Ladies, We Need To Talk

Episode

• Either I'm autistic, or I'm a cat 02.06.2026 30mnt

  "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
• Introducing — Autistic AF with Grace Tame 01.06.2026 2mnt

  "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?
• Orgasm coach Dr Lori Brotto 26.05.2026 24mnt

  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 knew Is your attachment style messing with your love life? Is everyone having better sex than me? 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 40s  Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went  This episode contains references to orgasms, sex, partners, relationships, dating, open relationships, menopause, sexual dysfunction, pornography, mindfulness, anorgasmia, vaginismus. 
• I love you but I hate your politics 19.05.2026 26mnt

  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 ABC  Is 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 News  Two mums on having babies in their 40s  This 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.
• Antoinette Lattouf opens up on fight with the ABC 12.05.2026 26mnt

  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 listen Parenting blind, with Nas Campanella — ABC listen Julie Goodwin finally has the recipe for happiness — ABC listen What to read next:  ABC ordered to pay $150,000 fine for unlawfully sacking journalist and presenter Antoinette Lattouf — ABC News 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: ABC, media, legacy media, independent media, Australian legal system, Antoinette Lattouf, Jan Fran, Ette media, Women who win, Gaza, middle-east conflict, Israel, Lebanon.
• Are you mum or grandma? Having a baby at 47 05.05.2026 27mnt

  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 pregnancy Is it harder to get pregnant after 40? What to listen to next: Surrogacy: why women carry babies for others — ABC listen Is your attachment style messing with your love life? — ABC listen Felicity Ward on motherhood, depression and a sexual rebirth — ABC listen Last shot pregnancy — ABC listen What to read next:  Why these women have never had a partner — ABC News The 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
• One true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationships 28.04.2026 24mnt

  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 listen Is your attachment style messing with your love life? — ABC listen Is everyone having better sex than me? The case against hookup sex with Hannah Ferguson — ABC listen What to read next:  Why these women have never had a partner — ABC News The women staying single by choice in a world of relentless dating pressure What 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,
• Goodbye uterus: Life after a hysterectomy 21.04.2026 27mnt

  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 Foundation Jean 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.
• Is your attachment style messing with your love life? 14.04.2026 25mnt

  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
• Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? 07.04.2026 25mnt

  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
• Felicity Ward on motherhood, depression and a sexual rebirth 31.03.2026 24mnt

  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 40s What 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
• "Where the hell is my husband?" Women who’ve never had a partner 24.03.2026 27mnt

  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
• Queers are meant to have kids 17.03.2026 20mnt

  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
• Sex Disasters with Lizzy Hoo 10.03.2026 24mnt

  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
• Are men stealing our exercise time? 03.03.2026 26mnt

  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. 
• I didn’t love my baby: The shame of perinatal depression 24.02.2026 28mnt

  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 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?  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. 
• ‘I’m leaving you,’ Belle Burden’s husband became a stranger overnight 17.02.2026 25mnt

  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. 
• Parenting blind, with Nas Campanella 10.02.2026 21mnt

  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. 
• I love you but go away: Women taking marriage sabbaticals 03.02.2026 27mnt

  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. 
• Who the f*ck is Madeline? Getting cheated on 27.01.2026 24mnt

  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.