Life Academy

Alicia Banit & Dena Kaplan
  • 5.0 (66)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 7H AGO

    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

  2. FEB 17

    Life Lately: All The AACTA Awards/Red Carpet Tea ☕

    Dalings!! we have so much to catch you up on!!! 💜 The Gold Coast was absolutely everything, Isla's first theme park holiday (she's a little adrenaline junkie omg), AACTA red carpet glam, pool days at The Star feeling like actual queens, and our panel where we got to hug so many of you!!! Our Mexican fans are UNREAL 🇲🇽🥹 We also had some big feelings this week. We're opening up about body image, feeling insecure in our dresses even when everyone said we looked great, and leaving the awards SO inspired to get back into acting. Oh and Dena had to see a podiatrist who looked like Heath Ledger so that was fun 😂 It's chaotic, it's emotional, it's US. We love you guys!!! 💕 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit 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: Salt and Ripple Activewear: Aussie brand with shorts that don't ride up – perfect for us curvy gals! MontiiCo: School bags, lunchboxes and drink bottles – beautiful quality. Benefit Bang Bad Gal Lash Mascara: Dena's new holy grail – lifts, volumises and gets every tiny lash! Banana Hair Clips: They're back baby! Perfect for a long ponytail without the effort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 29m

  3. FEB 10

    Life lately: Attachment Theory, EMDR & A Qualified Life Coach with Janelle Corlass-Brown

    It's a big one today besties! 💜 We kick things off with the usual chaos – Alicia survived a 44-degree night with no power (thank god for Makita fans), Dena wandered around the city for 40 MINUTES looking for her car, and we're getting so excited for the AACTA Awards on the Gold Coast!!! Then, we're joined by our beautiful friend Janelle Corlass-Brown! She's a clinical psychologist who we've known since our dance school days, and honestly Janelle is the warmest, most nurturing human 🥹🥹. She breaks down attachment theory in a way that finally makes sense, explains what actually happens in EMDR therapy (yes, she brought the buzzy things!), and asks us questions that had us both in tears 😭😭. This episode is full of lightbulb moments and like always, we LOVE you guys! 💕 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy/ https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit/ 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: Rare Beauty: Blush, contour stick and lip liner – so blendable and user friendly! Grounding: Feet in the grass, deep breaths. Simple but powerful. Self-compassion: Hold your face, be gentle with yourself. We're always with ourselves! AAPI Directory: Looking for a therapist? Start here: https://aapi.org.au/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 20m

  4. FEB 3

    Life Lately: 37, C-Sections & The 2 AM Cleaning Club with Lucy Olympia Young

    It’s a birthday catch-up with your daling besties and honestly, Dena is a whole new woman! 🎉🎉 She’s officially 37 and apparently, that means staying up until 2 AM vibing to her new Olivia Dean vinyl (yes, we are obsessed). Alicia spills the tea on her AACTA Awards dress disaster—a gorgeous, sparkly, sexy couture piece but... didn’t fit, leaving her in a last-minute styling scramble. Then, we’re joined by the absolute force of nature: Lucy Olympia Young! She breaks down her "scuba tank" core analogy, which will completely change the way you think about your pelvic floor, and gives us the raw truth on C-section vs. vaginal recovery. (Spoiler: neither is the "easy way out".) she is an expert on perinatal fitness and a general girl boss! Honestly, we both have a massive girl crush on her, and you will too! 💕 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/lucyolympiayoung/ 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: Oura Ring: Track sleep, latency, and recovery—just maybe wait until the first year of twins is over! Worry Rings: Aesthetic gold rings that work like a fidget spinner for the ADHD or anxious darlings. "His and Hers": A Netflix murder mystery series that’ll have you guessing until the very end. BumpStrong App: http://www.bumpstrong.com/ Perinatal training that helps you understand the "why" behind every move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m

  5. JAN 27

    Life Lately: Facing Depression and Surviving The Poo Era!

    It’s a “Life Lately” catch-up with your daling besties (Yes we still can't decide)Today Dena spills the tea on using ChatGPT as a red carpet stylist and Alicia shares a major ego boost from Pilates where she was mistaken for a 21-year-old. We also get real about the “sobering” side of turning 37. Dena opens up about fighting depression for over half her life, the fear of the “ground crumbling” , and why she’s a huge advocate for Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy. Finally, the “poo era” continues with a total parenting fail at a brewery, think no nappies, a stomach bug, and the legendary mums who saved the day. Plus, a beautiful poem that reminds us we’re all just figuring it out, one day at a time. 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. Connect with us: 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 Recs/Homework: Perfume: TULITA (All natural essential oils with rose quartz crystals). Health: Drink two litres of water a day for better skin and energy. Poetry: Check out Ria and Miles (Ray Bennett)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  6. JAN 20

    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

  7. JAN 13

    Life Lately: A Few Of Our Favourite Things

    In today's episode, the chaos is real! Dena is battling a savage back injury and a rogue contact lens that nearly takes her out, while Alicia is rocking a "plump" lip courtesy of a headbutt from her toddler. We dive deep into the reality of the "threenager" years, gentle parenting fails, and the absolute mayhem of potty training. Once the dust settles, we get into our favourite things - from the TV shows that shaped us (hello, Friday Night Lights and Outlander!) to the books that changed our lives. Dena shares her obsession with Timothée Chalamet’s wild press tour and breaks down why some of the most hyped makeup brands just don't hit the mark. Plus, some very exciting news about the AACTA Awards! Grab a cuppa and join us for a chat about the things we love and the life lessons we’ve learned along the way. 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/Homework: Vote for us! Life Academy is up for the AACTA Audience Choice Award for Favourite Podcast: https://www.research.net/r/BM3GGDS TV Show: All Her Fault (starring Sarah Snook) Books: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius, and Choreography by Corey Feldman Music: "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey, "Love" by Kendrick Lamar, and "Movement 6" by Floating Points Foundation: Dior Backstage (skip the Haus Labs and Mario hype!) Life Lesson: Revisit your favourites this week - read that book again or listen to your top track. Wearing: Dena: Things You Really Like Alicia: Bella Boheme top Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  8. JAN 6

    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
See All (48)

5
out of 5
66 Ratings

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
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit

You Might Also Like