Today’s episode is very special for two reasons: We’re joined by the amazing Gemma-Ashley Kaplan, Dena’s big sister and best friend (Alicia is home sick – love you babe, and miss your magic).
We got to sit down with our parenting hero and idol, the one and only Lael Stone. And honestly? It was everything. What a privilege.
Whether you’re a parent, thinking about becoming one, or just trying to figure out why your inner child still throws tantrums at the worst possible moments this one’s for you.
Lael is a speaker, educator, and author who’s changing the game when it comes to raising emotionally intelligent kids and healing ourselves in the process. She’s also the co-founder of Woodline Primary School, a school in the Victorian countryside that puts emotional wellbeing first (finally!).
We adore her. And you will too.
In this episode, we chat about:
Why “perfect parenting” is a myth (and thank goodness for that)
How to actually stay calm when your kid is not
The magical power of repair (yes, you’re allowed to stuff it up sometimes)
How parenting is basically free therapy if you let it be
Raising emotionally aware kids in an emotionally messy world
And what happens when you start putting connection over control.
💡 Life Lessons from Lael:
✨ You don’t need to be perfect – just present.
✨ Big feelings aren’t the enemy – disconnection is.
✨ The more you heal, the more space you create (for you and your family)
OWN YOUR STORY! wear it with pride.
💖 Instagram: @laelstone
🏫 Her heart-led school: Woodline Primary
🌐 All the good stuff: www.laelstone.com.au (including her new book!)
Stay in the Life Academy loop:
🧠 Dena Amy: @denaamy
💫 Alicia Banit: @aliciabanit
📱 TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
👯♀️ Facebook: Life Academy Community
📺 YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast
Connect w/ Gemma:
@gemmaashleystudios
Recs:
Wear Nala Bras www.wearnala.com
Declutter your home/work space!
Breathing with self love and compassion.
Wearing:
Dena- Raef the Label
Gemma- Seed
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:42:59
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1:42:59
REWATCH! Dance Academy Season 1, Episode 8
Puberty, perfectionism, and taping up your titties, shit gets real as Alicia and Dena rewatch "Growing Pains" and take you behind the scenes of Dance Academy S1, Ep 8.. just for you guys as requested!
🎬 In This Episode:
Reflecting on Abigail’s emotional battle with body image.
Why this episode felt so personal for us in various ways.
Real talk on puberty, control, and performing while your body’s changing.
A behind the scenes all access pass into the filming process.
💫
Raw, honest, and still heartbreakingly relevant this rewatch opens up a bigger conversation about self-worth, adolescence, and what it means to be enough. A moment for every teen who’s ever felt like their body was the enemy.
Follow us at
www.instagram.com/denaamy
www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast
Join our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/
Watch us on YouTube
www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
Wearing:
Dena- SABBI
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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25:19
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25:19
From Sex Work to Spiritual Teacher
Lets talk about sex baby! This episode is WILD... in the best possible way. We sit down with the incredible Chelsea Faye, a trauma-informed Kundalini Activation specialist who helps women around the world reconnect with their sexual energy and release stored trauma from the body.
Chelsea’s story is raw, magnetic, and deeply transformative. After working in the sex industry for nearly 14 years, she experienced a powerful spiritual awakening that changed the course of her life. Today, she supports others in reclaiming their inner power through body-based healing and energetic awakening. We highly recommend attending one of her workshops if you are in Melbourne or working with her 1:1. She also offers a facilitator training in Melbourne, Australia, for women who feel called to guide others in sensual embodiment and Kundalini activation.
We dive into:
The sex work industry
How trauma is stored in the body and how to release it
The power (and misunderstanding) of sexual energy
What it means to awaken the "wild woman" within and our sexual fantasies! (eeek)
Spiritual awakenings, identity shifts, and healing the nervous system
Chelsea’s honesty and radiant presence lit up the room. We hope you feel as inspired and expanded as we did.
Life Lessons from this episode:
✨ Your body holds the wisdom your mind can’t always access
✨ Healing doesn’t always look spiritual – sometimes it looks wild, raw, and real, YOUR MESS IS YOUR MESSAGE.
✨ You’re allowed to change paths, identities, and stories – especially when they no longer serve your soul.
Follow Chelsea: www.chelseafaye.com.au
@chelseafaye_
Follow us:
🧠 Dena Amy: @denaamy
💫 Alicia Banit: @aliciabanit
🎥 TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast
👥 Join the conversation on Facebook: Life Academy Community
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:@LifeAcademyThePodcast
Recs:
Gimme Jewels www.gimmestore.com
Music on and move for 10 minutes eyes closed.
Stick TV series Apple
Wearing:
Dena- King Csilla
Alicia- Cotton On Body
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:39:05
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1:39:05
Life Lately: Catch Up With The Girlies
Its another LIFE LATELY sesh with Alicia and Dena, from toddler sickness, fake tan disasters and our 40 under 40 lists. Plus goss about the upcoming Bali trip, Mayas birthday party and some makeup tips.. We have a good old bestie catchup and cant stop talking about our daughters as usual. we are also still in our POO era, someone make us t-shirts.
Follow us at
www.instagram.com/denaamy
www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast
Join our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/
Watch us on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
Recommendations:
Go for a massage!
The best linen ever from Protect a bed: https://protectabed.com.au/products/signature-tencel%E2%84%A2-quilt-cover-sets?variant=44818484232409
Mayas birthday cake: @mallowandco_
Dirt Cleaner:
https://thedirtcompany.com.au
Wearing:
Dena – Kmart and Cotton On
Alicia –Dissh
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:18:23
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1:18:23
REWATCH! Dance Academy Season 1, Episode 3
Behind Barres Baby! You know the drill, we are taking you behind the scenes and chatting all things Kat and Abi in episode 3 season 1, there is a lot to unpack and we dont hold back. Hopefully this inspires you to rewatch the series as we unravel all the BTS for you.
Follow us at
www.instagram.com/denaamy
www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast
Join our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FY3kDRxvQ/
Watch us on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast
Wearing:
Dena – MAKU
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On screen frenemies to real life besties, so of course we started a podcast! Stay tuned for your weekly questionable life lessons from Dena Amy Kaplan and Alicia Banit. Class is in session!
Australia