The XYZ Experiment

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 n...

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...

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 & Fi...

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 mi...

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 thei...

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...

In this episode we explore the age-old question that every book lover has asked themselves: "Why do we keep rereading the same books?"

Whether it's the comfort of familiar characters, the thrill of uncovering hidden layers, or simply a nostalgic escape, we are exploring what makes a story worth returning to time and time again.

Join us as we chat about the nostalgia, the emotional connections, and the surprising revelations that com...

Do you hear a voice inside your head narrating your thoughts, or is your mind just silent?

In this fascinating episode, Fiona, Luke and Darsh sit down to compare their inner worlds, only to discover that one of them is the odd one out.

Is having an inner voice a superpower or just background noise? And do we process thoughts in unexpected ways when we talk to ourselves?

Hosted by Darsh, Luke & Fiona

Produced by Fiona Kelly & ...

Do you pour your thoughts onto paper, or does the idea of journalling feel like homework? In this episode, three generations come together to talk about their experiences (or lack thereof) with journalling.

From the classic Dear Diary entries of the past to digital note taking and voice memos, we explore how different ages approach self-reflection and memory keeping, is journalling a life changing habit or just another trend?

Tune ...

And we are back for 2025...

This week we peel back the curtain on our most outrageous and funny pranks.

Join us as we share true stories of how these stunts were planned, executed, and sometimes hilariously backfired.

From the spark and intricate planning of a wild prank by Darsh, Luke's prank as a 6 year old that had recurring consequences over months and Fiona's prank on a sister that got her in lots of trouble with her folks.

Whe...

Was 2024 everything you expected?

Not so much for our team at The XYZ Experiment. We're reflecting on the surprises, curveballs, and unexpected moments that shaped the year.

From personal milestones, job losses and an unusually busy year, join Darsh, Luke and Fiona as they share their biggest "didn't see that coming" moments.

Tune in for a heartfelt and humorous look back at the year that kept us all on our toes. Whether it's a wild ...

Join us for this riveting episode as we sit down with Stephanie and Kathy who share their powerful story of surviving Cyclone Tracy, the devastating storm that tore through Darwin on Christmas Eve, 1974.

They recount the chaos, fear, and strength it took to endure the storm's destruction, as well as its lasting impact on their lives and community.

This episode offers a raw and heartfelt glimpse into a pivotal moment in Australian his...

Does it ever feel like the days are flying by, and you can't seem to keep up?

Our Gen Z Luke explores how his year has flown by, but it feels like time has still stretched as he navigates huge changes in his life. But our Gen X Fiona and Gen Y Darsh feel like precious time is disappearing quicker than ever.

In this episode we explore the feeling of time slipping away, why it happens, how it affects each of our generations, and what ...

Saying "No" might be one of the hardest and most powerful things we can do.

In a world that constantly demands our time and energy, learning when to set boundaries is essential for our mental health and emotional well-being.

In this episode we explore the art of saying no: how we recognise our limits, why it's ok when we disappoint others, and when refusing certain demands is actually a form of self care.

Tune in for a reminder tha...

This week we explore into the concept of dualism - the idea that life is shaped by opposing forces.

Can you consider yourself a great best friend, yet not have contact with them for months? Can you consider yourself an excellent wife, yet not do any of the traditional roles of a wife. Can you define yourself as an avid reader and lover of books, yet not read any books for a long time? You get our drift.

We explore the beliefs we have...

Trigger Warning: In this episode we discuss domestic violence which we know can be distressing. This is to empower you, our audience with the knowledge you need to make a healthy decision about how and if you should consume this podcast content.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kathy, a survivor of domestic violence who grew up in a home marked by fear and resilience. She bravely shares her story, shedding light on the tra...

In this episode Darsh and Fiona explore the trend of Dopamine Dressing - how clothes can boost your mood, confidence , and even mental health.

From Darsh's bright colours to Fiona's statement pieces, we discuss how dressing up makes us feel empowered, creative, and often energised in our different stages of life.

It's a lot of fun working out your style no matter what age. Tune in for a conversation about the psychology of style and...

What drives each generation to reconcile or cut ties with a friend? Does each generation approach forgiveness, accountability, and personal boundaries differently?

In this episode we explore the modern day phenomenon of 'unfriending' - from social media to real life - and examine what it really takes to decide whether a friendship is worth fixing or letting go.

Join us as we unpack the emotional and generational nuances of mending (o...

This week we bring together our three generations to reminisce about the Milk Bars (Corner Stores, Delis) that were once a staple of every Aussie neighbourhood.

These beloved stores were the go-to spots for after school snacks, one and two cent lollies, school lunches and impromptu hangouts.

Come join us as we explore the memories, the iconic treats, and the cultural significance of the classic milk bar, while also reflecting on how...