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
326
Pink Eye
Righto, forget your inside voice and get your squeal on because Em has a live show she’s going to deliver right into your living room, June 26th from 8pm. No matter where in the world your living room is, you’ll be able to see a world of glitter, giggles and glamour, with occasional musical interludes from Em and her band. It’s like Em’s fantasy of having her own TV show, on her own terms, is finally here, and she can’t wait to give you the rundown. Then it’s on to Em’s bestie Michael who’s finding it tough being part of a married couple in iso, especially when you’ve got zero enthusiasm to celebrate an anniversary because of lockdown fatigue. Plus Em is basically the third member of their marriage, so it’s even more complicated. He’s also been socially stalked by a Masterchef judge who swiftly went and liked a bunch of his pics, which obviously sent Michael’s heart into a flutter, so you can probably guess who it was...safe to say...it isn’t Andy, so phew. Then there’s accusations of no hand washing after a bum wipe from Em, over Michael missing the birth of Elio because of a pink eye/conjunctivitis infection, plus Michael is back at work full time and he is NOT. COPING. Finally the Indigenous Organisation Em would love you to support is called Deadly Connections, it’s an Aboriginal Community-led Not For Profit Organisation that breaks the cycles of disadvantage and trauma, to directly address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in child protection and the justice system. So find the perfect spot for you to get your listen on and have at it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27 min
327
Smurf Gang Bang
So it would seem our podcast devoted to Netflix’s saucy kidnap thriller “365 Days” had a HUGE reaction, especially if the DM’s you flooded Em with Sunday morning are anything to go by. It’s safe to say a LOT of you decided to binge it across the weekend, which naturally left Em wondering how many partners might have suddenly found themselves getting lucky with zero explains. Michael returns to help Em navigate all things Masterchef, they’ll delve into the controversy around Jocks claim that Asian food can’t be fine dining, plus you’ll get the usual not so subtle digs at Andy from Em. They’ll also talk about how the original 80’s version of “Ghostbusters” is problematic in terms of its attitude to women, something Em didn’t even realise until she showed the film to her daughters. That then opens up a chat about all the movies and cartoons that are now just not okay and naturally ends with a Smurf gangbang convo, because, why wouldn’t it? Finally, Scott returns to help podcast listener Deb who raises an interesting problem that Scott and Em can really relate to, so much so that it somehow offers a weird window into Em and Scott’s actual relationship. It’s a battle of emotional feeling brain peeps versus logical, problem solving brain peeps, who will be the ultimate winner? You know the answer is Em right? Exactly, so get this into your ears pronto. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
52 min
328
Are you lost, baby girl?
Em and Michael are part of the last generation of humans who really had to do some work to find anything remotely saucy or nude to ogle. Once upon a time, before the internet filed away a bajillion cazillion nudes, finding an example of nakedness was the domain of late night foreign movies on SBS or an R rated Hollywood flick. It was SUPER rare, so with that in mind, you’ll understand why Em and Michael have hijacked an entire podcast just so they can reflect how OBSESSED they are, over a little Polish/Italian sex thriller that just dropped on Netflix, called “365 Days”. In it, we meet Massimo Torricelli, he’s a member of a Sicilian Mafia family, who casually kidnaps Laura, the sales director of a luxury hotel, so he can hold her captive, giving her 365 days to fall in love with him. According to Em, it makes 50 Shades of Grey look like Home and Away, it’s super horny, it’s got lots of saucy angles, including yacht sex captured on high from a drone, bascially this stuff is catnip for horny middle age women and gay guys. It’s a deep and saucy dive into a movie that’ll blow the wigs off any review David and Margaret delivered on the Movie Show. It also reminded Em and Michael about all those saucy thrillers that came out in the 90’s, like Basic Instinct, Poison Ivy, Wild Things and Wild Orchid, and they’re totally here for Netflix jumping back on that titillating genre bandwagon. So find a quiet spot, forget about how hard you had to dig for a glimpse of nudity in ye olde times and enjoy two people celebrating some on demand nudieness in your ears right now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30 min
329
Soggy Broccoli
Em’s daughter Odie is stoked to be heading back to school, she also dropped a surprise reveal on where she’s been heading to get info on the current protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. Em also has details about a great charity which helps Indigenous women called Sisters Inside. Then it’s on to Masterchef contestant Simon and his claim that vegetables are the way forward for the future of Australia? They could well be, but Simon’s offering of soggy broccoli isn’t going to be the way forward for the mouths of Australia, the Masterchef judges, or for him on the show. The Final 10 are ready to fight it out for the crown and Em and Michael are feeling it’s Reynold for the win. Cafes are slowly opening back up after lockdown and Michael is all about it. He’s throwing himself at it with vigour by going EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. He makes his booking, uses his full hour, orders all of the things off the menu, whereas Em....not so much. Well she’s been out to a cafe once, with her hand sani in tow of course, she ordered, she ate, everything went okay, but it’ll be another month before Em’s doing it again. Plus Scott’s back to help Em with her “spiraling” issue, which has nothing to do with zucchini noodles, and everything to do with those moments where something goes wrong. If you find yourself panicking and going from 1 to 100 in those unexpected moments, almost worrying that the world is ending and the sky is falling in, fear not, Scott has some great advice to help you navigate it better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 min
330
Moana Moment
Em has been watching A LOT of the Disney film Moana. Like.. A LOT. We’re talking daily viewings and she’s started reading very deeply into some of the hidden meanings she claims are there.. Michael reveals he was once a vegan and that Em is his political Nostradamus. I’m told this will all make sense when you listen, but don’t quote me on that. Comedian and friend of the pod Nazeem Hussain also drops by to tell an AMAZING tale involving his favourite sauce, an internet troll and a pair of PJs. This ep really has everything, are you ready?! YES YOU ARE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28 min
331
Emsolation Conversation with Santilla Chingaipe
Em chats with Santilla Chingaipe, who is an award-winning journalist and a documentary filmmaker. Her work explores migration, cultural identities and politics.Santilla was born in Zambia, and moved to Australia with her family when she was nine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26 min
332
America in Crisis
Em and Michael discuss the situation in America and how it relates to Australia, Sunday’s surprise Masterchef elimination and Em finally releases her inner most thoughts on judge Andy. Poor Andy, poor, sweet, clueless Andy. Coach Scotty B helps Em work through her fears of addressing controversial topics publicly (in a surprise coaching session) and he also assists listener Jess with her work/life energy balance. So strap in Emsolators for another thought provoking episode, and remember, clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
32 min
333
Emsolation Conversation with Michelle Andrews
In the very first bonus episode of Emsolation, Em sits down with Michelle Andrews of the Shameless podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28 min
334
Stinky Box Challenge
Em’s realised she needs a hobby, but is also aware she spends most of her time relentlessly mocking her hubbies hobby of punching out endless kilometres in lycra whilst strapped to a carbon fibre bicycle. So there’s that to unpack first, then it’s a whirlwind of celebrity tidbits as Em and Michael break down what Britney’s been up to in isolation, and share the cuteness of how an entire Irish village in lockdown kept Matt Damon’s presence in their town a secret. Then, it’s Emsolation Question Time, where you get to help decide the future for the characters on the Aussie TV series “Five Bedrooms''. Michael is busy writing the script for Season Two, as an Emsolation listener you’ve got an exclusive chance to vote on whether the Corona Virus should be reflected in the new season. Is this Michael’s low key way of making sure he gets to kill off more beloved TV characters? Past scripting would suggest yes, but maybe it’s just his way of ensuring more moments from Em’s iso-life end up on our TV screens. Regardless, it means that your votes will help decide if lockdown is worth reflecting in the brand new season of “Five Bedrooms”. Finally it’s a visit from Joel Creasey to wrap things up, as he talks us through his experience in the jungle with Julie Goodwin, and what’s been happening for him in iso. So put your best iso outfit on, pyjamas we assume, and settle into some podcast glitter for your listening holes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28 min
335
Baby Daddy Bingo
As a mother to two teenagers and a toddler, Em has had some time to reflect on being their mum whilst in iso, and she’s come to the realisation that she was way too hard on herself with her first born. So if you’re a first time mum, get ready for some words of wisdom on taking it easier on yourself. Then unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on where it sits with you, we step into jizz talk. It starts out as a casual chat about life after lockdown, with Micheal already booking restaurant tables and Em deciding she will continue to live like it’s Stage 4 restrictions. She’s either head to toe in glitter and on a stage, or she’s hunkered down in her anxiety blanket, on the couch in her PJ’s, watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, there’s very little middle ground. Then it’s on to the end of reality TV as we know it, with the arrival of Labor of Love, aka The Dad-chelor, where one woman chooses her sperm donor from 15 male contestants. Is that it? Have we gotten to the lowest of the low in reality TV concepts? Probably not, because Em has a few suggestions to explore, plus Michael casually reveals a secret Em has never heard, which involved him donating some of his baby batter for research. Colour Em shook, but not so much that she can’t talk about how much she loves Lady Gaga’s new song ‘Rain On Me’, which naturally  ushers in even more chat about secret song meanings that are guaranteed to ruin pop music for all time. Then it’s over to Scott for some wholesome content where he helps a listener called Meg build her resilience and realise she has a super power. So press play now and enjoy a journey from motherhood, to smut and then back to wholesome town again, bless. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36 min
336
Watermelon Sugar High
Let's talk about the new video clip for Harry Styles single ‘Watermelon Sugar’ shall we...? Mostly because Em has come to a realisation that it’s got very little to do with adding sucrose to fruit, seems it’s more about when a lady is getting her lower garden attended to orally. It’s an ode to touching, and even though Harry is rocking a variety of groovy nana outfits throughout, and all the models in the clip aren’t social distancing AT ALL, Em and Michael are totally here for it. From there it’s a gentle segue to casually ask if Ellen is Satan? Seems a lot of people are convinced she might be, then there’s that new Netflix show ‘The Great’ to talk about, and we’re left asking, is the new trend of jazzing up historical events the new norm? Naturally that ends as you’d assume...with a saucy reading of some erotic Bill and Hillary Clinton fan fiction, so we’re really covering a bunch of pleasure zones with this podcast. We’ll wrap it all up with a visit from the amazing singer, dancer and actor, Christie Whelan-Browne as she reveals how life in iso is going for her too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
32 min
337
He’s a good bloke!
Okay be honest...you know how you’ve got this wild, crazy dream where you settle in for a podcast squished full of maximum Em and Michael just having at it, mostly about Masterchef, and not much else? Well prepare to have your wild, crazy and bizarrely coincidental dream fulfilled, because that’s what we’ve just gone and done. Press play now and indulge in a deep dive into all things Masterchef, taking in everything from everyone’s best mate Hayden Quinn’s recent departure, even though he’s a great friend of Em’s, she’s not afraid to be harsh over some of Hayden’s choices and is even asking should he even be in the Masterchef kitchen this time around? Then it’s on to Em and Michael’s covert mission to befriend Masterchef judges, Melissa and Jock, by dressing up as them, so they’d slide into their DM’s, job done. Now they’re asking, is dressing up as someone and forcing them to notice you on socials, really a good way to initiate a friendship? To round things out, Michael drops a heap of great tips for a listener with writers block and anyone who’s feeling that they’ve been “wasting” isolation time. We promise it doesn’t involve writing a death for one of your favourite characters. Why are you still here, go listen, NOW!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 min
338
Queen Bobbitt
Em’s eldest daughter Marchella has joined a criminal bikie gang, or at least that’s what it felt like for Em, when Chella asked if she could go to a friends house last night. She let her go, she had to, even Em’s best Italian mother guilt tripping couldn’t make her change her mind. Michael returns to detail the backlash from last weeks reveal that he’s responsible for killing off Patrick from Offspring, he’s being called a serial killer now, so there’s that to unpack, plus he’s totes keen on a Republic, whereas Em is all about the monarchy, the Royals and Queen Lizzie and she will not stand for any besmirching of her name. Basically someone gets accused of being a Tony Abbott, so a ‘not happy Jan’ reaction follows as well as a conversation about that guy John Wayne Bobbitt, who was separated from his wang and became a porn star after it was reattached. Scotty helps a listener who’s returning to studying as a mature age student, and needs help with staying focussed and getting motivated, plus Janelle Koenig drops in to reveal how she got all dolled up for a visit...to K-Mart, it’s an utter rollercoaster of ear candy awaiting your listening, so please jump in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
38 min
339
Live from the Roadside!
This edition of Emsolation has wheels, in that it was made on the side of the road in Em’s car, because her neighbours are recreating the wood chipper scene from Fargo, but using trees instead of people, anyway, they flagged they were gonna do this, but they only told Scott, who of course, promptly forgot about it. Hence this episode involved multiple trips home, 3 arguments with Scott and a bunch of hecticness, but we got there in the end. Michael and Em reflect on the sleep she’s been losing over the backlash, to the backlash, to the backlash of Adele’s transformation, but Em’s been sleep deprived lately anyway because Elio’s new teeth have decided they all wanna arrive at once. Em’s also been labelled a bad feminist for just casually posting her Top Ten Disney song countdown on Instagram. You’ll find out which song proved as controversial as Adele’s weight loss and what Em’s and Michael have to say about it within, plus you can get the hot tip on how to go for that promotion you’ve been eyeing off when Super Coach Scott returns to help listener Liz do just that and totally redeems himself for his wood chipping amnesia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 min
340
Who Killed Dr. Patrick?
The Emsolator cult has arrived and to celebrate the arrival of this totes non creepy situation, we’ve got a bumper edition of Emsolation on offer. Bonus: No sacrificial first born offerings are needed to join! Aside from setting up the cult, Em’s made a return to breakfast radio for a brief cameo and fun fact...she didn’t turn into a pumpkin. Which is probably a good thing because Michael has finally had an iso-meltdown moment and finds himself getting into a confrontation, 7 years in the making, when Em finally takes him to task over his part in writing the on screen death of Dr Patrick for the TV series Offspring. Peter Helliar drops by with a rundown on his life in iso and Scott is back to help a woman who’s worried her husband is losing his spark. Then to wrap things up, Em sings Kate Cebrano’s Brave with Kate online as her background hype woman...because of course she is. It’s been called “the show of the year” by Em’s podcast editor Matt, so perhaps he should get out some more...but also...maybe it’s the truth and you HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE RIGHT NOW! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
45 min
341
Midnight Sun
Can you miss iso BEFORE it’s even over? Em fears she’ll miss lockdown life, but on the flipside, she’s also excited to reveal how much an industrial laundromat can change your life. Then Michael returns and we’ll step into the sparkling glow of Em’s Twilight obsession, with news of a new book on it’s way, she’s ready to sink her fangs into all of the Twilight everything, plus they’ll breakdown their Top 5 Celebrities in Iso with special appearances from Britney, Cardi B, Fergie, Oprah and more. Scott is back with help for anyone who takes on their partners bad moods, with tips on how to let them have their moment, but not have it affect yours as well. Finally in a Special Sealed Section at the end of the podcast, Em and Michael will tear off the perforated edge and dish up a spoiler filled deep dive into the new TV series Normal People, keep listening if you dare...but maybe avoid it if you haven’t seen the show yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
46 min
342
Quaranpeen
Across the land right now, a world of angst is brewing in teenagers and Em’s been wondering if there’s even enough Barcardi Breezers or Double Blacks available to quell them, when they’re finally able to hit the town...once they finally get the G.O., it could be terrifying. Michael’s back to talk everything “Normal People”, the new series on Stan, especially the sex scenes, which are stunning, so stunning that Em and Michael talk about them at length. It also triggered a bunch of high school trauma for both of them. Then it’s onto Em’s unhealthy obsession around the impending arrival of Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s new bubba, “Fleabag” star Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s plaster of paris penis wall, then comedian Nikki Britton drops in to have a rant about penises, or at least her lack of access to them whilst in lockdown, there’s a LOT of wang chat kids. Ironically that becomes even more obvious when Scott drops by to help a listener with setting boundaries. Get ready to wrap your ears around the Quaranpeen 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.
37 min
343
Cry-Fest 2020
Are Iso-tantrums a thing? You better believe they are...and to prove it, Em’s had one. The inspiration? The amount of washing she’s doing, even though no-one in the family is going anywhere! Find out how a washing basket can inspire a very short, but angry drive soon. Michael Lucas reveals he too has been crying for no apparent reason and that he’s been experimenting with various moustaches, or top lip fringes. He’s also developed an unhealthy obsession with the new Masterchef judges, and together they realise, one of those judges has perfected the art of eating on camera. Plus Em chats with Scott (for the first time in 24 hours because of iso-fights) so that he can help an Emsolation listener deal with her fear of rejection. We’re calling it Cry-fest 2020, so strap in and enjoy the pandemonium.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30 min
344
Too Hot To Handle
Iso life seems like it will NEVER end, but when it does, how do you make sure you remain slow and hold the space, so you’re not all super busy and hectic again? Get some advice on how to achieve that when Em chats with her friend, comedian Wil Anderson. Once that’s all sorted, Em’s bestie Michael returns to help celebrate the new Netflix reality show  they’ve just binged called “Too Hot To Handle”, which started out as 14 randy singles on an island being spied on by an air defused and then somehow turned into a feminist masterpiece. We also got to see the star of Baby Driver, Ansel Elgort, share a masterpiece of himself butt naked in the shower for charity, cut to Em and Michael arguing over who has the more appropriate sharing rights to pass something that saucy on to Em’s daughter Marchella. Sam Mac from Sunrise reveals he’s now got a girlfriend and he’s been learning to cook in iso and is no longer eating steaks off newspaper #PanPositives. Plus Scott helps a lady who has imposter syndrome which makes her believe she isn’t qualified for the job she’s currently applying for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
37 min
345
Rona the Musical
As lIfe in iso continues, this episode will see Em come to the conclusion that her spiritual guide is her PMS, fun fact, when Em is hormonally balanced, she runs a tight ship, but when PMS takes the wheel, she runs that tight ship into the rocks and floods every level with an extensive list of things Em hasn’t addressed or even thought of yet. Then, if you’ve been wondering who’s gonna pick apart Lady Gaga’s recent “One World: Together At Home” concert, or “Rona The Musical” as Em and Michael have re-titled it, you’re in for a treat, as Em’s eldest daughter Chella joins them to breakdown everything from the footage of what the front line responders are dealing with day to day, to the celebs dealing with pretty much bugger all in the surrounds of their luxurious mansions. You’ll also get a lesson FROM THE WIGGLES on how to behave when relationships implode, but you still have to work together, and we try and make Poh understand that she is being reckless with our hearts on Masterchef Allstars and that she’s carrying the weight of Australia on her tiny pixie like shoulders. Finally, Scotty returns with advice for Laura about how to have a tough convo about her wedding and avoid a meltdown or storm out. It’s basically your inside word on how to have critical conversations in self isolation and make them matter, when we’re all living on top of one another in the confines of our own homes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
40 min
346
Pixie Cut Poh
Em's begun home-schooling with her middle child, and reflects on her latest few days of isolation with the family. Michael & Em discuss the return of MasterChef Australia - particularly the runner up of the original series, Poh, who makes a grand return this year. The duo talk about Unorthodox - a new mini-series on Netflix, and finish off with a rant about Ellen's 'jail' faux pas, and the uncomfortable content that celebrities are pumping out while stuck in isolation. Finally, Scott helps Em solve a problem for listener Hannah, who struggles to say 'no' without experiencing extreme guilt - but not before Scott & Em are interrupted by baby Elio, showing the true chaos of recording a podcast while in isolation! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
42 min
347
All Hail Britney
Em is settling into life in isolation, but is struggling to convince her headstrong Italian father to stay at home. Em and Michael discuss the many people helping them get through the current situation, including Britney Spears, who has some unique rituals getting her through the days. Finally, Scott joins Em to help solve Breanna's problem - focussing on how the language we use can sometimes move us away from our goals rather than pushing forward with them.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33 min
348
A Warm Hug
Welcome to Emsulation!  Em talks everything about her life in isolation, lock-down with her family, and all of her mixed her emotions at the current time. Michael Lucas joins to talk about his life in lockdown - which is seemingly the polar opposite of Em's, her newest purchase from a targeted online ad, plus the current streaming service phenomenon, 'Tiger King' on Netflix. Finally, Scott joins to help solve listener Tammy's problem with rumination and anxiety!   Billboard list of Greatest Pop Stars by Year: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9338589/greatest-pop-star-every-year?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/Emsolation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26 min