Em Rusciano Slams Aussie ‘Douchebag FM’ Hosts for Blatant Indifference

[Image: Em Rusciano at a microphone, hosting her podcast]
Em Rusciano Slams Australian Commercial Radio, Urges Listeners to Support Independent Podcasts

Comedian and podcaster Em Rusciano, 45, has launched a scathing critique of Australia’s commercial radio industry, calling out hosts for their lack of preparation and engagement. The former 2Day FM host, who left mainstream radio in 2018, urged publicists to stop booking high-profile guests with “Flicko and Dipper from Douchebag FM” and instead support independent creators like herself.

Critique of Radio Culture
In a fiery social media post, Rusciano accused commercial radio hosts of phoning in interviews, blaming producers for poor research, and failing to connect with their target audiences. “When are the Aussie PR gals, gays, and theys going to stop handing their biggest interviews to hosts who clearly couldn’t give a s**t?” she wrote. She highlighted her own podcast, Emsolation, as a superior alternative, citing its recent interviews, including one about the musical Wicked, which garnered 15 million views across platforms.

[Image: Rusciano speaking on her podcast, with headphones on]
Rusciano emphasized her loyal audience of “hundreds of thousands of women over 35” who actively choose her show. “But sure, keep giving A-Listers to hosts who ask the same tired questions about their sex lives,” she quipped, referencing recent awkward radio moments like Nova FM’s Michael “Wippa” Wipfli being shut down by a Bridget Jones star for prying into her love life.

Awards Snub Adds to Frustration
The comedian’s rant follows her exclusion from the 2024 Australian Podcast Awards (APAs), which she dubbed the “Logies of podcasting.” Her Spotify-exclusive series Anomalous—a deep dive into neurodivergence through expert interviews—was overlooked despite its success. Launched in May, the podcast briefly topped Australia’s charts and has been recommended by mental health professionals to patients.

[Image: Promotional graphic for Anomalous podcast]
“We’ve pushed the needle forward on discussions around neurodivergence,” Rusciano said in an emotional video, noting the podcast’s millions of downloads. “But the podcast industry here acts like I don’t exist.” She criticized the APAs for favoring shows backed by major networks, despite Anomalous being independently produced.

Advocacy and Independence
Rusciano’s career has long combined comedy with advocacy. Anomalous reframes ADHD and autism through candid conversations, a passion project she calls “one of the best things I’ve ever made.” However, the lack of recognition stung: “I know awards shouldn’t matter, but we poured so much into this.”

[Image: Rusciano speaking at an event about neurodivergence]
Her outspoken nature isn’t new. In 2023, she blasted radio’s “toxic culture” after leaving 2Day FM, and she’s repeatedly called out media misogyny. Now, she’s doubling down on podcasting’s potential for meaningful dialogue—without chasing corporate approval.

The Future of Podcasting
As commercial radio struggles with relevance, voices like Rusciano’s highlight the power of niche, audience-driven content. Her message to listeners? “Choose creators who care.” With Emsolation and Anomalous thriving, she’s proving independence doesn’t mean invisibility—it just means playing by her own rules.

[Image: Collage of podcast microphones and Rusciano’s show logos]
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