Emsolation

Join multi-media maven Em Rusciano—writer, singer, comedian, producer, podcast princess, and disability advocate—and her best friend of 30 years, award-winning screenwriter Michael Lucas (OffspringParty TricksRosehavenThe Newsreader), each week for an unpredictable mix of deeply personal anecdotes, obsessive pop culture dissections, and truly unhinged movie and TV reviews. If you’re after a show full of humour, heart, and hot takes, we’ve got good news for you!

We should also warn you: Emsolation isn’t just a podcast—it’s a community. A place where listeners feel seen, heard, and thoroughly entertained.

Welcome to the family! We’re so happy you’re here. You’re now an official Emsolator.

Society & Culture
301
Emsolation Conversation with Rob 'Millsy' Mills
Em chats to Rob 'Millsy' Mills in this weeks edition of Emsolation Conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
34 min
302
It Is What It Is
Some hard truths to begin with, we aren’t even getting out of bed for this podcast, it’s cold, Em is comfy, so nestle in because it’s happening. In fact, you should probably just get back into bed when you listen to this episode, you know you wanna. Once you’ve settled in and all of your must needs are within reach, we can begin. We start with Em’s very important four stages of fully patented bench cleaning techniques, because quite frankly no one around her house is taking the cleaning of the benches seriously. Yes there are four phases, and yes Em is more than happy to VERY distinctly and vividly outlay all of those details for you, mostly because she’s been doing a LOT of bench cleaning lately, and has had a lot of time to think. Then Em and Michael assume full US Political nerd mode, so they can discuss Michelle Obama’s speech and Trump's response to it. They are also both unashamedly obsessed with the First Lady of Joe Biden, the incredible Dr Jill Biden, and the First Gentleman of Kamala Harris, Douglas Emhoff who’s a massive nerd. That naturally leads to a discussion around who’s husband would do better in the role of First Gentleman if Em or Michael were to go all Presidential. There’s also time to touch on Joe Biden’s very important chat with Cardi B and finally that’s followed by Em going into complete meltdown about Tik Tok, and doing a vocal representation of a Tik Tok dance. It’s something she’s now describing as “not her proudest moment” and she would also like to issue an apology to any Gen Z listeners, because they may feel personally attacked, Em felt personally attacked whilst she was actually doing it. But it’s all because Kanye has demanded we need Jesus Tok, not Tik Tok and it would seem Em has found herself agreeing with him, so perhaps being in bed for this episode is a good idea. At least that way we can pull the sheets up over our heads and listen in peace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36 min
303
Miley, Delta and Em! Oh my!
Forget tears before bedtime, the new normal is tears before a podcast recording. Regular listeners will know that often this podcast is a reflection of Em’s headspace, hence this episode has proved to be all over the place, so expect an explain first up on why Em’s eye sockets were stained with tears. Then it’s on to how Em has suddenly found herself being reduced to watching shows ONLY about either cooking or wealthy housewives. On top of that revelation, is the fact that somehow, instead of judging the rich housewives, Em has now found herself sympathising with the stories and problems affecting these cashed up ladies. Michael has watched a really beautiful and lovely Australian film called ‘Baby Teeth’ which he’s describing as worthy of everyone giving it a viewing. Obviously Em is refusing that advice, because, well it’s not about cooking or rich ladies, and also she knows she can’t bring herself to watch it because it’s sad. Then it’s on to Delta Goodrem and how Em has always felt protective of her, and how she’s recently revealed the struggles she’s endured over the last year, having not been able to speak because of nerve damage to her mouth during some routine surgery. This understandably ushered in more tears for Em as she watched Delta recounting that story and revealing her resilience. Somehow they then move on to Miley Cyrus revealing she lost her virginity to Liam Hemsworth, which then spiralled into how Em and Michael both lost theirs and how Michael lied about being a virgin. That rolls into the surge in arguments during lockdown and how Michael is a freak who so far hasn’t even had one argument. We follow that up with a chat on the F word that is commonly used as an abusive term for homosexuals. Em hasn’t used it for years and feels that it’s not okay to use anymore, even when used in front of the word hag, Michael doesn’t think it's a problem. So as you can plainly see, there’s A LOT to be covered within, but what else would you expect from a podcast that always takes you on a rollercoaster of all of the emotions and one amazing revelation and reveal after another, exactly, so enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33 min
304
Emsolation Conversation with Asher Keddie
To mark the 10 year anniversary of the first episode of Offspring, Em & Michael chat with Asher Keddie aka Dr. Nina Proudman, to reflect on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36 min
305
Feminine Essence
First up, Em’s been reminded of the importance of reaching out and touching base with the people in your life and doing more than just sharing an RUOK hashtag. After seeing a video from a farmer who posted a deeply heartfelt message about a mate he’d recently lost, it’s been a timely reminder that it’s now more important than ever, for all of us to actually do the work, and check in with the people we care about. Then Em and Michael move on to the announcement of Kamala Harris running as the Democratic candidate for Vice President with Joe Biden. There’s also those four new cases discovered in New Zealand to talk about, they proved enough for Jacinda Ardern to move Auckland into Stage 3 restrictions for 3 days as a precautionary approach. Plus we briefly touch on the forthcoming Meghan and Harry book, and give you the lowdown on a new podcast Em and Michael have discovered. One episode in particular titled ‘Curveball’ sees them chatting to three women anonymously in their 40’s and 50’s, who after leaving long term marriages, figured things were pretty much over for them. Turns out that couldn’t have been further from the truth, cut to them now having these sexual rebirths, where they’re discovering this whole new arena of sexual enlightenment. So as you’d expect, this is another episode of Emsolation that goes just about everywhere. So once you’ve fully sanitised your hands, please grab our virtual audio hand, and allow us to lead you through the virtual forest of podcast goodness, we promise we know the way and there’s no need to leave bread crumbs behind to find your way out, okay this tangent might not be necessary, but meh, it’s there now, so enjoy. Link to the podcast discussed by Em & Michael: https://www.curveballmedia.com.au/podcast/episode/4975e391/mid-life-sexual-awakening See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
42 min
306
Em’s favourite Ep ever
Can I get a CONTENT WARNING? You sure can, and you seriously need one if you’re going to listen to this around little ears, unless you like having some really interesting conversations. Okay that done, let's move on. Now if you think you’re ready for Em’s Favourite Episode EVER, you ain’t even close to being ready, trust us. This episode we talk about Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new song W.A.P., which doesn’t stand for Wonderful And Polite. It actually stands for Wet Ass...um...Mrs. Slocombe’s cat, which will only make sense if you’ve stumbled on an episode of “Are You Being Served?” and if you haven’t, lets just say Mrs. Slocombe never called her cat, a cat. We’ll also cover off the late night tweeting from Victorian Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos on Saturday night. We suspect it was done after a few vinos, she was basically apologising for the state of play in Victoria, we felt her, let’s face it, we’ve all been there. We talk about the current facial hair situation happening on the face of Brett Sutton, and also how Michael is back on the Daniel Andrews train, Em however is reserving her judgement right now. We also get a brief mention happening over vulva beauty masks. So there is a LOT of lady area talk, which is nothing new really, but again, a little content warning for anyone listening. But ardent fans of the Emsolation podcast will not be surprised, nor will they bat a no doubt superbly manicured eyebrow about it either. So check your surrounds, and once you’re sure all the ears within listening range are prepped and prepared, enjoy another walk through the Emsolation forest, and that ISN’T a euphemism, but the Mrs. Slocombe reference most certainly is See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
37 min
307
Where's Brett?!
As a semi-famous Simpsons character once said “Won’t somebody please think of the children'' and whilst it had zilch to do with inspiring Em, it’s also what she’s been thinking about lately. Em reckons it’s time we acknowledged all of the kids that are going through Covid lockdown and isolation, by giving them some props for being super resilient, tough and rolling with the punches. We’re encouraging you to reach out to the kid in your life, whether they be your own kids, or your nephews, nieces or grandchildren, and maybe try and do something special or out of the blue for them. Then Em and Michael work through our complicated relationship with Daniel Andrews, delving into how we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, especially with the hotel enquiry looking so grim. They’ll also touch on the amazing Trump interview that Aussie journalist Jonathon Swan has just done, he’s the son of Norman Swan who does Coronacast. Anyway it’s safe to say Jonathon’s facial expressions throughout that interview gave us all of the feels. Plus we talk about the most wholesome doco Em has ever watched, it's about competitive Rubic Cubing and features the beautiful friendship between the two world champions that’s guaranteed to melt your heart. There’s also a book recommendation for you and finally, because everything Em does that’s been successful, has happened because people like you get on board and help her out by sharing her work, she’s issuing a challenge with an Emsolation recommendation day, where you tag us on social media. So get your hashtags ready and dive in to another comfort inducing episode now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39 min
308
Queen Bey
For her intro, with stage 4 lockdown conditions kicking in for Melbourne, Em reckons it’s time to acknowledge we’ve moved beyond ‘stay positive’ and into ‘it’s really hard right now’ territory. So we don’t have to feel like we have to solve it all now, it’s all about taking baby steps. You’ll also get Em and Michael’s reactions to all the different stages of the new lockdown rules, from Em not caring about curfew because she’s in bed by 8pm most nights anyway, Chella, not so much, to Michael having to manage his jealousy and looking away from the social shares of other states. Then, naturally, it’s on to a LOT of Beyonce chat, inspired by the release of her new visual album ‘Black is King - A Film by Beyonce’ on Friday. There’s so much to be worked through, the vibe, the overall feeling, the moments that made them both cry, how great it is, and how Beyonce just knew she should drop this gift to the world during our greatest moment of need. Em and Michael actually watched it simultaneously together on Friday night via SMS, with running commentary and reactions going back and forward between them both. The main takeout was basically just the sheer amount of costumes, which was actually MIND. BLOWING. So grab your headphones, or turn up your smart speaker, and get a stack of Beyonce loving excitement into your ears, with a delicate sprinkling of meh to the latest lockdown rejig for Victorians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39 min
309
Q&A, Yay! #2
Em & Michael are back again answering YOUR questions in this bonus episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
34 min
310
Hello Professor
We start this episode with a cameo from a quite cranky Elio, apparently Em’s introduction wasn’t up to a toddler's expectations, so the rest of us should be totally fine...phew. Then Michael returns to help Em work through Melbourne’s thirst for their Chief Health Minister, Professor Brett Sutton. His TV appearances as Victorians battle against COVID-19 have clearly been enough to inspire some light sexual objectification, so much so that he’s now the subject of erotic fan fiction on Twitter. From there it's only natural to work our way through the latest Emmy nominations, with a delicate sprinkling of outrage over ‘365 Days’ missing out on getting any noms. It had drone sex on a yacht people, like what is actually going on? Fingers are now furiously being crossed that it doesn’t actually need an Emmy anyway, because it will get Oscar nominations instead...seems likely. We also delve in to the black and white photo challenge that's flooding your social feeds right now. It would seem the original intent behind the sharing of black and white photos came from a really sad place, so we’ll fill you in on that shocking story and also touch on the backlash over the backlash. Seems it’s just another moment where people thought they were doing something nice, but hadn’t actually bothered to do the research behind it, story of the internet’s life...am I right? So unless you’re a stroppy toddler, we’d strongly recommend you put this episode in your listening holes posthaste, which means with the greatest possible speed or promptness, job done. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
34 min
311
Karen
Okay to start things off we’ve got a new obsession...but it’s a double edged sword, so it’s basically got this beautifully decorated handle, but the blade is a bit tarnished and kinda problematic. It’s called ‘Indian Matchmaking’ and it’s the latest go to obsession for Em and Michael on Netflix. They love it, but there’s quite a few issues surrounding it as well, like how they go about arranging the marriages, which has left them feeling a bit yuck about it too. Then it's on to the rise of the term “Karen” and how that name has suddenly become the label of choice for women who engage in public meltdowns, like the lady at Bunnings we all witnessed on social media across the weekend (who also casually swung by Australia Post to unleash more of her anti mask wearing attitude to the poor staff there as well). It’s left Em and Michael asking if there is a male equivalent for guys who engage in that type of behaviour, and if not, then there probably should be. Finally it’s on to the mood capturing vibe of Taylor Swift’s new album ‘Folklore’. Having consumed all of it’s audio treats, we’re left feeling that Tay Tay has really grown up and is now fully embracing the woman she is, but we’re also totally here for her balancing that zen like vibe by just slipping in a Kanye/Kim diss track as well. So plug your headphones in, or airplay the shiz out of it on the biggest speakers in your house, and enjoy another bountiful episode of Emsolation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
40 min
312
Russian Spies
Lockdown means most of us have access to your own fridge and pantry all the livelong day, so it's feasible that you could easily sit down in front of it and inhale all of the things whilst gently sobbing about the situation we are currently in, or maybe you’re just double checking the light is still working inside. Regardless, the worst thing you can do right now is step on a set of scales and check your body weight...which is where we find Em right now. It was a disaster, so that’s where we start things in this episode, then Michael returns to help Em work through the uproar about A-list celebrities being allowed to quarantine in their mansions, rather than in a budget hotel. Prepare yourself for a very surprising and very strong opinion from Em on that information, then we’ll dive straight into Em bingeing even more Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Seems you can clean a bathroom and consume an unsettling amount of reality TV drama in 5 hours. Michael has also finally wrapped up filming on the set of Five Bedrooms, it got down to the wire, but they managed to get it all in the can before lockdown returned. At the moment TV commercials are enough to reduce Em to tears, so TV isn’t a safe space anymore, and we’re also convinced that the Russians are monitoring our text messages, so if Em or Michael go missing, look to the Russians. Aside from that, everything is peachy, so shut the fridge door and get your listen on at your earliest convenience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 min
313
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Hot on the heels of our extra special, tear soaked, kilt wearing, codpiece filled, Masterchef mini-pod, we’re back to give you our take on last night's finale between Emelia and Laura. It was a lady lead cook off on an epic scale and having Jock flaunting his knees in high socks and a kilt, just helped to turn the heat up for Em and Michael. That’s not the only eye candy we plan on covering off either, who knew there was so much sauciness to be had from witnessing Hollywood actor and Superman star Henry Cavill just casually building a PC in a singlet. Honestly watching him delicately insert parts, into other equally delicate parts, using his big manly fingers, whilst rocking an iso-beard and showing off the occasional chunky bicep, or that butt of his that just won’t quit, was the gift none of us knew we needed. There’s also time to get around the news of Princess Beatrice’s recent secret Royal wedding. As you’d expect, Em’s interest level and care factor was probably sitting at about 10, Michael’s...not so much. Obviously some of this podcast needed to be recorded after the Masterchef winners had been announced, so expect a different level of intoxication within and maybe a smidge more ‘motional moments from both Em and Michael. Oh and if you HAVEN’T witnessed Henry Cavill getting sexy with those aforementioned computer parts, need we say more? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39 min
314
Cod Piece (Masterchef Mini Pod)
Em and Michael discuss Reynold’s emotional exit from The Masterchef kitchen and THAT photo. Hint: It involves a kilt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12 min
315
Emsolation Conversation with Jamila Rizvi
Em chats with author, presenter and political commentator Jamila Rizvi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
41 min
316
#FreeBritney
In ye olde days, conspiracy theories were usually only encountered when a relative or friend had one too many cordials at a gathering and decided to open a can of “what the hell are they talking about?” for anyone that would listen. Once the internet and mass media arrived, the truth became totes boring, and conspiracy theories were suddenly where it was at. Some people are mad for them, diving head-first into the drama and lapping it up, whilst others are a little more cautious and likely to poo poo them entirely. So when Em, and her bestie Michael, sat down to do a conspiracy theory deep dive, who do you think was all about them, and who do you think was a little harder to convince? If you picked Em for the perfectly executed Greg Louganis style dive into conspiracy theory waters, while Michael looks away in horror from the side of the Olympic sized Conspiracy pool, then you were a hungie percent on point. Em woke up to a claim that Britney’s eyelashes had been styled in a recent photo to say the words ‘call...or fax (we can’t work out which one it was) 911’, which obviously ushered in a huge chat about the #FreeBritney movement. That then opened the door for some of Em’s more wilder conspiracy theories, which has always kind of scared Michael, because Em is an easy convince for almost all of them. We touch on Callum leaving the Masterchef kitchen and how sad we were to see the gentle giant depart. Our hot tip is Emelia for the win, but we did see, love and appreciate Laura’s mid season makeover. So for that and probs about 90 percent conspiracy theory content, ranging from man on the moon, to is Solange Beyonce’s daughter, please get this episode in your ears at your earliest convenience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33 min
317
Hello Baby Girl
Okay, so you remember that podcast we did earlier (for those who like to check the receipts, it was Episode Number 21) where it was all about getting your eye holes in front of Netflix’s saucy little Polish/Italian kidnap thriller called “365 Days/DNI”? Remember how it was froth out central, and how we couldn’t get enough of that long tall drink of “YES THE HELL PLEASE” called Massimo Torricelli? Well he sent a personal message to Em. You read that right. MASSIMO. TORRICELLI. SENT. EMELIA. A. PERSONAL. MESSAGE. That is hungie percent an actual fact. However, Em knew nothing about it and Michael decided to sit on this information until they had spent roughly forty minutes being responsible podcast broadcasters. There they were doing a deep dive into the world of cancel culture, trying to thoughtfully deconstruct it...as you do. Then they touched on the departure of Reece from Masterchef and how the soul of the show now feels like it has left the building. They also talked about Jock’s worry beads...his worry beads for crying out loud. Through all of that, Michael just casually sat there, holding out on this huge reveal until Em was basically ready to usher him out of there with a cheery bye bye, and THAT is when he decided to deliver his sexy bombshell. To say Em lost her mind is an understatement. In fact, why are you even here still reading this? Please assume the position that best suits you for maximum podcast enjoyment and have at it NOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
42 min
318
Q&A, Yay!
To celebrate a milestone half a million downloads of Emsolation, Em & Michael are together answering YOUR questions in this special bonus episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26 min
319
Wear Yellow If You Need Help
Thanks to rising Covid-19 cases in the state of Victoria, we’ve suddenly taken on the role of that kid in the playground with the gigantic snot bubble that expands and contracts on every breath, and all the other states are playing the kids that are doing everything they can to get the hell out of our way. So whilst it's exhausting to endure another six weeks of lockdown, it’s a short term pain, for a long term gain. Hence Operation Distraction is underway, with Em deciding to pass the time by consuming as much really trashy Reality TV as possible. In her search for something really removed from her own life, she picked the very first season of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ as a starting point, and now she’s fully obsessed with Lisa Vanderpump. She’s also become obsessed with a show called ‘Say I Do’ which is like ‘Queer Eye’ for surprise weddings, it’s fully like someone read Em’s dream diary and turned it into a TV show. She totally ugly cried through the first two episodes, but it’s also working in distracting her from what’s going on. Michael returns to give us the rundown on how they’re desperately trying to finish the filming of his TV show ‘Five Bedrooms’. Em reveals she’s had to stop her 18 year old from going away with her friends because of the lockdown and of course there’s the wonderful weirdness that is Britney’s new brand of beach yoga and how they’re totally down for it. There’s also an update on the results of Em’s vaginal probe, and Michael drops a mini bombshell by revealing he had an MRI, and didn’t even tell Em about it. Plus Scott returns to help out listener Meg, who wanted to know how not to let her work define her, as she searches for a better balance in her life. So if you’re ready to lean into Distraction Town, get your headphones on, find a comfy spot, and hit play on this episode as soon as you possibly can. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
42 min
320
A Bit Frazzled
Okay so imagine you’re trying to record a podcast whilst ALSO wrangling an 18 month old, having a broken heart because Poh was eliminated from Masterchef, you’re also unsure if you really wanna talk about a controversial former fish and chip shop owner spreading more lies and hate, PLUS you’ve also gotta go and get all your lady bits checked once you’re done, and all you can think of is all that nasty probing awaiting you. So the recording of this episode of Emsolation has left Em slightly frazzled and worried that “the intro is a shemozzle” but hey, she had to leave it there to go to the doctors, so we figure you’ll understand. Em’s heartbreak over Poh leaving Masterchef is shared with Michael, so they’ll work through that together. Then it’s onto Em revealing she actually likes Andy as a person, but she’s basically treating him like we treat an AFL footy umpire when it comes to her critiques of him. Understandably Em is all about people discovering new ways to express themselves, so she’s completely at peace with Andy’s fashion choices, however, his choice to team linen culottes with a rather obvious lack of socks, does require discussion. There’s also an in depth conversation about the backlash and problems around loving a musical that has rather problematic references and omissions like Hamilton. Em and Michael are big fans of Hamilton, but they’re also worried about how cancel culture doesn’t allow for nuanced discussion and feel that it’s okay to love something like Hamilton, as long as you’re willing to acknowledge it does make mistakes, and the history it is reflecting, is complicated and deserves further discussion. Something that requires a little less focus and discussion is checking in on Britney, hence why they only devote 30 seconds to that, as for Kanye West announcing he’s going to run for President of the United States in 2020, that might take a smidge longer. We can also report that there is zero jizz chat in this episode, so that’s either a win, or a hideous oversight, you can decide for yourself whilst pumping all of the above into your ear holes at your earliest convenience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
37 min
321
Love Bite
This episode comes with a warning...in that it’s the longest one so far, so there’s probs a whiff of us ‘getting up ourselves’ within, but whatever because Em got a message from a 19 year old girl saying there’s a few of them who are fans and they also called her a COOL. MUM. (caps and full stops totally necessary). So the intro is directed at teenagers because Em is buzzed about getting her claws into the next generation of women. She gives them the rundown on what it was like to be raised by 80’s parents, they’re the Boomers that messed us all up, thereby helping to create the Tiger Mums and Dads we have now that are hands on, in your face and all up in your grill. Then it’s on to the lessons Em learnt later in life, that she wants to pass on early to her girls. To quote Em “it’s basically just a long arse intro, where I try and....make teenagers like me”, followed by a very hearty laugh. Then Michael returns to help work through more of Britney’s instagram efforts, is she unravelling or blooming? They can’t work it out, and it’s riveting, and worrying, and all of the other things. Next it’s on to Reynold from Masterchef’s hickey, could he be the next Bachelor, and how do you do the Bachelor if you can’t exchange bodily fluids in a spa? There’s also zero room in Em’s life for any more celebrities being sad about the Logies not being on, even though Michael is totes missing it, which leads to award show chat, then there’s more love for Hamilton the musicals arrival on friday, Michael and Em are of course having a themed viewing party, would you expect anything less?! Then Scott returns (hot tip, if Scott isn’t on you can safely assume they’ve had a fight that week) to help you overcome fears of rejection when applying for jobs, and there’s a great podcast recommendation from Em that features inspiring conversations with Indigenous role models, it’s by Marley Silver and it’s called Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories. So find your perfect place to plug in, press play and get your Emsolation top up now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
43 min
322
Hot Mess
Did someone say “gimme all of the tangents”? Probably not, but that’s okay because we’re going to give you all of the tangents that your ears and mind could possibly cope with, and then we’ll probably squeeze in some more. To quote Em “we were pretty wild and reckless and I know that’s saying something”, so to give you a taster of the tangents on offer, we start with Em having to work through her shame of being a Victorian. It would seem toilet paper hoarding has returned to Victoria, which has left Em wondering why some people obsess about their butt holes in a time of International pandemics. So a plea is going out to stop being dickheads and if not, then maybe the next step is a registrar of loo paper hoarders, where you can dob them in for their selfish over consumption. Then it’s on to Friday night and all the things Em learned whilst trying to put a live TV show out to the masses online. She’s low key also just casually decided that she’s going to start her own TV Network and then sidebars into the one song that got her through the hecticness in the lead up to the broadcast. In fact, she even gives you the actual minutes and seconds within the song that’s her ‘you’re speaking to me’ moment, so you can use it to help you get through the day. Then there’s more Masterchef chatter as Michael returns to reflect on Poh finally running out of time on one of her cooks, and Reynold breaking a sweat, totally bursting Em’s theory that he’s a robot of culinary coolness. Then it’s on to filming the new season of Michael’s TV show, which is now finding it difficult to navigate the kissing and sex scenes in the age of social distancing, prompting some very 1940’s style “no touching” moments. Plus they’ll go into further details on the disaster that happened before Em went to air on Friday night, which involved lots of crying, but also gave her the resolve to do another one next month WITH added roller skates. So put your tangent pants on and dive ear first into another sterling edition of Emsolation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33 min
323
Tell me about it, stud
Lets talk about ‘love’, in particular, ‘love stories’ that AREN’T romantic...wait what? “There’s a love story that isn’t romantic?” is what you might be encouraged to think, especially if you’ve been raised on a steady diet of rom coms, but there’s a whole heap of love stories you might be ignoring. Inspired by the new series “Love Life”, starring Anna Kendrick on Stan, Em found herself really enjoying the love stories that didn’t involve people getting naked with each other. Since forever it feels like there’s been this focus on a woman's life being considered not complete until they locate and marry ‘the one’, but if we look back on ALL our great loves, like pets, friends, family members, the list of our ‘loves’ suddenly takes on a whole new perspective and it helps you reframe your success rate in love. For instance, besides her hubby and her kids, Em considers her friendship with her bestie Michael as one of her great loves. So we open with that, then we continue the theme with another great love of both Em and Michael’s that isn’t romantic, Britney Spears. She’s dropped a new message for the LGBTQI community which was as hectic as you’d expect, then they spend roughly a half hour devoted to their love of musicals. Somehow this also ushers in a weird sidebar about Michael finding out about sex and his mum leaving out some very crucial info, standard. Then it’s back to frothing over the musical ‘Hamilton’ finally coming to a screen near us, which triggered a deep dive into the set up for the ultimate viewing of said musical, as they map out some parameters around that within the podcast, as you do. Finally it’s onto ‘The National Justice Project’ a not for profit legal service devoted to advancing human rights by giving a voice to the vulnerable who would otherwise be unable to find legal representation. So get ready to fall even deeper in love (but not romantically) with this podcast as you settle in for another listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
40 min
324
Emsolation Conversation with Constance Hall
Em is joined by Constance Hall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
35 min
325
Ethnic Tomboy
For almost all of us, mentioning the words Primary or High School are enough to bring back memories of endlessly creative, but equally cutting nicknames, random acts of ridicule and outright bullying. Reliving her school days in a convo with her bestie Michael, Em realised she has always been made to feel like an ‘other’ and it’s had a resounding effect on her entire life. It means that Em has become relentlessly competitive and pushes herself to achieve great things, just so she can fit into this Australian ideal of what a woman should be. It’s only recently that she’s realised she’s never going to fit that ideal and that’s okay. To survive, she searched out other ‘others’, and eventually made peace with who she is and came to the realisation that she is enough. After that cathartic release, it’s on to Masterchef, where their tasting challenge offered up cubed morsels of food for identification, although Em was unhappy with the standard of some of the ‘mystery’ items, especially when her 1 year old Elio could easily identify things like apple and carrot. They were sad to see Brendan go home, and Em even tried really hard to find some nice things to say about Andy, plus they think they’ve finally arrived at who they want to win and created a winning slogan for them to use too. They also take some time to shine a light on a great new podcast from Nakkiah Lui and Miranda Tapsell. It’s called ‘Debutante: Race, Resistance and Girl Power’ and reveals how important Deb balls are to the Indigenous community and how they’ve reclaimed them as a result. It also brings everything full circle because both Em and Michael’s debutante experience only helped to add to their High School trauma, so get ready for a lot of reliving the past and laughing in the face of it as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30 min