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

Melodie Barnett and Sevrin McPherson

A GenX aunt and GenZ nephew discuss culture, trends and current events to better understand what's happening around us, why we think the way we do, and what we can do to help each other get along in an increasingly complicated world. Published semi weekly until junior heads off to uni, then we'll see! For links mentioned in the podcast visit us on Bluesky @xwhyz-cad.bsky.social. And check out our carefully curated X?Z Podcast Playlist updated episodically on Spotify.

Episodes

  1. I promise you I will: commitments

    09/07/2025

    I promise you I will: commitments

    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.

    36 min
  2. We don't need that fascist groove thang: politics

    08/01/2025

    We don't need that fascist groove thang: politics

    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 your further listening pleasure.

    40 min
  3. Pass the dutchie: substance use

    07/16/2025

    Pass the dutchie: substance use

    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.

    39 min
  4. Walk like a man: bro code

    07/02/2025

    Walk like a man: bro code

    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 - the importance of mental health, and the need for a more support and respect for each other, regardless of gender (or age!).

    39 min
  5. We built this city: music

    06/03/2025

    We built this city: music

    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 music, and generational differences (and similarities) in music appreciation - spoiler alert, we like a lot of the same songs and they're not all "vintage!" We also talk controversial artists, artists we love (and don't), gross lyrics, and the subjective nature of music. We come from a long line of (sometimes questionable) music lovers and we've exploded our playlist to prove it. Start listening here and please enjoy responsibly! Some of those lyrics are, um, NSFW!

    36 min
  6. If I had a photograph of you: permanence

    05/22/2025

    If I had a photograph of you: permanence

    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 how these themes resonate differently across generations.

    24 min
  7. Into the great wide open: the future

    04/27/2025

    Into the great wide open: the future

    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!

    29 min
  8. Don't you want me? Instant (and delaying) gratification

    04/22/2025

    Don't you want me? Instant (and delaying) gratification

    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 convenience and speed over quality.

    32 min
  9. Hello, hello again: responsiveness

    03/29/2025

    Hello, hello again: responsiveness

    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 communication and relationships with each other.

    30 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

A GenX aunt and GenZ nephew discuss culture, trends and current events to better understand what's happening around us, why we think the way we do, and what we can do to help each other get along in an increasingly complicated world. Published semi weekly until junior heads off to uni, then we'll see! For links mentioned in the podcast visit us on Bluesky @xwhyz-cad.bsky.social. And check out our carefully curated X?Z Podcast Playlist updated episodically on Spotify.

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