JOY Drive with Warren

Supporting a struggling friend can be one of the most important — and difficult — parts of friendship. Associate Professor Glen Hosking explains how to encourage someone to seek professional help, set healthy boundaries and avoid damaging the relationship in the process. Guest: Glen Hosking, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology, La Trobe University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Glen Hosking: How Do You Tell a Friend They Might Need Therapy? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Melbourne International Film Festival has unveiled the first titles in its 2026 program. Kate Fitzpatrick takes us inside the early announcements, including Australian premieres, international highlights and the stories filmmakers are telling right now. Guest: Kate Fitzpatrick, Senior Programmer at the Melbourne International Film Festival Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Kate Fitzpatrick: 2026 Melbourne International Film Festival appeared first on JOY Drive.

From age gaps and wage gaps to restaurant gaps and Disney gaps, the internet seems obsessed with labelling differences between couples. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne explores whether we are becoming too suspicious of friction in relationships. Guest: Dr Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Are We Turning Every Difference Into a Relationship Problem? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Victoria recorded more than 12,000 insurance claims involving vehicle theft in 2025. Dr Joel McGregor explains how car theft is changing, why modern vehicles are becoming new targets, and what drivers can do to better protect themselves. Guest: Dr Joel McGregor, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Swinburne University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Joel McGregor: Why Is Victoria Australia’s Car Theft Capital? appeared first on JOY Drive.

The new Kylie Minogue documentary sparks a broader conversation about public image, private struggles, resilience, reinvention and why queer audiences have formed such a lasting connection with one of Australia’s most beloved stars. Guest: Suzy Wrong Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Suzy Wrong: TV Series Review – ‘Kylie’ (The Documentary) appeared first on JOY Drive.

A major Australian study has found that social connection and mentally stimulating activities may play a bigger role in healthy ageing than many people realise. Professor Joanne Ryan explains what helps people stay active, independent and engaged later in life. Guest: Professor Joanne Ryan, Head of Biological Neuropsychiatry and Dementia research unit in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Professor Joanne Ryan: The Surprising Keys to Ageing Well appeared first on JOY Drive.

Is a marathon runner fitter than a weightlifter? Why can elite athletes excel in one area but struggle in another? Dr Hunter Bennett breaks down the different types of fitness and what a balanced approach to exercise really looks like. Guest: Dr Hunter Bennett, Lecturer in Exercise Science at the University of South Australia Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Hunter Bennett: What Does It Mean to Be Fit? appeared first on JOY Drive.

A new exhibition at Melbourne’s Immigration Museum explores the role football has played in helping generations of migrants, refugees and communities find a sense of belonging in Australia. Dr Moya McFadzean shares some of the remarkable stories behind Home is Football. Guest: Dr Moya McFadzean, Museums Victoria Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Moya McFadzean: How Football Helps People Find Home appeared first on JOY Drive.

Modern vehicles are collecting more information than ever before. Dr Dennis Desmond explains what connected cars know about us, how that data is used, and what drivers can do to better protect their privacy. Guest: Dr Dennis Desmond, Research Assistant, Defence Security and Resilience Theme at the University of the Sunshine Coast Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Dennis Desmond: How Much Does Your Car Know About You? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Researchers have found that shared dislikes can sometimes create stronger social bonds than shared interests. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne explores what this says about friendship, workplaces, social media and the surprisingly powerful role of mutual irritation. Guest: Dr Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Why We Bond Over Things We Hate appeared first on JOY Drive.

In an age of outrage, respectful disagreement can feel like a lost skill. Communication specialist Leah Mether shares practical ways to navigate difficult conversations, challenge ideas without attacking people, and stay curious when emotions run high. Guest: Leah Mether, Communication Specialist and author of ‘Soft is the New Hard and Steer Through the Storm’ Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Leah Mether: How to Disagree Without Damaging Relationships appeared first on JOY Drive.

Vegan leather is often marketed as a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. Associate Professor Caroline Swee Lin Tan explains what goes into many vegan products, why durability matters, and the environmental questions consumers should ask before they buy. Guest: Dr Caroline Swee Lin Tan, Associate Professor and Program Manager of the Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship) at RMIT University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Caroline Swee Lin Tan: Is Vegan Leather Better for the Planet? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Black coats. Black boots. Black puffer jackets. Melbourne’s fashion stereotype is famous worldwide, but where did it come from? Jye Marshall explores the city’s relationship with black clothing, creativity, identity and culture. Guest: Jye Marshall, Lecturer in Fashion Design, Swinburne University of Technology Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Jye Marshall: Why Does Melbourne Wear So Much Black? appeared first on JOY Drive.

New research is exploring whether the effects of long-term unhealthy diets can be reversed — and what sugar may be doing to memory and brain health. Associate Professor Evangeline Mantzioris explains the findings and what they mean for all of us. Guest: Associate Professor Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences and Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Evangeline Mantzioris: Can Years of Sugar Affect Your Memory? appeared first on JOY Drive.

From donor agreements and surrogacy to parenting, separation, property and gender recognition, family law can look different for LGBTQIA+ people. Bec Dahl answers some of the most common legal questions facing rainbow families and relationships today. Guest: Bec Dahl, Partner at Nicholes Family Lawyers Presenter: Warren Andrew Nicholes Family Lawyers is a proud JOY sponsor and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their experienced team can help with rainbow family law, including surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and asset protection. For more information, visit nicholeslaw.com.au, or call 03 9670 4122, or email [email protected] The post Bec Dahl: Law Talk – The Legal Questions Every Rainbow Family Should Ask appeared first on JOY Drive.

It affects energy, metabolism, temperature, weight and much more, yet many people know very little about it. Associate Professor Theresa Larkin explains how the thyroid works, why thyroid conditions are so common and the symptoms many Australians overlook. Guest: Dr Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Theresa Larkin: How the Thyroid Works appeared first on JOY Drive.

From billionaire morning routines to celebrity wellness habits, we are constantly told success leaves clues. Tamsin Simounds explains why personal growth is not about copying someone else’s formula but about experimenting to discover what works for your own life. Guest: Tamsin Simounds, Behaviour Change Expert and author of ‘The Experiment Mindset: Unlocking the Science of Personal Growth’ Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Tamsin Simounds: Why Copying Successful People Often Fails appeared first on JOY Drive.

Scientists are learning more about the constant conversation happening between our gut and brain. Associate Professor Vincent Ho explains the gut microbiome, the vagus nerve and how digestion may influence everything from sleep and mood to stress and overall wellbeing. Guest: Dr Vincent Ho, Associate Professor of Medicine and Academic Gastroenterologist at Western Sydney University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Vincent Ho: What Your Gut Is Trying to Tell Your Brain appeared first on JOY Drive.

The 2025 Aussie Bird Count has revealed Victoria’s most-reported birds, from magpies and wattlebirds to lorikeets and galahs. Sean Dooley explains what the results tell us about our suburbs, our environment, and the wildlife that share our everyday lives. Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager at BirdLife Australia Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Sean Dooley: Victoria’s Favourite Birds Revealed appeared first on JOY Drive.

A fever at 11 pm. A painful infection on a Sunday. A mental health crisis in the middle of the night. Dr Mahima Kalla explains the growing range of after-hours healthcare options available to Australians and how to work out which service is right for the situation. Guest: Dr Mahima Kalla, Research Fellow, Digital Health Validitron at the University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Mahima Kalla: Where Do You Go When You Need Healthcare After Hours? appeared first on JOY Drive.

The Australian Government is considering new protections that could automatically reimburse some scam victims. Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland explains how the proposal would work, why some experts have concerns, and what it could mean for Australians losing money to increasingly sophisticated scams. Guest: Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice and Associate Dean (International and Strategic Partnerships) in the School of Science at Edith Cowan University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland: Should Scam Victims Be Automatically Refunded? appeared first on JOY Drive.

During National Reconciliation Week, foster carer Emily White reflects on caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, helping young people stay connected to culture, family and community, and the lessons she’s learned from the children who have become part of her life. Guest: Emily White, Foster Carer, OzChild Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Emily White: Foster Caring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children appeared first on JOY Drive.

A handshake can signal trust, power, respect, awkwardness or rejection in just a few seconds. Dr Louise Pryke explains where the gesture originated, why political handshakes fascinate us, and why refusing one can still carry such force. Guest: Dr Louise Pryke, Honorary Associate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Sydney Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Louise Pryke: The Strange History of the Handshake appeared first on JOY Drive.

A new website is letting strangers pay to attend weddings around the world. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne explores what this says about loneliness, spectacle, connection, the experience economy and how private milestones are becoming public performances. Guest: Dr Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Would You Pay to Attend a Stranger’s Wedding? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Noah Secomb joined JOY Drive with the latest from Canberra, including the Federal Government’s legal action against 3M, tax changes entering Parliament and the National Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner stepping down. Guest: Noah Secomb, Federal Politics Reporter at the Community Radio Network Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Noah Secomb: Federal Politics Update – Firefighting Foam, Tax Changes and the NACC’s Next Chapter appeared first on JOY Drive.

Confined 17 features almost 500 works by First Peoples artists with lived experience of incarceration. Susannah Day explains how art, culture, identity and connection to Country can shift how people see themselves and how audiences see them. Guest: Susannah Day, Chief Executive Officer, The Torch Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Susannah Day: Confined 17 and the First Peoples Artists Seen Beyond Incarceration appeared first on JOY Drive.

A Melbourne study brought LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking asylum together in nature to explore loneliness, connection and belonging. Dr Nerkez Opacin explains how walking, gardening, food and shared outdoor spaces helped strangers become a community. Guest: Dr Nerkez Opacin, Senior Research Fellow in Nature and People, University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Nerkez Opacin: Nature, Chosen Family and Easing Loneliness appeared first on JOY Drive.

Most of us read from screens all day, but are we absorbing information the same way we do on paper? Professor Erik Reichle explains digital skimming, attention, comprehension and why some people still trust printed pages when it really matters. Guest: Professor Erik Reichle, Head of the Department of Psychology at Macquarie University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Professor Erik Reichle: Screen or Paper — How Do We Read Better? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Elliot Attard from JOY’s Checkpoint joined JOY Drive with the games everyone is talking about, the hype around GTA 6, the biggest debates in gaming culture and what queer gamers are watching next. Guest: Elliot Attard, Host of JOY’s Checkpoint Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Elliot Attard: What’s Hot in Gaming Right Now appeared first on JOY Drive.

The 2026 Melbourne Awards are now open, including the LGBTIQA+ Award category, recognising people, projects and organisations that are making Melbourne more inclusive. Sally Goldner AM explains why grassroots work matters and why community recognition can be powerful. Guest: Sally Goldner AM Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Sally Goldner AM: 2026 Melbourne Awards – Recognising LGBTQIA+ Change Makers appeared first on JOY Drive.

BMX may look like tricks, crashes and adrenaline, but new research shows it can also create deep belonging and community. Dr Dave Camillieri explains what BMX culture can teach us about inclusion, disability, confidence and connection. Guest: Dr Dave Camillieri, Senior Lecturer in Education and BMX enthusiast, University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Dave Camillieri: BMX, Belonging and Finding Your People appeared first on JOY Drive.

Suzy Wrong joined JOY Drive for a broader conversation inspired by Goddess Bless You From Death, exploring why some people romanticise sadness, the exhaustion of performing online and how meaning can be found in the quiet parts of life. Guest: Suzy Wrong Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Suzy Wrong: TV Series Review – ‘Goddess Bless You From Death’ appeared first on JOY Drive.

From slime and putty to NeeDoh toys and stress balls, sensory tools are everywhere again. Dr Susan Rowe explains why squishing, squeezing and fidgeting can feel calming, help focus and reveal how differently we all process sensation. Guest: Dr Susan Rowe, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor, Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Susan Rowe: Why Squishy Things Feel So Good appeared first on JOY Drive.

Ahead of the Mabo Day Celebration Concert at Fed Square, Tom Mosby reflects on Eddie Mabo’s legacy, the overturning of terra nullius and why the human story behind the High Court decision still matters today. Guest: Tom Mosby, Chief Executive Officer, Koorie Heritage Trust Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Tom Mosby: Mabo Day and the Fight That Changed Australia appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Sara Webb joined JOY Drive with the latest space news, including her experience watching a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch connected to her ISS experiment, strange rock formations spotted on Mars, and the Apollo to Artemis live show coming to Melbourne. Guest: Dr Sara Webb, Astrophysicist, Swinburne University of Technology Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Sara Webb: Space News – NASA Launches, Strange Mars Rocks and Apollo to Artemis appeared first on JOY Drive.

Online claims about 432Hz music promise calm, sleep and emotional healing, but what does the evidence actually show? Dr Sandra Garrido explores sound, expectation, placebo, music psychology and how to enjoy calming music without falling for misinformation. Guest: Dr Sandra Garrido, Senior Research Fellow, School of Psychology, University of Sydney Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Sandra Garrido: 432Hz Music and the Search for Healing Sounds appeared first on JOY Drive.

Australia’s under-16 social media ban has raised new questions about how young people stay informed. Professor Michael Dezuanni explains what teenagers lose when social media disappears from daily life, why traditional news often misses them, and what adults misunderstand about youth media habits. Guest: Professor Michael Dezuanni, Program Leader, Queensland University of Technology Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Professor Michael Dezuanni: Where Teenagers Get Their News appeared first on JOY Drive.

Why does food pinched from someone else’s plate feel more exciting than your own? Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne explains the psychology of stolen chips, guilt, risk, sharing, food boundaries and why some friendships may not survive garlic bread theft. Guest: Dr Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Why Stolen Chips Taste Better appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Jane Melville uncovers the remarkable life of Jane Ward Tost, a pioneering Australian taxidermist, bird expert and museum worker whose story was almost lost to history. Her new book explores science, survival, reinvention and the hidden women who helped build Australia’s natural history collections. Guest: Dr Jane Melville, Senior Curator, Terrestrial Vertebrates at Museums Victoria Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Jane Melville: New Book – ‘For Her Love of Birds’ appeared first on JOY Drive.

New reforms are changing how retirement villages operate in Victoria, with stronger protections and clearer information for residents and families. Nicole Rich explains contracts, fees, rights, exit costs and what to check before making one of life’s biggest decisions. Guest: Nicole Rich, Director, Consumer Affairs Victoria Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Nicole Rich: Retirement Villages and New Consumer Protections appeared first on JOY Drive.

Biological age looks at how old our bodies behave on the inside, not just the number on the cake. Associate Professor Evangeline Mantzioris explains new research showing how achievable dietary changes may influence markers linked to ageing in just four weeks. Guest: Associate Professor Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences and Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Evangeline Mantzioris: Food, Fibre and Biological Ageing appeared first on JOY Drive.

National Volunteer Week is celebrating the millions of Australians who give their time, skills and care to others. Geoff Sharp explains how volunteering is changing, why informal helping matters, and how people can get involved without feeling overwhelmed. Guest: Geoff Sharp, Chief Executive Officer, Volunteering Victoria Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Geoff Sharp: 2026 National Volunteer Week appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sarah Wilson’s new book ‘I Eat The Stars’ asks how we live fully and beautifully in a world that can feel overwhelming. She joined JOY Drive to talk about collapse, hope, technology, beauty, community and making long-term decisions in uncertain times. Guest: Sarah Wilson, author of ‘I Eat The Stars’ Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Sarah Wilson: New Book – ‘I Eat The Stars’ appeared first on JOY Drive.

Max Primmer joined JOY Drive for National Volunteer Week and the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. He reflects on ageing with purpose, queer visibility, community radio, volunteering and why growing older should never mean fading into the background. Guest: Max Primmer Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Max Primmer: Ageing Well, Volunteering and Staying Connected appeared first on JOY Drive.

New Federal Budget funding has raised hopes that Australia can move closer to virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2030. Dash Heath-Paynter explains what the investment means for PrEP, testing, treatment access, stigma and community-led prevention. Guest: Dash Heath-Paynter, Chief Executive Officer, Health Equity Matters Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dash Heath-Paynter: HIV Funding and the Push to End Transmission by 2030 appeared first on JOY Drive.

Most cholesterol tests focus on “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but Lp(a) is different: it is largely genetic, often silent and may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr Dannii Dougherty explains why this little-known cholesterol is becoming a major topic of conversation in heart health. Guest: Dr Dannii Dougherty, Head of Clinical Evidence, HNational Heart Foundation of Australia Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Dannii Dougherty: The Little-Known Cholesterol Getting Global Attention appeared first on JOY Drive.

Australian singer-songwriter Emma Donovan joined JOY Drive ahead of her NAIDOC Week performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall on Friday 10 July 2026. She reflects on family, culture, storytelling, soul music and the emotional connection between music and identity. Guest: Emma Donovan, singer-songwriter Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Emma Donovan: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – ‘Take Me To The River’ appeared first on JOY Drive.

A viral graduation speech praising AI and Jeff Bezos triggered an emotional backlash from students and tapped into much bigger anxieties about work, identity, trust and the future. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne explores why reactions to AI are becoming so charged. Guest: Dr Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Why a Graduation Speech About AI Sparked Outrage appeared first on JOY Drive.

The Twelve Apostles may look timeless, but scientists have uncovered a far more complex story hidden inside the cliffs themselves. Associate Professor Stephen Gallagher explains the ancient seas, microscopic fossils and dramatic geological forces that shaped one of Australia’s most iconic coastlines. Guest: Stephen Gallagher, Associate Professor and Reader School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at The University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Stephen Gallagher: The Hidden History of the Twelve Apostles appeared first on JOY Drive.

With RATs for the flu and COVID now common in households, many Australians are testing themselves before seeing a doctor. Professor Emerita Thea van de Mortel explains how accurate the tests really are, whether expired kits still work and the mistakes that can completely throw off results. Guest: Professor Emerita Thea van de Mortel, School of Nursing and Midwifery at Griffith University Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Professor Emerita Thea van de Mortel: Can We Trust RATs and Home Flu Tests? appeared first on JOY Drive.