Emsolation
Join multi-media maven Em Rusciano—writer, singer, comedian, producer, podcast princess, and disability advocate—and her best friend of 30 years, award-winning screenwriter Michael Lucas (Offspring, Party Tricks, Rosehaven, The Newsreader), each week for an unpredictable mix of deeply personal anecdotes, obsessive pop culture dissections, and truly unhinged movie and TV reviews. If you’re after a show full of humour, heart, and hot takes, we’ve got good news for you!We should also warn you: Emsolation isn’t just a podcast—it’s a community. A place where listeners feel seen, heard, and thoroughly entertained.Welcome to the family! We’re so happy you’re here. You’re now an official Emsolator.
Latest episodes

Aug 20, 2020 • 34min
Emsolation Conversation with Rob 'Millsy' Mills
Em chats to Rob 'Millsy' Mills in this weeks edition of Emsolation Conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2020 • 36min
It Is What It Is
Some hard truths to begin with, we aren’t even getting out of bed for this podcast, it’s cold, Em is comfy, so nestle in because it’s happening. In fact, you should probably just get back into bed when you listen to this episode, you know you wanna. Once you’ve settled in and all of your must needs are within reach, we can begin. We start with Em’s very important four stages of fully patented bench cleaning techniques, because quite frankly no one around her house is taking the cleaning of the benches seriously. Yes there are four phases, and yes Em is more than happy to VERY distinctly and vividly outlay all of those details for you, mostly because she’s been doing a LOT of bench cleaning lately, and has had a lot of time to think. Then Em and Michael assume full US Political nerd mode, so they can discuss Michelle Obama’s speech and Trump's response to it. They are also both unashamedly obsessed with the First Lady of Joe Biden, the incredible Dr Jill Biden, and the First Gentleman of Kamala Harris, Douglas Emhoff who’s a massive nerd. That naturally leads to a discussion around who’s husband would do better in the role of First Gentleman if Em or Michael were to go all Presidential. There’s also time to touch on Joe Biden’s very important chat with Cardi B and finally that’s followed by Em going into complete meltdown about Tik Tok, and doing a vocal representation of a Tik Tok dance. It’s something she’s now describing as “not her proudest moment” and she would also like to issue an apology to any Gen Z listeners, because they may feel personally attacked, Em felt personally attacked whilst she was actually doing it. But it’s all because Kanye has demanded we need Jesus Tok, not Tik Tok and it would seem Em has found herself agreeing with him, so perhaps being in bed for this episode is a good idea. At least that way we can pull the sheets up over our heads and listen in peace.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 17, 2020 • 33min
Miley, Delta and Em! Oh my!
Forget tears before bedtime, the new normal is tears before a podcast recording. Regular listeners will know that often this podcast is a reflection of Em’s headspace, hence this episode has proved to be all over the place, so expect an explain first up on why Em’s eye sockets were stained with tears. Then it’s on to how Em has suddenly found herself being reduced to watching shows ONLY about either cooking or wealthy housewives. On top of that revelation, is the fact that somehow, instead of judging the rich housewives, Em has now found herself sympathising with the stories and problems affecting these cashed up ladies. Michael has watched a really beautiful and lovely Australian film called ‘Baby Teeth’ which he’s describing as worthy of everyone giving it a viewing. Obviously Em is refusing that advice, because, well it’s not about cooking or rich ladies, and also she knows she can’t bring herself to watch it because it’s sad. Then it’s on to Delta Goodrem and how Em has always felt protective of her, and how she’s recently revealed the struggles she’s endured over the last year, having not been able to speak because of nerve damage to her mouth during some routine surgery. This understandably ushered in more tears for Em as she watched Delta recounting that story and revealing her resilience. Somehow they then move on to Miley Cyrus revealing she lost her virginity to Liam Hemsworth, which then spiralled into how Em and Michael both lost theirs and how Michael lied about being a virgin. That rolls into the surge in arguments during lockdown and how Michael is a freak who so far hasn’t even had one argument. We follow that up with a chat on the F word that is commonly used as an abusive term for homosexuals. Em hasn’t used it for years and feels that it’s not okay to use anymore, even when used in front of the word hag, Michael doesn’t think it's a problem. So as you can plainly see, there’s A LOT to be covered within, but what else would you expect from a podcast that always takes you on a rollercoaster of all of the emotions and one amazing revelation and reveal after another, exactly, so enjoy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13, 2020 • 36min
Emsolation Conversation with Asher Keddie
To mark the 10 year anniversary of the first episode of Offspring, Em & Michael chat with Asher Keddie aka Dr. Nina Proudman, to reflect on the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12, 2020 • 43min
Feminine Essence
First up, Em’s been reminded of the importance of reaching out and touching base with the people in your life and doing more than just sharing an RUOK hashtag. After seeing a video from a farmer who posted a deeply heartfelt message about a mate he’d recently lost, it’s been a timely reminder that it’s now more important than ever, for all of us to actually do the work, and check in with the people we care about. Then Em and Michael move on to the announcement of Kamala Harris running as the Democratic candidate for Vice President with Joe Biden. There’s also those four new cases discovered in New Zealand to talk about, they proved enough for Jacinda Ardern to move Auckland into Stage 3 restrictions for 3 days as a precautionary approach. Plus we briefly touch on the forthcoming Meghan and Harry book, and give you the lowdown on a new podcast Em and Michael have discovered. One episode in particular titled ‘Curveball’ sees them chatting to three women anonymously in their 40’s and 50’s, who after leaving long term marriages, figured things were pretty much over for them. Turns out that couldn’t have been further from the truth, cut to them now having these sexual rebirths, where they’re discovering this whole new arena of sexual enlightenment. So as you’d expect, this is another episode of Emsolation that goes just about everywhere. So once you’ve fully sanitised your hands, please grab our virtual audio hand, and allow us to lead you through the virtual forest of podcast goodness, we promise we know the way and there’s no need to leave bread crumbs behind to find your way out, okay this tangent might not be necessary, but meh, it’s there now, so enjoy.
Link to the podcast discussed by Em & Michael: https://www.curveballmedia.com.au/podcast/episode/4975e391/mid-life-sexual-awakening
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 10, 2020 • 38min
Em’s favourite Ep ever
Can I get a CONTENT WARNING? You sure can, and you seriously need one if you’re going to listen to this around little ears, unless you like having some really interesting conversations. Okay that done, let's move on. Now if you think you’re ready for Em’s Favourite Episode EVER, you ain’t even close to being ready, trust us. This episode we talk about Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new song W.A.P., which doesn’t stand for Wonderful And Polite. It actually stands for Wet Ass...um...Mrs. Slocombe’s cat, which will only make sense if you’ve stumbled on an episode of “Are You Being Served?” and if you haven’t, lets just say Mrs. Slocombe never called her cat, a cat. We’ll also cover off the late night tweeting from Victorian Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos on Saturday night. We suspect it was done after a few vinos, she was basically apologising for the state of play in Victoria, we felt her, let’s face it, we’ve all been there. We talk about the current facial hair situation happening on the face of Brett Sutton, and also how Michael is back on the Daniel Andrews train, Em however is reserving her judgement right now. We also get a brief mention happening over vulva beauty masks. So there is a LOT of lady area talk, which is nothing new really, but again, a little content warning for anyone listening. But ardent fans of the Emsolation podcast will not be surprised, nor will they bat a no doubt superbly manicured eyebrow about it either. So check your surrounds, and once you’re sure all the ears within listening range are prepped and prepared, enjoy another walk through the Emsolation forest, and that ISN’T a euphemism, but the Mrs. Slocombe reference most certainly is
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5, 2020 • 40min
Where's Brett?!
As a semi-famous Simpsons character once said “Won’t somebody please think of the children'' and whilst it had zilch to do with inspiring Em, it’s also what she’s been thinking about lately. Em reckons it’s time we acknowledged all of the kids that are going through Covid lockdown and isolation, by giving them some props for being super resilient, tough and rolling with the punches. We’re encouraging you to reach out to the kid in your life, whether they be your own kids, or your nephews, nieces or grandchildren, and maybe try and do something special or out of the blue for them. Then Em and Michael work through our complicated relationship with Daniel Andrews, delving into how we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, especially with the hotel enquiry looking so grim. They’ll also touch on the amazing Trump interview that Aussie journalist Jonathon Swan has just done, he’s the son of Norman Swan who does Coronacast. Anyway it’s safe to say Jonathon’s facial expressions throughout that interview gave us all of the feels. Plus we talk about the most wholesome doco Em has ever watched, it's about competitive Rubic Cubing and features the beautiful friendship between the two world champions that’s guaranteed to melt your heart. There’s also a book recommendation for you and finally, because everything Em does that’s been successful, has happened because people like you get on board and help her out by sharing her work, she’s issuing a challenge with an Emsolation recommendation day, where you tag us on social media. So get your hashtags ready and dive in to another comfort inducing episode now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 3, 2020 • 39min
Queen Bey
For her intro, with stage 4 lockdown conditions kicking in for Melbourne, Em reckons it’s time to acknowledge we’ve moved beyond ‘stay positive’ and into ‘it’s really hard right now’ territory. So we don’t have to feel like we have to solve it all now, it’s all about taking baby steps. You’ll also get Em and Michael’s reactions to all the different stages of the new lockdown rules, from Em not caring about curfew because she’s in bed by 8pm most nights anyway, Chella, not so much, to Michael having to manage his jealousy and looking away from the social shares of other states. Then, naturally, it’s on to a LOT of Beyonce chat, inspired by the release of her new visual album ‘Black is King - A Film by Beyonce’ on Friday. There’s so much to be worked through, the vibe, the overall feeling, the moments that made them both cry, how great it is, and how Beyonce just knew she should drop this gift to the world during our greatest moment of need. Em and Michael actually watched it simultaneously together on Friday night via SMS, with running commentary and reactions going back and forward between them both. The main takeout was basically just the sheer amount of costumes, which was actually MIND. BLOWING. So grab your headphones, or turn up your smart speaker, and get a stack of Beyonce loving excitement into your ears, with a delicate sprinkling of meh to the latest lockdown rejig for Victorians.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 30, 2020 • 35min
Q&A, Yay! #2
Em & Michael are back again answering YOUR questions in this bonus episode!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 29, 2020 • 34min
Hello Professor
We start this episode with a cameo from a quite cranky Elio, apparently Em’s introduction wasn’t up to a toddler's expectations, so the rest of us should be totally fine...phew. Then Michael returns to help Em work through Melbourne’s thirst for their Chief Health Minister, Professor Brett Sutton. His TV appearances as Victorians battle against COVID-19 have clearly been enough to inspire some light sexual objectification, so much so that he’s now the subject of erotic fan fiction on Twitter. From there it's only natural to work our way through the latest Emmy nominations, with a delicate sprinkling of outrage over ‘365 Days’ missing out on getting any noms. It had drone sex on a yacht people, like what is actually going on? Fingers are now furiously being crossed that it doesn’t actually need an Emmy anyway, because it will get Oscar nominations instead...seems likely. We also delve in to the black and white photo challenge that's flooding your social feeds right now. It would seem the original intent behind the sharing of black and white photos came from a really sad place, so we’ll fill you in on that shocking story and also touch on the backlash over the backlash. Seems it’s just another moment where people thought they were doing something nice, but hadn’t actually bothered to do the research behind it, story of the internet’s life...am I right? So unless you’re a stroppy toddler, we’d strongly recommend you put this episode in your listening holes posthaste, which means with the greatest possible speed or promptness, job done.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices