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/20/cycling-to-school-almost-became-extinct-until-one-man-revived-the-bike-bus

    7 min
  4. Run for Hope

    Mar 18

    Run for Hope

    What pushes someone to run 170 kilometres in just 24 hours? For Natalia Hogan, it wasn't about records or recognition—it was about people. In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary story of endurance, compassion, and purpose as Natalia takes on an almost unimaginable physical challenge to shine a light on homelessness. With every step, she carried more than fatigue—she carried stories, struggles, and the urgent need for change. This isn't just a story about running. It's about what happens when one person decides to care deeply—and act boldly. Get ready to feel inspired, challenged, and reminded of the power we all have to make a difference… one step at a time. To donate head over to https://www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/runninghome

    5 min
  5. Making a Splash

    Mar 9

    Making a Splash

    Sometimes the simplest moments can bring us back to parts of ourselves we didn't realise we'd lost. In this episode, I share a personal story about rediscovering my love of the water — something I hadn't fully appreciated for a long time. It took a little encouragement from my daughter and a willingness to jump in to remind me just how joyful it can feel. It's a small story about play, connection, and the unexpected ways our kids can help us see the world with fresh eyes.

    7 min
  6. Bravery Beyond His Years

    Mar 8

    Bravery Beyond His Years

    When most people think of bravery, they imagine trained rescuers or dramatic movie scenes. But sometimes courage shows up in the most unexpected places. In this episode, I share the remarkable story of a 13-year-old Australian boy who swam four kilometres through the ocean and then ran two kilometres for help after his family got into trouble on the water. It's a powerful reminder that courage isn't about age or strength — sometimes it's simply about refusing to give up when the people you love need you most.

    5 min
  7. What If Everything Had a Story?

    Feb 21

    What If Everything Had a Story?

    A Good Story

    7 min
  8. A Quiet Act of Kindness

    Feb 13

    A Quiet Act of Kindness

    Today's story is about an unexpected act of generosity that arrived at just the right moment. A reminder that goodness doesn't always announce itself — sometimes it simply shows up, leaves a mark, and disappears. Six minutes of warmth, hope, and a little faith in humanity. Thank you to ikoliks at Pixabay for music that suits this podcast so well.

    7 min
  9. Dancing in the Streets

    Feb 6

    Dancing in the Streets

    In our very first episode, we're starting with a simple, joyful story about a woman in the UK who dances as she walks through her neighbourhood — not for attention, not for social media, just because it feels good. This isn't about her backstory or how she got there. It's about what she represents: permission. Freedom. The quiet rebellion of choosing joy in public, even when the world tells us to stay small, sensible, and serious. This episode is an invitation to notice how joy spreads, how playfulness can be contagious, and how sometimes the bravest thing we can do is move through life exactly as we are. No self-help. No fixing. Just a good story to lift your mood and maybe nudge you to dance a little more through your own day. Thanks for joining us. Janis at Play at Life Music credits to ikoliks at Pixabay

    6 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Hi, and welcome to A Good Story. This podcast exists because I listen to a lot of true crime… and sometimes, after hearing about the worst of humanity, I need a gentle reminder of the best. A Good Story is a place for uplifting stories of kindness, joy, and everyday goodness. Stories about people doing quietly wonderful things. Stories that soften you a little. Stories that remind you the world isn't only what makes the headlines. This isn't a self-help podcast. There's no advice here, nothing to fix, and nothing you need to do. Just a good story — when you need one.

Information

  • Creator
    Janis Dunning from Play at Life
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    A Good Story