Wine with Wita

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.