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.
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Balance, Burnout and Belonging: A Carer’s Journey - Janice McRandal
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 treatmentTo learn more about Envisage Families, have a look here. Lots of love,RitaThis 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.
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Reclaiming Joy in Caring with Laura Miller
Hey everyoneThis 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 AustraliaTo 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. 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.
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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