Life Academy

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 creatine 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 “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

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

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

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