Wine with Wita

Rita Shamoun
  • 0.0 (0)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    The Reality of Endometriosis, Chronic Pain, Infertility and Being Dismissed

    Hey everyone, My conversation this week with Lauren Tench is raw and powerful, in honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month. ​ Lauren is 31, a mum of two, and has undergone 13 surgeries and a hysterectomy while living with endometriosis. She shares what it has been like navigating chronic pain, being dismissed in the medical system, and fighting to be heard. ​ This episode is not just about a diagnosis. It is about advocacy, resilience, and what it means to keep showing up for yourself when others doubt your pain. ​ In this episode, Lauren shares:💫 What endometriosis really feels like beyond “bad period pain”💫 Being dismissed and gaslit as a teenager💫 The emotional toll of infertility fears and pregnancy after loss💫 Why hysterectomy is not a cure💫 The importance of finding doctors who truly listen💫 What real support from partners and family looks like💫 The one word she lives by: unstoppable ​ A courageous and deeply important conversation that reminds us that women’s pain deserves to be believed, and that awareness begins with how we listen. Follow Lauren 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.

    34 min

  2. FEB 26

    An Uncle’s Perspective on Autism and the Importance of Awareness Within Cultural Communities ​

    Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Ativalu Lisati, professional rugby league player for the Melbourne Storm, for a heartfelt conversation about family, communication, and advocacy. ​Ativalu shares what it means to be an uncle to his autistic nephew, how he has learned to understand his unique way of communicating, and how this journey has changed the way he sees the world. ​ We also explore the cultural side of autism, including denial, language barriers, and the importance of raising awareness within Pacific Islander communities. A powerful reminder that connection does not always need words. ​ In this episode, Ativalu shares: 💫 What he noticed first about his nephew’s communication and routines💫 Why he sees autism as difference, not something to fear💫 How he supports his brother and family through challenging moments💫 The impact of cultural beliefs, denial, and language barriers💫 Why awareness matters in Pacific Islander communities and multicultural families💫 How he wants to use his platform in the NRL to create change💫 The one word he is choosing to live by right now: faith ​ A meaningful conversation that highlights the power of family support, cultural understanding, and advocacy that feels real, grounded, and human. Learn more about Ativalu Lisati 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.

    31 min

  3. FEB 19

    You Didn’t Fail Your Child - Navigating Guilt After a Diagnosis

    Hey everyone, This week, I share a heartfelt solo episode for parents who have ever quietly wondered if they have failed their child. ​ We unpack the heavy weight of parental guilt, especially after a diagnosis or when health concerns evolve. Sometimes it is not about failure at all. It is about not having the right information at the right time. And when we know better, we can do better. ​ This episode is a gentle reminder to release self-blame, lean into compassion, and recognise that learning and adjusting is part of the journey. ​ I talk about: The emotional weight of saying “I feel like I’ve failed” Why not knowing is not the same as failingAirway health, early intervention and trusting your instinctsTrial and error in therapy and finding the right fit The pressure parents carry after a diagnosis Giving yourself grace while advocating for your childWhy this journey is not a straight line​ A reassuring reminder that you have not failed your child. You are learning, advocating, adjusting and showing up. And that is what truly makes the 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.

    8 min

  4. FEB 12

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (92)

Trailer

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Rita Shamoun
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rita Shamoun
  • Show Website
    Wine with Wita