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Rage Against The Vagine

Rage Against The Vagine

By: Down The Hill Studios
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 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.2025 Em Rusciano Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore? | Perimenopause rage, roles, rewiring, relationships and reinvention

    Why (the F*ck) Don’t I Feel Like Me Anymore? | Perimenopause rage, roles, rewiring, relationships and reinvention
    Sep 7 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us? | Shame, Silence & Systems Against Us

    Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us? | Shame, Silence & Systems Against Us
    Aug 31 2025
    In this episode, we dive 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.
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    52 mins
  • What (the F*ck) Is Perimenopause? | Hormones, head games & “so many” symptoms

    What (the F*ck) Is Perimenopause? | Hormones, head games & “so many” symptoms
    Aug 24 2025
    Think perimenopause is just hot flushes? THINK. AGAIN. In this episode, Em 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.
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    56 mins
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