Life Academy

Pop culture is giving us absolutely no peace this week, dAlings 🍿 We’re back with another wildly unqualified catch-up featuring unexpected celeb pairings, relationship updates, Taylor Swift theories, a little Off Campus chaos and an Anne Hathaway performance that has Dena rethinking EVERYTHING. There’s also some heavier news in the mix, plus a few very random detours because obviously we cannot stay on topic. Drop the pop culture story we absolutely HAVE to talk about next week 🩵 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 1:07 Belmont Cameli + Martha Stewart in the most random ad pairing 2:37 New Harry Potter casting & the J.K. Rowling controversy 5:39 Kim Kardashian & Lewis Hamilton go public 7:50 The sad celebrity news dominating the week 12:36 Postpartum mental health & the Lindsay Clancy case 16:16 Travis Scott’s surprise role in The Odyssey 17:29 Our latest Taylor Swift wedding photo theory 18:43 Alicia on why she still can’t watch the Logies 19:38 Moulin Rouge! is coming back to Australia 21:02 Nicole Kidman’s undercover Ibiza raving era 22:55 Anne Hathaway’s HUGE year & Mother Mary 26:15 Final pop culture thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re grateful for our bodies… but some days, loving them is really bloody hard 😭 This week gets a little more honest than usual, dAlings. Dena opens up about cancelling a Sydney photoshoot because her body confidence had hit such a low point, and we talk about that awful space where you can know all the “right” things about body positivity, gratitude and self-love… and still look in the mirror and feel completely disconnected from yourself. We also get into Alicia’s own insecurities around ageing and her face, why raising daughters makes all of this feel even more important, and how we’re trying to model self-compassion without pretending we’ve magically figured it all out. Plus, there’s a very sweet friendship moment, toddler updates, beauty recs and some classic Life Academy chaos to balance out the heavier stuff. Tell us what helps you feel more like yourself again on the hard body-image days, dAlings 🩵🩵 3:04 Therapy, nervous-system overload & finally letting it all out 6:21 Toddler survival mode is slowly easing 8:24 A surprise gift & a very sweet bestie moment 13:21 The honest body-confidence conversation 19:49 When someone telling you “you’re beautiful” isn’t enough 26:35 Grieving the body and identity you used to have 31:12 Why inclusive sizing still has such a long way to go 37:43 Trying not to pass body issues down to our daughters 45:50 Why self-compassion has to be modelled, not just taught 51:19 Raising kind girls who can also stand up for themselves 57:18 Recs/Homework Recs/Homework Dermal lip balm — Alicia’s new replacement for her much-missed discontinued Blistex... Morphe setting spray — Dena’s current favourite for keeping makeup in place without killing the finish. Full blood work — Dena’s homework after discovering a significant B12 deficiency that may have been contributing to fatigue and brain fog. 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: Dermal lip balm — Alicia’s new replacement for her much-missed discontinued Blistex... Morphe setting spray — Dena’s current favourite for keeping makeup in place without killing the finish. Full blood work — Dena’s homework after discovering a significant B12 deficiency that may have been contributing to fatigue and brain fog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re in your 20s wondering why everyone else seems to have a plan… this one is VERY much for you, dAlings. This one is a very special episode because THE Sarah Davidson — yes, our girl from Seize the Yay — is joining us today!! At this point, we genuinely think Sarah has had about nine different careers (god bless a too-talented girl 😭), and somehow every single one makes sense when you hear the full story. From ballet to law, Matcha Maiden to content creation, she talks about why none of those chapters were wasted — even the ones that felt completely random at the time. We also have such an honest chat about being adopted, becoming a mum, learning to live with anxiety and panic attacks, and why sometimes the career you’re meant to have literally doesn’t exist yet. There are SO many little nuggets in this episode for anyone feeling lost, behind, scared to change direction or just deeply unsure what the hell they’re doing 🩵 3:02 Meet Sarah Davidson: ballerina, lawyer, founder & creator 7:58 Growing up adopted & how it shaped her identity 14:46 Motherhood changed how Sarah thought about her birth mother 19:36 The ballerina era & realising dance might not be forever 27:35 Leaving ballet, losing direction & nearly getting expelled 34:16 How Matcha Maiden actually started 36:24 The health crisis that changed everything 40:16 Selling the business & realising bigger isn’t always better 41:56 Why your dream job might not even exist yet 46:03 How to stop overthinking & train yourself to take risks 50:24 Sarah opens up about depression, panic attacks & anxiety 59:10 How Sarah taught herself content creation & editing 1:01:56 Working mum guilt, creativity & never having enough time 1:03:10 Recs/Homework 1:07:15 “If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive” 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

Pop culture is absolutely refusing to have a quiet week, dAlings 🔕🩵 We’re back in the trenches with Verity finally getting its movie moment, Anne Hathaway seemingly starring in everything, Zendaya continuing her world domination, and the very chaotic question of whether Kyle Sandilands’ new paid show is actually worth the money. Then Alicia Silverstone is heading back to Clueless, RAYE is being linked to Michael B. Jordan, and somehow we end up reliving Dena’s failed attempt to get into Berghain. There’s also Taylor Swift rerelease theories, Ariana Grande stepping back from the spotlight, Off Campus relationship detective work, Pamela Anderson entering her beautifully unbothered era, Brittany Snow joining The Housemaid universe, and a Timbaland performance that leaves us asking… what exactly are we watching here? Tell us what we missed, because apparently the internet is moving faster than we are 💀 Chapters: 1:53 Verity, Anne Hathaway & the trailer that gave us chills 2:58 Zendaya, Tom Holland & Hollywood domination 3:59 Kyle Sandilands’ new paid show gets reviewed from afar 6:18 Alicia Silverstone, Clueless & a Barry’s Bootcamp encounter 7:59 RAYE + Michael B. Jordan sends us into a spiral 8:38 Dena’s failed Berghain mission with RÜFÜS 11:20 Taylor Swift rerelease theories & the missing wedding photos 12:29 Ariana Grande stepping back from the spotlight 14:00 Spilt Milk Festival, RAYE & Lewis Capaldi 15:42 Off Campus beauty campaigns, Josh Heuston & relationship gossip 19:50 Pamela Anderson’s new era + The Housemaid casting 22:27 Timbaland performing Say It Right without Nelly Furtado 24:26 Netflix recs, Toy Story & whether the girls are cinema-ready 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

Dance Academy, but make it IMAX… because we’re watching it WITH you 🩵🩵 We’re watching Season 1, Episode 7 together and there is SO much going on. Bad-on-purpose hip-hop, Kat and Tara being an absolute crush disaster, Sammy quietly falling for Abigail, and enough early-2010s wardrobe choices to keep us emotionally occupied for the full episode. We also spill some very random memories from filming — old auditions, dancers we’d worked with before the show, the Sydney location we still miss, and the absolute nightmare of trying to dance, hit your mark, stay in time AND act at the same time. Honestly… we forgot how much was packed into this show 🍿 Same episode. Whole new experience. Welcome to the live watch special dAlings🩵 0:50 Dena on deliberately dancing badly as Abigail 6:02 The Dance Academy location we still can’t get over 7:46 Tim trying to dance 9:54 Kat enters + the audition story we still remember 12:50 “You’re the best dancer I know” 14:17 Kat, Sammy & the crush confusion gets messy 18:02 The hardest Dance Academy scenes to film 20:58 Cariba Heine: from mermaid to ballerina 23:29 Sammy tells Kat: “I love you… just not like that” 28:13 Sammy finally admits how he feels about Abigail 31:43 Proof Kat liked Christian first? 33:10 Our verdict on the first live rewatch 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

The stage is gone, but the part of us that belonged there never really left. 🎭 This week is a mix of genuine relief and absolute emotional carnage. Dena’s back procedure may have finally worked (thank GOD 😭), Alicia is surviving a very intense toddler phase, and one innocent trip to the park ends with magical unicorn ponies, an hour-long meltdown and Bluey being called in as emergency support. Underneath the chaos, we talk about something much bigger: what happens when the thing that shaped your identity is no longer part of your life. There is grief, jealousy, yearning and a lot of love for the girls we used to be… because honestly, sometimes you don’t miss the job, you miss who you were when you were doing it. Plus, the very important discovery that neither of us was ever built for running 💀 0:57 — Finally getting relief from chronic back pain 4:37 — Self-care, fake tan disasters and trying to feel human again 11:16 — Time-poor mums, marathon friends and why dancers cannot run 15:06 — Dance Academy memories and pushing past physical limits 16:08 — Grieving the performer identity and the life that never happened 20:51 — Unicorn ponies, a public meltdown and the Bluey emergency 24:11 — Toddler boundary battles and living in survival mode 28:17 — The public bathroom meltdown that broke Alicia 31:42 — Overwhelm, nervous-system freeze and why replying feels impossible 33:47 — Acting doubts, rejection and being better at supporting each other 37:48 — Recs, beauty swaps and the future Life Academy tour 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: LOOPS face masks — A mask that leaves the skin feeling hydrated, plump and extremely looked after. Brown mascara and eyeliner — A softer alternative to black for a more flattering everyday eye look. The Loving Tan 10 Min Express Self-Tanning Body Mask — A quick cream-style tan with no strong smell and minimal waiting around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in full film-girlie mode this week, dAlings 🍿🎬 This week, we’re deep in the pop culture trenches with Natalie Portman friendship drama, Nicole Kidman romance rumours, an Olivia Wilde obsession that has officially become a full-time job, and Alicia’s very enthusiastic review of The Odyssey. There are also strong feelings about Anne Hathaway, Hollywood double standards, sad girl summer, and whether Tom and Zendaya are secretly married. Then, just as we’re wrapping up, we find out the live show has SOLD OUT… after both of us spent the week quietly wondering whether anyone even listens to this podcast. Emotional whiplash, but make it Life Academy. Now tell us: The Invite or The Odyssey for your next movie night? 🎬🩵 3:14 — Natalie Portman friendship drama and the book based on her life 5:40 — Nicole Kidman romance rumours and Hollywood double standards 7:00 — The Olivia Wilde rabbit hole and why The Invite is a must-watch 11:45 — Alicia finally sees The Odyssey and has THOUGHTS 15:08 — The darker meaning, morality and emotional weight of the film 18:36 — Anne Hathaway hate and why the criticism makes no sense 20:47 — Tate McRae, Britney energy and sad girl summer 22:18 — Hacks, Spider-Man and Tom and Zendaya marriage rumours 23:32 — Where are Taylor Swift’s wedding photos? 26:03 — The live show sells out and the podcast confidence crisis 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

Nothing says Life Lately like toilet drama, an eye emergency and a late-night hotel escape 💀 We catch up on the week’s chaos, from an unexpectedly traumatic trip to Bluey Live and a health-anxiety spiral to uni overwhelm, comfort food and the caravan-park mattress that forced Dena to stage a late-night escape. We also have some very exciting news: Life Academy is heading back to Sydney Dance Company for our first-ever live show (check out our socials NOW for more info!). Plus, we share the lululemon looks we’re currently living in - from buttery-soft pants for yoga, pilates and lounging to polished wide-leg trousers that take you from school drop-off into the rest of your day without sacrificing comfort (AKA we’re OBSESSED 😮‍💨🤌). Come for the toilet-paper debate, stay to shop our Favourite Four products from July below. Love you, dAlings 🫶 #LifeAcademy #LifeLately #MumLife #lululemon #BestieChat 00:40 — The Toilet-Paper Debate: Scrunching vs Folding 02:43 — How Bluey Live Ended in an Eye Emergency 06:12 — Getting an Eyeball Flushed at Hospital 09:06 — When Health Anxiety Takes Over 11:51 — Uni Overwhelm, Ambition and Trying to Keep Up 16:22 — The Caravan-Park Trip That Went Very Wrong 18:34 — Dena’s Secret 10:30PM Hotel Escape 21:46 — Life Academy’s First-Ever Live Show 23:42 — How to Enter the Jetstar Live-Show Giveaway 26:26 — July Favourite Four: Fashion, Skincare and Beauty 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 Shop Our Favourite Four Products From July: Dena’s Look: lululemon Groove Wide Leg High-Rise Pant - Dena’s featured buttery-soft, weightless pants in Nulu fabric, styled with her full lululemon look. https://creatorsold.io/lululemon/lifeacademythepodcast/life-academy-favourites] Alicia’s Look: lululemon Daydrift High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser - Alicia’s featured polished, tailored trousers in four-way stretch Luxtreme fabric, styled with her full lululemon look. https://creatorsold.io/lululemon/lifeacademythepodcast/life-academy-favourites Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask: A peel-off mask for hydrated, glowing skin.https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/159896/medicube-collagen-night-wrapping-mask Benefit Pocket Pal: A dual-ended lip and cheek tint with gloss for an easy everyday look. https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/pocket-pal-POCKETPAL.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We came for a cosy catch-up and somehow ended up fixing modern dating 😭 We’re talking school holidays, magical fairy days, friendship, burnout, trauma study, body pain and the daily chaos of looking after both toddlers and pets. There is also psychic baby news and a tiny daddy’s girl with absolutely no respect for personal boundaries. We also have a LOT to say about ghosting, dating apps, emotional unavailability and why the bare minimum is suddenly being treated like romance. Plus, paparazzi culture, misplaced justice and a very quick detour into Taylor Swift’s stadium wedding because apparently that is where peace lives now. Honestly… this one is cosy, chaotic and slightly furious. Love you dAlings 🩵 0:48 — School holiday magic, dinosaurs and the fairy era 5:49 — Girl trips, missing friends and the isolation of mum life 7:52 — Trauma training, lived experience and becoming a therapist 19:30 — Psychic baby predictions and another girl joining the family 23:03 — Winter date-night guilt and the three-hour bedtime routine 25:18 — Modern dating is dismal and why ghosting hurts so much 32:02 — Graffiti, crime and what society chooses to punish 34:19 — Prince Harry, paparazzi and the cost of public harassment 37:45 — Taylor Swift’s stadium wedding and iconic behaviour 40:57 — Creative freedom, brand micromanagement and trusting creators 42:39 — Recs, social media culls and The Self Retreat 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: Romyli jewellery — Personalised necklaces with initials and meaningful birthstones; a sweet gift without the scary jewellery price tag. Social media cull — Unfollow the accounts and brands that make you feel worse, then intentionally follow people who inspire, teach or make you laugh. The Brick — A phone-boundary tool to help break the automatic doom-scrolling habit. The Self Retreat — A one-day retreat for anyone who wants a proper reset without committing to the full three-day experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pop culture department is open again and yes, we work entirely off vibes 😎😎 This week, we unpack the suspicious Fourth Wing profile pictures, Taylor Swift’s wedding that apparently had a thousand guests and a raffle, the Britney Spears movie and Dena’s very unexpected journey from techno girl to full Swiftie mum. Honestly… Meryl Streep the chicken may be the sweetest pop culture story of the week 🍗🍗 We also talk about Tom and Zendaya being offensively adorable, Olivia Wilde making couples therapy but cinematic, and Alicia refusing to be pressured into Dena’s “best actress of our generation” agenda. Plus, Dena’s tiny IMDb debut as “girl with pram”, an Aussie making waves with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi roaming Byron Bay dressed like they’re escaping a dystopian government. We overshare, we speculate, you’re welcome dAlings 🩵 1:03 — Fourth Wing casting rumours and Josh Heuston speculation 4:45 — Jack Antonoff’s reported breakup and the Instagram archive dilemma 6:12 — Inside Taylor Swift’s enormous wedding 10:23 — Taylor Swift, body image and being a role model 12:27 — The Britney Spears biopic and who could possibly play her 13:56 — Tom Holland, Zendaya and The Odyssey press tour 16:24 — The actresses everyone loves… but Alicia does not 18:39 — Remembering Sam Neill and Dena’s first acting role 22:51 — Aussie Faith Ward enters the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders universe 23:32 — Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner’s terrible Byron Bay disguise 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

This episode is basically a support group for tired mums and ex-theatre kids 🎭 We catch up on toddler concerts, bedtime chaos, big feelings, back pain, phone addiction, Peppa Pig drama, and the never-ending battle of trying to parent while also staying emotionally regulated. We also talk about the state of Australian theatre, audition doubts, creative burnout, the privilege of having time to make art, and the weird way everyone helps pregnant women… then disappears once the baby arrives (this is crazy!!!!!) This is one of those Life Lately chats that starts with mum chaos and somehow lands in a very real conversation about creativity, identity, support, and trying to keep a dream alive when life is already full. Come for the toddler chaos, stay for the arts industry crisis. Love you dAlings 🩵 1:09 — Back spasms, chiro chaos, and tiny doctor energy 6:13 — Toddler dance concert, stage confidence, and proud mum tears 11:21 — Health anxiety, bedtime tricks, and the bucket saga 21:34 — Three-year-olds, big feelings, and parenting boundaries 26:30 — Peppa Pig slander, screen time, and toddler catchphrases 36:33 — Australian theatre is struggling and why it matters 41:18 — Acting doubts, auditions, and whether the dream changes 47:31 — Nepo babies, creative privilege, and having time to work 51:21 — New mums, invisible support, and the help that disappears 57:20 — Recs: one-day retreats, dry mouth spray, jewellery, and phone boundaries 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: The Self Retreat — A one-day retreat option for anyone who wants the full reset experience but cannot commit to three days. Biotène dry mouth spray — A practical rec for dry mouth, especially if medication makes talking feel like a puffer sponge situation. Melanie Amber jewellery — Waterproof, everyday jewellery that can survive showers, sleep, and real life. The Brick — A phone-boundary tool for anyone trying to stop carrying their phone around like a second limb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 1 Episode 6 said ballet episode… but secretly gave us lore, longing, and a full prequel request 🩰🩵 We are back in the real dancer world: pointe shoes, rehearsal chaos, empty theatre nostalgia, questionable styling, and all the tiny ballet details that made Dance Academy feel way too accurate. But underneath all the pirouettes, this episode is quietly doing the MOST!!! Kat and Abigail have history, Sammy is starting to look at Abigail differently, Alycia Debnam-Carey enters the chat, and suddenly everyone needs to know what happened four years ago 🫢🫢🫢 This one is nostalgic, funny, a little dramatic, and very “wait… why is there so much tea in this ballet school????" 🩵 1:17 — Pointe shoe chaos and why the ballet details feel so real 6:11 — ADR, outdoor scenes, and the lines that had to be re-recorded 7:55 — Alycia Debnam-Carey enters and the full-circle Apple Cider Vinegar moment 13:33 — Kat, Natasha, childhood wounds, and Sammy having Cat’s back 15:46 — Jenna’s ballet, no doubles, and the Kat-Abigail friendship lore 20:16 — Sammy and Abigail, the ballet date, and Tom’s beautiful acting 23:48 — Ballet insecurity, casting feelings, and why this episode still hits 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

Pop culture class is back and today’s lesson is: never underestimate a celebrity family feud, an ex at a concert, or a fandom with receipts 😱🩵 This week, we are catching up on Call Her Daddy drama, Off Campus relationship tea, Adam Hyde becoming the new face of Bonds, Ariana Grande’s Ricky Alvarez moment, and the Beckham family saga that is giving rich-people group chat meltdown 👀 There’s also Britney Spears’ sons entering their runway era, a very necessary “stop talking about women’s bodies” moment, and a creator-to-brand public service announcement: if you hire funny people, please let them be funny. This one is gossip, giggles, theories, tangents, and two unqualified besties doing their civic duty by being late to the news. Tell us what we missed, because statistically… it was a lot. Love you dAlings!!! 🩵 This episode is brought to you by Protect-A-Bed: https://protectabed.com.au/ 1:06 — Call Her Daddy drama and the Unwell Network allegations 7:13 — Adam Hyde as the new face of Bonds 13:11 — Ariana Grande, Ricky Alvarez, and the Thank U, Next lyric moment 15:30 — Why everyone needs to stop commenting on women’s bodies 16:33 — The Beckham family saga and Brooklyn’s DoorDash ad 18:39 — Britney Spears’ sons make their modelling debut 21:19 — Why brands need to let creators create 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

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

Welcome to the DA group chat where everyone is late to the pop culture moments but somehow still screaming with excitement!! 🩵✨ We’re catching up on the MOST important, VERY unserious business from the week: Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna, Hailey Bieber’s new Rhode beauty products, Zendaya and Tom Holland’s very private wedding, Shrek 5, Kyle Sandilands’ huge radio settlement, and a new mermaid movie with major Dance Academy universe energy. And of course, because we apparently cannot help ourselves, there’s more Off Campus spiralling, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders chat, Shrinking, Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 song, and a little audition chaos thrown in for good measure 🎭 Grab something cosy, come catch up with us, and tell us which pop culture rabbit hole you’re currently living in. Love you SO much dAlings!!! 🩵 1:39 — Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and car-dancing music 3:30 — Rhode beauty updates and the new products everyone is watching 4:49 — Zendaya in Shrek 5 and the character design drama 5:40 — Zendaya and Tom Holland’s very private wedding update 10:31 — Kyle Sandilands, ARN, and the huge radio settlement 13:39 — Manifesting a sunny Gold Coast filming job 15:01 — Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is back and things have changed 17:05 — Shrinking, Off Campus round two, and why the rewatch hits different 18:21 — Garrett’s mouth acting and the scene the girls cannot move past 19:41 — Audition updates and working with people you swore you never would 20:34 — Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 song and late-in-life Swiftie energy 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: Listen to the Madonna remix — The car-dancing recommendation of the week Watch Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders — The new season is out and worth the watch Watch Shrinking — A comfort show with great writing and big feelings Rewatch Off Campus — Round two hits even better Listen to Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 song — Sweet, catchy, and emotional Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

dAlings, we have updates, we have chaos, and we have a VERY exciting Off Campus moment to scream about 🥳🩵 The girls are back with retreat prep, toddler bedtime progress, mum-life brain tabs, listener questions, American Sweethearts chat, and a major Dance Academy full-circle moment that has everyone absolutely spiralling in the best way 👀 Like… the fangirling is real. Then the episode turns into a gorgeous little reminder that your 20s do not have to be your whole story. The girls talk growing up, figuring yourself out, wrong relationships, career pivots, self-worth, and the kind of wisdom you only get after living through the messy bits. This one feels like a cosy bestie debrief with a side of nostalgia and a tiny life lesson. So remember, you are perfect just the way you are, dAlings, and we will always (ALWAYS) love you 🩵 Who knew wool was actually the most low maintenance fibre in your wardrobe?! The Dirt Company gave us some tips and tricks to make sure you never ruin your favourite wool pieces ever again. Shop The Dirt Company's refillable, Australian-made laundry products and get their delicate confidence guide FOR FREE with every purchase of their Wool and Delicate Detergent until the end of winter https://thedirtcompany.com.au/ 3:34 — Big-girl-bed win and the parenting hack that actually worked 9:05 — Trying for another baby, timing, career dreams, and the mental load 13:28 — The invisible mum load: appointments, groceries, hormones, and resentment 19:05 — Off Campus found the girls and everyone fully spiralled 23:04 — The group chat meltdown and why “yes, and” friends are elite 25:18 — Dance Academy, Off Campus, and manifesting a cameo 30:45 — American Sweethearts, listener questions, and future episode ideas 32:54 — Your 20s: feeling lost, career pressure, and relationships that were not it 41:43 — Why your 30s can feel softer, clearer, and more like you 48:50 — Regrets, body image, self-worth, and learning to back yourself 57:24 — Recs and homework: massages, reset time, and cosy winter essentials 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: Book a massage — Even a quick massage counts. A little bit of body care and nervous system love. Try a sensory deprivation float — A quiet reset for anyone feeling like they have 5000 tabs open. Cleanseē Studio — A self-care rec for anyone wanting a proper glow-up and body reset. Lil Hottie heat pack — An electric heat pack that warms up fast and stays cosy for hours. Write to your younger self — A tiny homework moment: write one thing you wish your 20-year-old self knew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heyyy dAlings, just so you know this episode starts with clean hair and immediately becomes absolute CHAOS 🤣🤣 We’re back with the realest parts of life: being busy mums, toddler chaos, sleep struggles and everything else that's keeping us awake until 2AM 💀 The things keeping us grounded? 🥹 Gratitude, self-love, journaling, resilience, family support, and a tiny homework task that might make you feel a little softer toward yourself this week. We hope every mum listening feels a little less alone after this one! 🩵 3:00 — Dena’s chaotic morning: new rug panic, running late, and acupuncture magic 7:02 — Big-girl-bed update: four-hour bedtimes and parenting patience 9:50 — Alicia’s park story 13:05 — Sweet young boys, supermarket manners, and hope for future generations 20:54 — Weaning off breastfeeding and the emotional side of letting go 23:56 — Privacy? Never heard of her: toilet boundaries and toddler logic 26:16 — Teaching updates and exciting things we can’t talk about yet 29:12 — Chiropractic disaster story and the most mortifying adjustment ever 31:04 — Dreamwork homework: gratitude, self-love, resilience, and journaling 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: Gratitude check-in — Write down two things you’re grateful for each morning! Self-love practice — Name two things you love about yourself every day for two weeks. End-of-day pride list — Before bed, write two things you’re proud of yourself for that day, even if one is just “I got through it.” Life Bloom Journal — A guided journal with prompts for gratitude, self-love, pride, and daily reflection. Fluffi freckle pen — A cute little beauty rec for quick, natural-looking freckles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

We missed you dAlings and honestly… we have SO much to catch up on 🥹 Alicia's first solo trip to Townsville was everything her soul needed: incredible people, deep conversations, and a moment on that sailboat we will not be getting over any time soon 🥹 Dena meanwhile had one of the hardest weeks she's had in a while, said a bittersweet goodbye to Twerk After Werk, and dealt with a toddler who packed an entire suitcase to move into mum and dad's room!!! Oh and they are both DEEP in their Off Campus era and one of them may have already DM'd Garrett Graham!?!? No further questions. Love you SO much dAlings 🩵 2:05 — Dena's update: feeling better, back at school and a secret campaign shoot 6:07 — Alicia's Townsville trip! 13:57 — Magnetic Island, a sailboat and the smallest world moment 18:30 — Reflecting on the Harrison James episode and child safety 24:25 — Isla's scary night: 000 and staying calm under pressure 32:14 — The nasal rinse that saved winter and a PSA for Melbourne cold season 39:00 — The au pair's 30th birthday and why she has become family 43:38 — Maya's big girl bed: the packed suitcase, the 4am standoff and she finally got it 50:18 — Twerk After Werk closes: the end of an era and why it was the right call 54:27 — Rainbow unicorn birthday planning, Kmart haul and the new IKEA furniture 57:58 — Off Campus, Garrett Graham and the DM we are not discussing further 1:02:30 — Recs/Homework: Monte bag, Friends Keep Secrets and Jetstar deals 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: Monty Bag — Australian small business, Mary Poppins energy. Friends Keep Secrets — Lil Dicky and Selena Gomez messing around in a house with celebrities. So funny!! Nasal Rinse — Non-medicated and genuinely miraculous for winter colds. Jetstar — Genuinely cheaper, genuinely great. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Life Lately and this week the nervous systems are… not thriving 😅🩵 Dena is feeling low, overwhelmed, and behind on life in that very real way where even replying to messages feels like a full-time job. Alicia is also coming down from a scary health moment with Isla that had her back in protective mum mode and running on pure adrenaline. Somehow though, the episode still finds its sparkle 🥹 We talk Sydney, The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere, travel chaos, the most beautiful Pass Around The Smile live show, and all the ways rejection can secretly be redirection. Plus Mother’s Day, manifestation, vision boards, savage toddlers, book chat, beauty recs, and maybe a tiny little Life Academy live show dream being planted 👀 This one is soft, messy, magical, and very much for anyone who needs to feel less alone this week 🩵 This episode is brought to you by Protect-A-Bed: https://protectabed.com.au/ 1:19 — Dena’s low battery era: feeling flat, sore, and overwhelmed 4:32 — Alicia’s scary late-night mum moment with Isla’s breathing 9:12 — Running on adrenaline: health anxiety, nervous systems, and the crash after stress 13:25 — Sydney chaos: The Devil Wears Prada premiere and one very angry man 24:47 — Rejection as redirection: agents, auditions, breakups, and career pivots 32:02 — Dance Academy dreams, acting paths, and “God was listening” moments 34:13 — Vision boards, Bali manifestations, and dreams that actually came true 37:34 — Mother’s Day: sweet moments, savage toddlers, and “do you love me?” chaos 44:07 — Book chat, beauty recs, and the girls’ latest little obsessions 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: Pass Around The Smile — Cleo’s podcast, live show, oracle cards and journals. Vision boards — Dena’s manifestation homework. Sit down, make one, and actually let yourself dream a little. Elsie Silver books — Dena’s spicy romance book rec before the TV adaptation comes out. Breeze Balm BB Cream — Dena’s current everyday skin rec. Juicy, buildable, and very glowy. MCoBeauty lip/cheek tint — Alicia’s Benetint-style rec! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cuteness alert!! Teddy is taking over the studio today 🐶🩵 This week we’re launching a brand new monthly segment: Favourite Four 💌 aka the four things we’ve been obsessing over and aggressively sending to each other all month long. And trust us… this lineup is GOOD. We’re talking the chicest dog products from Mochi and Michi (Teddy is now booked and busy as their newest ambassador 🐶), a skincare find from Serasilk that genuinely shocked us, the most gorgeous pieces from Francesca Jewellery, and the unexpected fashion era Kmart is currently having that we cannot stop talking about. Basically prepare to leave this episode wanting to do some retail therapy 💅🏼 Todays’ episode gets a little vulnerable 🤍 We chat mental health, chronic pain flare ups, relationship tension and why postpartum depression still isn’t talked about enough. Naturally in true us fashion we switch gears to DEVOURING Off Campus, Brett Goldstein's new movie with J-Lo?? 👀, and the wild moral dilemma of Margo's Got Money Troubles. Chaotic, warm and very very us. Love you dAlings SO much 1:00 — Dena opens up: mental health struggles & chronic pain flare ups 7:35 — Tension in relationships and what chronic illness really does to a relationship 17:45 — Real chat about post natal depression 23:49 — Dena’s show obsession: Off Campus & the hottest cast 26:07 — Brett Goldstein manifested a rom com with J.Lo & we are OBSESSED 32:20 — Margo’s Got Money Troubles: Elle Fanning, OnlyFans & what would YOU do? 35:28 — Book club chat & why we need one on the Facebook group 38:25 — FAVOURITE FOUR LAUNCHES! Inner Healing matching mum & daughter jewellery 41:55 — Mochi and Michi: Teddy models the harness, poop stash & stunning dog bowls 47:10 — Seresilk: the exfoliator that genuinely shocked us both 50:30 — Francesca Jewellery: the locket with Alex & Maya inside 53:10 — Kmart: the slay era neither of us saw coming! 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: Mochi and Michi — Australian made, female owned dog brand. Harness, collar, poop stash & stunning bowls. Use code LIFEACADEMY20 for 20% off https://mochiandmichi.com/ Seresilk — The pure silk exfoliating cocoon that makes zero sense but leaves your skin unreal. 100% biodegradable, sensitive skin approved, lasts 2 years https://seresilk.com.au/ Francesca Jewellery — Custom lockets with your favourite people’s photos inside. The most beautiful gift you can give or ask for Kmart — $14 dresses. $59 trenches. Bomber jackets. Need we say more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⚠️ Trigger warning: The following podcast episode contains topics which may be distressing to some viewers. “There is no happy ending. But there is a hopeful ending.” - Harrison James. This is one of those episodes that stays with you long after it ends 💙 Harrison James is a survivor, an activist, and one of the most extraordinary humans to ever walk into the Life Academy world. Abused by his stepmother from ages 13 to 16 😔 Forced into silence for years. Brought to his knees at 19. And yet, he took every single piece of that pain and turned it into real, tangible, legislative change 🙏 Today, he’s passed laws in four Australian states. He’s written a book. He’s about to become a father again. And he sat down with Alicia to share ALL of it: the abuse, the silence, the legislation, the healing, and what it actually means to transform pain into purpose. This is not an easy listen. But it is an essential one. Please share this with someone in your world who needs to hear it 💙 We are so grateful Harrison trusted us with his story. 🚨 If you, or someone you know, is in need of support, please contact LifeLine on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue at http://www.beyondblue.org.au. 📱 For emergency crisis support, call 000 1:47 — Where it all began — Harrison opens up about his childhood 😔 4:12 — His father saw what was happening and said nothing 7:20 — The conversation with his mum in the passenger seat of a car 🥹 24:50 — "I didn't want to be here anymore" — the plan, the dream, and the decision that saved his life 29:38 — The "Your Reference Isn't Relevant" campaign — changing how courts treat convicted offenders 34:33 — Four states down, four to go — what real change looks like 🇦🇺 40:49 — Writing the book — and the toll it took to tell the whole truth 48:23 — Meeting Bella on Instagram, a first date in Italy & choosing peace 🥹 58:30 — The numbers that can't be ignored — and why silence is the real epidemic 1:06:55 — What's next: choosing contentment over the fight 💙 1:13:19 — Dreamwork: Healing Through Unsent Letters — Harrison's exercise from Chapter 1 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

You know what time it is… it’s REWATCH time babyyyy 🎭💅 This episode had EVERYTHING — chaos opinions about the opening credits (still tragic 💀), deep dives into Jewish cultural pressure and academic expectations, and some really honest, personal storytelling from Dena about growing up in that environment. We also get some amazing behind-the-scenes tea about bringing Tom and Jeff into a real Shabbat experience 🕯️🍷, Patrick continuing to be outrageously talented on screen, and Kat & Christian serving chemistry that honestly should’ve come with a warning label 🔥 Plus lots of nostalgia, confusion (because why don’t we remember our own show?), and plenty of laughing at ourselves the whole way through 😂 If you’re rewatching with us or just here for the stories, we love you heaps 💛 1:00 - Dena’s "Unnecessary" Hate for the Opening Credits 3:29 - Growing up Jewish: The Pressure to be a Doctor or Lawyer 7:02 - Behind the Scenes: Taking Tom & Jeff to Synagogue 9:16 - Christian at the Cemetery (Alicia is watching this blind!) 11:15 - Sammy’s Dad & The Perfect Hebrew Prayers 14:44 - The "Sexy" Chemistry Between Kat & Christian 16:11 - Alicia’s First Ever Scene & "White Purple" Lips 20:15 - Alicia’s Comfort Watch & Depression Era 22:09 - Why Episode 5 was "Boring" Without Abigail and Kat 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

Pop culture girlies are HERE and we are NOT holding back 💜😭 We went to The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere in Sydney and it was boujee, chaotic and honestly one of the most fun nights 🎬✨ We got told to "move along" off the red carpet because there was "actual talent" arriving 😳 The movie though? An absolute 10! Meryl, Emily, Anne, all back and better than ever. And the fun fact that Meryl Streep based Miranda Priestly on egotistical MALE directors and not Anna Wintour?! We cannot 👏 Then things get juicy. Lena Dunham's bombshell new book Famesick is out and Dena's love affair with Adam is officially over (😭 RIP). We've also got Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz's engagement, all our Met Gala hot takes including whether bleached eyebrows are a vibe or a crime, Rihanna hinting at new music, Taylor Swift's Love Story origin story which is genuinely hilarious, and the Oscars finally putting their foot down on AI 👏 Another week, another chaotic pop culture debrief, dAlings 💜 00:54 The Devil Wears Prada 2 Sydney premiere recap 03:58 Getting moved along on the red carpet 06:25 Devil Wears Prada 2 fashion facts & Anna Wintour influence 10:16 Meryl Streep says Miranda wasn’t really based on Anna Wintour 11:46 Sydney Sweeney’s cut Devil Wears Prada 2 cameo 13:29 Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz engagement rumours 15:33 Met Gala fashion reactions 17:39 Lena Dunham’s Famesick and Girls nostalgia 19:14 Jack Antonoff, Lorde rumours & Adam Driver stories 22:03 Rihanna new music rumours & Fenty confusion 23:41 Coachella headliner rumours 24:13 AI-generated work banned from some Oscars categories 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

It’s Life Lately and honestly… your girls are not okay, but in a very iconic way 😭💜 Dena is tired, overwhelmed, running late, and deep in her “why is my ADHD brain like this?” era 👀 Meanwhile Alicia has had an absolutely unhinged week — late to teach at Thomas Lacey’s dance school, scraped her car on her own fence, and came home to find poor Muddy had fully destroyed the house. Like… walls were involved 💀💀💀 But in between the disasters, things got really beautiful 🥹 Dena saw The Drama on date night and broke down crying over Alex, unconditional love, and the kind of love that makes you want to tattoo it. Plus toddler birthday planning, spiritual practices, and some VERY spicy pop culture tea for next week 👀 Please tell us we are not alone in this chaotic era dAlings!!! 💜 1:47 — ADHD, we see you: time blindness, alarms, and mum-life chaos 👀 6:38 — Alicia’s first fail: 30 minutes late to teach acting 12:36 — Girls’ night chaos: wrong time, rushed outfit, and the car scrape 💀 20:21 — The baptism was cute… then Muddy destroyed the house 😭 24:45 — Alex vs Maya’s pink ball: the toddler meltdown we all saw coming 33:08 — Self-care has left the chat: Bali, uni, volunteering, and burnout 38:00 — Spiritual practices, oracle cards, and magical women ✨ 47:30 — New studio, same chaos — plus this week’s recs/homework 54:15 — Spicy pop culture homework: Lena Dunham, Adam Driver, and next week’s tea 👀 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: Oracle or affirmation cards — Alicia’s homework is to sit down, pull some cards, and let a little magic back in ✨ Ditto PMDD supplements — Dena says she’s genuinely noticed a difference with her PMDD symptoms. Honey’s Gummies Cunnies Gummies — Creatine, but make it sour lolly vibes. Pop culture homework — Watch The Drama and read up on the Lena Dunham / Adam Driver tea before next week 👀 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are BACK dAlings and honestly… we've had a week 😔💜 Some weeks you're absolutely smashing it. Other weeks your car gets towed mid-facial, you reverse into a stranger's car, and your toddler looks you dead in the eyes and says "I don't love you." This is one of those weeks for Dena...😭😭😭 Alicia's not doing much better 😅 Health anxiety has been quietly taking over her nights, and this week it got bad enough that she left a dinner party before the mains even arrived. She also opens up about the International Women's Day speech she gave at Queen's College, Melbourne Uni — and how writing it all down reminded her of just how much she's actually survived 🥹 Plus: the au pair conversation Dena's been too scared to have publicly (YES and don't judge her!!), why resilience is sometimes just exhausting, and the parenting repair moment that hit different 😢 This is the episode for anyone who's ever felt like they're failing at everything all at once, and needed someone to remind them they're not. Love you dAlings SO much 💜 1:52 — Dena's disaster week: towed car, a free facial, and a $680 bill 8:00 — "I don't love you" — Maya's bedtime rejection and Dena's ADHD trauma spiral 13:22 — Alicia's mum guilt: yelling at Isla for an accidental wee (and the repair) 19:55 — Alicia's Queens College speech — resilience, rejection and the women who lifted her 30:32 — Learning to receive compliments & knowing your own worth 32:45 — Health anxiety spiral: how Alicia talked herself out of a dinner party 38:30 — Dena opens up about having an au pair — $300/week and why it saved her family 44:43 — Recommendations: home organisation, Gemma La Prê lip stains & more 47:57 — Life Academy hits 1 million downloads + exciting things coming for you dAlings 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: Au Pairs Australia: Search the Facebook group to find your match. Do your due diligence: police checks, working with children's card, trials! Organised Abode (Belle): Melbourne-based home organiser who will change your life. Can't get Belle in? Clear out your wardrobe and donate. Best feeling ever ✨ Gemma Lepre French Kiss Lip Stain: The lip stain that does NOT budge. Find them on Instagram 💋 Therapy: Alicia's finally committing. Don't wait, dAlings 🙏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okay DALINGS… the rewatch chaos continues and WOW this one unlocked some very vivid memories 😂 This ep was one of the very first things we ever filmed, so naturally we’re roasting ourselves the entire time – from the questionable outfits (who approved those??) to trying to figure out our bodies on camera for the first time 🫠 On top of that, we get into the friendship dynamics and unpack why poor Kat honestly deserved so much better in this episode 😭 There’s also plenty of behind-the-scenes moments, including Alicia getting absolutely pelted with a soccer ball (multiple times), Dena going full chaos mode between takes, and a certain HOT extra that we need you guys to help us find immediately 👀 We hope you enjoy this unhinged trip down memory lane. Love you! 💜 3:21 - Tara Lying Straight to Kat’s Face 5:59 - Spotting the "Hot Extra" (Adam, is that you?) 7:02 - The Raw Egg Throw Breakdown 8:14 - The Origin of "Clammy Sammy" 11:18 - Being Dressed by "Old Ladies" on Set 14:02 - Dena’s Very First Scene Ever Filmed 15:03 - Alicia’s Real Soccer Ball to the Face 19:10 - Dena’s Opening Credits Controversy 21:46 - The "Bloody Beautiful" Slow-Mo Ending 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

The producer of DANCE ACADEMY is here DALINGS!!! 💜💜💜 Joanna Werner – the legendary producer who created the show that changed all of our lives – is finally here. We're talking origin stories (she and Sam had the SAME vision at 3am after drinks!!!), the insane casting process where Alicia ate a banana while the whole class waited, why Dena was always Abigail, and the devastating decision behind killing Sammy. Plus Joanna gets real about IVF, being pregnant while filming the movie in New York, and how she built boundaries as a working mum in an industry that used to pretend families didn't exist. This episode is pure magic and we're so grateful she's part of our story 💕 2:13 The Origin Story – How Joanna met Sam Strauss at 3am 12:04 Alicia's audition – "If she can dance, she's in the show" 21:02 The final callbacks – Who would be Kat? 24:06 The banana incident – Alicia stopped the whole audition to eat 31:19 DENA ARRIVES – Car troubles but she made it! 32:48 "She's Abigail. Go." – Joanna always knew 40:46 Thank you for Dance Academy – The gift that keeps giving 50:28 Why we killed Sammy – The truth behind the decision (it was nearly Ben!) 57:00 Dance Academy season 4? – What would it take? 1:00:18 Alicia's rec – Go to the dentist! 1:01:50 Dena's rec – Imperfect Women on Apple TV + chocolate coconut water 1:03:53 Joanna's rec – Audiobooks! James, Scar Tissue, Anna Karenina 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: Go to the dentist: Joanna's root canal exploded after Dance Academy – don't wait! Imperfect Women: Apple TV series starring Elisabeth Moss – Dena's obsessed. Chocolate Coconut Water: Coca Bella brand, icy cold – Alicia hates it, Dena loves it. Audiobooks (Audible): James by Percival Everett (Booker Prize winner), Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis, Funny Story by Emily Henry, Anna Karenina (the 28-hour classic!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the world turned upside down or is pop culture just so unhinged right now?! 💜 First up – Dena drops some SERIOUS tea about Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom from Coachella (you wanna hear this)!! Speaking of Coachella, Sabrina Carpenter put on a full Broadway musical and made Taylor Swift's show look basic (sorry not sorry). Justin Bieber played YouTube videos on his laptop and we have THOUGHTS. On a lighter note – Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner were spotted making out at the after party – two tall hotties, we're obsessed. And since we're talking about Jacob, we also get into the Euphoria premiere drama – Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney are beefing and the cast literally hates each other?! Your two unqualified pop culture journalists are back and we love you!!! 💕 1:58 Coachella 2026 – Let's get into it 7:24 Sabrina Made Taylor Swift Look Basic – Sorry not sorry! 9:53 Dena's Coachella Story – Meeting Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom backstage 11:21 Ruby Rose Accused Katy Perry Of SA – The Melbourne allegations 12:09 Jacob Elordi & Kendall Jenner – Two tall hotties at Coachella 13:52 Margot Robbie Mum-Shaming – Why are people mad she looks hot?! 16:11 Euphoria Season 3 Drama – Zendaya vs Sydney Sweeney & cast beef 21:26 Khloé & Lamar Documentary – Addiction, fame & heartbreak 25:21 Report Card – Sabrina A+++, Euphoria drama D 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: Sabrina Carpenter's Coachella Set: Watch it on YouTube – Fosse, Flashdance, Dirty Dancing, Chicago & Chorus Line references! Khloé & Lamar Documentary: "Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom" on Netflix – fascinating look at addiction. Olivia Dean: Keep an eye on her – one to watch! Euphoria Season 3: Now streaming on HBO/Binge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Life Lately time DALINGS!!! 💜 Let's address the elephant in the room – NO, Dena is not engaged. Alex took her on a mysterious 9am date and she was convinced it was happening... but it was pottery. POTTERY. The most wholesome, very Alex thing ever 😂 We're deep in our self-care era (Soak Haus head spa literally reset our nervous systems), Dena's organisation hyperfocus is giving ADHD queen, Maya had her first playdate and it was absolute chaos, Alicia got a sign from her grandparents that made her sob, and Dena has a story involving laxatives and a bush…. You've been warned 💀💕 We love you, we overshare, you're welcome 💕 1:19 THE 9AM DATE – Was it a proposal? No. It was pottery 😂 3:22 Dena's Organisation Era – ADHD hyperfocus, pantry goals 13:47 soak Haus Head Spa – Nervous system reset, stars on the ceiling 16:27 Squeeze Therapy – Biohacking, red light, compression boots 21:08 Thrifter – Rent a rack, sell your secondhand clothes 24:58 Maya's First Playdate – Full meltdowns, toddlers can't share 34:27 Alicia's Grandparent Signs – The psychic moment that made her cry 40:10 Cleo Massey Event – We're guests at Pass Around The Smile! 43:25 THE BUSH STORY – Laxatives, acro, zero regrets 💀 48:40 Recs – Electric toothbrush & manicures with your kids 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: Suri Electric Toothbrush: Charges once a month, UV sanitising travel case – life changing! Soak Haus Head Spa: Japanese head spa in Melbourne – nervous system reset in one appointment. Cleansee Studio: Holistic facial with lymphatic massage – Alicia's skin is glowing! Therapee: Biohacking wellness in Eltham – red light, compression, oxygen therapy. Thrifter: Rent a rack, sell your secondhand clothes – sustainability queen energy. Library Hack: Borrow 20 books for 12 weeks FREE – bedtime stories sorted! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back dAlings!!! 💜 Your two unqualified pop culture experts here to tell you what we know (which is not much) and what we think (which is A LOT). First up: Zendaya and Rob Pattinson's press tour for The Drama – she's so PR trained it's insane, and he just... makes stuff up in interviews?! We also need to talk about Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi – because no, they're not in love, it's literally just good marketing (we've been in those meetings!!!) Then we get into the Louis Theroux Manosphere documentary (Alicia cried, it's horrifying), Tyra Banks showing zero accountability in the ANTM doco. Oh and Dance For Your Life – the Aussie dance film that had us sobbing, Devil Wears Prada 2 is coming, and Aussie makeup is trending!!! 1:39 The Drama – Zendaya & Rob Pattinson's press tour 6:36 Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi – It's marketing, not romance!!! 12:38 Louis Theroux Manosphere Documentary – Alicia cried watching it 16:49 America's Next Top Model Documentary – Tyra Banks, zero accountability 19:30 Dance For Your Life – The Aussie dance film we're obsessed with 20:24 Emily & Max – we're rooting for you!!! 22:07 Aussie Makeup Trend – bronze skin, freckles, lined lips 23:01 Devil Wears Prada 2 – Anne Hathaway's press tour coming 25:04 Report Card – A+ Margot & Zendaya, F to manosphere & Tyra 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: The Drama: Zendaya & Rob Pattinson – don't look up spoilers, just go see it! Dance For Your Life: Aussie dance documentary film – incredible, emotional, must watch. Louis Theroux Manosphere Documentary: Hard watch but important – talk to your sons. America's Next Top Model Documentary: Tyra Banks exposed – wild. Devil Wears Prada 2: Coming soon – watch Anne Hathaway's press tour outfits!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time to sleep like a log DALINGS!!! 💜 Dr Sumedha Verma is a sleep psychologist and researcher who's here to bust every myth you've ever heard about sleep – and trust us, there are A LOT. The 8-hour rule? Lies. Your Apple Watch sleep score? Useless. That spiral of "why can't I sleep" making it worse? YEP. We go deep on this one – Dena shares her insomnia and PTSD story (she couldn't even look at a bed without panicking), Alicia finally gets answers about why Isla faceplants walls in her sleep, and Sumedha drops so much knowledge we wish we knew years ago. We needed this episode and we think you will too!!! 💕 This episode is brought to you by Protect-A-Bed: https://protectabed.com.au/ 12:22 - Welcome Dr. Sumedha Verma — sleep psychologist & researcher 19:00 - Dena's insomnia story: PTSD, panic attacks & getting back to trust 💛 24:26 - The 8-hour myth — busted by a sleep expert 29:10 - Sleep & mental health: the bidirectional link (it's causation, not correlation) 36:24 - What is sleep hygiene? And why fear is the real sleep disruptor 39:00 - CBT for insomnia — the gold-standard treatment most people don't know exists 48:13 - Sleep drive explained: why napping can push out your bedtime for hours 52:00 - Sleep debt, body compassion & what happens when chemical dependency is involved 59:12 - Is insomnia hereditary? + How to access Medicare-rebated sleep psychology 1:02:30 - Recs & frameworks: fake freckles, rejection goals & sky bathing 🌌 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/sleepwithdrv/ 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: Mental Health Care Plan: Go to your GP and ask for one – you can see a sleep psychologist through Medicare (up to 10 rebated sessions!) Deep Sleep Helps: Dr Sumedha's practice – online program plus sessions https://www.drsumedhaverma.com.au/ Megan Thee Stallion / Cardi B: Windows down, music up – Sumedha's go-to for feminine energy. The Self Retreats: Only 2 spots left for the rest of the year! Grab your spots!! And if you want to join Dena in Bali this is the retreat she’s attending! https://chelsea-faye.mykajabi.com/fayeretreat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

DAlings! Okay so we're doing something different today 💅✨ There's so much going on in pop culture right now and we have OPINIONS!! Dena's heartbroken over Harry Styles' new album (Aperture is incredible but the rest???), Alicia's obsessed with Wuthering Heights and Jacob Elordi in that corset scene, we're both fuming at Timothée Chalamet for calling ballet a "dying art" (as former dancers we have WORDS), and we unpack everything going on with Kyle and Jackie O.Fair warning – this is chaotic, we know nothing, and we had to fact check approximately zero things. Enjoy!!! 💕 0:00 Did Harry Styles Album Flop? 6:00 Wuthering Heights Review! 10:00 Jacob Elordi – The corset scene changed everything 12:00 Hamnet Review... MUST WATCH15:00 Oscar Season - Our picks 19:00 Timothée Chalamet Drama – Ballet is "dying"??? 24:00 Kyle & Jackie O – Publicity Stunt? 31:00 The Pitt – The show winning everything (Dena can't watch it) 33:00 Wrap Up – Let us know if you want more pop culture eps! Follow ut at: https://www.instagram.com/denaamyhttps://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcastJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Recs/Homework: Wuthering Heights: Go see it – cinematically insane, Jacob Elordi and that corset scene, enough said. Hamnet: Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, heartbreaking and beautiful. The Pitt: Winning every award, set in an ICU, everyone says it's incredible. Aperture by Harry Styles: The one good song from the album (sorry Harry stans). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're baaaack with another rewatch and this time it's Episode 2 baby!!! 🎬✨ You guys demanded we do every single episode so here we are and honestly we're loving it. We chat about that little kangaroo joey who deserves an award 🦘, how STUNNING Sydney looks in those drone shots, Abigail's villain era kicking off, and the iconic pointe shoe to the face moment 🩰💥. Alicia spills on actually jumping into Sydney Harbour with actual sharks (!!) 🦈 while Dena talks about how hard it is to act bad at hip hop when you're lowkey great at it lol 💃 Whether you're rewatching along with us or hearing these stories for the first time, this one's full of behind-the-scenes secrets, real talk and a lot of laughing at ourselves 😂 Subscribe, leave a review and tell us your fave Ep 2 moments. We love you!!! 💛 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

We're back and we're BACK period 💅✨ Literally – Dena's period came back after a whole year so baby number two is ON!!! We're manifesting getting pregnant at the same time because how good would that be?! We also need to talk about cliquey kinder mums (Alicia's been fully ignored at drop off like multiple times??), Dena went full mama bear when a daycare teacher called Maya "stubborn" on her first day, and honestly we're just two tired mums holding it together. Messy houses, 150 unread emails, crying in the kitchen – you know the vibe. Oh and Dena's going on a solo retreat to Bali in September – details on her Insta if you want to come!!! dm her for the deets. This episode is about us and you - THE tired mums guild. You are not alone in this journey Dalings!!! 💕 2:00 DENA'S PERIOD IS BACK – After a year off HRT!!! 6:00 Big Life Decisions – City vs country, renovations & medications 8:00 Life Academy Anniversary – Almost 1 year & nearly 1 million downloads! 16:00 THE KINDER MUM DRAMA – Why is Alicia being ignored?! 22:00 Maya's New Daycare – The "stubborn" comment & Dena's mama bear moment 31:00 Strong-Willed Girls – Why we need to protect their confidence 33:00 Dena's Bali Retreat – Solo trip in September, details on Insta! 39:00 Messy Houses & Mum Guilt – Alicia cried in her kitchen 42:00 Recs – Sunglasses for small heads & walking pads! 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: Bellini Sunglasses: Finally found sunnies that fit a small head – Alicia's obsessed! Walking Pad: $180 from Amazon – get your steps in while studying or working. Game changer! Codral: Dena's go-to when she feels a cold coming on – knocks it out in 48 hours. Bali Retreat: Dena's going solo in September – fitness, healthy food, somatic work & divine feminine energy. DM her if you want in! https://chelsea-faye.mykajabi.com/fayeretreat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today Dena dragged in her better half to chat all things LOVEEEEE and everything in between. ALL DRAFTS ALEX needed preparation, which NO DRAFTS DENA refused to provide, so it was kinda chaos, the good kind. We chatted about Alex's origin story and how a kid from the country ended up at NASA! We talk about falling in love over FaceTime calls, we touch on parenting and the gift that Maya is to us and Alex shares so many wise and beautiful thoughts, especially about my great ass ;) ALSO, you guys asked some brilliant and hilarious questions, and I really enjoyed seeing him so earnest and embarrassed, it was so cute, my god this man. tooooo cute. Can't wait for you all to finally meet the love of my life and my very best bestie - Dr Alex Norton. If you'd like to connect with Alex, well you can't, he doesn't use social media but come join our group instead. 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/Homework Podcast: Dissect (Spotify Original) Farmers Pick https://farmerspick.com.au/ Go for a nature walk, leave your phone at home, be childlike and curious. take your time. Podcast: Shell Game S2 Wearing: Dena – Dissh and Ember and Maple Alex– Afends and Assembly Label Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know what time it is, it’s life lately time! The gals chat dance concerts, glamming up for the AACTA awards and festival, a Gold Coast holiday and the usual mum guilt that we face on the daily. The girls also briefly discuss the social media ban and Dena says a bunch of things to get herself cancelled lol. Thanks for listening, we love you! Subscribe and write a review pretty please!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Darlings! On today's episode of Life Lately the girls recognise that they are definitely in their 30s because they are excited about fly screen doors. We discuss the great debate about what our listeners should be called, and then we dive into some hilarious assumptions about us you guys have made LOL. Thanks for being the best, we love you besties, dreamers, darlings! YOU TELL US!! But far out we love you. Thank you for all your support and messages. x 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/⁠ Dreamwork and Recs: Bondi Sands Tan Sephora Foundations Wearing: Dena: Kinga Csilla https://kingacsilla.com Alicia: Jewels by Ember and Maple https://embersandmaple.com.au/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In todays episode Dena's opening with some low vibes talking about the online bullying she's been dealing with, but then the girls get on with the show because who's got time for bullys. The Wicked Saga begins, you dont want to miss this story. we have been changed, for good. 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/⁠ Dreamwork and Recs: Go for a walk in nature without your phone, hear nature, and get grounded. Salomon Sneakers: https://salomon.com.au/ Wearing: Dena: https://aramintajames.com.au/ Alicia: Jewels by Ember and Maple https://embersandmaple.com.au/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices