Life Academy

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

Puberty, perfectionism, and taping up your titties, shit gets real as Alicia and Dena rewatch "Growing Pains" and take you behind the scenes of Dance Academy S1, Ep 8.. just for you guys as requested! 🎬 In This Episode: Reflecting on Abigail’s emotional battle with body image. Why this episode felt so personal for us in various ways. Real talk on puberty, control, and performing while your body’s changing. A behind the scenes all access pass into the filming process. 💫 Raw, honest, and still heartbreakingly relevant this rewatch opens up a bigger conversation about self-worth, adolescence, and what it means to be enough. A moment for every teen who’s ever felt like their body was the enemy. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Wearing: Dena- SABBI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Its another LIFE LATELY sesh with Alicia and Dena, from toddler sickness, fake tan disasters and our 40 under 40 lists. Plus goss about the upcoming Bali trip, Mayas birthday party and some makeup tips.. We have a good old bestie catchup and cant stop talking about our daughters as usual. we are also still in our POO era, someone make us t-shirts. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Recommendations: Go for a massage! The best linen ever from Protect a bed: https://protectabed.com.au/products/signature-tencel%E2%84%A2-quilt-cover-sets?variant=44818484232409 Mayas birthday cake: @mallowandco_ Dirt Cleaner: https://thedirtcompany.com.au Wearing: Dena – Kmart and Cotton On Alicia –Dissh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind Barres Baby! You know the drill, we are taking you behind the scenes and chatting all things Kat and Abi in episode 3 season 1, there is a lot to unpack and we dont hold back. Hopefully this inspires you to rewatch the series as we unravel all the BTS for you. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Wearing: Dena – MAKU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Know the cycles, Know thy hormones, Know thy vagina! We have a fascinating conversation about honouring our cycles with Olivia Orchowski. Olivia Orchowski: creator, CEO, and visionary behind KYRI. Olivia is a passionate advocate for body literacy, cyclical living, and hormone intelligence and in this episode, she brings the wisdom. SHE IS SO BADASS we are obsessed. 💬 In this Episode We delve deep into: How to understand and work with your cycle, not against it The power of hormone awareness for physical and emotional wellbeing What society gets wrong about menstruation. Tools for tuning in to your body’s rhythms in a fast-paced world 🌿 Olivia shares her own journey and how that led to the creation of KYRI - a ring and app that empowers people to reconnect with their natural rhythms and have some control back! 💡 Life Lesson of the Week When we honour our cycles, we step into deeper alignment with ourselves and that changes everything. Education is our first step, empowerment follows. We loved this conversation and know you will too. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast www.instagram.com/oliviaorchowski Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Wearing: Dena – Bronze Snake Alicia –Sabbi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Life Academy, we hit pause on the big themes and take a moment to check in with each other (and with you). It’s a much-needed life update and brain dump, where nothing is too small, too big, too chaotic, or too TMI. We debrief on everything from Dena’s recent car accident (she’s okay, but wow…) to Alicia’s ongoing house reno saga, to mum life highs and lows, and a bunch of little things in between. Think of this episode as a deep exhale for us, and hopefully for you too. Whether you’re folding laundry, driving, or sneaking some solo time, settle in for a raw and real catch-up between two women navigating life’s lessons with a bit of humour and a lot of honesty. In this episode: 🚗 Dena’s car accident and the spiritual ending. 🛠 Alicia’s never-ending house reno 👶 Mum life: mental loads, milestones & moments of madness 🧠 Our brain dumps: what's been on our minds lately ☕️ Catching up without an agenda and why that matters Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Dreamwork and Recommendations: Infrared Saunas ( Recovery Lab & P3 ) Dissh Jeans www.dissh.com.au Give your bestie a debrief call! Wearing: Dena- King Csilla & Style Runner Alicia- DISSH & Princess Polly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We asked, you delivered, and then some! This week on Life Academy, we’re diving into Part 1 of answering your burning questions, from juicy Dance Academy throwbacks to deep life chats, parenting, personal growth, and everything in between, nothing was off-limits. We got thousands of questions (literally), so we’ve hand-picked some of our favourites to kick off this Q&A series (dont worry if we didn't answer your question we will do this again and again..) It’s raw, reflective, and totally unscripted just the way we like it...and yes we promise behind-the-scenes moments from Dance Academy (we spill a little more tea 🍵) Whether you've followed us from the very beginning or just stumbled in, we’re so glad you’re here. Let’s keep this convo going 💛 📲 Follow Us: Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Wearing: Dena- MAKU Alicia-DISSH and Princess Polly 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate + review, and share this ep with someone who grew up with Dance Academy or just needs the juicy goss. we love you!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very important episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Kasey Edwards. Researcher, bestselling author, and the powerhouse behind "Raising Girls Who Like Themselves". Kasey’s work has sparked a movement of empowered parenting, and today, she’s sharing her wisdom with us, including the pillars to raising girls to like themselves. 💬 In This Episode: Kasey unpacks what it really takes to raise confident, resilient girls in a world that often tells them they’re not enough We talk body image, self-worth, and why we need to stop asking girls to be “good” Alicia and Dena reflect on their own childhoods, the messages they absorbed and what they’re trying to unlearn. Plus, the unexpected ways parents can empower their daughters and themselves. 💡 Life Lesson of the Week: When we raise girls who like themselves, we raise future women who back themselves and that starts with how we show up for them now. Whether you’re a parent, a future parent, or just trying to heal your own inner child, this episode will hit deep. 📚 Learn more about Kasey’s work: Website: www.kaseyedwards.com Instagram: @kaseyedwardswriter Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast 🌈 Dreamwork and Recommendations: Book: Raising Girls Who Like Themselves by Kasey Edwards https://www.raisinggirlswholikethemselves.com/ Omnilux LED Mask www.omniluxled.com Esmi Skin Minerals: https://www.esmi.com.au Reach out and phone a friend! Wearing: Alicia-Luna Lane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one’s brave and unforgettable. In todays episode, Alicia and Dena sit down with the incredible Tim Pocock, actor, composer and now author who shares his powerful journey of breaking free and finding truth. 💬 In This Episode: Tim opens up about growing up in and ultimately escaping a fundamentalist cult What it was like to endure and survive conversion therapy The long, complicated road to coming out and reclaiming his identity How storytelling became a lifeline and why he’s finally ready to share it all Behind-the-scenes of writing his debut memoir (out today!!) 💡 Life Lesson of the Week: There is no shame in your truth. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins the moment you stop hiding who you are and that your story might be the light someone else is waiting for. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.instagram.com/timpocock https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Dreamwork and Recommendations: 📘 Tim’s Book (out now) https://www.amazon.com.au/Truth-Will-Set-You-Free Good American Family- Disney plus Wearing: Alicia- Luna Lane Dena- MAKU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one’s raw, real, and just the beginning. In this episode Alicia and Dena sit down for Part 1 of a powerful series exploring their personal mental health journeys. 💬 In This Episode: Alicia opens up about her lifelong struggles with self-worth and the moments that cracked the facade Dena shares her road from addiction to recovery and the messy, beautiful truth of healing We unpack the emotional toll of PMDD and how it can feel like a shadow self taking over Why depression doesn’t always look like sadness and what it’s really like to live through it The unexpected power of speaking your truth, even when your voice shakes 💡 Life Lesson of the Week: You don’t have to be “fixed” to be worthy. This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear and being honest with yourself is the most radical act of self-care. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Dreamwork and Recommendations: 🌕 PMDD Awareness & Support: IAPMD – International Association for Premenstrual Disorders BAD BOY- Netflix Journals- www.selfdom.au Wearing- Dena- Raef The Label Alicia- Luna Love If you are struggling, you are not alone. Reach out to LIFELINE 13 11 14 They also have a texting line 0477 131 114 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deliciously thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by Tammy and Eitam from Boosa, food therapy experts who are flipping the script on how we think about eating. Forget diets and calorie counting. This conversation is all about rediscovering the joy, memory, and meaning behind what nourishes us. 💬 In This Episode: How food therapy can heal our relationship with eating and our mental health Why shame has no place at the dinner table Connecting childhood memories and cultural roots to how we eat today Revolutionary ideas and new perspectives on our relationship to food 🍽️ Life Lesson of the Week: You don’t need to fix your body maybe it’s time to fix the story you’ve been told about food. Whether you’ve struggled with diets, body image, or just want to feel at peace with your plate, this episode serves up the insights (and warm fuzzies) you didn’t know you needed. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast Follow Boosa www.instagram.com/boosa.au Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Dreamwork and Recommendations: The Self Retreat: www.theselfretreats.com Gevity Mayo and Bone broths: https://au.gevityrx.com Krumble Foods: www.krumbledfoods.com Wrong Way Up: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1NZKjPoMzLhrA6xTpHnOUe?si=YcO8Mtx4RTaqzqHmbS7Mxw Wearing: Dena- Luna Love Alicia-King Csilla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are cool moms now- Giving Birth Is Badass! This one’s for the mamas, past, present, and future. In this episode Alicia and Dena dive deep into the raw, wild, and awe-inspiring experience of becoming mothers. From the moments of conception to the miracle (and mayhem) of birth, they share their honest and powerful stories, the joyful highs, the scary unknowns, and the strength they didn’t know they had. 💬 In This Episode: The emotional rollercoaster from trying to conceive to holding your baby Real talk on pregnancy symptoms, birth plans (and when they don’t go to plan) Dena and Alicia's unfiltered birth stories. The awkward and unacceptable moments. The fierce identity shift that comes with becoming a mother. 💡 Life Lesson of the Week: Birth isn’t just biological, it’s transformational. Giving birth is badass, and so are you. Follow us at: www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join the conversation in our Facebook group: 📣 Join Here https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/ Watch the episode on YouTube: 📺 www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Dreamwork and Recommendations: MAKUSART T-shirts: www.makuthelabel.com Dying for Sex TV Series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4WAcOJ5bvo Pelvic Osteo: Kathryn Johns www.theosteopathicpelvichub.com.au Wearing: Alicia- Maku Dena- King Csilla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices