Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us? | Shame, Silence & Systems Against Us

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 [hello@downthehillstudios.com]  Em’s Store: Want to help bring Rage Against the Vagine back for Season 2? You can tip here: emrusciano.store [https://emrusciano.store/] Or want to get your hands on RATV merch? Email hello@downthehillstudios.com [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/ [https://emrusciano.com/anomalous/]  Emsolation Podcast: https://emrusciano.com/emsolationpodcast/ [https://emrusciano.com/emsolationpodcast/]  Blood Sweat and Glitter Book: https://emrusciano.com/bloodsweatandglitter/ [https://emrusciano.com/bloodsweatandglitter/]  The Ballroom Sessions Encore - Live Show: https://emrusciano.com/ballroom-encore/ [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 [http://lifeline.org.au/]  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au [http://13yarn.org.au/] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au [http://suicidecallbackservice.org.au/]  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums [http://beyondblue.org.au/forums]  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au [http://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 [http://wotif.com/listen] for t&cs.

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 [https://www.instagram.com/senkatyg/] Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme [https://www.instagram.com/wellfemme/] Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_health_geelong/] Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central [https://healthoncentral.com.au/], Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow [https://www.instagram.com/dr_alecia_macrow/] @thrive_family_practice [https://www.instagram.com/thrive_family_practice/] @endo_untangled [https://www.instagram.com/endo_untangled/] Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke [https://www.instagram.com/wilstracke/] Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy [https://www.instagram.com/gracecmolloy/] @menopausefriendly_au [https://www.instagram.com/menopausefriendly_au/] Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell [https://www.instagram.com/karniliddell/] Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health [https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/dr-kerryn-drysdale], UNSW Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland [https://www.unisq.edu.au/about-unisq/governance-leadership/executive-leadership/pvc-first-nations-strategy] A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research) [https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/caroline-gurvich/publications/], HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia [https://www.instagram.com/hercentreaustralia/]   Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ [https://www.instagram.com/drfatimakhan_/]  Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist [https://www.affinitypsychology.com.au/womens-therapy-and-assessments/about-us/], Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology [https://www.instagram.com/affinity_psychology/]  Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action  [https://wellfemme.com.au/new-menopause-medications-on-the-pbs/] Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services [https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-Menopause+and+perimenopause+health+assessment+services] Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body [https://www.weareunion.org.au/repro_health] Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources [https://menopausefriendly.au/news/] HER Centre: Monash University’s centre [https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre] dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health. Cognition and Hormones Research [https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre/research/cognition-and-hormones] Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com [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 [http://lifeline.org.au/]  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au [http://13yarn.org.au/] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au [http://suicidecallbackservice.org.au/]  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums [http://beyondblue.org.au/forums]  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au [http://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 [http://wotif.com/listen] for t&cs.

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 [https://www.instagram.com/dr_hannah_chapman/]  Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central [https://healthoncentral.com.au/], Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme [https://www.instagram.com/wellfemme/] Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_health_geelong/] A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 [https://www.instagram.com/nilou_far123/] Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ [https://www.instagram.com/drfatimakhan_/]  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research) [https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/caroline-gurvich/publications/], HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia [https://www.instagram.com/hercentreaustralia/]   Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist @drstacysims [https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims/] Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action  [https://wellfemme.com.au/new-menopause-medications-on-the-pbs/] Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services [https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-Menopause+and+perimenopause+health+assessment+services] Australasian Menopause Society (AMS): Peak body for menopause in Australia and New Zealand Find An AMS Member [https://menopause.org.au/health-info/find-an-ams-member] Info Sheets [https://menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets] Jean Hailes: A website [https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/] that provides tools and reputable, evidence-based information for women's health. Symptom Checklist [https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/uploads/03-Charts-and-checklists-TGD/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf] WellFemme: A Telehealth [https://wellfemme.com.au/how-to-book-a-wellfemme-consultation/] menopause clinic and resource.  5 Top Tips for “The Menopause Chat” with your GP [https://wellfemme.com.au/the-menopause-chat/] Blogs and Webinars [https://wellfemme.com.au/blog/] Useful Links [https://wellfemme.com.au/useful-menopause-links/] HER Centre: Monash University’s centre [https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre] dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health. Cognition and Hormones Research [https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre/research/cognition-and-hormones] Dr Stacy Sims: We Are Not Small Men Website [https://www.drstacysims.com/]  Full chat on the Emsolation Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUY49UBMVAc] 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 [http://lifeline.org.au/]  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au [http://13yarn.org.au/] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au [http://suicidecallbackservice.org.au/]  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums [http://beyondblue.org.au/forums]  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au [http://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 [http://wotif.com/listen] for t&cs.

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 [https://www.affinitypsychology.com.au/womens-therapy-and-assessments/about-us/], Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology [https://www.instagram.com/affinity_psychology/]  A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research) [https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/caroline-gurvich/publications/], HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia [https://www.instagram.com/hercentreaustralia/]   Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist [https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/meet-the-founder], Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist [https://www.instagram.com/the_midlife_psychologist/] @allabouthercentre [https://www.instagram.com/allabouthercentre/] Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ [https://www.instagram.com/drfatimakhan_/]  Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman [https://www.instagram.com/dr_hannah_chapman/]  Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_health_geelong/] Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst [https://www.instagram.com/myfwarhurst/] Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke [https://www.instagram.com/wilstracke/] Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central [https://healthoncentral.com.au/], Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme [https://www.instagram.com/wellfemme/] A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 [https://www.instagram.com/nilou_far123/] Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  Affinity Psychology |  Perimenopause Survival Guide  [https://www.affinitypsychology.com.au/womens-therapy-and-assessments/peri-menopause/] Resources and Education [https://www.affinitypsychology.com.au/womens-therapy-and-assessments/resources-and-education/] All About Her Centre |  Perimenopause Symptoms Checklist  [https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/peri-symptom-checklist] Journal Prompts for Perimenopause  [https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/journal-prompts] Perimenopause, Mental Health and Self-Sovereignty [https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/blog/108952-rageagainstthevagine] Want: A 6-Session Mini-Program for Midlife Women [https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/want] 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 [http://lifeline.org.au/]  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au [http://13yarn.org.au/] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au [http://suicidecallbackservice.org.au/]  Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums [http://beyondblue.org.au/forums]  StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247 QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au [http://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.

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 [https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/dr-kerryn-drysdale], UNSW Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist [https://www.instagram.com/the_midlife_psychologist/] @allabouthercentre [https://www.instagram.com/allabouthercentre/] Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst [https://www.instagram.com/myfwarhurst/] Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke [https://www.instagram.com/wilstracke/] Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman [https://www.instagram.com/dr_hannah_chapman/]  A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 [https://www.instagram.com/nilou_far123/] Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati [https://www.instagram.com/fooderati/] Lizzy Hoo | Comendian, @lizzyhoo [https://www.instagram.com/lizzyhoo/]  Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper [https://www.instagram.com/ella_hooper/] Dr Neville Fields | Obstetrics & Gynaecology Clinician–Researcher Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist, @drstacysims [https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims/] Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ [https://www.instagram.com/drfatimakhan_/]  Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme [https://www.instagram.com/wellfemme/] Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy [https://www.instagram.com/gracecmolloy/] @menopausefriendly_au [https://www.instagram.com/menopausefriendly_au/] Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell [https://www.instagram.com/karniliddell/] Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central [https://healthoncentral.com.au/], Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland [https://www.unisq.edu.au/about-unisq/governance-leadership/executive-leadership/pvc-first-nations-strategy] A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research) [https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/caroline-gurvich/publications/], HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia [https://www.instagram.com/hercentreaustralia/]    Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong [https://www.instagram.com/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 [https://iview.abc.net.au/show/truth-about-menopause-with-myf-warhurst] Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body [https://www.weareunion.org.au/repro_health] Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources [https://menopausefriendly.au/news/] HCF Study | Women Feel Unprepared for Menopause  [https://www.hcf.com.au/about-us/media-centre/media-releases/2023/hcf-report-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 [http://lifeline.org.au/]  13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au [http://13yarn.org.au/] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7 Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums [http://beyondblue.org.au/forums]  QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au [http://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.