‘Maximalist power queen’ Em Rusciano on the diagnoses that revealed her

The singer, podcaster, writer and comedian on living big with neurodivergence, and owning her manic, creative energy.

Growing up in Melbourne in the 1980s, Em was a serious young athlete, focused on hurdles, when a high kick up-ended her ambitions.  

She was a creative, energetic child who seemed to always be busier than everyone else. 

As a young, stay-at-home mum, Em appeared on Australian Idol, having never performed on stage before, and this opportunity launched her career in radio.

Em and her husband had two more children and she found herself at a loss during COVID lockdowns.

Em felt she was drowning, and couldn’t work out why things had always seemed so much harder for her than for those around her.

As an adult, Em received two life-changing diagnoses, all while being put through the ringer of perimenopause.

Em's book Blood, Sweat and Glitter: A Coming of Middle Age Story is published by Pantera Press.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.

This episode explores ADHD, neurodivergence, autism, diamond creek, emsolation, emsolation extra, outgrown, diagnostic trifecta, Anomalous, podcast, rage against the vagine, covid lockdowns, melbourne lockdowns, DSM 5, neuropsychologist, National Press Club, National Press Club address, impostor syndrome, sensory issues, autistic females, Quinni, Heartbreak High, jumping on the bandwagon, menopause, perimenopause, hormones, hormonal shift, executive function, autistic, hormone treatment, iron deficient, low iron and middle age women.

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