Rage Against The Vagine https://emrusciano.com/ en 2025 Em Rusciano Rage Against the Vagine is a six-part podcast series from Em Rusciano about perimenopause, patriarchy, and the midlife medical gaslighting we’re done putting up with. This isn’t your decline…it’s your reckoning. Combining lived experience with insights from top menopause-informed doctors, researchers, and psychologists, this series gets honest about what's happening to our bodies and brains during perimenopause, and why so few of us were warned. Each episode dives into one of six big questions - from “Why the fuck didn’t anyone tell us?” to “How the fuck do I get help?” Expect documentary-style storytelling, fierce honesty, and the kind of clarity you wish you'd had years ago. You’ll laugh, cry, maybe scream into a pillow...but importantly, we hope you walk away with language, validation, and strategies to take into your own life (and GP appointment). This podcast isn’t medical advice. It’s about sharing stories and expert perspectives to help you feel seen. Science is still catching up to lived experience, and not every doctor is trained in menopause care. If something here resonates, take it to a trusted healthcare professional. Your story deserves to be heard and validated. New episodes every Monday through August and September.  Episode Schedule: 18/08/2025 - You Are Not (F*cking) Alone 25/08/2025 - What (the F*ck) is Perimenopause? 01/09/2025 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us? 08/09/2025 - Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore 15/09/2025 - How (the F*ck) Do I Get Help? 22/09/2025 - How Do We Fix the (F*cking) Systems? About Em: Em Rusciano is one of Australia’s most vibrant and fearless multi-talented performers; writer, singer, comedian, producer, disability advocate, and podcaster whose heartfelt, unfiltered storytelling has made her a powerful voice on neurodivergence, gender equity, and the lived experience of the hormonal hellscape that is perimenopause. Best known for her hit podcast Emsolation, where she and her best friend of 30 years, award-winning screenwriter Michael Lucas (Offspring, Party Tricks, Rosehaven, The Newsreader) deliver an unpredictable mix of deeply personal anecdotes, obsessive pop culture dissections, and truly unhinged movie and TV reviews. On Anomalous, she turned her spotlight toward ADHD and Autism in a project that doubles as “a love letter to the neurodivergent community and a roadmap for neurotypical people.” Now, in Rage Against the Vagine, Em is bringing the same fearless honesty and sharp humour to smashing the stigma around perimenopause, un-gaslighting the lived experience, and arming listeners with solidarity, knowledge, and solutions. Amid all of that, she’s preparing to release a laugh-out-loud yet profound memoir titled Blood, Sweat and Glitter, scheduled for publication in October 2025- a searing, joyful account of neurodivergence, perimenopause, burnout, and reinvention. Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. PS If you’re looking for “Rage Against the Menopause” by Patrina Jones, it's another handy resource and you’ll find it over on LiSTNR, or wherever you get your podcasts. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3a5e5660-687e-11f0-b1df-971d2e97ab2a/image/c4e64d01f018549c37c1d4cac24ab7b0.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Rage Against The Vagine https://emrusciano.com/ yes episodic With Em Rusciano Down The Hill Studios Rage Against the Vagine is a six-part podcast series from Em Rusciano about perimenopause, patriarchy, and the midlife medical gaslighting we’re done putting up with. This isn’t your decline…it’s your reckoning. Combining lived experience with insights from top menopause-informed doctors, researchers, and psychologists, this series gets honest about what's happening to our bodies and brains during perimenopause, and why so few of us were warned. Each episode dives into one of six big questions - from “Why the fuck didn’t anyone tell us?” to “How the fuck do I get help?” Expect documentary-style storytelling, fierce honesty, and the kind of clarity you wish you'd had years ago. You’ll laugh, cry, maybe scream into a pillow...but importantly, we hope you walk away with language, validation, and strategies to take into your own life (and GP appointment). This podcast isn’t medical advice. It’s about sharing stories and expert perspectives to help you feel seen. Science is still catching up to lived experience, and not every doctor is trained in menopause care. If something here resonates, take it to a trusted healthcare professional. Your story deserves to be heard and validated. New episodes every Monday through August and September.  Episode Schedule: 18/08/2025 - You Are Not (F*cking) Alone 25/08/2025 - What (the F*ck) is Perimenopause? 01/09/2025 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us? 08/09/2025 - Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore 15/09/2025 - How (the F*ck) Do I Get Help? 22/09/2025 - How Do We Fix the (F*cking) Systems? About Em: Em Rusciano is one of Australia’s most vibrant and fearless multi-talented performers; writer, singer, comedian, producer, disability advocate, and podcaster whose heartfelt, unfiltered storytelling has made her a powerful voice on neurodivergence, gender equity, and the lived experience of the hormonal hellscape that is perimenopause. Best known for her hit podcast Emsolation, where she and her best friend of 30 years, award-winning screenwriter Michael Lucas (Offspring, Party Tricks, Rosehaven, The Newsreader) deliver an unpredictable mix of deeply personal anecdotes, obsessive pop culture dissections, and truly unhinged movie and TV reviews. On Anomalous, she turned her spotlight toward ADHD and Autism in a project that doubles as “a love letter to the neurodivergent community and a roadmap for neurotypical people.” Now, in Rage Against the Vagine, Em is bringing the same fearless honesty and sharp humour to smashing the stigma around perimenopause, un-gaslighting the lived experience, and arming listeners with solidarity, knowledge, and solutions. Amid all of that, she’s preparing to release a laugh-out-loud yet profound memoir titled Blood, Sweat and Glitter, scheduled for publication in October 2025- a searing, joyful account of neurodivergence, perimenopause, burnout, and reinvention. Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. PS If you’re looking for “Rage Against the Menopause” by Patrina Jones, it's another handy resource and you’ll find it over on LiSTNR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Rage Against the Vagine is a six-part podcast series from Em Rusciano about perimenopause, patriarchy, and the midlife medical gaslighting we’re done putting up with.

This isn’t your decline…it’s your reckoning.

Combining lived experience with insights from top menopause-informed doctors, researchers, and psychologists, this series gets honest about what's happening to our bodies and brains during perimenopause, and why so few of us were warned.

Each episode dives into one of six big questions - from “Why the fuck didn’t anyone tell us?” to “How the fuck do I get help?”

Expect documentary-style storytelling, fierce honesty, and the kind of clarity you wish you'd had years ago. You’ll laugh, cry, maybe scream into a pillow...but importantly, we hope you walk away with language, validation, and strategies to take into your own life (and GP appointment).

This podcast isn’t medical advice. It’s about sharing stories and expert perspectives to help you feel seen. Science is still catching up to lived experience, and not every doctor is trained in menopause care. If something here resonates, take it to a trusted healthcare professional. Your story deserves to be heard and validated.

New episodes every Monday through August and September. 

Episode Schedule:

  1. 18/08/2025 - You Are Not (F*cking) Alone
  2. 25/08/2025 - What (the F*ck) is Perimenopause?
  3. 01/09/2025 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us?
  4. 08/09/2025 - Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore
  5. 15/09/2025 - How (the F*ck) Do I Get Help?
  6. 22/09/2025 - How Do We Fix the (F*cking) Systems?


About Em:

Em Rusciano is one of Australia’s most vibrant and fearless multi-talented performers; writer, singer, comedian, producer, disability advocate, and podcaster whose heartfelt, unfiltered storytelling has made her a powerful voice on neurodivergence, gender equity, and the lived experience of the hormonal hellscape that is perimenopause.

Best known for her hit podcast Emsolation, where she and her best friend of 30 years, award-winning screenwriter Michael Lucas (Offspring, Party Tricks, Rosehaven, The Newsreader) deliver an unpredictable mix of deeply personal anecdotes, obsessive pop culture dissections, and truly unhinged movie and TV reviews.

On Anomalous, she turned her spotlight toward ADHD and Autism in a project that doubles as “a love letter to the neurodivergent community and a roadmap for neurotypical people.”

Now, in Rage Against the Vagine, Em is bringing the same fearless honesty and sharp humour to smashing the stigma around perimenopause, un-gaslighting the lived experience, and arming listeners with solidarity, knowledge, and solutions.

Amid all of that, she’s preparing to release a laugh-out-loud yet profound memoir titled Blood, Sweat and Glitter, scheduled for publication in October 2025- a searing, joyful account of neurodivergence, perimenopause, burnout, and reinvention.

Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.

PS If you’re looking for “Rage Against the Menopause” by Patrina Jones, it's another handy resource and you’ll find it over on LiSTNR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

]]> Down The Hill Studios hello@emrusciano.com Post Script | Your Perimenopause Rage Warm Down You’ve raged, you’ve cried, you’ve laughed and now it’s time for the warm down.  In this unscripted season finale, host Em Rusciano opens a “time capsule” recorded five months before the series began, revealing her original vision and the challenges she anticipated.  She gets honest about the personal toll of making the podcast, the biggest surprises along the way, and her mission to reach the women who feel most threatened by the idea of perimenopause.  Join Em for one last collective roar as Season One closes and the work ahead begins. It’s not goodbye, just bye for now. This isn’t the end, there are more voices to hear, more rage to unleash, and more change to fight for.  More From Em Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com  Em’s Store: Want to help bring Rage Against the Vagine back for Season 2? You can tip here: emrusciano.store Or want to get your hands on RATV merch? Email hello@downthehillstudios.com with “Merch” in the subject line, and we’ll let you know the moment it’s back online. Anomalous Podcast: https://emrusciano.com/anomalous/  Emsolation Podcast: https://emrusciano.com/emsolationpodcast/  Blood Sweat and Glitter Book: https://emrusciano.com/bloodsweatandglitter/  The Ballroom Sessions Encore - Live Show: https://emrusciano.com/ballroom-encore/  Reminder We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Sun, 28 Sep 2025 19:00:00 -0000 full 1 7 Down The Hill Studios You’ve raged, you’ve cried, you’ve laughed and now it’s time for the warm down.  In this unscripted season finale, host Em Rusciano opens a “time capsule” recorded five months before the series began, revealing her original vision and the challenges she anticipated.  She gets honest about the personal toll of making the podcast, the biggest surprises along the way, and her mission to reach the women who feel most threatened by the idea of perimenopause.  Join Em for one last collective roar as Season One closes and the work ahead begins. It’s not goodbye, just bye for now. This isn’t the end, there are more voices to hear, more rage to unleash, and more change to fight for.  More From Em Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com  Em’s Store: Want to help bring Rage Against the Vagine back for Season 2? You can tip here: emrusciano.store Or want to get your hands on RATV merch? Email hello@downthehillstudios.com with “Merch” in the subject line, and we’ll let you know the moment it’s back online. Anomalous Podcast: https://emrusciano.com/anomalous/  Emsolation Podcast: https://emrusciano.com/emsolationpodcast/  Blood Sweat and Glitter Book: https://emrusciano.com/bloodsweatandglitter/  The Ballroom Sessions Encore - Live Show: https://emrusciano.com/ballroom-encore/  Reminder We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. You’ve raged, you’ve cried, you’ve laughed and now it’s time for the warm down. 

In this unscripted season finale, host Em Rusciano opens a “time capsule” recorded five months before the series began, revealing her original vision and the challenges she anticipated. 

She gets honest about the personal toll of making the podcast, the biggest surprises along the way, and her mission to reach the women who feel most threatened by the idea of perimenopause. 

Join Em for one last collective roar as Season One closes and the work ahead begins. It’s not goodbye, just bye for now. This isn’t the end, there are more voices to hear, more rage to unleash, and more change to fight for. 


More From Em

Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com 

Em’s Store: Want to help bring Rage Against the Vagine back for Season 2? You can tip here: emrusciano.store

Or want to get your hands on RATV merch? Email hello@downthehillstudios.com with “Merch” in the subject line, and we’ll let you know the moment it’s back online.

Anomalous Podcast: https://emrusciano.com/anomalous/ 

Emsolation Podcast: https://emrusciano.com/emsolationpodcast/ 

Blood Sweat and Glitter Book: https://emrusciano.com/bloodsweatandglitter/ 

The Ballroom Sessions Encore - Live Show: https://emrusciano.com/ballroom-encore/ 


Reminder

We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight


Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.

To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.

]]> 2945 How Do We Fix the F*cking Systems? | Perimenopause, Policy & Smashing the Patriarchy with Senator Katy Gallagher In this fix-it episode of Rage Against the Vagine, host Em Rusciano takes aim at the systems that were never built with women and AFAB people in mind, and asks how do we actually fix them. From healthcare to workplaces, research to education, Em unpacks the structural failures that keep perimenopause invisible and undervalued. Alongside voices from the Rage Committee and experts across medicine and advocacy, Em sits down with Senator Katy Gallagher, Australia’s Minister for Women, Government Services, Finance and Public Service, to explore how government policy is starting to shift.  This episode arms listeners with a practical toolkit of knowledge, validation, and ways to take action - from pushing for better medical care and workplace reform to amplifying research and changing community attitudes. It’s a rally cry for anyone who refuses to stay silent, and a reminder that fixing the f*cking systems starts with all of us. The Voices You’ll Hear   Senator Katy Gallagher | Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service @senkatyg Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology  Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action  Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health. Cognition and Hormones Research Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com  Reminder We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Postscript Episode - drops Monday 29 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:04:00 -0000 full 1 6 Down The Hill Studios In this fix-it episode of Rage Against the Vagine, host Em Rusciano takes aim at the systems that were never built with women and AFAB people in mind, and asks how do we actually fix them. From healthcare to workplaces, research to education, Em unpacks the structural failures that keep perimenopause invisible and undervalued. Alongside voices from the Rage Committee and experts across medicine and advocacy, Em sits down with Senator Katy Gallagher, Australia’s Minister for Women, Government Services, Finance and Public Service, to explore how government policy is starting to shift.  This episode arms listeners with a practical toolkit of knowledge, validation, and ways to take action - from pushing for better medical care and workplace reform to amplifying research and changing community attitudes. It’s a rally cry for anyone who refuses to stay silent, and a reminder that fixing the f*cking systems starts with all of us. The Voices You’ll Hear   Senator Katy Gallagher | Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service @senkatyg Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology  Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action  Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health. Cognition and Hormones Research Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com  Reminder We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Postscript Episode - drops Monday 29 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. In this fix-it episode of Rage Against the Vagine, host Em Rusciano takes aim at the systems that were never built with women and AFAB people in mind, and asks how do we actually fix them. From healthcare to workplaces, research to education, Em unpacks the structural failures that keep perimenopause invisible and undervalued.

Alongside voices from the Rage Committee and experts across medicine and advocacy, Em sits down with Senator Katy Gallagher, Australia’s Minister for Women, Government Services, Finance and Public Service, to explore how government policy is starting to shift. 

This episode arms listeners with a practical toolkit of knowledge, validation, and ways to take action - from pushing for better medical care and workplace reform to amplifying research and changing community attitudes.

It’s a rally cry for anyone who refuses to stay silent, and a reminder that fixing the f*cking systems starts with all of us.


The Voices You’ll Hear  

Senator Katy Gallagher | Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service @senkatyg

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong

Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP

Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled

Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke

Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au

Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell

Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW

Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia  

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology 


Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action 

Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services

Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body

Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources

HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health.

Cognition and Hormones Research

Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com 


Reminder

We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight


NEXT: Postscript Episode - drops Monday 29 September 


Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.

To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.

]]> 4014 How (the F*ck) Do I Get Help? | Dismissal to Direction - Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause Care Ever walked out of a doctor’s office brushed off, told to lose weight, or handed a script you didn’t ask for? You’re not alone. In this episode, host Em Rusciano unpacks the messy reality of trying to get help in a medical system that wasn’t built for perimenopause. With raw stories from the Rage Committee and insights from leading GPs, specialists and researchers, we shine a light on why so many women and AFAB people are dismissed… and how you can push back. We can’t cover every treatment, therapy or pathway in one episode — but we want to give you thought starters. From six-minute consults to fragmented care, from lifestyle supports to new Medicare changes, we explore what’s broken, what’s shifting, and how you can approach your care conversations with more confidence. Because getting help shouldn’t feel impossible. And you shouldn’t have to settle. The Voices You’ll Hear   Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist @drstacysims Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action  Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services Australasian Menopause Society (AMS): Peak body for menopause in Australia and New Zealand Find An AMS Member Info Sheets Jean Hailes: A website that provides tools and reputable, evidence-based information for women's health. Symptom Checklist WellFemme: A Telehealth menopause clinic and resource.  5 Top Tips for “The Menopause Chat” with your GP Blogs and Webinars Useful Links HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health. Cognition and Hormones Research Dr Stacy Sims: We Are Not Small Men Website  Full chat on the Emsolation Podcast Reminder This episode of Rage Against the Vagine explores the challenges of finding the right support during perimenopause. We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Ep 6 - How Do We Fix The (F*cking) Systems - drops Monday 22 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:00:00 -0000 full 1 5 Down The Hill Studios Ever walked out of a doctor’s office brushed off, told to lose weight, or handed a script you didn’t ask for? You’re not alone. In this episode, host Em Rusciano unpacks the messy reality of trying to get help in a medical system that wasn’t built for perimenopause. With raw stories from the Rage Committee and insights from leading GPs, specialists and researchers, we shine a light on why so many women and AFAB people are dismissed… and how you can push back. We can’t cover every treatment, therapy or pathway in one episode — but we want to give you thought starters. From six-minute consults to fragmented care, from lifestyle supports to new Medicare changes, we explore what’s broken, what’s shifting, and how you can approach your care conversations with more confidence. Because getting help shouldn’t feel impossible. And you shouldn’t have to settle. The Voices You’ll Hear   Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist @drstacysims Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action  Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services Australasian Menopause Society (AMS): Peak body for menopause in Australia and New Zealand Find An AMS Member Info Sheets Jean Hailes: A website that provides tools and reputable, evidence-based information for women's health. Symptom Checklist WellFemme: A Telehealth menopause clinic and resource.  5 Top Tips for “The Menopause Chat” with your GP Blogs and Webinars Useful Links HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health. Cognition and Hormones Research Dr Stacy Sims: We Are Not Small Men Website  Full chat on the Emsolation Podcast Reminder This episode of Rage Against the Vagine explores the challenges of finding the right support during perimenopause. We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Ep 6 - How Do We Fix The (F*cking) Systems - drops Monday 22 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Ever walked out of a doctor’s office brushed off, told to lose weight, or handed a script you didn’t ask for? You’re not alone.

In this episode, host Em Rusciano unpacks the messy reality of trying to get help in a medical system that wasn’t built for perimenopause. With raw stories from the Rage Committee and insights from leading GPs, specialists and researchers, we shine a light on why so many women and AFAB people are dismissed… and how you can push back.

We can’t cover every treatment, therapy or pathway in one episode — but we want to give you thought starters. From six-minute consults to fragmented care, from lifestyle supports to new Medicare changes, we explore what’s broken, what’s shifting, and how you can approach your care conversations with more confidence.

Because getting help shouldn’t feel impossible. And you shouldn’t have to settle.

The Voices You’ll Hear  

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman 

Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia  

Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist @drstacysims

Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action 

Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services

Australasian Menopause Society (AMS): Peak body for menopause in Australia and New Zealand

Find An AMS Member

Info Sheets

Jean Hailes: A website that provides tools and reputable, evidence-based information for women's health.

Symptom Checklist

WellFemme: A Telehealth menopause clinic and resource. 

5 Top Tips for “The Menopause Chat” with your GP

Blogs and Webinars

Useful Links

HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health.

Cognition and Hormones Research

Dr Stacy Sims: We Are Not Small Men Website 

Full chat on the Emsolation Podcast

Reminder

This episode of Rage Against the Vagine explores the challenges of finding the right support during perimenopause. We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight

NEXT: Ep 6 - How Do We Fix The (F*cking) Systems - drops Monday 22 September 

Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.


To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.

]]> 3542 Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore? | Perimenopause Rage, Roles, Rewiring, Relationships and Reinvention This episode of Rage Against the Vagine is for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?” Host Em Rusciano sits down with leading experts to unpack the hormonal and neurobiological chaos of perimenopause, from brain fog and emotional outbursts, to the slow unravelling of old identities and coping strategies. Together they explore the hidden pressures that leave so many women and AFAB people feeling flat, ragey or lost, and how relationships and roles can shift under the weight of midlife change. At the same time, this upheaval can open the door to boundaries, authenticity and reinvention. This conversation validates the lived experience of perimenopause, including identity loss, relationship strain and the breakdown of old coping mechanisms, while also offering hope for a more authentic and discerning you on the other side. The Voices You’ll Hear   Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Affinity Psychology |  Perimenopause Survival Guide  Resources and Education All About Her Centre |  Perimenopause Symptoms Checklist  Journal Prompts for Perimenopause  Perimenopause, Mental Health and Self-Sovereignty Want: A 6-Session Mini-Program for Midlife Women Reminder This episode of "Rage Against the Vagine" discusses mental health and suicide. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. Your story deserves to be heard and validated by a healthcare professional who understands this stage of life. Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Ep 5 - How (The F*ck) Do I Get Help? drops Monday 15 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 Down The Hill Studios This episode of Rage Against the Vagine is for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?” Host Em Rusciano sits down with leading experts to unpack the hormonal and neurobiological chaos of perimenopause, from brain fog and emotional outbursts, to the slow unravelling of old identities and coping strategies. Together they explore the hidden pressures that leave so many women and AFAB people feeling flat, ragey or lost, and how relationships and roles can shift under the weight of midlife change. At the same time, this upheaval can open the door to boundaries, authenticity and reinvention. This conversation validates the lived experience of perimenopause, including identity loss, relationship strain and the breakdown of old coping mechanisms, while also offering hope for a more authentic and discerning you on the other side. The Voices You’ll Hear   Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Affinity Psychology |  Perimenopause Survival Guide  Resources and Education All About Her Centre |  Perimenopause Symptoms Checklist  Journal Prompts for Perimenopause  Perimenopause, Mental Health and Self-Sovereignty Want: A 6-Session Mini-Program for Midlife Women Reminder This episode of "Rage Against the Vagine" discusses mental health and suicide. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. Your story deserves to be heard and validated by a healthcare professional who understands this stage of life. Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Ep 5 - How (The F*ck) Do I Get Help? drops Monday 15 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. This episode of Rage Against the Vagine is for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?”

Host Em Rusciano sits down with leading experts to unpack the hormonal and neurobiological chaos of perimenopause, from brain fog and emotional outbursts, to the slow unravelling of old identities and coping strategies.

Together they explore the hidden pressures that leave so many women and AFAB people feeling flat, ragey or lost, and how relationships and roles can shift under the weight of midlife change. At the same time, this upheaval can open the door to boundaries, authenticity and reinvention.

This conversation validates the lived experience of perimenopause, including identity loss, relationship strain and the breakdown of old coping mechanisms, while also offering hope for a more authentic and discerning you on the other side.


The Voices You’ll Hear  

Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology 

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia  

Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman 

Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong

Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst

Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke

Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123


Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Affinity Psychology | 

Perimenopause Survival Guide 

Resources and Education

All About Her Centre | 

Perimenopause Symptoms Checklist 

Journal Prompts for Perimenopause 

Perimenopause, Mental Health and Self-Sovereignty

Want: A 6-Session Mini-Program for Midlife Women


Reminder

This episode of "Rage Against the Vagine" discusses mental health and suicide. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. Your story deserves to be heard and validated by a healthcare professional who understands this stage of life.

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight


NEXT: Ep 5 - How (The F*ck) Do I Get Help? drops Monday 15 September 


Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.

To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.

]]> 3967 Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us? | Shame, Silence & Systems Against Us In this episode, host Em Rusciano dives into the silence, shame, and broken systems that have left half the population unprepared for perimenopause.  We explore the historical and cultural reasons behind the lack of information, from medical paternalism and misogyny, to workplaces not designed for women.  The episode features honest conversations about why previous generations stayed quiet, the alarming lack of menopause training for GPs, and how this societal invisibility impacts women's careers, finances, and overall health.  We also shine a light on the unique challenges faced by disabled, rural, and Indigenous communities, and look at the fight to make things better. The Voices You’ll Hear   Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati Lizzy Hoo | Comendian, @lizzyhoo  Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper Dr Neville Fields | Obstetrics & Gynaecology Clinician–Researcher Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist, @drstacysims Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia    Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Myf Warhurst's ABC series | The Truth About Menopause Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources HCF Study | Women Feel Unprepared for Menopause  Reminder This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and always check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes. If at any point you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, remember there’s support available: Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Ep 4 - Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore - drops Monday 8 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0000 full 1 3 Down The Hill Studios In this episode, host Em Rusciano dives into the silence, shame, and broken systems that have left half the population unprepared for perimenopause.  We explore the historical and cultural reasons behind the lack of information, from medical paternalism and misogyny, to workplaces not designed for women.  The episode features honest conversations about why previous generations stayed quiet, the alarming lack of menopause training for GPs, and how this societal invisibility impacts women's careers, finances, and overall health.  We also shine a light on the unique challenges faced by disabled, rural, and Indigenous communities, and look at the fight to make things better. The Voices You’ll Hear   Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati Lizzy Hoo | Comendian, @lizzyhoo  Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper Dr Neville Fields | Obstetrics & Gynaecology Clinician–Researcher Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist, @drstacysims Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia    Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Myf Warhurst's ABC series | The Truth About Menopause Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources HCF Study | Women Feel Unprepared for Menopause  Reminder This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and always check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes. If at any point you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, remember there’s support available: Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight NEXT: Ep 4 - Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore - drops Monday 8 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. In this episode, host Em Rusciano dives into the silence, shame, and broken systems that have left half the population unprepared for perimenopause. 

We explore the historical and cultural reasons behind the lack of information, from medical paternalism and misogyny, to workplaces not designed for women. 

The episode features honest conversations about why previous generations stayed quiet, the alarming lack of menopause training for GPs, and how this societal invisibility impacts women's careers, finances, and overall health. 

We also shine a light on the unique challenges faced by disabled, rural, and Indigenous communities, and look at the fight to make things better.


The Voices You’ll Hear  

Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW

Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre

Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst

Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman 

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123

Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati

Lizzy Hoo | Comendian, @lizzyhoo 

Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper

Dr Neville Fields | Obstetrics & Gynaecology Clinician–Researcher

Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist, @drstacysims

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au

Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell

Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP

Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   

Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong

Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it


Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Myf Warhurst's ABC series | The Truth About Menopause

Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body

Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources

HCF Study | Women Feel Unprepared for Menopause 


Reminder

This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and always check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes.

If at any point you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, remember there’s support available:

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight


NEXT: Ep 4 - Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore - drops Monday 8 September 


Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.


To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.

]]> 3122 What (the F*ck) Is Perimenopause? | Hormones, Head Games & “So Many” Symptoms Think perimenopause is just hot flushes?  THINK. AGAIN. In this episode, host Em Rusciano and a powerhouse lineup of doctors and experts unpack what’s really going on in your body… because, get this, there are hormone receptors every-f*cking-where! We’re talking body-wide chemical chaos, brain rewiring, and the weird, blindsiding symptoms that make you second-guess your own sanity.  It’s science-meets-storytelling with clarity, validation, and the occasional swear word to get you through - plus the truth about why this hormonal storm is not “just aging.” The Voices You’ll Hear   A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia    Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight A/Prof Carolion Gurvich Article | How hormones and the menstrual cycle can affect women with ADHD: Five common questions Her Centre | Menopause Depression | Cognition and Hormones WellFemme | Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar  | ADHD In the Menopausal Transition | Menopausal Treatments after Early Menopause or Cancer Endo Untangled | Podcast Jean Hailes | Medically Induced Menopause Reminder This episode of Rage Against the Vagine touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If it brings anything up for you, know you're not alone and support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time. This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes. NEXT: Ep 3 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us - drops Monday 1 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0000 full 1 2 Down The Hill Studios Think perimenopause is just hot flushes?  THINK. AGAIN. In this episode, host Em Rusciano and a powerhouse lineup of doctors and experts unpack what’s really going on in your body… because, get this, there are hormone receptors every-f*cking-where! We’re talking body-wide chemical chaos, brain rewiring, and the weird, blindsiding symptoms that make you second-guess your own sanity.  It’s science-meets-storytelling with clarity, validation, and the occasional swear word to get you through - plus the truth about why this hormonal storm is not “just aging.” The Voices You’ll Hear   A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia    Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight A/Prof Carolion Gurvich Article | How hormones and the menstrual cycle can affect women with ADHD: Five common questions Her Centre | Menopause Depression | Cognition and Hormones WellFemme | Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar  | ADHD In the Menopausal Transition | Menopausal Treatments after Early Menopause or Cancer Endo Untangled | Podcast Jean Hailes | Medically Induced Menopause Reminder This episode of Rage Against the Vagine touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If it brings anything up for you, know you're not alone and support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time. This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes. NEXT: Ep 3 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us - drops Monday 1 September  Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Think perimenopause is just hot flushes? 

THINK. AGAIN.

In this episode, host Em Rusciano and a powerhouse lineup of doctors and experts unpack what’s really going on in your body… because, get this, there are hormone receptors every-f*cking-where! We’re talking body-wide chemical chaos, brain rewiring, and the weird, blindsiding symptoms that make you second-guess your own sanity. 

It’s science-meets-storytelling with clarity, validation, and the occasional swear word to get you through - plus the truth about why this hormonal storm is not “just aging.”


The Voices You’ll Hear  

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123


Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme


Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP


Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled


Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 


A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia   


Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman 


Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland


Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW


Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell


Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it



Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 


13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7


Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au 


Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 


StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247


QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight


A/Prof Carolion Gurvich Article | How hormones and the menstrual cycle can affect women with ADHD: Five common questions


Her Centre | Menopause Depression | Cognition and Hormones


WellFemme | Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar  | ADHD In the Menopausal Transition | Menopausal Treatments after Early Menopause or Cancer


Endo Untangled | Podcast


Jean Hailes | Medically Induced Menopause


Reminder

This episode of Rage Against the Vagine touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If it brings anything up for you, know you're not alone and support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time.

This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes.


NEXT: Ep 3 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us - drops Monday 1 September 


Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.

To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.

]]> 3362 You Are Not (F*cking) Alone | Famous Friends, Unfiltered Stories & the Real Talk You’ve Been Missing Welcome to the first full episode of Rage Against the Vagine. We originally planned to start with the symptoms and the science, but after connecting with our Rage Committee, we realised we had to start by breaking the silence. The most important thing you told us you needed: connection and to feel seen. In this episode, host Em Rusciano is joined by friends Myf Warhurst, Ella Hooper, Melissa Leong and Lizzy Hoo, alongside brilliant experts and our amazing Rage Committee, to ensure you know that whilst no one's perimenopause journey is the same, you are most certainly 100% NOT f*cking alone. The Voices You’ll Hear Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland Dr Hannah Chapman | Women's Health GP / PMDD & Perimenopause Expert, @dr_hannah_chapman Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Lizzy Hoo | Comedian, @lizzyhoo Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati Myf Warhurst | TV Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it Resources, References & Rabbit Holes Myf Warhurst's ABC series - The Truth About Menopause Ella Hooper's solo track - "Oh My Goddess" Melissa Leong’s new book - Guts Reminder This is not medical advice. It’s validation, solidarity, and hopefully a shove towards finding the support you deserve. Everyone’s experience is different. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and talk to your doctor or care team about what’s right for you. NEXT: Ep 2 - What (the F*ck) is Perimenopause - drops Monday 25 August Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 14:01:00 -0000 full 1 1 Down The Hill Studios Welcome to the first full episode of Rage Against the Vagine. We originally planned to start with the symptoms and the science, but after connecting with our Rage Committee, we realised we had to start by breaking the silence. The most important thing you told us you needed: connection and to feel seen. In this episode, host Em Rusciano is joined by friends Myf Warhurst, Ella Hooper, Melissa Leong and Lizzy Hoo, alongside brilliant experts and our amazing Rage Committee, to ensure you know that whilst no one's perimenopause journey is the same, you are most certainly 100% NOT f*cking alone. The Voices You’ll Hear Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland Dr Hannah Chapman | Women's Health GP / PMDD & Perimenopause Expert, @dr_hannah_chapman Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong Lizzy Hoo | Comedian, @lizzyhoo Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati Myf Warhurst | TV Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it Resources, References & Rabbit Holes Myf Warhurst's ABC series - The Truth About Menopause Ella Hooper's solo track - "Oh My Goddess" Melissa Leong’s new book - Guts Reminder This is not medical advice. It’s validation, solidarity, and hopefully a shove towards finding the support you deserve. Everyone’s experience is different. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and talk to your doctor or care team about what’s right for you. NEXT: Ep 2 - What (the F*ck) is Perimenopause - drops Monday 25 August Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs. Welcome to the first full episode of Rage Against the Vagine.

We originally planned to start with the symptoms and the science, but after connecting with our Rage Committee, we realised we had to start by breaking the silence.

The most important thing you told us you needed: connection and to feel seen.

In this episode, host Em Rusciano is joined by friends Myf Warhurst, Ella Hooper, Melissa Leong and Lizzy Hoo, alongside brilliant experts and our amazing Rage Committee, to ensure you know that whilst no one's perimenopause journey is the same, you are most certainly 100% NOT f*cking alone.


The Voices You’ll Hear

Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled


Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke


A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia


Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland


Dr Hannah Chapman | Women's Health GP / PMDD & Perimenopause Expert, @dr_hannah_chapman


Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong


Lizzy Hoo | Comedian, @lizzyhoo


Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper


Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati


Myf Warhurst | TV Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst


Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it



Resources, References & Rabbit Holes

Myf Warhurst's ABC series - The Truth About Menopause


Ella Hooper's solo track - "Oh My Goddess"


Melissa Leong’s new book - Guts



Reminder

This is not medical advice. It’s validation, solidarity, and hopefully a shove towards finding the support you deserve. Everyone’s experience is different.

Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and talk to your doctor or care team about what’s right for you.


NEXT: Ep 2 - What (the F*ck) is Perimenopause - drops Monday 25 August

Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.


To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.

]]> 2724 Prologue | Your Rage Warm-Up & How to Get the Most from This Perimenopause Series Before we dive headfirst into the chaos of perimenopause, patriarchy and medical gaslighting, this prologue is your 101 guide to Rage Against the Vagine - the six-part podcast series from Em Rusciano that’s here to help you feel less alone and a lot more informed. Think of this episode as your pre-game warm-up: what the podcast’s about, why we made it, and how it might just give you the language, clarity and validation you’ve been missing. This isn’t medical advice,  but it is a fierce, funny, and honest look at what so many of us are going through. Episode 1, You Are Not (F*cking) Alone, drops on August 18 with new episodes every Monday through August and September. Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 06:58:00 -0000 full Down The Hill Studios Before we dive headfirst into the chaos of perimenopause, patriarchy and medical gaslighting, this prologue is your 101 guide to Rage Against the Vagine - the six-part podcast series from Em Rusciano that’s here to help you feel less alone and a lot more informed. Think of this episode as your pre-game warm-up: what the podcast’s about, why we made it, and how it might just give you the language, clarity and validation you’ve been missing. This isn’t medical advice,  but it is a fierce, funny, and honest look at what so many of us are going through. Episode 1, You Are Not (F*cking) Alone, drops on August 18 with new episodes every Monday through August and September. Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel. Before we dive headfirst into the chaos of perimenopause, patriarchy and medical gaslighting, this prologue is your 101 guide to Rage Against the Vagine - the six-part podcast series from Em Rusciano that’s here to help you feel less alone and a lot more informed.


Think of this episode as your pre-game warm-up: what the podcast’s about, why we made it, and how it might just give you the language, clarity and validation you’ve been missing.


This isn’t medical advice,  but it is a fierce, funny, and honest look at what so many of us are going through.


Episode 1, You Are Not (F*cking) Alone, drops on August 18 with new episodes every Monday through August and September.


Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.

]]> 826 Trailer - Rage Against The Vagine Official trailer for Rage Against the Vagine. Em Rusciano, alongside top experts and her Rage Committee, unpacks perimenopause, patriarchy, and the medical gaslighting we’re done putting up with. Prologue drops Monday 11 August. Episode 1 follows the week after. Six episodes. One massive midlife wake-up call. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 trailer Down The Hill Studios Official trailer for Rage Against the Vagine. Em Rusciano, alongside top experts and her Rage Committee, unpacks perimenopause, patriarchy, and the medical gaslighting we’re done putting up with. Prologue drops Monday 11 August. Episode 1 follows the week after. Six episodes. One massive midlife wake-up call. Official trailer for Rage Against the Vagine. Em Rusciano, alongside top experts and her Rage Committee, unpacks perimenopause, patriarchy, and the medical gaslighting we’re done putting up with. Prologue drops Monday 11 August. Episode 1 follows the week after. Six episodes. One massive midlife wake-up call.

]]> 30