Life Academy

Alicia Banit & Dena Kaplan

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!

  1. 5 days ago

    The Truth About Trauma, Dissociation & Why Your Body Remembers | Georgia Verry

    Sometimes healing is not just talking. Sometimes it’s learning to feel safe in your body again. In this episode, Alicia sits down with Georgia Verry about Conscious Combat Club, a Melbourne-based charity using trauma-informed martial arts to support women and gender-diverse people impacted by violence. They chat through gender-based violence, fight-flight-freeze responses, dissociation, breathwork, grounding, and why reconnecting with the body can be such a huge part of recovery 🌿 What makes this conversation so special is how practical it is. Georgia breaks down what actually happens before someone joins a class, how triggers and boundaries are handled, why choice matters so much, and how the team is building a space where people can move, pause, cry, rest, try again, and be supported through it all. This episode is honest, hopeful, and such a different way to think about healing. If this conversation speaks to you, please check out Conscious Combat Club, share their work, or donate if you’re able. Love you dAlings 🩵 1:18 — What Conscious Combat Club does and why it exists 4:59 — Why martial arts can help trauma recovery 5:28 — Traditional self-defence vs trauma-informed martial arts 12:27 — Dissociation, eating disorders, and reconnecting with the body 15:48 — Why breathwork does not work for everyone 19:51 — Building Conscious Combat Club and turning it into a charity 25:23 — Inside the trauma-informed gym and grounding room 29:50 — How to join Conscious Combat Club 32:23 — Why long-term access matters more than short-term programs 36:41 — The ten-year vision for Conscious Combat Club 45:48 — Pound and ground: the nervous system homework 48:26 — How to support Conscious Combat Club Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  2. 16 Jun

    We Blind React To The Latest Pop Culture Moments (KATSEYE, Euphoria, Taylor Swift, Robert Irwin, and More)

    Pop culture class is in session dAlings… and please remember, your two favourite girls are not qualified 😅🩵 Dena is DEEP into podcast-listening research mode 🎧, Alicia is the MOST active member of busy gal club 💅 and somehow together they cover everything from Euphoria and Toy Story 5 to Robert Irwin at the Logies, Legally Blonde, KATSEYE, the Kardashian boyfriend universe, and more 👀 It’s giving group chat energy but with microphones 🎙️ The girls are guessing, reacting, spiralling, manifesting invites, defending their favourite shows, and absolutely promising nothing is properly fact checked. Which, honestly… is kind of the whole point 😂 Take a seat, relax, get cosy, and come spill some hot tea with us ☕ You guys are the best dAlings!!! 🩵 0:44 — Welcome to pop culture — we don’t fact check 2:00 — Euphoria finale spoilers: Rue, Nate Jacobs, and chaos 5:09 — Taylor Swift & Toy Story 5 6:56 — Robert Irwin is hosting The Logies and the girls want an invite 10:10 — Anne Hathaway, facelift rumours, and the slicked-back hair trick 11:38 — Off Campus rewatch and Heated Rivalry winning big 13:03 — Dena’s KATSEYE obsession and why Alicia needs to watch Pop Star Academy 16:01 — Legally Blonde prequel: Elle Woods is back 18:02 — The Wentworth spin-off 20:17 — Kim Kardashian, Lewis Hamilton, and the Kardashian boyfriend group chat 👀 24:19 — Wrap-up: gossip, no fact checking, and loving the silly era Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Recs/Homework: Pop Star Academy — Dena’s main homework for Alicia. Global girl group training, K-pop energy, Dance Academy vibes on crack. KATSEYE behind-the-scenes Coachella video — For anyone already in their KATSEYE era or ready to become obsessed. Heated Rivalry — The girls haven’t watched yet, but the hype is officially noted. Legally Blonde: Elle — Add the prequel series to the watch list because Reese Witherspoon being involved makes it feel promising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  3. 31 Mar

    The Emma “Memma” Watkins You Don’t Know: Life Behind The Wiggles Yellow Bow

    dAlings!! We have the most incredible guest on today and we are still freaking out 💜💜💜 Dr Emma Watkins is here – yes, THE Emma Wiggle, now Emma Memma – and honestly this woman is everything. She flew in to chat with us about her journey from Yellow Wiggle to PhD, creating Emma Memma with her deaf co-performer Elvin, and bringing Auslan to kids everywhere. We go DEEP – how she became a Wiggle (there was no audition!!!), doing her PhD while touring four shows a day six days a week (!!!), and now running her own children's entertainment company with her husband and sister. Plus she collabed with BLUEY?! We also have the most beautiful conversation about endometriosis, fertility, and pushing through pain as performers. This one is special. So much warmth, so much wisdom!!! 💕 1:00 Welcome Dr Emma Watkins – Dena's family connection & fangirling 7:00 How She Became The Yellow Wiggle – There was no audition!!! 10:00 The Wiggles Schedule – 4 shows a day, 6 days a week 14:00 Emma Memma Is Born – PhD research meets children's entertainment 20:00 The Bluey Collab – Dancing with Bingo and Bluey!!! 25:00 Endometriosis Journey – Surgery, pain, and speaking out 29:00 Fertility & Motherhood – An honest conversation about the future 34:00 Fame & Disguises – The wig that didn't work 😂 36:00 Emma's Mission – Making Auslan accessible for every family 39:00 Recs – Period undies, Soak House & Convo app Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/emmawatkinsofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/the.clinical.coach/ https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Recs/Homework: Wunderthings Period Undies: Sleek, comfy, almost sexy – not like nappies! Dena's new obsession. Soak House Melbourne: Head spa, scalp massage, sensory experience – Alicia fell asleep it was that good. Convo App: Australia's first 24/7 on-demand sign language interpreting app – Emma's rec for businesses and families. Emma Memma Live: Get tickets at Live Nation or https://www.emmamemma.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  4. 24 Mar

    Life lately: Bye Poo Era & Welcome Kinder Mum Friendship Era!

    Poo era who?! Welcome to the kinder mum friendship era!!! 💜 Alicia made a mum friend at drop off and squealed in her car about it – we're entering a new chapter darlings. She also MC'd her first wedding, and we need to chat about Crocs being poisonous??? Dena thinks Alex might propose on their 9am date (gut feeling activated), retreats have been chaotic, she's got a new acting agent, and we end up talking about why women read spicy books instead of watching porn. Such a big catch up energy this week!!! And we missed you guys so muchhhh 💕 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Recs/Homework: Little Soles: Paediatrician-approved kids shoes that slip on like Crocs but aren't poisonous! Aussie brand, designed for busy little bodies. Gaia Detangler Spray: Natural, organic, magic in a bottle – brush through knotty toddler hair without the screaming. Benefit Benetint: The OG lip and cheek tint – chuck it on with no makeup and you don't look like a corpse at kinder drop off. Nature Time: Go pick fruit, sit in the garden, watch dogs at the park – we all need it right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  5. 3 Mar

    Life Lately: We Answer EVERYTHING

    It's Life Lately time besties!!! 💜💜 We're doing an Ask Us Anything and you guys did NOT hold back with the questions! We're talking tattoos, piercings, love languages, Home and Away auditions, and yes – we finally answer all your Dance Academy questions 😂 Big moment: Dena made the Dean's Honour Roll and we're still screaming about it!!! We also have a lot of thoughts on feeling lost in your 20s (spoiler: it's normal and you'll be fine). Oh and someone asked if Dena's had a nose job which made us laugh – it's just contouring guys!!! Makeup tutorial coming soon 👀 This one's a quickie but a goodie. So much love in the questions you guys sent – we see you!!! 💕 0:00 Intro – Headaches, blue eyeliner & Maya the Avatar 8:00 Q&A Begins – Tattoos & piercings (Dena wants a Kendrick lyric!) 13:00 "I'm So Proud of Myself" Moments – Isla, the podcast & nearly 1 million downloads 17:00 Advice for Women in Their 20s – It's okay to be lost 22:00 Rapid Fire Questions – Love languages, Home and Away auditions & more 29:00 The Nose Job Question – It's just really good contouring!!! 30:00 Makeup tutorial coming soon! Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Recs/Homework: Blue Eyeliner for Brunettes: Makes your eyes POP – Dena's obsessed! Mecca Max one is amaze! Buff Nail Studios: Ask for Talitha in Mornington – her nails last 7 weeks!!! Put Yourself Out There: Send the email, ask for the work experience, find a mentor. Enjoy Your 20s: Get lost, make mistakes, have fun – your 30s will come soon enough! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

  6. 24 Feb

    Life lately: Gut and Mental Health Magic with Dr Verena

    Okay besties we are SO excited for this one!!! 💜💜💜 Dr Verena Raschke-Cheema flew all the way from Sydney to sit with us and honestly, this woman changed Dena's life (Like actually changed it). She helped her through the darkest time – addiction recovery, gut health chaos, mental health stuff, everything. Dr. Verena's a nutritional scientist, a PhD, a kinesiologist which means she can literally muscle test what your body needs?! We go deep about kids immunity (Alicia needs help with Isla!), the gut-brain connection, hormones, and she even does a breathing exercise with us. Plus her cookbook is a staple in Dena's kitchen!!! If you've ever felt like you've tried everything and nothing works – this episode is for you. So much wisdom, so much hope, so much goodness in this one. 💕 0:00 — Dana's raw origin story: addiction, benzos & hitting rock bottom 3:09 — What Dr Verena actually does (and why people come to her as a last resort) 7:34 — How kinesiology muscle testing works — and the science behind it 15:15 — The full protocol: blood tests, microbiome mapping, genetic testing + kinesiology 17:05 — Why kids keep getting sick — spleen, zinc deficiency & emotional stress 21:30 — #1 reason people see Dr Verena: gut health and everything connected to it 28:44 — Treating gut health AND the mind simultaneously — why one without the other fails 33:46 — NAD, longevity genes & what Kim Kardashian is actually onto 35:19 — Dr Verena's 30-day homework: the 2-minute breathing technique that switches off fight-or-flight Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/doctorverena https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Recs/Homework: 2-Minute Breathing: Inhale for 4, exhale for 6 – do it for 30 days and watch your nervous system reset! Dr Verena's Cookbook: "Dr Verena's Kitchen" – sugar free, paleo, keto, low FODMAP recipes that actually taste amazing: https://doctorverena.com/ Taylor Swift Eras Tour Doco: Even if you're not a Swiftie, this will convert you. She's a phenomenon. Bared Footwear: Comfy AND stylish – Dena wore them to the AACTAs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  7. 20 Jan

    Life Lately: Why We All Need a Bloody Village

    Today the girls are back and diving deep into the raw, messy, and beautiful reality of motherhood. After Dena’s "hack of the world" reveals her latest biohacking obsession (hello, walking pad!), the conversation takes a turn into the wilder side of life. Dena recounts a literal miracle encounter with a first responder at the gym and shares the heartbreaking news of a friend losing everything to the bushfires. We get real about the "lonely" first year of motherhood, postnatal depression, and the polarising world of mothers' groups. From sleep-deprived blurs and health anxiety to the life-changing magic of a "SNOO" and the simple joy of a fur baby, no stone is left unturned. It’s a heavy one, it’s a happy one, and it’s a reminder that we all just need a bloody village. We love you guys! Recs/Homework: Owala Water Bottle: The absolute elite bottle for breastfeeding mamas. 5-Blade Razors: Specifically, the Venus ones for legs so smooth they’re to die for. Biohacking: Walking pads and red light masks for the ultimate habit stack. The Village: Reach out to your family, tell them you need help, and build that support system. Follow us at www.instagram.com/denaamy www.instagram.com/aliciabanit www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast 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: Kinga Csilla Alicia: Things You Really Like Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  8. 6 Jan

    Life Lately: Stolen Car and A New Year of Catchups!

    Happy New Year, Besties! We love you. This week's episode opens with Alicia giving Dena a gorgeous Christmas gift, and then we get into the crazy stolen car story that is honestly more riveting than a thriller movie. Hang on tight. The girls are back and excited for the year ahead, no crazy resolutions, just trying to continue riding the wave that is life and staying in our flow state. Dena discusses another stylist screwing her over and feeling more introverted as she gets older. The girlies are just trying to start the year off on the right foot. Bath Bombs, cheese and all. LOL. Connect with us: 🌸 Dena: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/denaamy⁠ 🌸 Alicia: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit⁠ 🌸 Life Academy: ⁠www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast⁠ ⏱️ TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast⁠ 🎥 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast⁠ 💬 Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/⁠ Recs: Fearless Swimwear https://fearlessswimwear.com/ Simon Cowell: The Next Act Netflix Hommey Towels https://gethommey.com.au/ Loufas in the shower! who knew?! Wearing: Dena: https://www.thingsyoureallylike.com.au/ Alicia: Brixton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Alicia Banit & Dena Kaplan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73

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