The XYZ Experiment

The XYZ Experiment

by Fiona, Darsh & Luke

Society & Culture

Season 6

Ep111: No Sunscreen, No Seatbelts, No Supervision: How Did We Survive?

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 for the newer generations are we seeing less broken bones in the classroom? With our Gen X Fiona sharing the crazy things she experienced during a very normal 70s childhood, to Gen Y Darsh highlighting how things started to change during her Gen, join us for this nostalgic trip as we wonder if kids today would survive our playgrounds. Hosted by Darsh & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

EP110: Eye Twitch Panic: When a Small Symptom Seems Huge

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 the psychology of self diagnosis, the impact of stress and stimulants on the body, and why sometimes, your eye twitch is just your coffee habit calling you out! Hosted by Darsh & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

EP109: You Know You Are Getting Old When......

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 reflect on the moment they realise they might actually be.... middle aged - and what that label really means to them now. Join us for a funny, thoughtful, and totally relatable chat about gaining, identity, and the strange comfort of seeing it all come full circle. Hosted by Darsh & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

Ep108: The Mental Load of Everyday Life Admin

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 tasks feels like freedom or failure. Is life actually simplier without a garden or kids? Or is it just another admin myth? Tune in for honest laughs, relatable chaos, and maybe a few uncomfortable truths about adulting. Hosted by Darsh & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

Ep107: Why Sleep is the Most Important Thing You Do All Day

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 modern life is waging war on our natural rhythms. Together with Prof. Shantha we unpack it all - plus we learn how he migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka, studied Psychology and Law to then becoming an expert in one of the most underrated aspects of human health and how this is now starting to change. Trust us, after this conversation, you'll never take sleep for granted again. This is a unmissable episode with proven tips on how to get a much better nights sleep. If you have problems with sleep or insomnia, or are interested in doing one of his sleep studies here are some links supplied by Prof. Shantha: Adolescent study: https://classstudymonash.weebly.com/ Shift worker app and expressing interest: https://www.sleepsync.com.au/ Sleep clinic: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/psych/turner-clinics/healthy-sleep-clinic Hosted by Darsh & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

Ep106: Future Trends, Deep Connections & Big Ideas - Inside the Mind of Futurist Steph Clarke

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 some of the most important relationships in your life. If you've ever wondered how to make bold moves in your career and think differently about the future, this episode is for you. Hosted by Darsh, Luke & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

Ep105: Little Wins, Big Feels: The Simple Joys We Didn't See Coming

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 triumphs. Hosted by Darsh, Luke & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

Ep104: I Now Call Australia Home

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 making the life changing decision to migrate to Australia. Here, they found safety, opportunity, and community, raising three daughters and building a life they now cherish. Join us as they reflect on resilience, hope, and what it means to call Australia home. Hosted by Darsh & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

Ep103: Do You Believe in Star Signs?

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 to other beliefs that have woven their way into our psyche. Join us as we explore what other beliefs does society hold and why these superstitions persists and what they reveal about our need for certainty in an uncertain world. Hosted by Darsh, Luke & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

Ep102: AI is Growing Faster Than Ever: How Do We Make Sure it Changes Us for the Better?

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries, jobs, and even how we think. But with this rapid growth comes a critical question - how do we ensure AI enhances our lives rather than replaces what makes us human? In this episode, we sit down with Sami Makelainen, a technologist, humanist, and AI specialist, to explore the impact of generative AI on society. We discuss the opportunities AI presents, the ethical challenges we must navigate, and how we can take a proactive, human centred approach to this technological revolution. Can AI be a tool for empowerment rather than disruption? How do we balance innovation with responsibility? And what skills do we need to thrive in an AI-driven world? Tune in for a thought provoking conversation that just might change the way you see the future. Hosted by Darsh & Fiona Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton Show runner Darsh Ayton Original music created and performed by Luke Champion Social media content created by Darsh Ayton & Fiona Kelly

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