X?Z: helping generations X and Z navigate the world... and each other

As Sev heads off to uni (go WLU Golden Hawks!), he and Mel have an important conversation about making and keeping commitments, the kind of heavy stuff that sometimes makes being an adult suck. This may be our last episode ever or at least for a while, so give it a listen.

Sevrin starts his studies in poli sci in September, 36 years after Mel did, at the same university no less. Politics is in our genes, apparently, so we figured it was time to talk about it, from the importance of political literacy and fact-checking to the role of education, family, friends and social media in shaping our opinions. We've updated the playlist with a few good protest songs too, for...

You know you've hit a new stage in your aunt-nephew relationship when you start talking about your own alcohol and drug use in an honest, non lecture-y way. Yup, we did it and here it is. This is your brain; this is your brain on the X?Z Podcast.

In this episode we talk 'bro code,' exploring its implications on masculinity, peer pressure, and societal expectations. Sev reveals the dual nature of bro code (who knew??), with both positive and negative connotations, and shares how it has evolved over time. Our conversation highlights the pressures faced by young men today - something experienced more by young women in the age of the X...

What's on your favourites playlist? Is it the same as what was on your mixed tape in 1985? In this episode, we explore the evolution of music preferences from teenage years to adulthood, discussing how personal tastes are shaped by peer influence, parental guidance, and the changing landscape of music consumption. We talk lyrics versus beats, the role of streaming services in discovering new m...

In this episode of the XYZ Podcast, hosts Mel and Sev explore the theme of permanence, particularly in relation to generational differences in perspectives on ownership and consumption. We discuss the importance of physical items versus digital access, the rise of subscription services and fast fashion. Our conversation also touches on nostalgia and the value of personal keepsakes, highlighting ho...

In this previously unreleased pilot episode (we were just learning what we were doing, so please be forgiving;)), Sev and Mel talk about what the future looks like for Gen Z and how Gen X perceived ours back in the day. Released in honour of Sevrin's 18th birthday; happy birthday Sev!

In this episode, Sev and Mel explore the concept of instant gratification, particularly how it affects different generations. They discuss the value of money, the influence of peer pressure and social media, and the role of dopamine in our spending habits. The conversation also touches on the importance of creativity, resilience, and the dangers of impulse buying in a society that prioritizes conv...

In our inaugural episode of the X?Z Podcast, hosts Mel - the Gen X aunt - and Sevrin - the Gen Z nephew - explore generational preferences when it comes to communicating with each other, and why one's definition of what it means to be responsive may leave the other wanting or seething. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and bridging generational gaps to foster better commu...