Rage Against The Vagine

• 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 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 [email protected]  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.

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• 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  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.

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• 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, 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.

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• 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, 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.

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• What (the F*ck) Is Perimenopause? | Hormones, Head Games & “So Many” Symptoms

  Think perimenopause is just hot flushes?  THINK. AGAIN. In this episode, host Em Rusciano and a powerhouse lineup of doctors and experts unpack what’s really going on in your body… because, get this, there are hormone receptors every-f*cking-where! We’re talking body-wide chemical chaos, brain rewiring, and the weird, blindsiding symptoms that make you second-guess your own sanity.  It’s science-meets-storytelling with clarity, validation, and the occasional swear word to get you through - plus the truth about why this hormonal storm is not “just aging.” The Voices You’ll Hear   A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123 Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme 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 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 Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman  Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it Resources, References & Rabbit Holes  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 A/Prof Carolion Gurvich Article | How hormones and the menstrual cycle can affect women with ADHD: Five common questions Her Centre | Menopause Depression | Cognition and Hormones WellFemme | Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar  | ADHD In the Menopausal Transition | Menopausal Treatments after Early Menopause or Cancer Endo Untangled | Podcast Jean Hailes | Medically Induced Menopause Reminder This episode of Rage Against the Vagine touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If it brings anything up for you, know you're not alone and support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time. 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 check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes. NEXT: Ep 3 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us - drops Monday 1 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.

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