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Rage Against The Vagine

Rage Against The Vagine

By: Down The Hill Studios
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About this listen

 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
  • Post Script | Your Perimenopause Rage Warm Down

    Post Script | Your Perimenopause Rage Warm Down
    Sep 28 2025
    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.
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    49 mins
  • How Do We Fix the F*cking Systems? | Perimenopause, Policy & Smashing the Patriarchy with Senator Katy Gallagher

    How Do We Fix the F*cking Systems? | Perimenopause, Policy & Smashing the Patriarchy with Senator Katy Gallagher
    Sep 23 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • How (the F*ck) Do I Get Help? | Dismissal to Direction - Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause Care

    How (the F*ck) Do I Get Help? | Dismissal to Direction - Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause Care
    Sep 14 2025
    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.
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    59 mins
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