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Life Academy
Life Academy
Author: Alicia Banit & Dena Kaplan
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On screen frenemies to real life besties, so of course we started a podcast! Stay tuned for your weekly questionable life lessons from Dena Amy Kaplan and Alicia Banit. Class is in session!
36 Episodes
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First things first the girls talk about their Christmas spirit excitement, but hold tight because today in the academy of life- Dena and Alicia sit down with Steph Claire Smith: the ultimate girl boss! She is the co Founder of wellness brand KIC. It was her personal experience with toxic wellness in her early 20s, fuelled by social media and the modelling industry, that sparked a fire in her belly to make a difference, rewrite the diet ‘rule book’ we were once told and help others build a healthy and more sustainable relationship with food & exercise. Steph has owned multiple successful businesses, is an international model to some of the world’s biggest brands, author, host of the KICBUMP podcast and co-host of the KICPOD. She’s been listed in the AFR young rich list and Forbes 30 under 30, but the hat she wears proudest is that she’s a mum to Harvey and Billie.
Dena and Steph have known each other for years so it was great to have this catchup and talk all things motherhood, the juggle, entrepreneurship, family life and the crazy days of early instagram and the modelling world. We hope you love this episode! If you do please subscribe and stay in touch! We love you besties 😉 dreamers? besties? bees? you tell us.
Connect with Steph: https://www.instagram.com/stephclairesmith
Connect with us:
🌸 Dena: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy
🌸 Alicia: https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
💬 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/
DreamWork/Homework Recs:
Box breathing (and breath work in general)
Dress My Tour on Disney+
Maddy from Cleansee Studio for a life-changing facial. https://www.instagram.com/cleanseestudio
Wearing:
Dena: https://www.instagram.com/aramintajames
Alicia: Brixton and Dissh
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today’s episode of Life Lately on Life Academy, the girls sit down for a much needed Bestie Debrief Sesh. 💖🫶
Alicia opens up about body-image wobbles, overwhelm, and that delightful inner critic who seems to have no hobbies other than yelling at her (honestly… get a job). 😵💫 Both girls chat through the ever-present mother guilt that can eat us alive before we’ve even had our first coffee ☕️💀
Meanwhile, Dena is unpacking her insanely stacked schedule, juggling wild uni hours, retreats, makeup work, and motherhood. 🧠💄👶 She shares a few stories from her psych studies, the self retreat & gives us the inside scoop on her recent makeup masterclass, which she absolutely loved teaching.
And yes… in true on-brand fashion, Dena found herself back in hospital for her back (again, EDS girlies unite) 🏥🙃. The update wasn’t great, but she’s rolling with it. Her mental health has been solid lately, and she’ll take physical pain over emotional pain any day.
The girls get real about the desire for another baby 👶❤️ and all the reasons it completely terrifies them. Alicia talks through some unsettling body-image thoughts, while Dena tries to tell Alicia’s inner mean girl to go F#&K herself (with love, of course). ✋😤
We all need to turn down F%$KED FM the radio station in our heads that literally no one subscribed to.
Thanks for listening to our chaos, and thank you to Celsius for making this episode of Life Academy possible. 💛✨
Don't forget to hit subscribe if you are loving the pod and if you want to join the inner circle join our private fb group.
Connect with us:
🌸 Dena: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy
🌸 Alicia: https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
💬 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/
Recs / Homework:
https://www.theselfretreats.com
https://www.sharethedignity.org.au
👚 Wearing:
Dena – Sabbi Jacket
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In todays episode Dena sits down with her dear Uncle Barry aka Barry Goodman to listen to his incredible and fascinating life story, from tragic beginning to so many twists and turns. Dena knew she had to share this insane story with our listeners. Barry is an incredible and resilient human being (who happens to be Denas uncle) he is deeply passionate about connection and we cant wait for you to hear his remarkable story filled with faith and hope and gratitude.
Connect with us:
🌸 Dena: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy
🌸 Alicia: https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
💬 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/434/
Recs / Homework:
Cold water swims! Get in the ocean people.
Practise pause and have some humility.
Practise deep self love and compassion
Go to therapy! We all need it.
Go to THE SELF RETREAT!
Wearing:
Dena- Feather & Noise & Stax Sweatsuit
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode of Life Academy, we’re joined by the absolutely incredible Olivia Molly Rogers and wow, what a chat this was! ✨
Olivia is a woman of many talents: a speech pathologist, fashion influencer, model, runner, artist and podcast host. You might also know her as Miss Universe Australia 2017, but beyond the glamour, Olivia has become a powerful voice for mental health awareness, self-worth, and authentic living.
She’s as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside- open, kind, and full of wisdom. In this conversation, Olivia shares her journey through eating disorders, heartbreak, and rediscovering herself, reminding us that healing and growth often come from being real, not perfect. 💕
We laughed, we got deep, and honestly, we both have the biggest girl crush on her, you’re going to love this one.
Connect with Olivia:
💫 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamollyrogers
Connect with us:
🌸 Dena: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy
🌸 Alicia: https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
💬 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/
Recs / Homework:
Thank you to LBDO for the spicy gift https://www.lbdo.com/
Read some fiction novels for fun!
(Lisa Jewell and Frieda Mcfadden books)
Journalling
https://passaroundthesmile.com/collections/journals/products/your-mindful-journal
https://www.mydailyritual.app/ by Liv Phyland.
Biodance collagen mask https://www.beautyamora.com.au/bio-collagen-real-deep-mask-4pcs
Diary of a CEO womens health expert episode.
Wearing:
👗 Dena: Sabbi
👗 Alicia: Princess Polly
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We were so grateful to sit down with the incredible Grace Taylor, who courageously and openly shares her story of transitioning from man to woman. Grace’s journey is deeply inspiring- filled with honesty, wisdom, and, fittingly, so much grace.
In this heartfelt conversation, Grace reflects on the courage it took to finally live as her true self, the unique challenges and beauty of every trans journey, and the importance of visibility and understanding.
Dena has known Grace both before and after her transition, so sharing this moving dialogue with her dear friend about identity, acceptance, and advocacy for the trans community was so powerful.
Beyond her personal journey, Grace is also a gifted artist whose creativity continues to inspire those around her.
Connect with Grace
Insta: @the_grace_taylor
Insta: @the_grace_canvases
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Recs / Homework:
www.livemoreethicalbeauty.com
Get your nails done or try Candy Claws
COSRX snail mucun essence: https://www.beautyamora.com.au/
Wearing:
Dena: Stax
Alicia: Brixton
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We couldn't wait for todays catch up it feels like its been too long between bestie debriefs. We hear all about Dena's perfect trip to Bali and Alicia's general life updates including Isla's upcoming birthday party our mutual love for The Summer I Turned Pretty. Dena talks about feel insecure in her swimwear and Alicia gets it, she is also working hard to complete her pilates hours. its a proper besite catch up, don't miss this one. Alicia loses her shit about her favourite products getting discontinued. We also find another way we are total opposites and it all comes down to dishwashers.
If you are enjoying the pod please review, share and subscribe and join our private fb group to be on the most wholesome part of the internet.
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Recs / Homework:
Wild Love Elsie Silvers
Komune resort Bali https://www.komuneresorts.com/
Natio face mask 10 minute miracle mask
Summer Fridays face mist https://summerfridays.com/
Quite Like https://www.quitelike.com/
STAX sweatsuits https://stax.com.au/
Wearing:
Dena- Sabbi, Jewels MADE BY MOLLY https://madebymolly.com.au/
Alicia- Sabbi
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today's ep starts with another crazy Dena story (still in her poo era) and then we welcome our beautiful guest KC Osborne, KC is a reality tv star, a dancer, a mother and one baddie. She has the best stories from girl groups in Hollywood, to meeting Liam Payne, working with the Pussy Cat Dolls creator to being in a Miley Cyrus music video. She also discusses her partners near death experience and being on MAFS. You're going to love her she’s a vibe.
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Connect with KC:
https://www.instagram.com/kcosborne_
Recs / Homework:
Robbie Williams Doco on Netflix
Face Tanning Mist https://goldeebee.com/
Frozen live version on Disney Plus
Wearing:
Dena- Sabbi
Alicia- Cotton on Body
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week Alicia sits down with the delightful Cleo Massey. They cover life on H20, her journey into motherhood, healing and creating her incredible company Pass Around The Smile, manifestation and visualisation stories plus they both discuss what it is like to let go of the actor dream. Cleo is so wise and insightful we loved having her and know you will love listening to her story.
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Connect with Cleo:
https://www.instagram.com/cleomassey
Recs / Homework:
Pass Around The Smile https://passaroundthesmile.com/
https://robehaircare.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You asked, we’re answering.. Burning Questions PART 3 is back! In this episode we dive into your most requested topics with our unfiltered takes, honest laughs, and the usual Life Academy chaos.
Expect a mix of the serious, the silly, and the downright surprising as we tackle what’s been on your minds. From personal dilemmas to pop culture hot takes, nothing is off-limits when it comes to your burning questions, We have so many questions coming in from you guys thank you! KEEP EM COMIN.
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Join our Facebook group:
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Watch us on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
Wearing:
Dena –RAEF The Label
Alicia –MAKU The Label
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s another life lately sesh! This week the girls dive into:
🌱 Friendship breakups – why they hit so hard and how we’re navigating them, why are they more painful than romantic breakups?!
💄 Our skincare routines – the much-requested breakdown of what we actually use as requested by you.
🧠 Neuro-spicy life – some of the ADHD behaviours Dena’s been working through, can anyone relate? please say yes..
Alicia's skincare:
https://www.esmi.com.au/
Dena's Skincare:
Purity Philosophy https://philosophy.com/
Natasha Cook Skincare https://drncskin.com/
Paulas Choice BHA https://www.paulaschoice.com.au/
Omnilux Led Mask https://omniluxled.com/
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Recs / Homework:
Robe Haircare https://robehaircare.com/
Cachia PJS https://cachia.shop/
Wearing
Dena: Sabbi
https://www.sabbi.com.au/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So we found ourselves in Sydney for a gig and we decided while we were here we would interview our favourite Sydney people, high on the list of favourite humans was the delightful Jules Sebastian. Jules is a fashion icon, stylist, makeup artist, author, podcast host, genius content creator and all-around brilliant mum and human. (She also happens to be Guy Sebastian’s wife) We have known and loved Jules for years and wanted to reconnect with our old friend and share her with you. She is sunshine in human form.
Topics we cover;
Life in LA and Jules hilarious celeb encounter
Mum life
Jules styling us for some of the biggest events like the Logies
Being married to a celeb and the family dynamics
Her podcast “tea with Jules”
Raising talented kids
Our photo shoots we did together
Her amazing content creating for Insta
And so much more!
Life lesson: you never know who you might run into in Rite Aid buying nappies.
Stay in touch
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Follow Jules:
https//www.instagram.com/julessebastian
https://julessebastian.com
https://thesebastianfoundation.org
Recs / Homework:
Buccaneers TV series on Apple.
Stick on nails from Cotton On! or Candy Claws. https://cottonon.com/
Biab nails- game changer!
Check out Jules' recipes and website
Wearing:
Dena: https//www.mods.mittsu
Crocs (still waiting on the collab)
Gimme Jewels: https://gimmestore.com/
Alicia: Bella Boheme
Arms of Eve jewels
We love you. If you are enjoying Life Academy, please subscribe and review!!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, oii oii oii! Ollie aka Keiynan Lonsdale joins us in the SYDNEY studio and damn are we excited. Reunion moment!! We had very limited time with Keiy so we smashed him with as many questions as we could fit in (and not miss our flights back home) Keiynan is one of the most inspiring artists we know and we’ve always been in awe of his talents and skills but also his very humble approach to life. We love him so much and we know you will too, we’ve been through so much together and he’s truly one of our favourite people so we are so excited to share this short but deliciously sweet episode with you! 🍭
Topics we cover 🌟
Keiynan’s time in a pop band before DA
Dance Academy season 1 (and why Keiynan was involved)
Dealing with imposter syndrome when his career was at its peak
His journey learning who he could and couldn’t trust in show biz.
Living with Alicia in LA
Keiynan’s crush on Dena and that ONE night…
How he balances being the ultimate triple threat
His experience in finding his sexuality and how that coincided with the roles he was getting to portray on screen..
And so much more!
Life lesson: you don’t have to be cornered into one box, being a versatile artist is an amazing gift, we should all be embracing all parts of ourselves. Slashys/forever💫
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Connect with Keiynan: https://www.instagram.com/keiynanlonsdale
Recs / Homework:
Building The Band on Netflix
Journaling! How many times can we recommend it! Check out the book “The Artists Way”
Trauma Informed Boxing: https://www.consciouscombat.club
Wearing:
Dena: Raef The Label https://raeflabel.com.au
Gimme Jewels: https://gimmestore.com/
Alicia: Glassons
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Its time for another life lately sesh where we chat about Alicias Birthday, her hilarious breastfeeding story, Denas new obsession with Sabrina Carpenter (bit late, we know), and so much more... it's another juicy catch-up with lots of candid convos and hilarious stories (well, we think so anyway).
Thanks for tuning in. We love you guys.
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Recs / Homework:
Robe haircare: https://robehaircare.com/
Go and eat some delicious Asian Fusion cuisine.
Wearing:
Dena: https://www.zaziba.com.au/
Gimme Jewels: https://gimmestore.com/
Alicia: Princess Polly
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Its time for us to deep dive back into our mental health journeys. Dena tells us a bit more about her wild Rehab experience and how it kinda felt like prison and Alicia gets very emotional and vulnerable (proud of our girl for being so open about this for the first time)
Life Lesson: Friendships come and go, season, reason or lifetime. Learning to let go is so healing. Also- Addiction does not discriminate.
Instagram:www.instagram.com/denaamy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
YouTube: Life Academy The Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/
Recs / Homework: take a goddamn NAP!
get yourself a professional house clean, you deserve it.
Wearing:
Dena: aimn https://www.aimn.com.au/
gimme jewels: https://gimmestore.com/
Alicia:cotton on body https://cottonon.com/
we love you, if you are enjoying Life Academy please subscribe and review!!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week it’s just us, catching up on all things bestie chat 💕. We talk about our health, house renos, Dena’s back and twerking goals, Father’s Day gifts, our future weddings and plans for babies, a rare night out we had (yes, it actually happened!), and the excitement of Dena’s sold-out retreats.
Life Lesson: Sometimes we all need a weekly debrief with our besties, talking sh*t, it keeps us grounded and sane. ✨
Stay connected with the us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Dena: Feather & Noise
Alicia: Kinga Csilla
Recs: Dena’s retreats are officially sold out until June 2026, but spots are now available for the June 2026 retreat. Check it out at: www.TheSelfRetreats.com
🌸
Looking for the perfect personalised Father’s Day gift? We love Songfinch 🎶
Wear your jewellery, it's a vibe we are loving Arms of Eve
Song: Keli Holiday - Dancing 2
We love you, if you are enjoying Life Academy, please subscribe and review!!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So we have another fallen soldier… Dena is officially continuing in her poo era with gastro around the whole house. The Kaplan sisters pull through again though- this time with the amazing Ariel Kaplan. The smallest but sassiest Kaplan sister.
( low-key she's a better podcast host than Dena. Maybe it’s time for a re-cast? 👀)
Alicia chats with Ariel about:
Starting her career so young on The Saddle Club and Oliver!
Neighbours and her filming experience.
Sisterhood and growing up in the spotlight
Her eating disorder, how harrowing it was, and her recovery
Studying Fitness and Health
Her recent wedding 💍
Becoming one of Australia’s top fitness gurus 🏋️♀️
How different the kaplan sisters actually are.
Life Lessons: If you believe in yourself enough, everyone else will too. Fake it till you make it, baby! Blind confidence all the way.
Tinder can actually be a place to find true love, who knew!
Stay connected with us:
Ariel Kaplan: @arielerinkaplan
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Recs / Homework:
Invest in good pjs: https://www.boody.com.au
Do something that challenges you this week, like a class at Barry’s Bootcamp!
Get into a hot space, infrared sauna, hot pilates, enjoy the buzz and steam.
Wearing:
Ariel: Cotton On and Crocs (still waiting on that sponsorship)
Alicia: Bella Boheme
We love you. If you are enjoying Life Academy, please subscribe and review!!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hormones & Mental Health with Professor Jayashri Kulkarni.
This week, we had the absolute privilege of interviewing Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, a world-renowned psychiatrist and Australia’s leading expert on PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), as well as menopause, and women’s mental health.
We asked so many big questions, the professor has a 2 year wait list so we really wanted to share her with you all as we know so many of you suffer with pmdd and peri/menopause, she answered all of our questions with clarity and compassion. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the deep connection between hormones and mental health.
In This Episode, We Explore:
What defines PMDD and how it differs from PMS
The mental health impact of hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy/birth
Why mental health care needs to be tailored for women
The neurological science behind hormone-sensitive mood disorders
Thoughts on the birth control pill
Advocating for your health when you're not being heard
How our medical systems can better support women’s health.
The professors experience watching miracles take place using hormone replacement therapy.
About Professor Jayashri Kulkarni
Professor Kulkarni is the Director of the HER Centre in Australia and a pioneer in women’s mental health research. Her groundbreaking work on the links between hormones and psychiatric conditions is reshaping how we understand and treat these issues.
Resources for PMDD:
https://www.iapmd.org/
HER Centre Melbourne
Recs/homework:
Charlotte Tilbury blush- healthy glow stick (peachy glow)
Do your skincare routine and drink that water dolls!
Books: The Glasshouse, The Oasis, I’m your Peri Godmother.
Stay connected with us:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Wearing:
Dena- Kinga Csilla and Gimme jewels
Alicia- Kinga Csilla and Gimme jewels
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lets do this again, last time was so much fun! We answer your burning Q's! some of these are saucy!
Follow us at:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Wearing:
Dena – King Csilla
Alicia –Kmart baby!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is next‑level magic, we sobbed our way through it and it might be our favourite episode so far ✨
We’re joined by the sensational Jessica Lynne, one of Australia’s most in-demand psychic mediums, live from Melbourne. Brace yourself baddies: Jessica did a live reading for us, and even now, we’re still reeling from how accurate it was. So specific. So deeply moving. It's like spirit was right there in the room with us. Jessica's slogan is 'I talk to dead people' and she seriously does, in the most humorous and loving way, Jess usually has a waitlist of months and months for readings so were are so lucky to get her on the pod. We hope you get as many goosebumps as we did! Full discretion and transparency we cut out part of Alicia's reading as it got so personal.
Whether you're a believer or a bit skeptical, Jessica’s energy is warm, grounded, and deeply intuitive. She shares what it’s like to connect with spirit, how messages come through, and how we can all tune in to our intuition more.
In this episode:
A jaw-dropping live reading
What spirit communication feels like
Psychic vs mediumship (and how to tell the difference)
How signs from loved ones show up
Why you should never ignore your gut feeling
The lime hack
✨ Life Lessons:
Spirit speaks through love
Your intuition is a superpower
You’re more connected than you think
Use Lime for energy clearing (Limeglo is Jess's product)
Connect with Jessica:
📱 @jessicalynnemediumship
🌐 www.jessicalynnemediumship.com
🕯 Lime Glo candles for energy clearing
Follow us at:
Dena: @denaamy
Alicia: @aliciabanit
TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community
Recs:
Mountain and Moon @mountainandmoon
Limeglo products
"The Bucaneers" TV series on Apple TV
Wearing:
Dena- @maxted_clothing @mountainandmoon Jewels.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today’s episode is very special for two reasons: We’re joined by the amazing Gemma-Ashley Kaplan, Dena’s big sister and best friend (Alicia is home sick – love you babe, and miss your magic).
We got to sit down with our parenting hero and idol, the one and only Lael Stone. And honestly? It was everything. What a privilege.
Whether you’re a parent, thinking about becoming one, or just trying to figure out why your inner child still throws tantrums at the worst possible moments this one’s for you.
Lael is a speaker, educator, and author who’s changing the game when it comes to raising emotionally intelligent kids and healing ourselves in the process. She’s also the co-founder of Woodline Primary School, a school in the Victorian countryside that puts emotional wellbeing first (finally!).
We adore her. And you will too.
In this episode, we chat about:
Why “perfect parenting” is a myth (and thank goodness for that)
How to actually stay calm when your kid is not
The magical power of repair (yes, you’re allowed to stuff it up sometimes)
How parenting is basically free therapy if you let it be
Raising emotionally aware kids in an emotionally messy world
And what happens when you start putting connection over control.
💡 Life Lessons from Lael:
✨ You don’t need to be perfect – just present.
✨ Big feelings aren’t the enemy – disconnection is.
✨ The more you heal, the more space you create (for you and your family)
OWN YOUR STORY! wear it with pride.
💖 Instagram: @laelstone
🏫 Her heart-led school: Woodline Primary
🌐 All the good stuff: www.laelstone.com.au (including her new book!)
Stay in the Life Academy loop:
🧠 Dena Amy: @denaamy
💫 Alicia Banit: @aliciabanit
📱 TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
👯♀️ Facebook: Life Academy Community
📺 YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Connect w/ Gemma:
@gemmaashleystudios
Recs:
Wear Nala Bras www.wearnala.com
Declutter your home/work space!
Breathing with self love and compassion.
Wearing:
Dena- Raef the Label
Gemma- Seed
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


