Hey Mate - Artist Burnout

Art could be very relaxing and good for our well-being, especially when it’s on our own terms and a hobby.
However, sometimes when it becomes a job and deadlines are entered into the mix… that dreaded ‘blank page’ can rear its ugly head.
Do you know how to manage that anxiety or the signs of burnout?

4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin is joined by Aimee Davies, the Founder and Director of 'Hey Mate'
and they chatted about 'Hey Mates' Mental Health social enterprise that supports Australia’s creative industries... You know - starving artists, producers, and the wider community from across music, theatre, screen and dance.

The Tourney at Abbeystowe

June 7 marked the weekend of the Abbey Medieval Challenger Clash 2025, which saw a dozen teams square off against each other in the rapidly-growing sport of buhurt - armored combat.
Mack Prentis spoke with coaches, organisers, founders and steel-clad athletes about the sport, its roots and the incredible community powering it all

The Plight of the Greyhound

For decades, thousands of Greyhounds have been routinely bred, and discarded, every year here in Australia.
Hmmm. discarded may mean… they are they killed?
Can you actually do anything to help greyhounds? perhaps so...

4ZZZ’s Eliot Rifkin and Toni Pankaluic chatted with Lisa White the founder and president of ‘Friends of the Hound’ - as well as a rescuer about a greyhound’s racing career as well as their discarded after career life

Termite Transplants May Benefit Rainforests

We often think of termites as pests that chew through our homes, however could they hold the secret to reviving our rainforests?
A new research paper on Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest suggests ‘termite transplants’ may be necessary to help regenerating forests thrive.
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about how these tiny creatures might help shape the future of our planet’s forests with Dr Alex Cheesman of James Cook University.

What you need to know about the Solar Maximum 2025

Did you know our sun operates on a natural 11 year cycle, alternating between high and low magnetic activity?

In October 2024, U.S space agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the sun had reached its solar maximum phase and would continue into 2025.

However, has the maximum phase already peaked or will it do so later in the year?

To find out the answer as well as learning from past solar storm activity, 4ZZZ’s Toni Pankaluic spoke with Dr Benjamin Pope, an Associate Professor of Statistical Data Science at Macquarie University to find out more.

How the US Tariffs could impact Australia's Film & TV Industry

In early May, US President Donald Trump announced a 100 per cent tariff on films produced in foreign lands, marking the first instance of these trade policies extending to the entertainment industry.

The announcement has sparked fears for the future of the Australian film and television industry, while our streaming services are saturated with overseas content leaving little room for locally made stories.

To discuss the situation and possible future ramifications, 4ZZZ’s Toni Pankaluic spoke with Stephen Luby, a Lecturer in Screen Producing from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.

Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Culture

5th of May is Cinco de Mayo, a day when we all celebrate Mexico, sort of like a Mexican Saint Patrick’s day… however do you know the story behind Cinco de Mayo? Do you realise how much Mexican culture has enhanced our lives? Mexico is not just burritos.

4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about Mexico with Eduardo Martínez Curiel, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Mexican Embassy in Canberra.

Data Wiping: How Second Hand Devices may be a Cybersecurity Concern

When it comes to selling or disposing of phones and computers, simply deleting personal files or performing factory resets may not be enough to protect our data from hackers.

A study by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky found 90 percent of second-hand devices contained leftover sensitive information, such as passwords, medical files or tax documents.

However there are steps to protect and discard personal data responsibly.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Ritesh Chugh, an Associate Professor in Information and Communications Technology at Central Queensland University Australia to find out these protective steps as well as exploring the current situation involving device data breaching.

New Study disputes 'Digital Dementia' hypothesis for Elderly People

A new study by neuropsychologists finds no supporting evidence technology causes 'digital dementia' in older people.

The research found the use of digital technology, such as the internet, may have beneficial effects for people over 50.

To find out more, 4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke to Nikki-Anne Wilson, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of New South Wales (Sydney) and Neuroscience Research Australia. Nikki was not involved in the study, but the new findings provided an interesting discourse on the impact technology may have on the aging brain.

Are You Afraid to Grow Orchids

Are You Afraid to Grow Orchids?
Do you feel that orchids are the most evolved plants and are too complex for you to grow? We dove into the hidden world of orchids. Did you know the Queensland state flower is an orchid?
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Paul McCarthy from Brisbane Orchid Supplies, who helped us befriend these fascinating plants.