Wine with Wita

Rita Shamoun

The number one podcast in Australia for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties and/or disabilities. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, founder of RS Speech Pathology, Wine with Wita is a trusted space for families and health professionals to come together. Each episode features interviews with leading experts and real families, offering reliable guidance, insights, and evidence-based strategies. With warmth, expertise, and heart, Rita creates a supportive environment where parents feel seen, empowered, and less alone. So SIP back, relax, and enjoy the show!

  1. 6D AGO

    Creating Space for Women to Feel Supported with Julie Sampson

    Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Julie Sampson, founder of Freedom Fitness, for a grounded and heartfelt conversation about movement, motherhood, and what real wellbeing looks like for women. ​ Jules shares her journey as a business owner, community builder, and mother, including how her son’s autism diagnosis shaped her values, her leadership, and the way she supports women through movement, compassion, and belonging. ​ We explore the Freedom Effect, the power of connection and community, and why fitness for women needs to feel safe, supportive, and human, especially through perimenopause, menopause, and busy seasons of life. ​ In this episode, Jules shares: What the Freedom Effect really means and how it supports women holisticallyWhy movement should feel empowering, not punishingCreating community and belonging beyond the gym wallsCreating community and belonging beyond the gym wallsSupporting women through perimenopause and menopause with compassionNavigating motherhood alongside business and advocacyRaising a neurodivergent child and the importance of village support Why self-kindness and prevention matter for long-term wellbeing​ A warm and inspiring conversation that reminds us that strength is not just physical. When women feel seen, supported, and connected, real change becomes possible. Learn more about Jules here!​​Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    1h 2m
  2. FEB 5

    Nothing, Something, Everything: Recognising Progress on the Intervention Journey

    Hey everyone, This week, I share a reflective solo episode for parents navigating their child’s intervention journey and quietly wondering if progress is really happening. ​ We explore the nothing, something, everything analogy and what communication truly looks like in the early stages, from gestures and sounds to words, devices and pictures. Those small moments are the foundation for real growth. ​ This episode is a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and recognise the milestones along the way, for your child and for you as a parent too. ​ I talk about:-  What communication really looks like in the early stages - Why “nothing” does not mean nothing at all - How small changes signal meaningful progress - Celebrating milestones, not just outcomes - The emotional toll of intervention and self-doubt - Using reflection and data to see growth over time - Staying motivated through the ups, downs and setbacksA gentle and reassuring reminder that progress is happening, even when it feels slow. When we look back and honour the journey, nothing becomes something, and something becomes everything. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. ​ ​Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    7 min
  3. JAN 29

    Autism, Motherhood and Letting Go of Expectations with Tash Delrosario

    Hey everyone, This week, I sit down with ⁠Tash Delrosario⁠, a mum of two girls on the autism spectrum and a powerful voice for autism acceptance. Tash shares her family’s journey with honesty, from navigating diagnosis and the loneliness that can follow, to the everyday ways connection and communication are built at home. This is a conversation about autism, advocacy and letting go of expectations, but also about finding strength in the ordinary moments and caring for yourself so you can show up for your children. We talk about: 💫 Navigating an autism diagnosis💫 The isolation many parents feel💫 Building communication through everyday connection💫 Advocacy, judgement, and trusting your instincts as a parent💫 Why self care matters for caregiversThis episode is for parents and carers who want to feel seen, understood and reminded that they are not alone. Follow Tash's journey ⁠here!⁠ Lots of love, Rita P.S.: follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ for more tips, insights and updates. This episode of Wine with Wita is proudly sponsored by Mindd Health and the Mindd International Forum, Australia’s leading conference for families and professionals supporting children with developmental differences. I’ll be part of the panel this year, sharing practical strategies to support communication and engagement in children. Listeners can use code SHAMOUN26 for 15% off registration. Grab your spot today via ⁠https://mif26.mindd.org/mif26-registration-community/⁠ Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    52 min
  4. JAN 22

    A Lesson From My Daughter: Parenting Is Not Impossible

    Hey everyone, This week, I sit down for a reflective solo episode inspired by a simple walk with my daughter and a powerful reminder that parenting, while it can feel like a mission, is never impossible. ​ I share how a conversation with my middle daughter sparked a deeper reflection on the many transitions of parenthood. From life before children, to motherhood and then navigating the unpredictable journey of parenting a child with additional needs. The routines, the communication challenges and the constant change can often feel overwhelming. ​ This episode brings me back to the heart of why Wine with Wita exists. When parents are equipped with the right information, the right services and a supportive circle, what once felt impossible becomes possible. Knowledge empowers parents to advocate confidently and make informed decisions for their child. ​ I talk about:💫 Parenting as a mission and why it is never impossible💫 The transitions of motherhood and the challenges they bring💫 Navigating unpredictability and communication difficulties💫 The importance of surrounding yourself with the right support circle💫 Trusting your instincts as a parent, even when concerns are dismissed💫 Accessing the right services and evidence based information💫 How knowledge empowers parents to become strong advocates for their children ​ A grounding and hopeful reminder that while the journey may feel challenging, with the right support and guidance, it is always possible. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    7 min
  5. JAN 15

    Navigating Childhood Brain Injury with Hope and Gratitude: Sabrina & Lily’s Story

    Hey everyone, This week, in the first episode of Season 3, I sit down withSabrina Ware, an Australian mum living in Dubai, and the incredible mother of Violet and Lily. ​ Sabrina shares Lily’s story with so much honesty and heart, from the early symptoms that were missed, to the moment everything changed, to the road of recovery they are still walking today. ​ This is a conversation about advocacy, resilience, and what itreally looks like to keep going when your life is split into “before” and “after”. Sabrina also opens up about the role gratitude has played in carrying her through, and why she chooses to believe in what is still possible, even onthe hardest days. ​ She also shares the beautiful reason she wrote her book, Holding Onto Our Sparkle, and how storytelling became a way to process the journey, include Lily’s big sister Violet, and connect with other families around the world. ​ We talk about:💫 The moment Lily’s sudden decline turned into a life-changing diagnosis.💫 The shock, guilt, and grief that can come with medical trauma, and what helped Sabrina keep moving.💫 Advocacy, instinct, and why parents have to trust their gut.💫Treatment and recovery, including their experience with proton therapy overseas.💫 The difference between surviving and thriving, and why Sabrina refuses to stop at survival.💫 Supporting siblings through big family change, and how writing a book became a bridge for connection💫 Why Sabrina comes back to one word every day: gratitude ​ This is a powerful episode for mums, carers, and anyone whoneeds a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, hope can still exist. Follow Sabrina and Lily's journey here!​ ​ Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    52 min
  6. 12/11/2025

    What This Year Taught Me: Community, Faith and Showing Up

    Hey everyone, This week, for the final episode of 2025, I sit down for a heartfelt solo chat and share my Wita Recap of the year. ​ I open up about the highs and lows, a personal family grief that changed us deeply and how our overseas trip became a place of healing, faith and connection. It reminded me of the power of community and why our village matters so much when life feels heavy. ​ This season also brought me back to the heart of why I created Wine with Wita. I share what this platform has taught me, the privilege of building a community where families feel seen, and how meaningful this year’s collaborations have been in supporting children and parents. ​ I talk about:  The highs, lows and lessons that shaped 2025Walking through family grief and finding healing overseas Faith, family, food and the strength of communityReconnecting with the purpose behind Wine with WitaCollaborations that helped raise awareness and support familiesNavigating the NDIS changes as a clinician and business owner Celebrating 85 episodes and nearly 10k downloadsGratitude for winning Voice of InfluenceA meaningful way to wrap up 2025 and look toward a new year of connection. Thank you for following along this year and being part of this beautiful community. I am so grateful for every download, message and moment we have shared. Wishing you and your family a wonderful, safe and joy-filled holiday season. I’ll see you back here in 2026. Lots of love, Rita Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    27 min
  7. 12/04/2025

    Dyslexia, Baking and Becoming: How Daniella Park Built a Life She Was Told She’d Never Have

    Hey everyone, This week, I sit down with cake designer, business owner andsoon-to-be kitchen-therapy creator Daniella Park, the powerhouse behind Buttercream Lane. Daniella left school at 16 due to severe dyslexia, taughtherself to bake through YouTube and went on to build one of Australia’s most recognisable cake brands. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, faith and finding joy in places others overlook. She shares what it was like navigating school while masking her learning difficulties, the moment a professional labelled her “intellectually impaired” and how that fire pushed her toward creativity, connection and a career that has touched thousands of families. ​She also speaks about her ambassador work, including representing charities alongside Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman, a full-circle moment for a girl once told she wouldn’t succeed academically. ​ We talk about:💫 Growing up with severe dyslexia and why so many children slip through the cracks💫 The 80:20 rule for parents and why confidence, joy and purpose matter more than “fixing”💫 Baking as connection, regulation and communication for kids with learning needs💫 Her ambassador roles and how storytelling helps drive awareness and inclusion💫 Her high-risk pregnancy, surrendering control and finding strength through faith💫 Why she’s now creating kitchen therapy to help children self-soothe, feel safe and open up through hands-on cooking Click here to learn more about Daniella! ​ Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    49 min
  8. 11/27/2025

    Change Your View, Change Your Life: Brodie On Disability And Choice

    Hey everyone,This week, I sit down with disability advocate, athlete andpublic speaker Brodie Kelly, founder of Pushing Perceptions. ​ Brodie lives with cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, and less than 20per cent body function, but he has built a life around adapting, speaking up and challenging the low expectations often placed on people with disability. ​ He shares what it was like growing up in the Barossa Valley,trying to keep up with his twin and older sister, navigating school before the NDIS and the moment a teacher’s comment pushed him toward advocacy and public speaking. ​ We talk about:💫 Growing up with cerebral palsy, quadriplegia and learning to work with his body💫 Why hiding his disability in early high school made life harder, not easier💫 The school incident that sparked Pushing Perceptions and his advocacy work💫 Real talk for parents navigating the NDIS and why you must be the “squeaky wheel”💫 His message to young people with disability about comparison, purpose and getting 1 per cent better each day Follow along with Brodie Kelly @pushingperceptions ​ Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

    33 min

About

The number one podcast in Australia for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties and/or disabilities. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, founder of RS Speech Pathology, Wine with Wita is a trusted space for families and health professionals to come together. Each episode features interviews with leading experts and real families, offering reliable guidance, insights, and evidence-based strategies. With warmth, expertise, and heart, Rita creates a supportive environment where parents feel seen, empowered, and less alone. So SIP back, relax, and enjoy the show!