Advertise on podcast: Ladies, We Need To Talk

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 listen Will we ever have a cure for endometriosis? — ABC listen The new way to date — ABC listen Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? — ABC listen You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. What to read next: Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery — ABC News Why these women have never had a partner — ABC News This 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 listen The new way to date — ABC listen "Where the hell is my husband?" Women who've never had a partner — ABC listen Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? — ABC listen You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. What to read next: Why these women have never had a partner The women staying single by choice in a world of relentless dating pressure This 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 community Emotional labour with Rose Hackman — ABC listen Embracing imperfection was the key to Astrid's success — ABC listen The price of perfectionism — ABC listen You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. What to read next: Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went — ABC News What loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look like The dark side of being a perfectionist This episode contains references to estrangement, grief, dishonesty, loss, illness, family, depression, anxiety, relationships, arguments, confrontation, isolation, alienation

Comedian Felicity Ward started having the best sex of her life after the worst time in her life. After years of fertility struggles, Felicity finally fell pregnant at 38. But being a mum to a newborn wasn't the Instagram highlight reel she'd imagined. Felicity wrestled with perinatal depression, zero sleep and a loss of identity…and then she became a single mum. At 40, Felicity was dating again but her expectations were low. She reluctantly joined the apps and started swiping…and what was on the other side amazed her. Felicity found a babysitter for her toddler and sexual liberation for herself. Yumi Stynes sits down with the professional funny woman, dancing with the stars contestant and star of The Office for a deeply personal chat about starting over, rediscovering confidence and how the best sex of your life may yet be ahead of you. 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 25 If you need help: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758 This episode will answer questions like: What does it feel like to have perinatal depression and anxiety?Is it ok to be tired after having a baby?Can I ask for help after having a baby?How to have good sex in your 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 listen Queers are meant to have kids — ABC listen Body image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie Walker Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. What to read next: Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life This episode contains references to 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 Perel How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off The power of one: the single ladies owning it — ABC listen Why are we exercising less than men? What to read next: Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel This episode contains references to sex, dating, relationships, egg freezing, Married at First Sight, reality TV

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

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

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 best How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off Mental health: Anxiety and how to beat it Paying for sex at 70 You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.   What to read next: Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life This episode contains references to 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 sabbaticals How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off Turia Pitt is a selfish woman Paying for sex at 70 You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.   What to read next:   Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life This episode contains references to 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 sabbaticals How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off Turia Pitt is a selfish woman Paying for sex at 70 You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.   What to read next: Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life This episode contains references to 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 sabbaticals Life without boobs: Meet the women staying flat after breast cancer Body image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie Walker Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.   What to read next:   Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life This episode contains references to 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 cheat Is everyone having better sex than me? The new way to date How pop culture f*cked us up, with Sophie Gilbert 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 pop culture messed us up, with Sophie Gilbert How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off Paying for sex at 70 Life without boobs: Meet the women staying flat after breast cancer This 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 cheat Is everyone having better sex than me? The new way to date How pop culture f*cked us up, with Sophie Gilbert 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 surgery How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhood What loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look like The dark side of being a perfectionist This 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 Hackman Clare and Jessie Stephens on twinning, pregnancy and envy Has Ozempic killed body inclusivity? Are our boys ok? Fighting online misogyny with Kate Scott 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 surgery How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhood What loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look like The dark side of being a perfectionist This 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 off Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community Will we ever have a cure for endometriosis? Hacking online dating with Prof. Jennie Young 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 surgery How Turia Pitt's body image changed in motherhood What loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look like The dark side of being a perfectionist This 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.