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For some women, the dream of having a child of their own is priceless. They invest their time, money, and energy in fertility treatments in the hope that by the end of it all, they'll have a baby. But what if after endless rounds of IVF treatment and many thousands of dollars there's no little one to call your own? It can be almost impossible to let go of the hope of parenthood, so who decides how many cycles of treatment a woman should go through, and how do patients know when to draw the line? Yumi Stynes is joined by two women to talk about the sacrifices they made to access IVF; skipping holidays, dipping into Superannuation and delaying career changes in order to continue treatment. And she sits down with Senior Research Fellow, Dr Sarah Lensen to unpack the booming business of IVF in Australia. Further information: Black Dog Institute is looking for people who are currently having IVF, have had IVF in the past, or are supporting someone through fertility treatment to share their experience. They want to learn more about the emotional impact of IVF and how support can be improved. If you take part, you'll be asked to complete a 30-minute online survey. To learn more and see if you're eligible, visit the link https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-studies/help-us-improve-mental-health-support-during-ivf/ The closing date for the survey is 29th November 2026. This episode will answer questions like: How expensive is IVF?What are the success rates of IVF?Are there risks doing IVF?Who can use IVF?Are IVF add-ons helpful?Should I try IUI before IVF?Can I use my Superannuation to do IVF?What to listen to next: No more nice: Amy Remeikis wants you to stop people-pleasing — ABC listenIs egg freezing all it's cracked up to be? - ABC listenWhat to read next: Heroin chic is back. Here's how to talk to your kids about it — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to IVF, In Vitro Fertilisation, ICSI, superannuation, pregnancy, fertility, infertility and IVF add ons.

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace? As girls we're told to "play nice" and not rock the boat. But author Amy Remeikis reckons being nice comes at a cost. When she was assaulted on a Brisbane street in her 20s, she was shocked by how many people passed by without helping. It made her question how a culture of civility makes us reluctant to intervene. Amy has been "contrary" throughout her career covering politics. For her, telling it like it is trumps being liked. She wants others to follow her lead. To stop being "nice" and start being decent. More information: Screw Nice is published by Hachette Australia. This episode will answer questions like: How are girls conditioned to be nice?Are there consequences for women who aren't nice?Are there advantages to refusing to be nice?Why is Amy Remeikis refusing to be nice?Is there a cost to being nice?Can you ever be too nice?What to listen to next: Ultra-thinness is back: how to talk about our bodies — ABC listenWhat to read next: Heroin chic is back. Here's how to talk to your kids about it — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to assault, sexism, civility, bystander effect, niceness, politeness and journalism.

Celebrities and everyday women are shrinking before our eyes. So how do we have conversations about our bodies when they're the source of renewed scrutiny? Yumi Stynes sits down with Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett, journalist Demi Lynch and psychologist Janet Lowndes to discuss why thinness is becoming the cultural norm again and how we can push back against this narrative. They unpack the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, the impact of social media and how to talk to your kids about body image when their role models keep getting thinner. This episode will answer questions like: Should we talk about people's bodies?How can we talk about bodies without critiquing them?What is diet culture?How can I avoid looking at ultra-thin bodies?Are GLP-1 affecting diet culture?Is anti-fatness on the rise?What is FATernise?Why are celebrities getting thinner? What to listen to next: "No one really talked about it:" Myf Warhurst on menopause and her ADHD diagnosis — ABC listenWhat to read next: The secret to happy long-term relationships — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to thinness, weight, diet culture, GLP-1, eating disorders, social media and fatness.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis while going through perimenopause helped explain the quiet bubbling rage and feelings of inadequacy that Myf Warhust had been dealing with her whole life. Discovering she had ADHD mid-life has been life changing for Myf but like so many women, she questions why it took so long to be diagnosed in the first place. She's channelled those feelings into her new book, Middle Rage where she explores the bullsh*t women have been experiencing for a millennia. Yumi Stynes sits down with the Spicks and Specks team captain for a candid conversation about this new era of her life, one that's free of dating apps, managers and men who send her dick pics. More information: Middle Rage is published by Hachette Australia. This episode will answer questions like: How does menopause affect women? Can menopause affect ADHD? Why didn’t people talk about menopause? Why are women getting diagnosed with ADHD later in life? Why did Myf Warhurst write Middle Rage?Is Myf Warhust still on Spicks and Specks?What is Myf Warhurst doing now? Is Myf Warhurst a feminist? What to listen to next: The secrets to a happy relationship (they're not what you think) — ABC listenWhat to read next: The secret to happy long-term relationships — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to Myf Warhurst, rage, misogyny, menopause, perimenopause, ADHD and Eurovision.

What's the key to a long-lasting, happy relationship? Grand gestures and date nights might cause a momentary flare, but successful couples know there's more to it than that. How do they fight, divide the load, and keep their intimacy hot when life gets busy and deeply unsexy? Yumi Stynes speaks to women about how they found love that's stable, healthy and fun. And clinical psychologist Ms Gemma Cribb talks through the foundations that all happy couples build their relationships on. You'll be surprised! This episode will answer questions like: Can you be happy in a long-term relationship?What makes a relationship last?How can you support your partner?How do I know if my partner's happy?What to listen to next: Our bodies, our choice. But are abortion rights under threat? — ABC listenWhat to read next: The women 'quietly quitting' their marriages — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to relationships, partners, marriage, intimacy, children and mental load.

What does free speech mean if women can't afford to defend it? And what happens when the law meant to protect reputations is used to silence women speaking out about alleged sexual violence? Jennifer Robinson is one of the world's most recognisable human rights lawyers. She's represented actress Amber Heard, whose trial became the stuff of fierce public debate and trial by media. Now Jennifer's fighting to change that, by challenging a legal system that can be weaponised to silence survivors of gendered violence. More information: How many more women? Is published by Allen and Unwin This episode will answer questions like: Who is Jennifer Robinson?Why did Amber Heard testify in the UK defamation trial?What are the allegations against Johnny Depp?What happened to Brittany Higgins?What is the Stop the SLAPP Alliance?What to listen to next: Our bodies, our choice. But are abortion rights under threat? — ABC listenWhat to read next: The women 'quietly quitting' their marriages — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to defamation, Brittany Higgins, Lisa Wilkinson, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp.

Sex parties without creepy dudes? Forget keys in a bowl and seedy nightclubs: women are flipping the stereotype and creating sexy playgrounds on their own terms. Fifteen years into her marriage, Fliss, a Sydney mum of two, stepped into the sex party scene, and now she hosts her own women-focused events with vetting calls and references. Therapist and volunteer 'consent angel' Lotus who monitors partygoers safety explains what's changed in recent years, and PhD researcher Amelia looks at what play means at queer sex parties. On Ladies We Need to Talk, Yumi Stynes steps inside the scene, where consent is non-negotiable, to find out why more women feel safe exploring desire, body image and juggling it all with kids. This episode will answer questions like: What is a sex party?Who goes to sex parties?What is a consent angel?Who runs sex parties?What do people do at sex parties?How do you keep sex parties safe?Is it cheating to attend a sex party?What to listen to next: Why tradwife content is so seductive — ABC listenWhat to read next: The women 'quietly quitting' their marriages — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to sex, relationships, intimacy, sex parties and consent.

From making bubble gum by hand to tranquil depictions of motherhood, why is the tradwife fantasy so appealing and why can't we look away? During the pandemic, tradwives like Nara Smith and Hannah Neeleman from Ballerina Farm dominated our algorithms. They baked perfectly scored sourdough loaves in spotless kitchens and made cereal for their toddlers from scratch. These women depict an enviable, calm lifestyle that very few women can attain. While some influencers reject the label of tradwife, their content taps into a powerful fantasy that has drawn millions of women to watch, even if we have no plans or desire to ever live that way. Yumi Stynes is joined by Professor Heejung Chung to unpack the tradwife phenomenon and the real-world impacts that come with the promotion of "traditional" gendered ideals. This episode will answer questions like: What is a tradwife?Where did the tradwife movement come from?How do tradwives afford the lifestyle?Do tradwives have their own money?Are men looking for a tradwife?Do tradwives have to be submissive?Is Nara Smith a tradwife?What to listen to next: "I'm actually gay": My husband's best kept secret — ABC listenWhat to read next: The women 'quietly quitting' their marriages — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to tradwives, traditional lifestyles, Ballerina Farm, Nara Smith, Yesteryear and Hannah Neeleman.

An "I do" between husband and wife comes with many promises, not least of which is to be truthful.  So what do you do when your husband comes out as gay? For some women, it's a revelation that up-ends decades of marriage, family and identity. Can these relationships survive? And if they don't, how do you move beyond the hurt and build a new life? Yumi Stynes speaks to women who learned their husbands were gay after years of marriage and shared lives. This episode will answer questions like: How can I talk to my husband about his sexuality?How can I tell if my husband is gay?Can I ask my husband if he is gay?If my husband watches gay porn, is he gay?Where can I find support?More information: Women Partners | Free Counselling & Support for Women in NSW is a NSW based service but offers free resources nationwide What to listen to next: Quiet Quitting Marriage: Why Women Are Emotionally Checking Out — ABC listenWhat to read next: The women 'quietly quitting' their marriages — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to divorce, coming out, sexuality, gender identity, same-sex attraction and homosexuality.

Abortion is legal across Australia, but safe, affordable access is still not guaranteed for everyone. While three quarters of Australians support abortion access, finding a GP who will help is a postcode lottery. And the fallout from the 2022 reversal of Roe v Wade is being felt in Australia, with US-inspired protests and political tactics entering the fray. Yumi sits down with GP Dr Keersten Fitzgerald to learn about the roadblocks to getting an abortion, and talks to historian Dr Prudence Flowers about the recent push to limit abortion in Australia. Other resources: If you're in Victoria, My options runs a free sexual and reproductive health service help line. In NSW, Search Plus is a new tool operated by Family planning to help with reproductive or sexual health services. Pink Elephant is a national service available on 1300 726 306 run by PANDA. This episode will answer questions like: When can I have an abortion in Australia?When can I have an abortion?What is a medical abortion?How do you get an abortion?Is abortion legal in Australia?Why do people get an abortion?What to listen to next: Quiet Quitting Marriage: Why Women Are Emotionally Checking Out — ABC listenWhat you don't know about the mental load with Leah Ruppanner — ABC listenWhat to read next: The women 'quietly quitting' their marriages — ABC NewsThis episode contains references to healthcare, abortion, reproductive rights, surgical abortion, medical abortion and termination.

Instead of dealing with the upheaval of divorce, some women are quietly quitting their role as wife. Physically, they're there, going through the motions, but emotionally they've checked out. There's no huge conflict, but there's also no urge to try to make things work. Yumi Stynes talks to women who have taken a step back from their marriages but aren't ready to officially split. They're staying for the sake of the kids, to save money or are biding their time, waiting for the right moment to leave. And clinical psychologist Dr Cassandra Shields unpacks the reasons some women quietly quit their marriages, and the toll it takes to live separately under the one roof. This episode will answer questions like: What does quiet quitting a relationship look like?Is quiet quitting a marriage like a divorce?Is my marriage headed for a divorce?If someone's quiet quitting, is the relationship over?What to listen to next: "Traded a husband for a bestie" Why these mums moved in togetherWhat to read next: Empty-nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by childrenThis episode contains references to separation, quiet quitting, divorce, burnt out pursuer and mental load.

We've been talking about the mental load for decades, so why are so many women still carrying it? It's the unseen mental and emotional work we do to keep our lives running — the planning, problem-solving, and remembering that often goes unnoticed. The term isn't new, but our understanding of it is changing. Yumi is joined by sociologist Leah Ruppanner, who interviewed thousands of women as part of a research project to develop tools to help manage and lighten your mental load. As part of this research, Leah's developed a simple online quiz that breaks the mental load into eight categories, helping you see where your energy is going and how you might redistribute it. Further information Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More is published by Penguin Random House Free Mental Load Assessment | Lighten Lab | Professor Leah Ruppanner)This episode will answer questions like: What is the mental load?How can I reduce the mental load?How does carrying the load impact women?How can I share the mental load?What are the eight categories of the mental loadWhat to listen to next: "Traded a husband for a bestie" Why these mums moved in togetherWorst ever dates, with Alita BrydonWhat to read next: Empty-nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by childrenWomen on being in a sexless marriage and tips for reconnectingThis episode contains references to the mental load, housework, invisible labour, emotional labour, parenting, emotional responsibility.

Having children is one of the most rewarding and meaningful things we can do. But what if you wish you'd never become a parent? For mothers especially, the taboo of admitting they regret their children can be incredibly lonely. Many carry their grief, loss of identity and exhaustion in silence. Yumi Stynes gets a rare window into the lives of people who love their children but admit that if they could go back in time, they'd make a different choice. Featured in this episode: Ella Reed, sociologist at Monash University researching maternal regret This episode will answer questions like:   What does it feel like to regret having kids?Why do some parents regret having children?Where do you get help if you’re struggling as a parent?How does regretting children impact a romantic relationship?Why is maternal regret so taboo? What to listen to next: "Traded a husband for a bestie" Why these mums moved in together Worst ever dates, with Alita Brydon The grief no parent expects What to read next: Empty-nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by childrenWomen on being in a sexless marriage and tips for reconnectingThese grieving mothers want you to say their babies' namesThis episode contains references to motherhood, parenting, mothering, regret, anxiety, depression, suffering, family, mental load, support, relationships, romance.

There’s a special kind of fury reserved for the 'other woman.' She’s often depicted as a home wrecker and immoral, but is she misunderstood? Unlucky to fall for someone who’s already taken?    Yumi Stynes speaks with women whose hearts belong to married men and discovers that beneath the stereotypes are complicated love stories built on hope and promises in the face of deception.     Psychologist Liz Neal also explains what forbidden love does to the brain and why it can be so enticing. (R).  This episode will answer questions like:  What’s it like to be the other woman?How do people hide affairs from their partners?Why do people have affairs?Where does the ‘seductive mistress’ trope come from? What to listen to next: "Traded a husband for a bestie" Why these mums moved in together Worst ever dates, with Alita Brydon The grief no parent expects What to read next: These grieving mothers want you to say their babies' names Empty-nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by children This episode contains references to cheating, infidelity, sex, relationships, marriage, women, the other woman.

Have you ever fantasised about raising kids with your bestie? Well, some women are doing it for real. And these mum communes or ‘mummunes’ don’t look like your average share house.   These women are sharing a roof, chores, bills and the mental load of raising their kids. For some, it’s the antidote to a nuclear family structure that left them drained and resentful. For others, it’s a handy, albeit overcrowded solution to the struggles of single motherhood.  Yumi Stynes speaks to women who are rewriting the rules of motherhood and finds out what there is to gain when you challenge the status quo.   This episode will answer questions like:  Can you raise children with your best friend?Should you raise children with a romantic partner?Why do women feel burnt out as wives and mothers?Has the nuclear family become outdated for women?Do you need men to raise kids?What are the challenges of raising kids with your best friend?How do communal living arrangements deal with money?How does dating work in a mummune?Why do women initiate household and child care more than men? What to listen to next: Are you mum or grandma? Having a baby at 47The women who've never had sexOne true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationshipsWhat to read next: These grieving mothers want you to say their babies' namesEmpty-nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by children Why these women have never had a partnerThis episode contains references to child care, parenting, mothering, single mum, alternative family structures, romantic partner, heterosexuality, patriarchy, mommune, mummune, commune, shared living, alternative living, community, individualism, village.