Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support

Hey everyone,This week, I sit down with disability advocate, athlete andpublic speaker Brodie Kelly, founder of Pushing Perceptions.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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, I sit down with disability advocate and motivational speaker Kyle “Willpower,” a man who has been defying expectations since he was diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth disease at just five years old.

​Kyle shares what it was really like growing up as “the onlydisabled kid at school” in a small country town, from athletics carnivals and soccer on legs that would not cooperate, to the bullying, the long pants, and the cover stories he used for years to hide his disability.

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We also talk about the moment everything shifted - when hedecided to stop hiding, step into the gym, lose 40 kilos and start showing up online exactly as he is. That discipline and mindset now flow into his life as a business owner, running 11 Airbnb's, creating content and building new ventures that work with his body, not against it.

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We talk about:
💫 Growing up with CMT and refusing to sit on the sidelines
💫 The reality of bullying, shame and hiding his disability for years
💫 How fitness, discipline and losing 40 kilos changed his life
💫 From horse manure and computer repairs to running 11 Airbnb's
💫 The message he wants every parent of a disabled child to hear about fear, risk and “letting them have a go”
💫 Why you are not your diagnosis, and how to stop building your whole identity around it

If you want to learn more about Kyle, follow his 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 yourchild's communication and/development.

Hey everyone,

This week, I’m joined by Elle Brown, a women’s health practitioner and founder of Elle Brown Wellness.

​Elle’s work is dedicated to helping women understand their bodies, reduce burnout, and build true wellbeing through nutrition, emotional awareness, and nervous system regulation.

​In this week’s episode, we talk about:

💫 Why so many women feel “wired but tired” and what that says about stress and hormones

💫 How intense exercise and constant pressure can actually make us unwell

💫 The connection between the nervous system, emotions, and women’s health

💫 How to recognise when you’re running on cortisol

💫 A simple tool, EFT tapping, that can calm your body in less than a minute

This conversation is a gentle reminder that caring for ourselves isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

Because when we’re running on empty, everyone we love feels it too.

Lots of love,

Rita

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

To learn more about Elle and her work, visit her website

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 Canberra Raiders coach and Dally Mwinner, Ricky Stuart, a man who has redefined what success truly means.

​Behind the titles and trophies is a father who has spent nearlythree decades navigating life with his daughter, Emma, who is autistic and non-speaking.

In our conversation, Ricky opens up about the lessons Emma has taught him, the challenges and joy of parenting, and how those experiences shaped not only the way he leads, but the way he lives.

​He also shares how his family’s journey inspired the creation of The Ricky Stuart Foundation, building two respite centres in Canberra and now working toward a new independent living home to give other families the same opportunity for hopeand support.

​We talk about:​
💫 How becoming Emma’s dad reshaped Ricky’s definition of success
💫 The reality of raising a non-speaking autistic daughter and why patience matters
💫 The Ricky Stuart Foundation and building two respite centres in Canberra
💫 Why independent living changed life for Emma and the whole family
💫Practical advice for parents in the early stages after diagnosis

💫 Why every child deserves a fair go and how communitysupport makes a differenceTo learn more about the Ricky Stuart Foundation, visit his website here.​
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Lots of love,

Rita

P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips,insights and updatesDisclaimer: 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, I’m joined by Anthony Laye, a renowned behaviour expert and speaker who helps people communicate with confidence.

Anthony shares a deeply personal story about being told as a child to “pretend to sing” so no one would hear him - a moment that made him stop speaking and develop a stutter.

Today, he uses that experience to teach others how to reconnect with their authentic voice.

In this weeks episode, we talk about:  

• How childhood experiences shape the way we communicate  
• Why so many adults find self-expression uncomfortable  
• The link between confidence, communication and connection  
• What it means to stop performing and start being yourself  
• How awareness and authenticity help us “unwrap” who we really are

To learn more about Anthony and his work, ⁠⁠visit his website⁠⁠.

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.

Hey everyone,

As we wrap up Carers Month and our special collaboration with ENVISAGE Families, I am joined by Penny Graham.

Penny is a mum of four, a social worker with over 20 years of experience, and a facilitator with ENVISAGE Families. Her youngest son, Al, lives with complex disabilities, and through him, Penny has become an incredible advocate for inclusion and belonging.

This conversation is heartfelt, reflective and deeply encouraging. Penny shares how her mantra, “let’s give it a go,” opened doors for Al in mainstream schooling, community sport and everyday life. She reminds us that inclusion begins with curiosity, courage and a willingness to try.

We talk about:

• Seeing communication beyond words and recognising your child’s cues
• How small acts of advocacy can create big ripple effects 
• Finding your place and your people in community 
• Balancing care, hope and self-compassion
• Believing in what’s possible, even when systems say otherwise

To learn more about Envisage Families, have a look here.

Lots of love,

Rita

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

This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Envisage Families, a program designed to empower parents and caregivers raising children with developmental differences.

As a speechie and a mum, I love how Envisage provides research-based strategies, practical tools, and a community that truly understands the journey of caregiving. It is about giving families the confidence, support, and connection they need to thrive.

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,

In honour of Carers Month, I am joined by Janice McRandal.

Janice is a mum of three and a National Parent Peer with ENVISAGE Families. Inspired by her son Leo, who lives with a rare genetic disorder, Janice combines lived experience with a background in humanities and disability studies to champion carer wellbeing and meaningful change.

This conversation is honest, moving and practical. Janice shares how she went from a confidence-shattering moment in the NICU to navigating complex caregiving in the early years, and how she learned to advocate for her child, her family and herself.

We talk about:

💫 Finding your voice as a parent when you feel overwhelmed
💫 Advocating for your rights and your family without guilt
💫 Why asking for help is strength, not failure
💫 Building a community that truly sees you
💫 Well-intended comments that can hurt, and what carers actually need to hear
💫 Remembering that no one is a mind reader, and how to speak up in treatment

To learn more about Envisage Families, have a look here.

Lots of love,

Rita

This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Envisage Families, a program designed to empower parents and caregivers raising children with developmental differences.

As a speechie and a mum, I love how Envisage provides research-based strategies, practical tools, and a community that truly understands the journey of caregiving.

It is about giving families the confidence, support, and connection they need to thrive. Learn more and access their free resources at https://envisage.community/resources/ 

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 October, Wine with Wita is partnering with ENVISAGE Families to share stories that matter.

In this week’s episode, I am joined by Professor Laura Miller, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience supporting children with disabilities and their families around the world. Laura now leads the ENVISAGE Families program, a free initiative designed to empower caregivers and strengthen family wellbeing.

Together, we discuss:
✨ The reality of carer burnout
✨ Why asking for help is not weakness but strength
✨ How parents can return to themselves while caring for their child
✨ The power of community, lived experience and shared advocacy
✨ How ENVISAGE Families is changing lives across Australia

To learn more about Envisage Families, have a look here.

Lots of love,

Rita

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

This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Envisage Families, a program designed to empower parents and caregivers raising children with developmental differences.

As a speechie and a mum, I love how Envisage provides research-based strategies, practical tools, and a community that truly understands the journey of caregiving. It is about giving families the confidence, support, and connection they need to thrive.

Learn more and access their free resources at https://envisage.community/resources/ 

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.

Hi everyone,

This October, Wine with Wita is partnering with ENVISAGE Families to share stories that matter.

 In this week’s episode, I am joined by Rose Babic, a lived experience researcher in childhood disability, NDIS support coordinator and passionate advocate for family empowerment.

Rose is mum to Eric, who has a complex neuro-disabilityrequiring 24/7 care, and Marcus, her younger son.

Rose opens up about what it means to balance two very different sets of needs, the reality of exhaustion and advocacy, and the moment she realised “enough is enough” and chose presence over pressure.

Together we discuss:✨ Why parents need care too
✨ Moving from “doing everything” to “doing what you can”
✨ The importance of community and shared advocacy
✨ How ENVISAGE Families is supporting parents across Australia

If you are caring for a child with additional needs, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you.

Lots of love,

Rita x

This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Envisage Families, a program designed to empower parents and caregivers raising children with developmental differences.
As a speechie and a mum, I love how Envisage provides research-based strategies, practical tools, and a community that truly understands the journey of caregiving.
It is about giving families the confidence, support, and connection they need to thrive. Learn more and access their free resources at Resources - Envisage Families

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 yourchild's communication and/development.

Hi everyone,

We are back with another episode in the School ReadinessSeries on Wine with Wita, and this one dives into a perspective every parent should hear.

I am joined by Ann Murphy, child and family counsellor andfounder of Web of Light, to explore why emotional safety and connection matter more than letters and numbers when it comes to starting school.

From her experience supporting children and families through schools and private practice, Ann shares practical, real-world strategies to help parents, because when a parent feels equipped and supported, the child thrives.

In this conversation, we cover:

✨ How to know if your child is truly ready for school

✨ Why emotional and social wellbeing are the foundation for learning

✨ Red flags to look out for in your child’s readiness

✨ Strategies to help you as the parent, so you can better support your child

✨ The power of connection and emotional safety in setting your child up for success

If you have ever worried about whether your child is readyfor that first day, this episode will give you clarity, reassurance, and tools you can use straight away.

Lots of love,

Rita

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

This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Nundies- soft, sensory-friendly absorbent pants for kids who need a little extra support with toileting.

As a speechie and a mum, I know how helpful they can be fordelayed toilet training or sensory needs.

They're gentle, breathable, NDIS-covered, and make everyday life that bit easier. Get 30% off your first order with the code WITA30 at ⁠⁠ConfidenceClub.com.au⁠⁠.

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