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.

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.

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.

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, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology 

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia  

Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman 

Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong

Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst

Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke

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

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123

Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Affinity Psychology | 

Perimenopause Survival Guide 

Resources and Education

All About Her Centre | 

Perimenopause Symptoms Checklist 

Journal Prompts for Perimenopause 

Perimenopause, Mental Health and Self-Sovereignty

Want: A 6-Session Mini-Program for Midlife Women

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 

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 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.

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, UNSW

Kirstin Bouse | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Founder All About Her @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre

Myf Warhurst |  Presenter, Broadcaster, Journalist, Writer, @myfwarhurst

Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman 

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123

Melissa Leong | Journalist, Presenter, Writer, @fooderati

Lizzy Hoo | Comendian, @lizzyhoo 

Ella Hooper | Singer/Songwriter, @ella_hooper

Dr Neville Fields | Obstetrics & Gynaecology Clinician–Researcher

Dr Stacy Sims | Researcher, Author and Scientist, @drstacysims

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

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 Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP

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 Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @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

Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body

Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources

HCF Study | 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 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

QLife | 1800 184 527 | 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.