The XYZ Experiment

This week, Fiona and Darsh sit down to explore what it really means to grow older. From shifting priorities to letting go of things that once felt urgent, they ask: do we actually become more relaxed with age, or just more selective about what matters? Join the conversation as our Gen X and Gen Y share their discoveries, wonderings, and the surprising ways perspective changes across generations. H...

In this episode , Darsh and Luke delve into what lifelong learning means across the generations. From school, to self education, career growth to personal passions, they explore how learning has shaped their lives and why it continues to matter. They reflect on the role of curiosity, technology, and opportunity in keeping the mind open, and ask: is learning ever really finished? Hosted by Darsh &a...

In this episode of The XYZ Experiment, Darsh and Luke dive into the foods that make them squirm. From childhood experiences to cultural quirks, they share the stories behind why certain dishes give them the dreaded "ick". Along the way, they explore whether eating is just about survival or if its something to savour - do we eat to live, or live to eat? Join us for a fun, honest, and slightly gross...

This week on The XYZ Experiment, we sit down with Dr Scarlett Howard (Head of the Integrative Cognition, Ecology and Bio-inspiration Research Group at the School of Biological Sciences) to explore the surprising intelligence of tiny insect brains. Her current work focuses on bees and whether they can understand mathematical concepts like odd and even numbers - spoiler alert, they can! How do minia...

This week, Luke (our resident Gen Z) is grappling with the harsh reality that his beloved 7year old iP{ad has hit its expiry date. No longer able to support the latest apps, it's sparked a bigger question: is it fair - or even ethical - that technology becomes obsolete so quickly? From nostalgia for the vices we once loved to the environmental and financial cost of constant upgrades, we unpack wha...

Perfume is no longer just a luxury, it's a booming multibillion dollar industry, growing at record speeds. In this episode, we explore the world of fragrance from a generational lens. We talk about perfumes and colognes we grew up with, the scents that defined our youth, and how a simple spray can transport us back in time. Do we still wear perfume today? Why do some of us feel unfinished without...

In this episode of The XYZ Experiment, we sit down with Professor Greg Bamber from Monash University's Faculty of Business and Economics, to unpack the forces transforming our workplace. From the different ways generations approach work (or if this Gen ideology is actually relevant), to the evolving role of unions, Professor Bamber offers insights grounded in decades of research and global experie...

In this episode of The XYZ Experiment , Darsh, Fiona & Luke, dive into the unsettling experience of learning the hidden truths behind beloved things—and how that knowledge can forever change your relationship with them. From the surprising origins of Monopoly as an anti-capitalist protest to the disillusionment of overanalysing sports and the heartbreak of discovering dark truths about admired...

In this episode our guest Amelia and co-host Luke, dive into the Gen Z approach to travel and it's not about snapping selfies at landmarks (sorry Millennials!). For Gen Z it is all about the experience. Whether it's slow travel, solo travel, or chasing the vibe in lesser known places, this generation is redefining what it means to explore the world. Tune in to hear how they choose where to go, wha...

In this episode, we hit the road and compare what it was like learning to drive, then versus now. Our Gen X Fiona takes us back to the Wild West days of minimal supervision, dodgy cars and maximum freedom. Meanwhile, our Gen Y Darsh shares what it's like navigating modern driving; think apps, anxious parents, log books and ages on learner's permits. From manual gearboxes to automatic everything, w...

Why are we all so obsessed with true crime? In this episode Darch and Fiona dive into their love - or unease- with true crime podcasts and TV series. From "Serial" to "Making a Murderer, we unpack what it is about crime stories that keep us up at night (and somehow help us fall asleep). Do different generations consume true crime differently? Is it empowering, numbing, or just addictive content? T...

Remember rushing home to catch your favourite show live? Gen X Fiona does. In this episode we ask: Does anyone actually watch TV anymore? We explore how each generation consumes television - from appointment viewing and box sets to streaming, bingeing and endless YouTube rabbit holes. Is sport the last thing keeping live TV alive? And are TikTok and Twitch becoming the new primetime? Tune in as we...

Stress. Anxiety. Overwhelm. In this candid conversation, our Gen X, Y and Z come together to share how they actually cope (or don't) with the pressure of modern life. From doom scrolling and deep breathing to counting backwards from 5 and using the alphabet, we explore what works - and what doesn't. We unpack the strategies that help us deflect, distract and diffuse stress, and how our generationa...

From the wilds of Tanzania to the western suburbs of Melbourne, Tara Crowe's life has been anything but ordinary. In this episode , we follow Tara's journey through unexpected twists - geographical, emotional, and deeply personal. She's a woman who's rebuilt, rediscovered, and redefined herself more than once. What drives a person to keep going, no matter what? And what happens when you finally fi...

In this heartwarming episode, Darsh and Fiona explore the beautiful, complex, and often hilarious world of sisterhood. As two women who grew up surrounded only by sisters, they reflect on what it means to be part of a sister tribe - through childhood squabbles, adult support systems, and lifelong friendship. From WhatsApp light night chats to fierce loyalty and unshakeable bonds, this episode cele...

Luke, our resident Gen Z, is spiralling, convinced he is turning into a millennial and confronts the terrifying possibility that he is losing his edge. But is it really a generational identity crisis, or just the inevitable creep of maturity? In this episode, we explore the anxiety of adulting, why growing up feels like selling out, and whether Gen Z are just reaching adulthood a lot later than th...

Remember flying off the monkey bars, riding bikes without helmets, no sunscreen and no seatbelts when driving? In this episode Fiona and Darsh sit down and ask: What happened to danger? We explore how childhood has changed- from bruises, grazes and broken bones to bubble wrap safety- and whether today's kids are missing out on more than just scraped knees. With an increase in screen time indoors f...

When Darsh developed a relentless eye twitch, her mind went straight to the worse-case scenario - was her MS flaring up? Cue the late night googling, anxiety spirals, and self diagnosis rabbit holes. But the real culprit? Top much caffeine. In this episode, we talk about how easily small symptoms can trigger big fears, especially when you're already living with a chronic condition, We chat about t...

In this episode Gen X Fiona and Gen Y Darsh chat about the subtle (and sometimes shocking) moments that made them realise they're getting older. From fashion trends making a comeback, to weird new body aches, to movies and books being reimagined - even though they've definitely seen the original - they explore what it feels like to watch the culture of their youth cycle back around. They also refl...

Are you smashing through your to do list - or just barely staying afloat in a sea of bills to pay, appointments to be made, cooking to be done and laundry? In this epsiode, Darsh and Fiona get real about the mental load of everyday life admin. They spill the tea on how the admin gets divided in their relationships - what they take on, what their partners handle (or don't), and whether giving up ta...

What if the most powerful tool for better health, sharper thinking and a longer life was something you're not taking seriously enough? Spoiler: It's Sleep In this episode, we sit down with Professor Shantha Rajaratnam a Sleep and Circadian Cycle Specialist, to uncover the hidden power of sleep. We hear about the latest research on why we sleep, how it shapes our mood to our immune systems, and why...

Steph Clarke's career path has been anything but ordinary - from auditing to leading learning & development teams, to becoming a sought-after futurist. In this episode, she shares her journey, the skills that shaped her work, and how she helps organisations stay ahead of the curve. On top of this she is writing a book about friendships and how to deepen the bonds, in a meaningful way, with som...

This week, we're celebrating the little wins - the kind that sneak up on you and make life feel unexpectedly wonderful. From a stunning view out a plane window to a peaceful walk in the park or laughing with friends at a silent disco, we're sharing the moments that reminded us joy doesn't have to be big or loud. Tune in for a feel-good chat that might just inspire you to notice your own tiny trium...

In this heartfelt episode we sit down with Sam and Priya - the proud parents of our co-host Darsh - to share their incredible migration story. Born and educated in Sri Lanka and India, they moved to Nigeria with hopes of saving for a bright future back home. But when civil war broke out in Sri Lanka, returning was no longer an option. As Tamils, they faced uncertainty and upheaval, ultimately maki...

In this episode we dive deep into the fascinating world of star signs and superstition, as we have noticed, on our social media content, they seem to be making a come back. As our Gen X and Millennial reminisce about the daily horoscope on the radio and in the newspaper, we explore whether our star sign is simply a fun label - or if it secretly influences our lives - and broaden the conversation t...