Ladies, We Need To Talk

The Beckhams know about it. Hilary Duff's been through it. Harry and Meghan could write a handbook. Family estrangement is brutal, but when there's a rift, can it be repaired?
Beyond the celebrity headlines, the "no contact" movement has been gaining traction online as children cut themselves off from their parents, parents find themselves out in the cold and rigid boundaries strain what's left of family bonds.
In this episode, Yumi Stynes talks to women who've been through the pain of family estrangement. She finds out what led to the rift and how letting go can be a form of healing.
You'll also hear from clinical psychologist Dr Kayla Steele with tips on navigating family break ups – from learning how to move on or figuring out how to mend a broken relationship.
This episode will answer questions like:
Why does estrangement happen?
What should I do if I've been cut off?
Is it ok to go "no contact" with a family member?
How can I talk to a family member who's estranged?
How can I move forward?
What to listen to next:
Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community
Emotional labour with Rose Hackman — ABC listen
Embracing imperfection was the key to Astrid's success — ABC listen
The price of perfectionism — ABC listen
You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
What to read next:
Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel
Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went — ABC News
What loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look like
The dark side of being a perfectionist
This episode contains references to estrangement, grief, dishonesty, loss, illness, family, depression, anxiety, relationships, arguments, confrontation, isolation, alienation

Comedian Felicity Ward started having the best sex of her life after the worst time in her life. 
After years of fertility struggles, Felicity finally fell pregnant at 38. But being a mum to a newborn wasn't the Instagram highlight reel she'd imagined. Felicity wrestled with perinatal depression, zero sleep and a loss of identity…and then she became a single mum.
At 40, Felicity was dating again but her expectations were low. She reluctantly joined the apps and started swiping…and what was on the other side amazed her. Felicity found a babysitter for her toddler and sexual liberation for herself.
Yumi Stynes sits down with the professional funny woman, dancing with the stars contestant and star of The Office for a deeply personal chat about starting over, rediscovering confidence and how the best sex of your life may yet be ahead of you.
If you need help:
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306
Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758
This episode will answer questions like:
What does it feel like to have perinatal depression and anxiety?
Is it ok to be tired after having a baby?
Can I ask for help after having a baby?
How to have good sex in your 40s
What should I ask new mums?
What are the treatments for perinatal depression?
What to listen to next: 
Great sex: What we wish men knew — ABC listen
Queers are meant to have kids — ABC listen
Body image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie Walker
Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community
You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
What to read next: 
Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went
Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel
Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery
Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life
This episode contains references to peri natal depression, divorce, pregnancy, child birth, sex, dating apps, newborns, motherhood

Life as a perennially single woman can be lonely. Coupled-up friends often too busy to catch up, family constantly asking "So, have you met anyone yet?" What's a gal to do?
The truth is, we live in a world that celebrates coupledom. And while there are women who love the single life, for others being called to the front to catch the bouquet at every friend's wedding is painful.
Yumi Stynes meets three women who have never been in a serious relationship. They've tried it all, psychic readings, blind dates, even auditioning for MAFs, but their true love has never materialised.
In this episode, you'll hear from women who keep their relationship hopes alive but prioritise their peace, ditching the dating apps for a life of independent travel and a table with a view and no one to steal your fries.
This episode will answer questions like:
Do I need a partner?
Should I travel alone?
Do I need a partner to freeze my eggs?
Is therapy helpful?
What to listen to next:
Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel
How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off
The power of one: the single ladies owning it — ABC listen
Why are we exercising less than men?
What to read next:
Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went
Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel
This episode contains references to sex, dating, relationships, egg freezing, Married at First Sight, reality TV

Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt announced their pregnancy online. Then came the trolls.
The pair were over the moon about starting their rainbow family but were pulled back down to earth by the haters who said that they had "no right" to have children as a gay couple.
Their response was to write and release a satirical book for adults called 'If Queers weren't meant to have kids.' The book is a celebration of the queer community and raising a child with your chosen family. 
The couple sat down with Yumi Stynes for a joyful conversation about the mechanics of conceiving using the turkey baster method and raising a child with three loving parents. 
Narelda Jacobs is a Whadjuk Noongar journalist and presenter on Network 10 and Karina Natt is a former lawyer and journalist who works in media and communications.  
This episode will answer questions like:
Who are Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt?
 How do you ask someone to have a baby with you?
 How do you get pregnant in a same sex relationship?
 What is the turkey baster method?
Can you choose your family?
What to listen to next:
Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel
How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off
Why are we exercising less than men?
What to read next:
Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went
Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel
This episode contains references to sex, conception, pregnancy, trolling, online bullying, homophobia, chosen family, village

We all want to sex to be hot, intimate and above all else, enjoyable. But sometimes when we're getting it on, things can go south and disaster ensues.
These naked encounters are excruciating in the moment but hilarious when shared with friends.
Comedian Lizzy Hoo and Yumi Stynes join forces to walk through the sexual hall of shame and come out the other side laughing.
Expect rogue fluids, a limp erotic massage, and one unfortunate hospital visit.
This episode will answer questions like:
Do I need to see a doctor if I have a sex injury?
Why is sex awkward?
Should I try different lubes?
Should I try new things with my partner?
What are common turn offs in sex?
Can I get pregnant when I use protection?
What to listen to next:
Women who cheat
Is everyone having better sex than me?
Paying for sex at 70
You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
What to read next: 
Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went
Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life
This episode contains references to sex, safe sex, sexual positions, torn vulvas, male escorts, orgasm, pregnancy, contraception, dating