Rage Against The Vagine

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.

Senator Katy Gallagher, Australia’s Minister for Women, shares insights on how government policy is shifting to better support women's health, especially around perimenopause. Dr. Kelly Teagle discusses crucial changes in Medicare, advocating for telehealth access and better rebates for menopause care. They delve into the societal invisibility of perimenopause, workplace reforms, and the economic impacts of ignoring women's health issues. This conversation empowers listeners to engage in advocacy and push for real change in healthcare systems.

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.

Leanne Mulheron, a Registered Psychologist focused on women's mental health, and Kirstin Bouse, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in menopause, dive deep into the tumultuous world of perimenopause. They discuss the emotional chaos many women face, from identity loss to relationship strains. With insights on neurobiology and hormonal changes, they highlight the importance of community support and self-assertion. The conversation offers hope for reinvention and emphasizes setting boundaries for emotional wellbeing, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating midlife transitions.

Myf Warhurst, a broadcaster and journalist, delves into the historical context of women's midlife transitions, while A/Prof Nellie Torkamani, an endocrinologist, examines generational experiences of menopause. They discuss the cultural stigma and medical paternalism that have kept menopause discussions silenced. The conversation highlights the alarming lack of menopause education for healthcare providers and the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, sparking a call for systemic change and more inclusive research.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Fatima Kahn, a women's health doctor and hormone expert, reveals perimenopause as a multi-organ syndrome impacting all bodily systems. A/Prof Caroline Gurvich, a clinical neuropsychologist, shares how fluctuating hormones influence memory and emotions, potentially mimicking cognitive decline. Topics include the myriad of unexpected symptoms, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the need for allyship in addressing perimenopause in marginalized communities. Self-care emerges as crucial for navigating this complex transition.

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.

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.

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.