Ladies, We Need To Talk

It’s truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in the modern world has endured at least one truly disastrous date. It is, regrettably, a rite of passage. Author Alita Bryson has been on hundreds of them! One guy asked her if it was okay to marry your cousin, another trolled people online for fun while yet another literally drove off mid-date. While her dating life was catastrophic, Alita realised it made great fodder for entertainment and so she started the Instagram page Bad Dates of Melbourne, publishing anonymous submissions of terrible dates so that women could take comfort in each other’s suffering (and laugh at each other’s misfortune).  Alita has some sage advice for anyone out there brave enough to date. Further information: How to date like a dangerous woman is published by HarperCollins. This episode will answer questions like: How can I meet someone new?Is it ok to ghost someone?Should I pay for dinner on a date?Can I leave a date if I don’t like the other person?How can I meet a potential date safely? What to listen to next:The new way to dateThe ugly side of the beauty industry with Jess DeFinoIs your attachment style messing with your love life?Jess Mauboy steps into her boss lady era What to read next:Empty-nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by childrenWhy these women have never had a partnerThese grieving mothers want you to say their babies' namesThis episode contains references to Bad Dates of Melbourne, dating, dating apps, Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, relationships, sex, orgies, orgasms and how to date like a dangerous woman. 

At some point in life, we all lose someone we love. But losing a baby is an unimaginable heartbreak. Our children are not meant to die before us.In the wake of that loss, families are left reeling. Navigating shock, confusion, and overwhelming grief as they face a future without a much-loved child.Yumi Stynes meets two women who have experienced infant loss. They share how they moved through their grief, how they celebrate their babies, and how people in their life stepped up- or stepped away.And registered psychologist, Rachel Ficinus explains how grief can be ongoing and the strategies to help you and your loved ones navigate a life-changing loss.If you need help:Red Nose Australia offers counselling and support for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, death of a baby or child. Their phone number is 1300 308 307Lifeline on 131 114Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 This episode will answer questions like:How do I deal with grief when a loved one dies?Who can I talk to when my child dies?What should I say to someone who's child has died?How can I help someone who's grieving?Where can I find support after I lose my child?Does grief have an end point?What to listen to next:How to deal with an empty nest — ABC listenJess Mauboy steps into her boss lady era — ABC listenWhat to read next:These grieving mothers want you to say their babies' names - ABC NewsWhy these women have never had a partnerThis episode contains references to grief, child loss, infant death, bereavement and Red Nose Australia, organ donation, DonateLife.

One in three Australian women describe their births as traumatic.Long labours, health scares, emergency interventions, feeling ignored, and lasting physical and psychological injuries can turn what's meant to be one of life's biggest moments into something deeply distressing.Yumi Stynes hears from women still coming to terms with their birth experiences, sometimes years later, and finds out what can be done to prevent traumatic births. (R).Featured in this episode:Dr Jessica Caudwell-Hall, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Nepean Hospital.Sophie Carroll, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Enlighten Health Collective.With special thanks to Amy Dawes at Birth Trauma Australia.If you need help:Perinatal Wellbeing Centre: (02) 6288 1936PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 187 263Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Lifeline: 13 11 14Birth Trauma Australia organisation 

For most mums, the day their kids leave feels like a victory.You might even be planning what you'll do with all that free time. No more mountains of laundry, arguments over dinner or acting as a free taxi service.But for many women, an empty nest isn't just freedom, it's loss. When motherhood has shaped so much of your daily life and identity, the silence can be unsettling as you move around a house that was once loud, busy and joyful.Yumi Stynes chats with women who have navigated the grief of their changing relationships with their kids, finding a deeper connection with themselves, and a renewed sense of self.Plus clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Miller unpacks why the empty nest can feel so lonely, and the steps you can take to fill the child free void.  This episode will answer questions like:How long does empty nest grief last?Is empty nest syndrome real?What happens to a marriage after the kids move out?How often should I contact my adult child?Why am I sad my kids moved out?What to listen to next:Relationship resuscitation — coming back from the brink — ABC listenAm I stuck in a sex rut? — ABC listenJess Mauboy steps into her boss lady era — ABC listenWhat to read next:Why these women have never had a partner The joys of having babies in your 40sThis episode contains references to grief, loneliness, purpose, empty nesting, leaving home, children, marriage, retirement

Jessica Mauboy was just 16 when she burst onto our screens, barefoot in the red dirt of Alice Springs, belting out Whitney Houston at her Australian Idol audition.She may have finished runner-up, but it launched one of Australia's most enduring music careers including starring in The Sapphires and representing Australia at Eurovision in 2018.  Despite two decades in the spotlight, fame hasn't changed Jess, and she's never lost touch with her connection to Darwin, returning between tours to reconnect with her family and culture.Yumi Stynes sits down with Jess to talk about her Indigenous roots, the strong women who shaped her and how their influence is guiding her as she raises her daughter, Mia and steps confidently into her boss lady era.This episode will answer questions like:What year was Jessica Mauboy in Australian Idol?Where did Jessica Mauboy grow up?Who does Jessica Mauboy play in The Sapphires?How old is Jessica Mauboy's daughter?What is the name of Jessica Mauboy's record label?What to listen to next:Relationship resuscitation — coming back from the brink — ABC listenThe ugly side of the beauty industry with Jess DeFino — ABC listenEmbracing imperfection was the key to Astrid's success — ABC listenWhat to read next:Why these women have never had a partner The joys of having babies in your 40sThis episode contains references to NAIDOC, Australian Idol, Jessica Mauboy, Jamally records, Bran nue dae, The Sapphires, Darwin

When we're dating someone new, the rush is electric. The pull towards sex can feel immediate, an almost magnetic urge to rip each other's clothes off.But as the years stretch on and the demands of life ramp up, sex becomes just one more activity on a chaotic checklist; competing with the demands of chores, kids and sleep.And when the urge does strike, it's intimacy vs. doom scrolling in bed, and somehow, the phone wins every time.Yumi Stynes meets women who are trying to wriggle free from a sex rut and carve out time for more and better sex. Plus, sex therapist Georgia Grace shares advice on how to bring sexual intimacy back into the bedroom.This episode will answer questions like:Why do people have less sex in a long-term relationship?Why is my partner distant?Can romantic relationships survive without sex?How can I reignite my sex life?Should I see a sex therapist?What is phubbing?What to listen to next:Relationship resuscitation — coming back from the brink — ABC listenIs your attachment style messing with your love life?One true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationships What to read next:Why these women have never had a partner The joys of having babies in your 40sThis episode contains references to sex, relationships, intimacy, pleasure, technoference, avoidance

Botox, vampire facials, bone smashing and now cadaver fat fillers: the beauty industry is expert in selling extreme (and painful) treatments in our endless pursuit of perfection and eternal youth.For years, Jess DeFino worked at the heart of this machine as an assistant editor for the Kardashian family. She saw firsthand how the goalposts of beauty are constantly shifting, making it out of reach, no matter how much time, money and energy we pour in.Now Jess is calling bullsh*t on the beauty industrial complex and the ever more bonkers methods being employed.This episode will answer questions like:  What is looksmaxxing? How do beauty standards change over time? Do children need skincare? Is the beauty industry growing? What’s it like to work with the Kardashian-Jenner’s Why is skin care so expensive? Is the beauty industry designed to make you buy more? Can you trust skincare reviews? Is the beauty industry built on insecurity? What to listen to next:Botox and fillers – facing up to the new normal How pop culture messed us up, with Sophie GilbertIs your attachment style messing with your love life?One true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationships What to read next:   Why these women have never had a partner The joys of having babies in your 40sThis episode contains references to beauty, looksmaxxing, beauty industry, Kardashian, Jenner, Clavicular.  

We live in a sexed-up world. From chiselled fictional teenagers in steamy high school dramas to Sabrina Carpenter’s innuendos, it feels like everyone’s doing it. But what happens when adulthood arrives and you're still a virgin? Plenty of women haven’t had sex. Some are waiting for the right person, some are waiting for marriage, and some haven't had the opportunity.  Virginity has gone from being something women were expected to protect to something they feel they have to explain. So how do we ditch everyone else's expectations and figure out what we actually want? Yumi Stynes speaks with women navigating adulthood without sex. Featured in this episode: Amanda McCracken, writer on love and limerence This episode will answer questions like: How does it feel to be an adult virgin? What’s dating like as a virgin? Why do some people wait to have sex? What to listen to next:Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelHow swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offThe power of one: the single ladies owning it Why are we exercising less than men?What to read next:Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelThis episode contains references to sex, sexuality, dating, relationships, virgins, religion, shame, psychology. This episode was originally broadcast in April 2024. (R).

Love bombing. Gaslighting. Coercive control. Narcissists can crash into your life on the charm offensive. They begin with intense affection, compliments and grand gestures. But behind that charm can be manipulation and intense criticism. In the worst cases, they control every aspect of their partner's life. It’s disorienting to be with a narcissist, and often people with narcissistic traits have very little insight into their behaviour. Yumi Stynes chats to women who’ve been in love with narcissists to understand what got them under their spell and why they're so difficult to leave. Plus, clinical Tamara Cavenett explores what you can do to protect your emotional state within a narcissistic relationship, and how to get out safely. If you need help:1800 Respect national helpline1800 737 732Women's Crisis Line1800 811 811Lifeline131 114Relationships Australia1300 364 277This episode will answer questions like:  Am I in a relationship with a narcissist? How do narcissists behave in romantic relationships? How can you find out if your partner is a narcissist? What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder? How can you prepare to leave a coercive relationship? What to listen to next: Are you mum or grandma? Having a baby at 47I love you but I hate your politicsIs your attachment style messing with your love life?One true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationships What to read next:Why these women have never had a partner The joys of having babies in your 40sWhy these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it wentThis episode contains references to dating, marriage, sex, narcissist, control, coercive relationships, empathy, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, mental illness.This episode was originally broadcast in October, 2023. (R).

For all her life, Chloe Hayden, star of Heartbreak High, has struggled to get doctors to take her health complaints seriously. And she’s not alone.  Autistic women have poorer physical and mental health than neurotypical people. From shorter life expectancy to higher rates of suicide, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. In this episode Grace speaks to autistic women about being misunderstood and misdiagnosed and the toll this has taken on her health. She also investigates the root causes behind these co-occurring conditions and how medical and social systems can better support autistic women and girls to be healthier and live their best lives.  Listen to more from the Autistic AF with Grace Tame series:Either I'm autistic, or I'm a catGirls don't get autismThe relationship spectrumWatch the first episode on ABC Australia YouTube.

"It can be difficult…when your approach to socialising and relationships doesn't look like what other people might expect."There's a long-held stereotype that autistic people are not empathetic and aren't interested in relationships. The reality is that, like everyone, autistic women and girls want connection, they may just come to it in different ways. In this episode, Grace looks at how autism and relationships intersect, from friendships and partnerships to parenthood. She also explores what autistic women bring to relationships and what becomes possible when they stop pretending to be "normal"?Listen to more from the Autistic AF with Grace Tame series:Either I'm autistic, or I'm a catGirls don't get autismThe health gap no one talks aboutWatch the first episode on ABC Australia YouTube.

For decades autism was thought of as a "boy thing" and girls were overlooked by science. According to research, three boys are diagnosed with autism for every girl. While experts point to genetic differences, there are other reasons why girls often go undiagnosed, including their ability to mask their autistic traits, leading to what's referred to as the "female autism invisibility cloak". In this episode, Grace meets women and gender diverse people who have been diagnosed with autism later in life or are still waiting. She also speaks to neuroscientist Dr Gina Rippon about what the latest research has to say.Featuring The Assembly's Bethany Woodman.Listen to more from the Autistic AF with Grace Tame series:Either I'm autistic, or I'm a catThe relationship spectrumThe health gap no one talks aboutWatch the first episode on ABC Australia YouTube.

"It's only been in recent years that I've had a public platform and people have asked me specifically about being autistic."In the first episode of this special four-part series, Grace Tame speaks candidly with Yumi Stynes about her experiences as an autistic woman, from feeling on the outer and being labelled "weird" to experiencing the world in "high definition".In this exclusive interview, Grace opens up about the ways that she fought her own brain, using alcohol and masking to try and fit in. She also reveals how exploring relationships with women has been a "profound shift".After sharing her own story, Grace takes over hosting duties for the rest of the series, speaking with experts and other autistic women to find out why so many women are misunderstood and diagnosed late.Watch on ABC Australia YouTube

"I was bullied for being quirky… I would have these very intense special interests."Join Australian of the Year Grace Tame for a special four-part take over of Ladies, We Need to Talk as she meets leading experts in autism research and connects with other neurodivergent women to get a better understanding of what life is like as an autistic person, beyond the stereotypes.Autism comes wrapped in a lot of stigma and misunderstandings. Grace knows this firsthand. She struggled socially as a kid before finally getting a diagnosis in her late teens. Grace's experience isn't unique, with girls far more likely to get a late diagnosis than boys. So, what's going on? Why did science leave girls behind for so long, and at what cost?

The female orgasm deserves better PR. Straight women are climaxing way less than the men they are banging (by about 35%). We know this but what can we do about it?Medical research has focused on male bodies and male pleasure for too long and it's time we got a smart woman on the case. Enter renowned professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Lori Brotto, who is changing the game for women's sexual health. Dr Lori shares her deep understanding of female anatomy and psychology and cutting-edge research on how to climax.This episode will answer questions like:Can women climax during penetrative sex? How do women orgasm? What happens physiologically during women’s orgasm? Why can’t I orgasm? Can women have a premature orgasm? Should sex be painful? Does menopause affect sex? Should I get a vibrator? How can I improve sexual pleasure? What to listen to next:  Great sex: What we wish men knewIs your attachment style messing with your love life?Is everyone having better sex than me?One true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationshipsWhat to read next:   Why these women have never had a partner The joys of having babies in your 40sWhy these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it wentThis episode contains references to orgasms, sex, partners, relationships, dating, open relationships, menopause, sexual dysfunction, pornography, mindfulness, anorgasmia, vaginismus. 

You've found your person, but you can't stand their politics. Awks! It's a phenomenon that's been on the rise in the last 30 years. Around the world, women are increasingly leaning left and men right. In 2022, 50% of Australians voted for a different political party than their partner. Having different preferences to your partner is a given. But political views can get under our skin in ways that can threaten the entire relationship. So how do you manage, say, if you’re a greenie and your husband is a raging capitalist? What if you’re a carnivore and she’s a vegan? And can you have a fulfilling relationship when you’re misaligned at the ballot box? Some couples sweep their disagreements under the rug, some couples erupt in heated arguments at dinner parties, while others are pushed to breaking point. Yumi Stynes meets the women who’ve fallen in love across the political divide and how they’ve navigated the highs and lows. This episode features:  Associate Professor Cynthia Peacock from the University of Alabama This episode will answer questions like:  How much does politics matter in relationships? Can you have a great relationship and disagree on politics? What makes someone more likely to be in a politically dissimilar relationship? How does politics impact relationships? Are younger people more likely to be in politically different relationships? Are people happier if they share the same political views as their partners? What to listen to next: Antoinette Lattouf opens up on fight with the ABCIs your attachment style messing with your love life?Are men stealing our exercise time?Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal?What to read next:Why these women have never had a partner - ABC NewsTwo mums on having babies in their 40sThis episode contains references to relationships, dating, politics, division, left wing, right wing, partners, looksmaxing, progressive, conservative, Gaza, Israel, conflict, war, news, Voice to Parliament, Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson.

In December 2023, Antoinette Lattouf was asked to leave ABC Sydney. Since that day, her life has never been the same.A seasoned broadcaster, she was part way through a week-long stint hosting local radio. Behind the scenes however, a coordinated lobbying effort was underway to have Antoinette taken off air.The flashpoint was a Human Rights Watch post she shared on her personal socials. Soon after, she was told to collect her bags and leave.But Antoinette refused to accept the decision, taking the ABC to Federal Court for unlawful termination. Inside the court room, her life was pulled apart in forensic detail. Outside it, the press scrutinised every move and outfit.In her first interview back in the building, Antoinette sits down with Yumi Stynes to unpack the legal fight, who gets to speak and who gets silenced, and her next chapter, starting an independent Australian media company with journalist Jan Fran.Antoinette Lattouf's book Women Who Win is published by Penguin Books Australia.Content Warning: this episode contains discussion of suicidal ideation.This episode will answer questions like:What happened to Antoinette Lattouf?Why did Antoinette Lattouf leave the ABC?Did Antoinette Lattouf win her court case?What is Ette Media?What is Antoinette Lattouf doing now?What did Antoinette Lattouf post?What to listen to next:'I'm leaving you,' Belle Burden's husband became a stranger overnight — ABC listenParenting blind, with Nas Campanella — ABC listenJulie Goodwin finally has the recipe for happiness — ABC listenWhat to read next: ABC ordered to pay $150,000 fine for unlawfully sacking journalist and presenter Antoinette Lattouf — ABC NewsWhy these women have never had a partnerThe women staying single by choice in a world of relentless dating pressureThis episode contains references to: ABC, media, legacy media, independent media, Australian legal system, Antoinette Lattouf, Jan Fran, Ette media, Women who win, Gaza, middle-east conflict, Israel, Lebanon.

Mid-life is hard enough, but what happens when you add a baby to the mix?The average maternal age has been creeping up over the past twenty years, with more women than ever becoming first time mums in their 40s, delaying motherhood to build careers, travel, find the right partner, secure housing, or navigate infertility.Having a baby later in life can be exhausting. Sleep is elusive, many women are edging perimenopause and the risks to both mother and baby can increase. Then there's the judgement — the sideways looks, the inevitable question: are you the mum or the grandma?Yumi Stynes meets two first time mums who fell pregnant in their mid-40s to talk about the challenges and the joys of being an older mum.Plus women's health expert Dr Karin Hammarberg weighs in on the risks- and rewards- of waiting.This episode will answer questions like:Can I get pregnant after 40?Can you get pregnant when you're 45?Why do women delay getting pregnant?Should I wait to get pregnant?What are the chances of getting pregnant over 40?What is a geriatric pregnancyIs it harder to get pregnant after 40?What to listen to next:Surrogacy: why women carry babies for others — ABC listenIs your attachment style messing with your love life? — ABC listenFelicity Ward on motherhood, depression and a sexual rebirth — ABC listenLast shot pregnancy — ABC listenWhat to read next: Why these women have never had a partner — ABC NewsThe surprising health benefits linked to having a baby at 35 and older — ABC News This episode contains references to pregnancy, dating, marriage, babies, toddlers, children, conception, TTC, sex, IVF, in vitro fertilisation, motherhood, donor eggs, maternity, parenthood, cancer, geriatric pregnancy, Advanced maternal age, pregnancy after 40, fertility after 40, Hilary Swank, Gisele Bundchen

Is monogamy a tired social contract — or a deeply meaningful way to build a life with someone you love? Is opening up your relationship an act of honesty and freedom, or just another complicated commitment in an already overbooked life?Roll up, Ladies, as monogamy and Ethical non-monogamy go head-to-head. Arguing in favour of fidelity is comedian and Deadloch actor, Nikki Britton. Meanwhile, sex therapist, Aleks Trkulja goes in to bat for ENM.Will one relationship style prevail?This episode will answer questions like:What is Ethical non-monogamy?Should I open my relationship?Was Lindy West in an open marriage?Are there rules in an Non-Monogamous relationship?How can I date more than one person?Is monogamy the same as marriage?Is ENM the same as Polyamory?What to listen to next: What we need men to know about sex — ABC listenIs your attachment style messing with your love life? — ABC listenIs everyone having better sex than me?The case against hookup sex with Hannah Ferguson — ABC listenWhat to read next: Why these women have never had a partner — ABC NewsThe women staying single by choice in a world of relentless dating pressureWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This episode contains references to dating, monogamy, non-monogamy, heterosexuality, ethical non-monogamy, ENM, polyamory, sex, relationships, orgasms, partnerships, tinder, bumble, Hinge, dating apps, ghosting,

The uterus is central to womanhood: it's the baby house, and allows for menstruation. So, what's it like to have it removed?Each year around 30,000 Australian women have a hysterectomy — to relieve pain, to treat cancer, or as part of gender affirming care.The path to surgery isn't always straightforward or quick. It can involve years of heartache, confusion and BS from specialists. But for most women, a hysterectomy is a game changer, bringing lasting relief and restoring quality of life.Yumi Stynes speaks to women who've a had hysterectomy and finds out what led to their decision and what life is like on the other side.Plus, gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist Dr Pav Nanayakkara explains the reasons we might need to get a hysterectomy, how to navigate the side effects of having your reproductive organs removed and whether we can still achieve the big O post-surgery.Helpful resources:Ausralian Endometrosis FoundationJean Hailes Foundation This episode will answer questions like:What is a hysterectomy?Why do people get a hysterectomy?What are the different types of hysterectomy?What happens after a hysterectomy?Do I need my uterus?Will a hysterectomy cure my adenomyosis pain?Will a hysterectomy cure my endometriosis?Did Lena Dunham get a hysterectomy?What to listen to next:"Where the hell is my husband?" Women who've never had a partner — ABC listenWill we ever have a cure for endometriosis? — ABC listenThe new way to date — ABC listenFamily Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? — ABC listenYou 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 Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery — ABC NewsWhy these women have never had a partner — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to hysterectomies, hysterectomy, uterus, medical misogyny, surgery, ovaries, gender affirming care, relationships, orgasms.

Ever been called too clingy? Or felt overwhelmed by your partner's needs? Blame your attachment style!Attachment theory is a cornerstone of modern psychology; chances are you've read about it in Attached or spent hours spiralling on TikTok as you tried to identify your attachment style and what it means for your relationship.The theory breaks our attachment styles into three main categories: anxious, avoidant and secure and suggests that the way we're raised shapes how we show up in relationships.We might hold on too tight, we might shut down and reject our partners, or if we're lucky, we might embrace open honest communication and feel secure.Yumi Stynes is joined by Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korrel to unpack your questions on love, relationships and conflict.Further information:Dr Hannah Korrel is a Neuropsychologist who runs the Sydney Neuropsych clinic.Her book How to break up with friends is publish by Impact Press.This episode will answer questions like:What is attachment theory?What are the different attachment styles?How do attachment styles affect relationships?What is my attachment style?Can attachment styles change over time?What to listen to next:Relationship resuscitation — coming back from the brink — ABC listenThe new way to date — ABC listen"Where the hell is my husband?" Women who've never had a partner — ABC listenFamily Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? — ABC listenYou 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 have never had a partnerThe women staying single by choice in a world of relentless dating pressureThis episode contains references to attachment, attachment theory, attachment styles, family, relationships, arguments, conflict, avoidance, anxiety, security, attached, dating, parenting, love

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 communityEmotional labour with Rose Hackman — ABC listenEmbracing imperfection was the key to Astrid's success — ABC listenThe price of perfectionism — ABC listenYou 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 PerelWhy these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went — ABC NewsWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis 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.The Sydney Comedy Festival runs from Monday April 13 — Sunday May 17 where Felicity Ward is performing I wish I could come out of my shell on April 25If you need help:Lifeline Australia 13 11 14PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758This 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 40sWhat 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 listenQueers are meant to have kids — ABC listenBody image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie WalkerWhere's my village? Esther Perel on how to build communityYou 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 wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelWhy Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to perinatal depression, divorce, pregnancy, child birth, sex, dating apps, newborns, motherhood, comedy, comedians

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 PerelHow swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offThe power of one: the single ladies owning it — ABC listenWhy are we exercising less than men?What to read next:Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelThis 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 PerelHow swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offWhy are we exercising less than men?What to read next:Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelThis 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 cheatIs everyone having better sex than me?Paying for sex at 70You 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 wentWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to sex, safe sex, sexual positions, torn vulvas, male escorts, orgasm, pregnancy, contraception, dating

In the exercise race, women are falling behind. Two out of five women aren’t moving enough and it’s bad for our health. Between being time squeezed, feeling crappy about our bodies and guilt about taking a break from caring duties, women have less room for exercise than blokes. But ladies, it’s time to put on our sports bras and get sweaty! In this episode, you’ll hear how to get your fitness mojo back and prioritise your wellness. You’ll meet exercise-hater-turned-evangelical-runner, Amanda Hooten. Plus, clinical psychologist Professor Lyndall Strazdins from the ANU shares tips on how to get physical. This episode will answer questions like: Why do women exercise less than men? What is the gender exercise gap? How are women and men’s relationship with exercise different? What can women do to exercise more? Why do we need to exercise more? How can I start exercising if I have a bad relationship with it? What to listen to next:Love ya guts! What to eat to feel your bestHow swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offMental health: Anxiety and how to beat itPaying for sex at 70You 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 wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelWhy Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to exercise, weight, eating disorders, body image, sport, running, pilates, mental load, gender, parenting, adolescence, women’s safety. 

What if, instead of being the best time of your life, new motherhood was miserable? Perinatal depression and anxiety affects one in five women in Australia. But the shame of it is carried in silence.Yumi Stynes speaks to women about their darkest days as new mums; sleep deprived, fearful and feeling alone. She hears how these women came through their suffering and got the help they needed.Featured in this episode:  Dr Erin Seeto, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clinical Services at the Gidget Foundation If you need help:Lifeline Australia 13 11 14PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758This episode will answer questions like: What does it feel like to have perinatal depression and anxiety? What is perinatal depression and anxiety? What are the risk factors of perinatal depression and anxiety? How is perinatal depression and anxiety treated? How do you recover from perinatal depression and anxiety? Can your relationship impact perinatal depression and anxiety?What to listen to next: I love you but go away: Women taking marriage sabbaticalsHow swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offTuria Pitt is a selfish womanPaying for sex at 70You 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 wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelWhy Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to suicide, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, birth, birth trauma, mothering, parenting, mental health care plan, psychology, hospital, family, breastfeeding, colic, crying, sleeplessness, sleep deprivation. 

What happens when your husband suddenly becomes someone you don’t recognise? One cold day in 2020, Belle Burden’s partner of 20 years told her he was leaving her. There were was no warning, no chance to talk. Before her relationship collapsed, Belle’s life looked enviable. Heiress to a wealthy New York family empire, she had the kids, the job, the holiday house and a committed marriage. But overnight, everything Belle thought she knew about her husband changed, and he became a stranger to her. Despite the pain of separation, Belle came to know herself again and rebuilt her life stronger than before. This episode will answer questions like: What does it feel like to be cheated on? Can you tell if your husband is having an affair? Do people suddenly fall out of love? Who is Belle Burden? Is Gwneth Paltrow Playing Belle Burden in the movie adaptation for Netflix? How can women protect themselves financially in a marriage? What lessons are there to be learnt after going through divorce? What to listen to next:I love you but go away: Women taking marriage sabbaticalsHow swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offTuria Pitt is a selfish womanPaying for sex at 70You 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 wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelWhy Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to divorce, separation, affair, cheating, heartbreak, money, settlement, parenting, re-invention, self-discovery, gender, mothering, independent, finance. 

What’s it like to parent when you can’t see your kid? Nas Campanella, the ABC’s National Disability Affairs reporter, knows there’s many ways to be a great mum. As a blind woman, she’s navigated internalised ableism, and copped BS from strangers. Through it all, she’s given the middle finger to expectations and come out the other side stronger.She talks to Yumi Stynes about the quiet strength that comes from trusting her own instincts and the deep bond she’s formed with her son.  This episode will answer questions like: What’s it like to be a mother while vision impaired? How do blind parents use sound, touch and voice to care for their babies?What are the biggest challenges of parenting with a disability? How do you keep children safe without relying on sight? How do people use sound, touch and instinct to read their baby’s needs? What public scrutiny do disabled parents receive? How do you raise an empathetic child? What to listen to next: I love you but go away: Women taking marriage sabbaticalsLife without boobs: Meet the women staying flat after breast cancerBody image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie WalkerWhere's my village? Esther Perel on how to build communityYou 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 wentBuilding a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther PerelWhy Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to disability, vision impaired, blind, mother, parent, National Disability Affairs reporter, ABC, work-life-balance, working mum, child, baby, parenting, teaching, attachment. 

Marriage sabbaticals aren't a divorce, or an excuse for guilt-free frotting but a chance to reset priorities. But do they work?It can be hard to figure out how to fix a relationship in need of repair when you're in the grind of the day-to-day. Living separately for a while or even taking a solo holiday can be a chance for a jump-start, but it comes with risks.Yumi Stynes meets women who've hit pause on their partnerships in the hopes of coming back together stronger than before.This episode will answer questions like: What is a marriage sabbatical? Why do women feel like they need a break from their marriage? Why do some women feel like they care for their husbands like children? How can you ask for a break from your relationship? How do you know you’re happy in a relationship? What does an equal partnership look like? How do relationship preferences change over time? Can having a break save your marriage? What to listen to next: Women who cheatIs everyone having better sex than me?The new way to dateHow pop culture f*cked us up, with Sophie GilbertYou 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:  How pop culture messed us up, with Sophie GilbertHow swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offPaying for sex at 70Life without boobs: Meet the women staying flat after breast cancerThis episode contains references to sex, marriage, family, parenting, mental load, emotional labour, domestic labour, inequality, chores, perimenopause, break-ups, relationship, love, psychology, attachment. 

How does it feel to be betrayed by the person you love most? Women open up to Yumi Stynes about being cheated on and picking up the pieces of their shattered hearts.There's the fishy feeling you try to shake off, finding texts, unearthing emails, wondering if you're paranoid. And then, the moment of truth and painful aftermath. From Beyonce to Lily Allen, queens everywhere have wondered, "How did I get caught up in your double life??"For some women, infidelity destroys the foundation of trust forever. For others it leads to bloodletting and rebuilding the relationship.Featured in this episode:  Christina Spaccavento, sex and relationships counsellor This episode will answer questions like: What does it feel like to be cheated on? How do some women find out their partner has been cheating on them? Why do people cheat? Can you stay in a relationship after infidelity?  How do you rebuild trust after cheating? What to listen to next:Women who cheatIs everyone having better sex than me?The new way to dateHow pop culture f*cked us up, with Sophie GilbertYou 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 Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis episode contains references to sex, marriage, cheating, West End Girl, Lily Allen, Madeline, Beyonce, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Becky with the good hair, Shakira, Lemonade, infidelity, women, family, emotional cheating.

Millennial pop culture has a lot to answer for. From Britney Spears' sexy schoolgirl outfit to an underage Kate Moss on the cover of Vogue and Paris Hilton in pube-skimming velvet tracksuits, the message was clear — being hot, sexy and desirable meant #girlpower.So how did we all buy into the lie that self-objectification is empowerment?Pulitzer Prize–nominated journalist Sophie Gilbert says the Spice Girls, Demi Moore, Britney Spears and the Kardashians all had a role to play in how we feel about ourselves as women.Sophie chats to Yumi Stynes about how pop culture turned a generation of women against themselves and what we can do about it.What to listen to next:Emotional labour with Rose HackmanClare and Jessie Stephens on twinning, pregnancy and envyHas Ozempic killed body inclusivity?Are our boys ok? Fighting online misogyny with Kate ScottYou 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 Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis episode will answer questions like: What were the messages being sent about womanhood in the 1990s and 2000s? How did the Spice Girls rise to popularity? What did the term ‘girl power’ mean? How did pop culture impact body image and fashion? What did pop culture teach us about women’s sexuality? What is pop culture today teaching us about womanhood? This episode contains references to sexuality, pop culture, music, performance, girl, woman, gender, gender roles, Britney Spears, Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, the Spice Girls, Pamela Anderson, body image, thinness, beauty, capitalism, entertainment industry. 

What’s it like to switch teams mid-season? Nicola was married to a man for 25 years before she fell in love with a woman. Jennifer and Marija were in their 40s when everything they knew about their sexuality changed.  Yumi Stynes chats to later-in-life lesbians to hear what they’ve learned from swapping sides. She also gets the low-down on sexuality research across the life span, and why so many women are coming out in their second act. What to listen to next:How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better offWhere's my village? Esther Perel on how to build communityWill we ever have a cure for endometriosis?Hacking online dating with Prof. Jennie YoungYou 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 Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis episode will answer questions like: What’s it like to fall in love with a woman in middle age? Are some women straight and then turn gay? How common is bisexuality? How fluid is sexuality? What does it feel like to have sex with a woman for the first time? This episode contains references to sexuality, family, mother, parenting relationships, lesbian, gay, straight, sex, orgasm, religion. 

MasterChef’s Julie Goodwin has a bubbly exterior but underneath are demons she’s fought for decades.  The celebrity cook opens up to Yumi Stynes about the anxiety and depression she’s kept hidden for so long, and how it almost undid her. Julie’s path to recovery wasn’t straight, but she learnt how to manage what she calls the ‘monster under the bed’ and change her life for the better.  If you need someone to talk to, call:Lifeline on 13 11 14  Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467  Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36  Headspace on 1800 650 890  What to listen to next:Mental health: Overcoming depressionLove ya guts! What to eat to feel your bestBody image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie WalkerYou 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 Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis episode will answer questions like: What does anxiety feel like? What does depression feel like? How can childhood experiences impact mental health? How did Julie Goodwin recover from a mental breakdown? What can I do to improve my mental health? What is it like to stay in a psychiatric hospital? How can I cultivate joy? How can mental health impact relationships? This episode contains references to anxiety, depression, alcohol, addiction, exercise, health, mental health, psychology, MasterChef Australia. 

If you've ever been with a guy who thinks jackhammering is a virtue or who can't tell your clitoris from your clavicle, this episode is for you! (Pssst share it with a bloke you know).Yumi Stynes chats to comedian and expert dater Nikki Britton about what makes for good sex.Plus, sex therapist Aleks Trkulja, from The Pleasure Centre, gives tips on how to take on feedback in the bedroom.This episode will answer questions like: What do women want in sex? How are women and men’s sexual desires different? What can I do to increase arousal? What are common turn offs? What are the fundamental elements of good sex? What to listen to next:Is everyone having better sex than me?The new way to dateWill we ever have a cure for endometriosis?Shedding the shame of herpesYou 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 Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis episode contains references to sex, gender, men, women, clitoris, mental load, marriage, sex life, therapy, masturbation.

Dr Corrine Low says heterosexual relationships are costing women financially. And she’s got the life experience and the data to back it up.  When Corrine was married to a man and a new mum, she was the main breadwinner, shouldering the domestic load...and she was FED UP.  Corrine’s research has found that even though we’re doing more paid work than ever, women still do most of the unpaid labour at home and it’s hurting our back pocket (and our feelings).  Dr Low talks to Yumi Stynes about practical ways for women to have more equal relationships, share the mental load and connect our romantic and financial decisions. This episode will answer questions like: What is domestic labour? Do women do more work at home than men? How can we create more equal families? How does work gender inequality impact relationships? What is mum burn out? What can you do to distribute the mental load fairly? What to listen to next: Emotional labour with Rose HackmanTuria Pitt is a selfish womanMental health: Anxiety and how to beat itHas Ozempic killed body inclusivity?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 Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis episode contains references to gender roles, family, relationship, men, mental load, domestic labour, utility, having it all, children, parenting, child care, work life balance, mental health. 

Esther Perel is on a mission to make us feel less alone. The world renowned psychotherapist says we've lost touch with the village but she's here to help us reconnect. Esther chats to Yumi Stynes about how to foster a community and stop putting pressure on romantic partners to fulfil our needs. She shares her own story of seeing her parents build a village as refugees, and how she learnt to lean on her chosen people when her family needed it most.     If you’re feeling isolated or just want to bolster your community, this episode offers practical way to find and maintain your village.   This episode will answer questions like: What is a village?How can I build a village?How does having a strong community impact romantic relationships?How did Esther Perel build a strong community?What's at stake when we don't have a village?How can we all combat loneliness?How do we ask for help?What to listen to next: Deepa Paul on opening her marriageEmotional labour with Rose HackmanRelationship resuscitation — coming back from the brinkYou 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 PerelWhy Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgeryHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistThis episode contains references to Esther Perel, village, community, friends, romantic relationship, marriage, resentment, therapy, couples therapy, Mating in Captivity, Where Should We Begin, personality styles, extroversion, introversion, love language.

We’re told boobs are sexy! Bouncy! Nutritious food banks even! But what happens when they betray you? Every year in Australia, around 20,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Forty per cent of those will need a mastectomy, surgery to have the breast tissue removed. Some of those women will choose not reconstruct, to stay "flat."Yumi Stynes speaks to "flatties" about their relationship with their new bodies. You'll hear from women who've had one or both breasts removed about how their decision has reshaped their sex lives and body image and how they've found hope in new forms.If you've got boobs, or know someone who does, this episode will make you question how you think about them. Featured in this episode: Dr Charlotte Tottman, psycho-oncologist  Useful links:Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte TottmanBreast Cancer Network AustraliaSo Brave Breast Cancer CharityMastectomy: Breast Surgery and RecoveryWhat to listen to next: Will we ever have a cure for endometriosis?Embracing imperfection was the key to Astrid’s successGetting to the bottom of IBSYou 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:  How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to breast cancer, going flat, staying flat, flatties, reconstruction, surgery, chemotherapy, body image, femininity, boobs, psychology, mental health, gender. 

When she was 16, Pub Choir's Astrid Jorgensen wanted to be a nun. So how did she end up in pubs, night after night, teaching people to sing?For years, Astrid felt like she didn't belong to the world of music. But she found her way in, on her terms. Astrid was never going to be an elite Opera singer, but in rediscovering the joy of singing for the sake of it, she invited the world to sing along too.Astrid has fused her unique talents together to create Pub Choir — the largest choir in the world. She teaches everyday punters to sing a three-part harmony, where the audience becomes the performers.Yumi Stynes sits down with Astrid for a candid conversation about the messiness of life, how she found her voice and began singing to her own tune.What to listen to next: Turia Pitt is a selfish womanMental health: Anxiety and how to beat itWill we ever have a cure for endometriosis?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:How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode contains references to Pub Choir, Bulimia, Backstreet Boys, Cher, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Africa, Cranberries, Zombie, Dolores O’Riordan, Toto, Average at Best, music teacher, spiritual quest, religion, abusive teacher, music, audiation, sensory, senses, conducting, choir, crowd, stage.

Up to one in five people have irritable bowel syndrome and women are three times as likely to be affected. From bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhea, the symptoms can be debilitating, let alone make it hard to do up a pair of jeans! Even though IBS is so common, there’s no cure. But there’s increasing research about the best ways to manage symptoms - from the low FODMAP diet to managing anxiety to live a better and less gassy life.  Featured in this episode: Associate Professor Jess Biesiekierski from the University of MelbourneIBS participant study https://www.gutresearchstudy.com.What to listen to next:  Calling out wellness bullsh*t with Dr Jen GunterSandwich generation — the women looking after everyoneMental health: Overcoming depressionMental health: Anxiety and how to beat itYou 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:   How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode will answer questions like: What is IBS? What does IBS feel like? How do you know you have IBS? How can you manage IBS? Can you cure IBS? How is the mind and gut connected? What does stress have to do with IBS? This episode contains references to IBS, irritable bowl syndrome, HotGirlsHaveIBS , leaky gut, pain, gut pain, faecal transplants, anxiety, mental health, therapy, microbiome, FODMAP, diet, mind gut connection.

With "wellness" advice from influencers flooding our feeds, it's hard to sort fact from absolute nonsense and know what to eat to feel good.Enter Laureate Professor in nutrition and dietetics, Clare Collins. Yumi sits down with Clare to get the low down on the good stuff we should be eating on and the nasty stuff we should avoid. How much protein is enough? Is fibre a big deal? Are probiotics bulls*#t?This episode will help you turn down the noise on nonsense diet trends and listen to what your guts are telling you.What to listen to next: Calling out wellness bullsh*t with Dr Jen GunterStepmums: Why do they get such a hard time?Endometriosis: Pain, periods, medical gaslightingClare and Jessie Stephens on twinning, pregnancy and envyYou 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:  How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode will answer questions like:  What is your gut? How does your gut affect your mood? Is your gut connected to your mental health? What is your microbiome?  How do you keep your microbiome healthy? How much fibre do women need? How much protein do women need? What are emulsifiers?  What foods are bad for the gut? How does the mind-gut connection work? What is the connection between the gut and dementia? What is the Mediterranean diet? What is the MIND diet? This episode contains references to microbiome, diet, diet culture, emulsifiers, fibre, protein, women's health, influencers, menopause, depression, anxiety, bacteria, Mediterranean diet, vegetables, processed food, FODMAP.

Turia Pitt was doing it all — working, mothering, wifeing — and she was exhausted. Being everything to everyone came at a huge cost to her mental health — she was close to burnout, and so she decided to flip the script on being a 'good woman'.Over a decade after sustaining life threatening burns to most of her body in a grassfire, Turia's become a famous author, speaker and athlete. She also had two kids. When Turia's family moved away from their support network for her husband's career, Turia took on a lot and did it with a smile on her face. But inside, she was suffocating.Turia realised that being selfless wasn't getting her where she wanted in life, so it was time to be selfish! She sits down with Yumi Stynes in a refreshingly honest conversation about mum-guilt, saying no, vices, disability and leaving the husbands at home to go hiking with your besties.Turia Pitt is the author of Selfish: How to unlearn the rules that are breaking you.What to listen to next: Body image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie WalkerSandwich generation — the women looking after everyoneMental health: Overcoming depressionMental health: Anxiety and how to beat itYou 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:  How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodWhat loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeThis episode will answer questions like:  Why do I feel so tired as a working mum? What does burnout feel like? What can I do to feel more present with my kids? How can you tell if you’re leaning on alcohol too much? How do get mental health support? What does it feel like to move away from family and friends with young kids? How can I put myself first as a working mum? How do I start saying no? This episode contains references to motherhood, mental load, depression, burnout, stress, disability, running, hiking, exercise, marriage, family, gender roles, parenting, boundaries, people pleasing, alcohol, mental health care plan, trauma, ironman.

She's one of the great cultural villains; the evil stepmother. Stepmums are up against it. Besides fighting bad press generated by endless pop-culture references, they're chucked in the deep end of parenting without a life boat.Yumi Stynes meets stepmothers who've experienced the joy of loving their partner's child as well as the difficulty of slotting into a 'mum' role when the kids already have one.Plus, researcher Dr Bailey Oliver Blackburn explains the challenges of stepmothering, from responsibility without authority to constant comparison and feeling excluded.This episode is a celebration of the unique role that stepmums play and offers some tools to navigate a complex family dynamic.What to listen to next:Toxic mumsBreaking the motherhood contractMental health: Overcoming depressionMental health: Anxiety and how to beat itMental health: Loving someone with an addictionYou 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: How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This mini-series will answer questions like: What is it like to be a stepmother? How do you blend families? How many families are blended in Australia? How should you approach parenting as a step mother? What is 'nacho parenting'?What are the benefits to being a stepmother?This episode contains references to stepmothers, stepmom, stepmum, wicked stepmother, stepfamily, family, parenting, blended families, anxiety, stress, pregnancy, Cinderella, Parent Trap, Rapunzel.

Standing by watching a loved one's addiction can be heartbreaking and confusing. One in ten Australian's struggle with a substance disorder and one in five experience gambling harm.For every person struggling with an addiction, there are people close to them. The wives, mothers, sisters and children watching their addictions play havoc with their lives.Yumi Stynes sits down with women who've been on the sidelines of someone else's addiction, and who've found a path through a challenging situation.In this episode you'll hear how to look after your own mental health as a carer and how to have those difficult conversations.Featured in this episode: Caroline Thain, Manager of Clinical Advice and Governance at Headspace Special thanks to Dr Steph Kershaw from the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use for her help with this episode. Helpful resources: National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015  SHARC's Family Drug and Gambling Helpline 1300 660 068 Lifeline on 13 11 14 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 Matilda Centre resources for mental health and substance useAl Anon Family Groups AustraliaWhat to listen to next: Mental health: Anxiety and how to beat itMental health: Overcoming depressionYou 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: What loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look likeHow Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This episode will answer questions like: How can I look after myself if my loved one has an addiction? What does gambling harms and addiction look like? What is it like to live with someone with alcohol dependence? How can alcohol dependence affect families? What is the financial impact of a gambling addiction? How can I help someone addicted to poker machines? How can I help someone with an addiction? This episode contains references to mental health, gambling, poker machines, addiction, alcohol dependence, Al Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, support group, psychologist, alcohol and other drugs, counselling, boundaries. 

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition facing women. One in three will be diagnosed in her lifetime. From overwhelming worry to spiralling thoughts, panic attacks to avoidance, anxiety can have a huge impact. But the good news is that we know how to treat it.In part two of this three-part mental health series, Yumi Stynes chats to Julie Goodwin, of MasterChef fame, to understand how she got on top of her crippling anxiety. She also sits down with neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Professor Bronwyn Graham to talk anxiety-busting strategies.The episode explores how hormones, sleep, lifestyle, and medication can impact anxiety and help you emerge stronger than ever.Featured in this episode:Professor Bronwyn Graham, neuroscientist and clinical psychologistJulie Goodwin, cook and authorIf you need someone to talk to, call:Lifeline on 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 QLife on 1800 184 527 What to listen to next:Mental health: Overcoming depressionThe price of perfectionismHow to give zero f*cks Perimenopause: lifting the brain fogYou 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: How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This mini-series will answer questions like: How do women experience anxiety differently to men? What does anxiety feel like? What are the physical manifestations of anxiety? What is the role of hormones in women’s anxiety? How does sleep impact anxiety? What can exercise and diet do for anxiety? What are effective treatments for anxiety? This episode contains references to mental health, anxiety, panic disorder, panic attacks, generalised anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, perfectionism, psychiatric facility, medication, suicide, family, parenting, work-life balance. 

One in six women will get depression in their lifetime, compared with one in ten men. So, is it hormones or circumstances or a combination of both that's makes us more susceptible? And importantly, how can we confront the black dog if it's at our door?In part one of this three-part series, Yumi Stynes sits down with women who've been in the grips of depression to understand how they overcame it. She also lays out the essential ingredients for good mental health.Featured in this episode:Professor Bronwyn Graham, neuroscientist and clinical psychologistIf you need someone to talk to, call:Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 QLife on 1800 184 527 What to listen to next:Loneliness — you're not aloneThe price of perfectionismHow to give zero f*cks Perimenopause: lifting the brain fogYou 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: How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodThe dark side of being a perfectionistWhy genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex lifeWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This mini-series will answer questions like: How do women experience mental health conditions differently to men? What does depression feel like? Is depression the same as feeling sad? What is the role of hormones in women’s depression? How does sleep impact depression? What can exercise and diet do for depression? What are effective treatments for depression? What is Electroconvulsive Therapy? This episode contains references to mental health, depression, melancholic depression, suicide, antidepressants, SSRIs, medication, hospital, parenting, motherhood, relationships, family, wellness, health, exercise, hormones, stress, sleep, CBT, psychiatric facility, electroconvulsive therapy, ECT. 

One in three women in Australia will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime and one in six will experience depression. This Mental Health Month, it's time to find solutions.In this three-part series, Yumi Stynes chats to leading experts about hacking your brain, hormones, nutrition (and yes, mental load) to feel better.Yumi speaks to women with depression and anxiety about the treatments and lifestyle changes that have helped them feel better. We also look at how to look after your mental health when you love someone with an addiction.Featured in this series: neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Professor Bronwyn Graham, Headspace's Caroline Thain and beloved cook Julie Goodwin.What to listen to next:Loneliness — you're not aloneThe price of perfectionismHow to give zero f*cks Perimenopause: lifting the brain fogYou 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:How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodThe dark side of being a perfectionistShame and disgust: Why we find this STI so hard to talk aboutWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This mini-series will answer questions like: How do women experience mental health conditions differently to men? What is the role of hormones in women’s mental health? What is the role of exercise and diet in mental health? How do antidepressants work? What’s it like to stay in a psychiatric hospital? How do I feel better day to day? This episode contains references to mental health, anxiety, depression, addiction, SSRIs, medication, hospital, parenting, motherhood, relationships, family, wellness, health. 

Twins Clare and Jessie Stephens have been by each other's side for all of life's firsts. The first day of school, first job, first love, first pregnancy and birth plus that time Clare dyed her hair brown (spoiler alert: disaster).The sisters, both writers and podcasters, live in tandem. They're also competitive high achievers.So what's it like when your best friend is also your harshest critic, most fierce rival and biggest cheerleader? How do you figure out who you are when your identity and DNA are so closely linked with another? Yumi Stynes sits down with the twins for a raucous conversation about the love and war of sisterhood.Clare Stephens is the author of The Worst Thing I've Ever Done and host of The Pile On podcast. Jessie Stephens is the author of Something Bad Is Going to Happen and host of the Mamamia Out Loud podcast.What to listen to next:Sashi Perera on reinventionRosie Waterland and Jamila Rizvi's broken brainsJessie Tu, on miscarriage and doing motherhood her wayThe price of perfectionismYou 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: How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodThe dark side of being a perfectionistShame and disgust: Why we find this STI so hard to talk aboutWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This episode contains references to pregnancy, miscarriage, jealousy, envy, twin, sisterhood, family, depression, anxiety, relationships, Jessie Stephens pregnancy, identical twins. 

Married mum Deepa Paul didn’t have ‘sleeping with strangers’ on her bingo card. She grew up in the Catholic and conservative Philippines and married her college sweetheart. But underneath, Deepa yearned for more.   Deepa wanted to open up her marriage, but convincing her husband took time and tears. Eventually, they settled on boundaries and set up their dating profiles. Having sex with new people meant that Deepa could explore her desires without shame. It also sparked a renewal in her marriage.  In her book Ask me how it works: love in an open marriage Deepa answers the questions we all want to know about polyamory.  What to listen to next:The new way to dateHow to have better sex, with Emily NagoskiEsther Perel will change how you think about intimacyOh my kink! Pulling back the covers on BDSMYou 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: How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhoodThe dark side of being a perfectionistShame and disgust: Why we find this STI so hard to talk aboutWhat happens to your sex life during perimenopause?This episode will answer questions like: How does polyamory work? Do people get jealous in open relationships? What is couples therapy like? How do you navigate the stigma of an open relationship? How do you talk to your partner about sex? How do you talk to your kids about your sex life? This episode contains references to polyamory, open marriage, wedding, sex, sexuality, marriage, parenting, children, kids, communication, couples therapy, couples counselling, infidelity, cheating, online dating.