Ladies, We Need To Talk

ABC Australia
  • 4.8 (231)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ladies, We Need to Talk goes deep on the women's health and relationship issues that are setting your group chat on fire. Come hang with the fabulous Yumi Stynes as she takes a candid, non-judgemental and often hilarious look at the deeply personal stuff that's hard to bring up, even with your closest mates. You'll meet incredible experts to help you improve your wellness, manage the mental load; survive break-ups and prioritise your mental health. With sensitivity, personal stories from real women, and serious smarts, this show is for women who feel the squeeze between work, their private life, and their pelvic floor. Get in touch with episode ideas, feedback or just say hi! Ladies@abc.net.au

  1. Is your attachment style messing with your love life?

    5D AGO

    Is your attachment style messing with your love life?

    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

    26 min
  2. Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal?

    APR 6

    Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal?

    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

    26 min
  3. Felicity Ward on motherhood, depression and a sexual rebirth

    MAR 30

    Felicity Ward on motherhood, depression and a sexual rebirth

    Comedian Felicity Ward started having the best sex of her life after the worst time in her life. After years of fertility struggles, Felicity finally fell pregnant at 38. But being a mum to a newborn wasn't the Instagram highlight reel she'd imagined. Felicity wrestled with perinatal depression, zero sleep and a loss of identity…and then she became a single mum. At 40, Felicity was dating again but her expectations were low. She reluctantly joined the apps and started swiping…and what was on the other side amazed her. Felicity found a babysitter for her toddler and sexual liberation for herself. Yumi Stynes sits down with the professional funny woman, dancing with the stars contestant and star of The Office for a deeply personal chat about starting over, rediscovering confidence and how the best sex of your life may yet be ahead of you. The Sydney Comedy Festival runs from Monday April 13 — Sunday May 17 where Felicity Ward is performing I wish I could come out of my shell on April 25 If you need help: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758 This episode will answer questions like: What does it feel like to have perinatal depression and anxiety?Is it ok to be tired after having a baby?Can I ask for help after having a baby?How to have good sex in your 40sWhat should I ask new mums?What are the treatments for perinatal depression?What to listen to next: Great sex: What we wish men knew — ABC listen Queers are meant to have kids — ABC listen Body image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie Walker Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. What to read next: Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life This episode contains references to perinatal depression, divorce, pregnancy, child birth, sex, dating apps, newborns, motherhood, comedy, comedians

    25 min
  4. "Where the hell is my husband?" Women who’ve never had a partner

    MAR 23

    "Where the hell is my husband?" Women who’ve never had a partner

    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

    27 min
  5. Queers are meant to have kids

    MAR 16

    Queers are meant to have kids

    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

    21 min
  6. Sex Disasters with Lizzy Hoo

    MAR 9

    Sex Disasters with Lizzy Hoo

    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

    24 min
  7. Are men stealing our exercise time?

    MAR 2

    Are men stealing our exercise time?

    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.

    26 min
  8. I didn’t love my baby: The shame of perinatal depression

    FEB 23

    I didn’t love my baby: The shame of perinatal depression

    What if, instead of being the best time of your life, new motherhood was miserable? Perinatal depression and anxiety affects one in five women in Australia. But the shame of it is carried in silence. Yumi Stynes speaks to women about their darkest days as new mums; sleep deprived, fearful and feeling alone. She hears how these women came through their suffering and got the help they needed. Featured in this episode:   Dr Erin Seeto, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clinical Services at the Gidget Foundation If you need help: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758This episode will answer questions like:  What does it feel like to have perinatal depression and anxiety? What is perinatal depression and anxiety? What are the risk factors of perinatal depression and anxiety? How is perinatal depression and anxiety treated? How do you recover from perinatal depression and anxiety? Can your relationship impact perinatal depression and anxiety?What to listen to next:  I love you but go away: Women taking marriage sabbaticals How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off Turia Pitt is a selfish woman Paying for sex at 70 You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.   What to read next:   Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life This episode contains references to suicide, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, birth, birth trauma, mothering, parenting, mental health care plan, psychology, hospital, family, breastfeeding, colic, crying, sleeplessness, sleep deprivation.

    28 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
231 Ratings

About

Ladies, We Need to Talk goes deep on the women's health and relationship issues that are setting your group chat on fire. Come hang with the fabulous Yumi Stynes as she takes a candid, non-judgemental and often hilarious look at the deeply personal stuff that's hard to bring up, even with your closest mates. You'll meet incredible experts to help you improve your wellness, manage the mental load; survive break-ups and prioritise your mental health. With sensitivity, personal stories from real women, and serious smarts, this show is for women who feel the squeeze between work, their private life, and their pelvic floor. Get in touch with episode ideas, feedback or just say hi! Ladies@abc.net.au

Information

  • Creator
    ABC Australia
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    275
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All right reserved.
  • Show Website
    Ladies, We Need To Talk

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