You Are Not Your Diagnosis: Building A Life That Fits You with Kyle Willpower
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.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.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 itIf you want to learn more about Kyle, follow his journey here.Lots of love,RitaP.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.
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33:49
When Your Body Says Slow Down - Elle Brown on Women, Wellness & Capacity
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 minuteThis 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,RitaP.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. To learn more about Elle and her work, visit her websiteDisclaimer: 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 father’s story of autism, acceptance, and finding purpose beyond the noise - Ricky Stuart
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.Lots of love,RitaP.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.
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From Silence to Stage: Reclaiming Your Voice with Anthony Laye
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 areTo learn more about Anthony and his work, visit his website.Lots of love,RitaP.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.
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Let’s Give It a Go: Penny Graham on Inclusion, Advocacy and Everyday Hope
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 cuesHow small acts of advocacy can create big ripple effects Finding your place and your people in community Balancing care, hope and self-compassionBelieving in what’s possible, even when systems say otherwiseTo learn more about Envisage Families, have a look here.Lots of love,RitaP.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.
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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