Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support

Hey everyone,

My conversation this week with Lauren Tench is raw and powerful, in honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!​
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Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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​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.

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.

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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.

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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

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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!​
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Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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​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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I share a heartfelt solo episode for parents who have ever quietly wondered if they have failed their child.

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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.

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This episode is a gentle reminder to release self-blame, lean into compassion, and recognise that learning and adjusting is part of the journey.

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I talk about:

• The emotional weight of saying “I feel like I’ve failed”
•  Why not knowing is not the same as failing
• Airway health, early intervention and trusting your instincts
• Trial and error in therapy and finding the right fit
•  The pressure parents carry after a diagnosis
•  Giving yourself grace while advocating for your child
• Why this journey is not a straight line

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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

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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​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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode, Jules shares:

• What the Freedom Effect really means and how it supports women holistically

• Why movement should feel empowering, not punishing

• Creating community and belonging beyond the gym walls

• Creating community and belonging beyond the gym walls

• Supporting women through perimenopause and menopause with compassion

• Navigating motherhood alongside business and advocacy

• Raising a neurodivergent child and the importance of village support

• Why self-kindness and prevention matter for long-term wellbeing

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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!​
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Lots of love,

Rita

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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​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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!​

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Lots of love,

Rita

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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I talk about:

•  The highs, lows and lessons that shaped 2025

• Walking through family grief and finding healing overseas

•  Faith, family, food and the strength of community

• Reconnecting with the purpose behind Wine with Wita

• Collaborations that helped raise awareness and support families

• Navigating the NDIS changes as a clinician and business owner

•  Celebrating 85 episodes and nearly 10k downloads

• Gratitude for winning Voice of Influence

A 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.

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.

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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!

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Lots of love,

Rita

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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.