What does being “healthy” actually mean — and with so much advice coming at us from social media, are we making it more complicated than it needs to be?

This week on The XYZ Experiment, we’re joined by Dr Fran Alves, an early-career dementia researcher at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, and a passionate advocate for understanding the science behind the way we eat, sleep and move.

Fran’s research journey began with muscle wasting before taking her into the world of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. We talk about what happens to the way our brains and bodies use energy as we age, what her laboratory research could mean for the future diagnosis and treatment of dementia, and why our everyday lifestyle choices matter.

But Fran doesn’t just study health — she loves living it. We get into exercise, the current obsession with high-protein diets, sleep, food, fitness and the overwhelming amount of health advice filling our social media feeds. And how do we separate good science from the latest wellness trend?

And because this is The XYZ Experiment, there’s plenty of life beyond the laboratory too — including Fran’s love of her dogs and, of course, the all-important question: what’s the most Gen Y thing about her?

It’s a conversation about ageing well, staying strong and understanding what the science really says about looking after our brains and bodies — without getting lost in all the noise.

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

This week on The XYZ Experiment, we’re opening the door to a very personal piece of our past — our childhood bedrooms.

What did your room look like growing up? Were the walls covered in posters? Did you choose the paint, rearrange the furniture constantly, or have absolutely no say in how it looked? And what were the treasured possessions that made that little space feel completely yours?

For many of us, our childhood bedroom was the first place we got to express who we were or who we thought we were becoming. It was where we listened to music, studied, daydreamed, fought with our siblings, talked to friends for hours and occasionally slammed the door on our parents.

But what happens to that room when we grow up and leave?

Does your childhood bedroom still exist? Do your parents still refer to it as “your room” decades later? Has it become a guest room, an office or somewhere to store all the things nobody knows what to do with? And when you walk back into it as an adult, does it still somehow feel like yours?

Fiona, Darsh and Luke look back at the bedrooms they grew up in, what those spaces meant to them then, and how it feels to return to them now.

Because you may have moved out years ago…but somehow, it can still be your room.

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

Who are the people you turn to when you need advice, perspective or a push in the right direction?

This week on The XYZ Experiment, we're talking about mentors - who are they, where we find them and the impact they can have on our lives.

We explore what being a mentor actually means. It doesn't have to be a formal relationship or someone who has all the answers. Sometimes it's simply someone who sees something in you that you haven't quite seen in yourself.

Hosted by Darsh & Luke

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

Heart disease remains one of Australia's biggest health challenges — but how much of it could actually be prevented?

This week on The XYZ Experiment, we welcome back Susie Cartledge, Senior Research Fellow at Monash University and Clinical Nurse Consultant at Alfred Health, to talk about heart health, prevention and the changing way we deliver cardiac care.

Susie takes us through the risk factors for heart disease that we can actually do something about and explains why cardiac rehabilitation can make such a difference after a cardiac event — yet so many people who are referred never attend.

We also explore whether telehealth and hybrid models could make cardiac care more accessible, challenge the assumption that older generations can't or won't engage with digital healthcare, and look at what needs to change to ensure technology doesn't leave people behind.

Don't miss this riveting and important episode.

Hosted by Darsh & Luke

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

What do you happily spend money on — and what do you refuse to splurge on?

This week on The XYZ Experiment, Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z talk about the choices we make with our money. What does each generation consider a necessity? What feels like a luxury? And where do those things fit when you’re trying to stick to a budget?

We compare the things we’re willing to spend more on, the things we’ll happily go without, and the little rules that can help us decide before we buy — including the 24-hour rule and the 8-8-8 approach.

Because budgeting isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about priorities. What feels essential to one person might seem like a complete luxury to someone else.

So, what’s worth spending your money on?

Three generations. Three different perspectives. Come and join the conversation.

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

Whilst we're on holiday we are revisiting some of our favourite episodes. This week it's Luke's choice and he is taking us back to Episode 101.

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 come with a second (or third) look at the books that have shaped us. We will share personal stories, debate the pros and cons of returning to old favourites, and ask you, our listeners, to weigh in on your own rereading rituals.

Grab your well-worn copies or charge up the kindle, settle in and let's uncover why some stories just never say goodbye.

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

This week as we're on a break, Darsh has picked Ep88: Are You at Risk of a CyberScam as Dr Kate Gould gave some incredible tips on things to look out for in terms of are you being scammed, what is a scam and raising awareness of these crimes.

Dr Kate Gould is a clinical Neuropsychologist, clinical lead, and Positive Behaviour Service Senior Research Fellow at Monash University - Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, who works with people with Brain injury, Dr Kate takes us on a deep dive into the world of cyber scams.

We learn about the rise of social media scams, as Dr Kate exposes some of the most common cyber scams used today. We discuss how scammers target your digital life and how you can protect yourself from online scams.

Everybody is at risk and many of you may have already experienced some level of scamming and survived. This is a topic you can't afford to miss.

Find out more about what Dr Kate is doing in this space:

"The CYBERABILITY Project includes Monash University researchers, people with living experience of being scammed after ABI (acquired brain injury), and disability services who are working together to understand how to help people with ABI stay safe from scams." Check out their website here:

cyberability.org.au

And check out Dr Kate's podcast: Relentless Optimism on your favourite streaming platform.

Hosted by Darsh & Fiona

Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton

Edited by Fiona Kelly

Original Music created and performed by Luke Champion

Social Media content created by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton

As we take a break over June, we are sharing our favourite episodes that you may have missed. This week Darsh has picked Ep85: Glimmers: Finding Light and Joy in Everyday Moments.

Engaging in glimmers really help us to stay present, find joy and bring light into a world that can sometimes feel a little bit dark, and gloomy with some of the things happening in the world.

Darsh was reminded about finding the glimmer in your everyday life after taking a walk in the botanical gardens with her hubby and dog; listening to the cockatoos screaming at each other and flying around and just enjoying their natural craziness she suddenly realised that she hadn't looked at her phone, hadn't taken any videos or photos and was just experiencing true joy just watching nature.

We want you all to find the glimmer in your everyday life to remember how wonderful and simple life can sometimes be.

Hosted by Darsh & Fiona

Produced by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton

Edited by Fiona Kelly

Original Music created and performed by Luke Champion

Social Media content created by Fiona Kelly & Darsh Ayton

Fiona here from The XYZ Experiment.

Throughout June we're diving back into our archives and revisiting some of our favourite episodes.

My pick this week is Episode 107: Why Sleep Is the Most Important Thing You'll Do All Day.

What if one of the most powerful tools for better health, clearer thinking, improved mood and a longer life was something you're probably not getting enough of?

The answer is sleep.

In this fascinating conversation, we sit down with Professor Shantha Rajaratnam, one of Australia's leading sleep experts. We explore the science behind why we sleep, what happens when we don't, and how modern life is disrupting our natural rhythms.

If you've ever struggled with sleep or wondered how to improve it, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based tips that could change the way you think about your nights—and your days.

Enjoy the episode.

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

What have we been loving recently?

This week, we share the books, TV shows and experiences that have recently bought us joy, sparked curiosity or simply made life a little more interesting.

From old TV shows and card games to cooking with family and getting lost in a great book, we're sharing things we've genuinely enjoyed lately. Real recommendations from three generations with very different tastes.

Hosted by Fiona, Darsh & Luke

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