Wine with Wita

Rita Shamoun
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Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology, each episode brings together expert advice, lived experiences and real family stories. With warmth, honesty, and connection, Wine with Wita helps families feel informed, empowered and less alone. So SIP back, relax and enjoy the show!

  1. 3d ago

    How Sisterhood Helped Navigate Diagnosis, Motherhood and Advocacy

    Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by ⁠Anita⁠ and ⁠Valinda⁠ for a beautifulconversation about sisterhood, diagnosis, culture and the power of simply showing up. ​ Valinda is a client I have had the honour of working with, and Itreated both of her beautiful boys. In this episode, she shares what it was like coming to terms with diagnosis, navigating cultural expectations, and learning how to advocate for her children. ​ We also talk about the love between sisters, and how supportdoes not always need to be big or perfectly worded. ​ Sometimes it is school pick ups, a check-in message, sittingbeside someone in silence, or simply saying, “I’ve got you.” ​ We talk about:💫 Sisterhood and unconditional love💫 Coming to terms with diagnosis💫 Cultural expectations💫Supporting someone through a hard time💫 The power of showing up ​ A beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest support is not knowing what to say. ​ It is being there. 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 yourchild's communication and/development.

    55 min

  2. Jun 4

    Teach, Don’t Test: A Simple Shift That Helps Children Communicate

    Hey everyone,This week’s episode is inspired by a phrase I use often in thetherapy room… teach, don’t test. ​We so often ask children questions like, “What’s this?”, “Who’sthat?” or “What colour is this?”… but sometimes, without realising, we are testing their communication rather than teaching it. ​ In this episode, I unpack how children learn language bestthrough natural, meaningful moments. Instead of asking a child to say the word watermelon over and over, we can model the word in conversation. “That’s watermelon. You love watermelon. It’s so juicy.” ​ Because communication should feel joyful, not like aninterrogation. ​ I talk about:💫 What “teach, don’t test” really means💫 Why constant questioning can feel overwhelming for children💫 How to model words during everyday moments💫 Why children may communicate more when pressure is reduced💫 How to support your child’s vocabulary in natural conversation💫 The importance of making communication feel fun, safe, and connected ​ This episode is a gentle reminder to pause and think about how we are inviting children into communication. Because when we teach instead of test, we help children feel more confident, connected and understood. 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.

    8 min

  3. May 28

    Why Connection Is the Key to Raising Happier Children

    Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Lael Stone, speaker, educator and author, for a beautiful conversation about connection, parenting, play and helping children feel truly seen. ​ I first met Lael at the Seen documentary, and what stood out to me straight away was how deeply aligned our messages are. ​ Connection is the key. ​In this episode, we talk about how parents can foster healthier, happier relationships with their children, why play is such a powerful tool, and how simple moments of presence can make such a lasting impact. We also discuss how connection can support children with additional needs, and how Lael’s strategies have helped me not only as a parent, but also as a clinician. ​ We talk about: 💫 The importance of connection💫 How connection supports communication💫 Building healthier relationships with our children💫 The role of play in parenting💫 Supporting children with additional needs💫 Why small moments of presence matter ​ A beautiful reminder that our children do not need perfection. ​They need connection, safety and someone willing to truly see them. Learn more about Lael 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.

    50 min

  4. May 21

    What Your Child’s Behaviour Is Really Telling You

    Hey everyone, This week’s episode is inspired by a phrase I use often in thetherapy room… behaviour is communication. ​ We so often focus on stopping the behaviour… but not always on understanding what the behaviour is trying to tell us. In this episode, I unpack how children, especially those withcommunication difficulties, often use their behaviour to express what they need, feel, want, or cannot yet say with words. ​ Because behaviour usually does not come out of nowhere. ​ I talk about:💫 Why behaviour is a form of communication💫 How children may communicate before they have the words💫 Why behaviours can build when a child does not feel understood💫 How to notice the early signs of communication before things escalate💫 The importance of meeting your child at their current capacity💫 How understanding behaviour can create more connection, safety, and confidence ​ This episode is a gentle reminder to pause and look beneath the behaviour. Because when we understand what a child is trying to communicate, we can support them in a way that helps them feel seen, heard, and understood. 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.

    9 min

  5. May 14

    Rebuilding Life After Cardiac Arrest, Stroke and Learning to Live Again

    Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Michael Sawan, host of The Comeback Blueprint Podcast, for a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and rebuilding your life after everything changes. ​ At just 25, Michael was fit, active, and living what he believed was a healthy lifestyle, until subtle warning signs led to the discovery of a life-threatening heart condition. ​ What followed was urgent open-heart surgery, cardiac arrest, a stroke, months of rehabilitation, memory loss, and relearning everyday tasks many of us take for granted. ​ Michael shares the physical and emotional toll of recovery, the role his family played during crisis, and how this experience reshaped his identity, priorities, and outlook on life. ​ Together, this episode goes far beyond a medical diagnosis. ​ It is about family, faith, perspective, purpose, and the messy, deeply human reality of coming back from life’s hardest moments. ​ We talk about:💫 The subtle signs Michael almost brushed off💫 Discovering a life-threatening heart condition at just 25💫 The reality of open-heart surgery, cardiac arrest, and stroke💫 Relearning everyday tasks during recovery💫 The role of family, faith, and support💫 Why comebacks are slow, messy, and deeply human ​ A beautiful reminder that life can change in an instant, but resilience can be rebuilt one small step at a time.Listen to Michael's podcast ⁠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 3m

  6. May 7

    100 Episodes of Wine With Wita: Connection, Community and Real Family Stories

    Hey everyone, This week’s episode is a very special one… because Wine with Wita has officially reached 100 episodes. 🥹🤍 ​ And for this milestone, I am doing something a little different. Instead of being the one asking the questions, my beautiful best friend Voula sits down to interview me. ​ In this episode, we talk about where Wine with Wita began, why I started sharing family stories and how this podcast has become so much more than I ever imagined. ​ We also reflect on the power of community, advocacy, vulnerability and connection, especially for parents who are navigating such big emotions, long waiting lists, therapy appointments, guilt, uncertainty and the feeling of being alone. ​ Because Wine with Wita has always been about giving families a voice. ​ We talk about:💫 Why family stories have shaped the heart of Wine with Wita💫 How the very first episode changed the direction of the podcast💫 Why parents need compassion, not more guilt💫 The importance of finding your community💫 How conversations can help families feel less alone💫 What 100 episodes has taught me as a mother, speech pathologist and human💫 Where I hope Wine with Wita will go next ​ This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the last 100 conversations, the families who have trusted me with their stories, and the beautiful reminder that connection can change everything. ​ Thank you for being part of this journey. 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

  7. Apr 23

    More Than Words: How Children Really Understand Communication

    Hey everyone, This week’s episode is inspired by something I use often in the therapy room… a simple reminder that communication is more than words. ​ We so often focus on what children say… but not always on what they are showing us. ​ In this episode, I unpack how much meaning is carried through tone, gestures, and facial expression, and how these can completely change the way a child understands and communicates. ​ Because for many children, especially those with communication difficulties, words alone are not enough. ​ I talk about:💫 Why communication is about what we show, not just what we say💫 How tone of voice can completely change meaning💫 The power of pointing and gestures in building understanding💫 How facial expressions help children interpret emotions and messages💫 Simple, practical ways you can support your child’s communication every day💫 Why these small shifts can create stronger connection and confidence ​ This episode is a gentle reminder that communication is a shared experience. And sometimes, the smallest changes in how we show up can make the biggest difference. 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.

    12 min

  8. Apr 16

    Raising Independent, Confident Children Even When It Feels Hard and Overwhelming

    Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Carol and Karen for a deeply powerful and perspective-shifting conversation about what it truly means to create a full life for individuals with disabilities. ​ Carol shares her lived experience raising her daughter Maddie, who has Down syndrome, and the intentional decisions that shaped her independence, confidence, and outlook on life. ​ From the very beginning, Carol made one thing clear… she would never focus on what Maddie couldn’t do, only what she could. ​ Now 32, Maddie’s life is a reflection of that belief. ​ Karen, CEO of Greenacres Disability Services, brings another layer to this conversation, sharing how meaningful employment, community, and opportunity can completely transform outcomes for individuals and families. Together, this episode goes far beyond a diagnosis. ​ It is about identity, independence, and what becomes possible when we raise expectations and truly support individuals to thrive. ​ We talk about:💫 The power of focusing on ability over disability💫 How one belief helped Maddie learn she can do hard things💫 The difference between having a job and having a life💫 How Greenacres creates real opportunities, purpose, and community💫 Why independence, even when it feels uncomfortable, matters so much💫 The importance of raising expectations to create possibility ​ A beautiful reminder that when we believe in what someone can do, and give them the right environment to grow… the outcomes can be far greater than we ever imagined. Follow along with Greenacres Disability Services &​IMAGINE Homewares & Hampers or visit their website here to learn more! ​ 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.

    46 min
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About

Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology, each episode brings together expert advice, lived experiences and real family stories. With warmth, honesty, and connection, Wine with Wita helps families feel informed, empowered and less alone. So SIP back, relax and enjoy the show!

Information

  • Creator
    Rita Shamoun
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rita Shamoun
  • Show Website
    Wine with Wita

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