From the Boxing Ring to Autism Advocacy: Meet Junior Fa
Hi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with someone whose heart speaks louder than his fists: retired international heavyweight boxer, Junior Fa. You might know him from the ring, but in this conversation, you’ll get to know him as a father, a fierce autism advocate, and someone who chose to walk away from professional boxing to align with something much deeper: his purpose. Junior is a proud dad of three, including his son Ezra who is autistic. In this honest chat, we speak about what it’s really like to raise a child with additional needs, the emotions, the advocacy, the cultural barriers, and the joy of seeing your child for exactly who they are.He opens up about:🥊 Retiring from boxing when it no longer aligned with his values 🥊 The moment Ezra was diagnosed and how it changed everything 🥊 Why he wears AUTISM on the back of his boxing shorts 🥊 What he wishes more dads (and families) understood about this journey 🥊 And the importance of letting go of who you thought your child would be, to embrace who they areJunior’s story will move you. Not just because of what he’s achieved in the ring, but because of how he shows up outside of it: with humility, honesty, and love.Follow Junior on Instagram: @juniorfaboxerIf this episode touched your heart, please share it with another parent, carer or educator who needs to hear that they’re not alone. With love, Rita xP.S. Follow me on @winewithwitapodcast for more tips, insights and updates.This episode was proudly sponsored Tambakis Physiotherapy, because parents deserve support too.When you're raising a child with physical or developmental challenges having the right people around you makes all the difference.Tambakis offers expert, family centred physiotherapy and exercise physiology in Sydney's South-West, helping you feel less alone and more supported on the journey.Learn more at tambakisphysiotherapy.com.auDisclaimer: 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
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Dancing to a different rhythm - with Megan Jessop
Hi everyone, When you think of a dance studio, you might picture competitions, costumes, and choreography. But for Megan Jessop, Director of Dance Habit, dance is about so much more than that. It’s about belonging. Connection. Confidence. And creating a space where every child is seen, celebrated, and supported. This week on Wine with Wita, Megan shares the story behind her childhood dream turned thriving business. From teaching ballet at age 16 in New Zealand to founding one of Melbourne’s most inclusive studios, Megan has never followed the traditional path, and that’s exactly why her story is so powerful.In this episode we explore:✨How dance can support neurodivergent children beyond the stage ✨What it takes to build a values-led business (even when it means letting go of “success” as others define it) ✨The growing wave of women being diagnosed with ADHD — and how Megan’s diagnosis gave her clarity and compassion for her younger self ✨Why inclusion isn’t just about who you welcome through the doors, but how you show up for them once they’re insideIt’s warm, honest, and full of lessons for parents, educators, and anyone trying to do things differently.Lots of love, RitaP.S. Follow me on @winewithwitapodcast or 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
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The slow lane is the fast lane (and other things Nicola taught me)
Hi everyone, This week’s episode of Wine with Wita is a little different. It’s not about children. Or disability.It’s about us. Us as women. Us as mothers. Us as humans who spend so much time doing, we forget to be. I sat down with my breath-work coach and dear friend, Nicola Laye. I first met Nicola when I was deep in transition, between phases of motherhood, between who I was and who I was becoming. I didn’t know it then, but I was holding my breath through it all. In this episode, we talk about:✨ How breathing, something so simple, can feel terrifying when we finally pause ✨ The hidden grief and guilt that lives in so many of us ✨ Why slowing down isn’t lazy or indulgent: it’s essential ✨ The connection between your breath and your inner voice ✨ My own journey of falling back in love with myself: slowly, gently, breath by breathWe also talk about parenting, the kind we do for our kids, and the kind we desperately need to do for ourselves. This is not a ‘how to fix your life in five steps’ conversation. It’s raw. It’s tender. It’s honest. And it’s one of the most beautiful episodes I’ve recorded.For every mama who’s ever said "I’m fine" when you weren’t. For every woman who’s running on empty but can’t stop. This is for you. With a full heart, Rita xPS: Nicola is an angel disguised as a breathwork coach. She offers 1:1 sessions, birth and postpartum support, trauma release, and retreats, both online and on the Gold Coast. You can find her at @nicola_laye or nicolalaye.com. 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
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Coffee, Connection & Mental Health with Ben ☕️
Hi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with someone many of you know – Ben, the friendly face behind the coffee machine at Wattle Grove. Beyond his great coffee and warm smile is a powerful story of resilience, fatherhood, and mental health.Episode Highlights:✨ Ben shares his journey with depression, anxiety, and self-harm starting from age 12. ✨ We discuss the stigma around men’s mental health and the need for open conversations. ✨ Ben reflects on becoming a father to baby Parker and how it’s shaped his outlook. ✨ We talk about the everyday importance of connection – sometimes over a simple cup of coffee.Special Offer: Say ‘Wita’ at Ben’s Wattle Grove cafe for a free coffee on me. It is our small way of celebrating community and connection. Follow Ben on Instagram: @sippydaily❕Mental Health Disclaimer: This episode discusses mental health and self-harm. If you need support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. You are not alone. Thank you for being part of this community.Lots of love, RitaP.S. Follow me on @winewithwitapodcast 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
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A phone call, a little boy, and a leap of faith 💬
Hi everyone, This week’s episode is so much more than just a conversation. It’s the story that started it all - from a bottle of wine to "Wine with Wita".Episode 57 of Wine with Wita marks three beautiful, humbling, life-changing years since I opened the doors to RS Speech Pathology. And to honour that milestone, I’m sitting down with the person who made it all start: Nicky, the very first parent who took a chance on me. Her son Serge was my first client. Her phone call, filled with emotion, confusion, and gut instinct, was the push I needed to say yes to building a business that supports families navigating speech and language challenges. This episode is for every mum who’s ever felt unsure. Every parent who’s been told to “wait and see.” Every carer who knew, deep down, that something didn’t feel right.What we covered: ✨ The real story behind RS Speech Pathology, and the powerful moment that sparked it ✨ What early signs of language delay actually looked like for Serge✨ The heartbreak and hope of hearing a diagnosis ✨ How therapy looks beyond the bubble-blowing and LEGO, and why the bond between child and therapist matters ✨ Nicky’s raw, honest advice for any parent wondering “Should I be worried?” And most of all… we celebrate progress.Serge no longer presents in the delay/disorder range. He’s thriving, not just because of therapy, but because of the love, consistency, and fierce advocacy from his mum and dad. Three years in, this episode is my reminder of why I do what I do. It’s not just a job. It’s a privilege.Thank you for walking this journey with me. Whether you’ve been here since the early days or just found the podcast recently, I’m so grateful you’re part of this growing community. Here’s to three years of RS Speech Pathology, and everything still to come.Lots of love, RitaP.S. Follow me on @winewithwitapodcast 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.
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!
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