Life Academy

This week, Alicia’s longtime friend and actor Nicole Gulasekharam joins us for Disney nostalgia, big laughs and a catch-up 20 years in the making. From going to school with Demi Lovato and the Sprouse twins to working with Asa Butterfield, Nicole has a few stories. Plus, why wait for a groom when you can throw yourself a wedding-themed 30th? We also answer a pen pal who feels lost at 25, talk changing dreams and finding your own path, and get a little emotional along the way. Famous classmates, quirky best friend energy, and plenty of life lessons, dAlings 🎭💕 00:00 Welcome & meet Nicole02:34 Disney beginnings, acting & comedy08:57 Birthday wins, a groom-free wedding & weekly fails22:27 Feeling lost at 25 & finding a new dream33:40 Motherhood, poetry & freezing your eggs41:00 Growing up on screen & famous Disney classmates49:11 Finding your voice, ADHD & working with Asa Butterfield56:05 Dream work, recommendations & love you, dAlings Follow us at:Dena: 📸 Alicia: 📸 Life Academy: 📸 TikTok: 🎵 Join our Facebook group: 👥 ADVERTISING: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode takes us straight into one of Dance Academy’s most chaotic shopping trips: Abigail and Tara getting trapped in an antique shop 🪞🚨 This week, we live-react to ‘Through the Looking Glass’ and unpack Christian’s bad-boy past, Abigail’s shoplifting storyline, the wardrobe choices we still have questions about, and Alicia's VERY embarrassing trailer incident while filming with Luke Bracey. And then there’s the discovery that someone’s been keeping track of our feet. Let’s just say WikiFeet has receipts 😭 Come rewatch Dance Academy with the girls who lived it, remembered half of it, and are discovering the rest right alongside you, dAlings 💙 0:00 Welcome to the Episode 10 rewatch1:46 Pointe shoes, foot injuries and THAT ballet lift4:10 Alicia's VERY embarrassing trailer incident with Luke Bracey 😭7:13 Looking back at Luke Bracey… and those wardrobe choices10:03 Christian’s bad-boy past comes out16:42 Abigail and Tara’s antique shop trip goes VERY wrong17:56 Dena discovers there’s a whole website dedicated to her feet19:52 What Miss Raine was REALLY like behind the scenes20:47 Dena gets honest about learning to act on Dance Academy24:37 Abigail’s stealing and need for control26:58 Dena spots her daughter Maya in her younger self29:20 Final reactions to Episode 10… and Maya’s brutal review Follow us at: ⁠Life Academy Podcast 📸⁠ ⁠Life Academy Podcast 🎵⁠ ⁠Dena Kaplan 📸⁠ ⁠Alicia Banit 📸⁠⁠ ⁠Join our Facebook group 📘⁠ ⁠Watch us on YouTube ▶️ PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dena’s away, so Alicia’s long-term Disney friend Nicole Gulasekharam is stepping in—and her audition stories deserve their own headlines 😂🎬 This week, we unpack Kelly Clarkson’s Pretty Woman shopping moment, Nicole’s unexpected path to starring alongside Asa Butterfield, Tom Welling’s Instagram mishap and Tobey Maguire officiating his ex-wife’s wedding. Because apparently being friends with your ex wasn’t enough? There’s also the Shane Gillis gym controversy, some Dan Levy appreciation and our pop culture gold stars. Homework complete, dAlings 🎭💅 00:00 — Nicole’s stepping in for Dena 01:44 — Kelly Clarkson’s Pretty Woman moment 05:33 — Nicole, Asa Butterfield and Gnomes 07:28 — The audition that got her the role 09:29 — It was the director… 11:15 — Behind the scenes of Gnomes 12:06 — Your ex is the celebrant?! 14:58 — Tom Welling posted what? 17:49 — Shane Gillis, Dan Levy and the gym debate 26:03 — Gold stars and pop culture fails Follow us at: Life Academy Podcast 📸 Life Academy Podcast 🎵 Dena Kaplan 📸 Alicia Banit 📸⁠ Join our Facebook group 📘 Watch us on YouTube ▶️ PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talking girl code, dating your bestie’s ex, toddler meltdowns and the parenting win Dena has waited nearly four years for. Plus, we’re handing ourselves a weekly report card—and introducing Big Sister Pen Pal with a listener dilemma that brings out some very personal confessions. We’re also in our immunity and health era 🤭 With sickness doing the rounds at home, Dena is sharing her practical Favourite Four pick: i’m nutrients Elderberry Immune Gummies—and she’s brought a couple of bottles for Alicia, too. Come for the friendship drama, stay to shop our Favourite Four products from October below. Love you, dAlings 🫶 00:00 Welcome back, dAlings 01:02 The songs we were too young to understand 03:14 Our weekly wins and fails 08:58 Toddler meltdowns and holding boundaries 12:13 When mum needs a minute 16:42 Dena’s finally the favourite parent 22:39 Big Sister Pen Pal: Can you date your bestie’s ex? 32:04 Favourite Four: i’m nutrients 33:58 The viral mask worth the hype 37:42 Our new skincare obsession 41:02 Little questions, big connections Shop Our Favourite Four Products From October: 1. i’m nutrients Elderberry Immune Gummies – Dena’s pick for the family, featuring elderberry, echinacea and zinc, formulated to support healthy immune system function. A practical addition to her favourites from an Australian, mum-founded brand. Use code LA20 for 20% off eligible i’m nutrients products. 🛒 Paid partnership with i’m nutrients. Cannot be combined with other offers or sale prices, or used on bundles. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 2. BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask – The viral mask Alicia now understands the hype around. Her pick for hydrated, plump-looking skin and a smoother base for makeup. 3. STYLPRO Heated LED Electric Gua Sha – The facial tool the girls bought after a makeup artist used it on them. Combining LED, heat and vibration, it’s become a favourite in Dena’s routine. 4. High Low Buffalo Cards – Created by parent educator and mum of four Gen Muir, these 75 conversation cards help kids and grown-ups connect through thoughtful questions, gratitude and a little silliness. Follow us at: ⁠Life Academy Podcast 📸⁠ ⁠Life Academy Podcast 🎵⁠ ⁠Dena Kaplan 📸⁠ ⁠Alicia Banit 📸⁠⁠ ⁠Join our Facebook group 📘⁠ ⁠Watch us on YouTube ▶️ PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start with a heartfelt conversation about raising daughters in a world that still asks girls to protect themselves. Then, the pop culture homework takes a turn: Kim Kardashian’s five nannies, Dena’s confession about getting help, and Rihanna keeping everyone waiting. Plus, which Hollywood star held up an entire room… for fried chicken? Big feelings, questionable celebrity behaviour, and plenty of opinions, dAlings 🎭💕 This episode is brought to you by Protect-A-Bed: https://protectabed.com.au/ A gentle heads-up: this episode discusses violence against women, domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma, addiction and body image, and contains strong language. Please listen with care. The lighter pop culture chat begins at 10:24. 00:00 — Welcome, acknowledgement & a gentle heads-up 01:30 — Women’s safety and raising daughters 03:13 — The quote that broke us as girl mums 07:03 — The impact beyond the headlines 10:24 — Switching gears: Glastonbury gossip 12:09 — Our celebrity psychic picks the headliners 13:29 — Harry, Meghan & the royal obsession 15:08 — Kim Kardashian, five nannies & the mum police 17:01 — Dena’s au pair confession 18:13 — Rihanna keeps Fashion Week waiting 18:54 — Two hours… for fried chicken?! 19:56 — Manifesting Rihanna’s music comeback 20:44 — Love you, dAlings If this conversation brings anything up for you, support is available. In Australia, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au for support, 24/7. Follow us at: Dena: https://www.instagram.com/denaamy/ Alicia: https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit/ Life Academy: https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ ADVERTISING: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have we left it too late for another baby? dAlings, this one gets personal 🩵 Between Bali belly before Bali and birthday chaos, we’re talking about trying for another baby—and the feelings we don’t always want to admit. What happens when getting pregnant isn’t as easy the second time? When someone else’s happy news hurts? And when you’re longing for another chance at the newborn days? Dena shares a heartbreaking loss, Alicia gets honest about the waiting, and somehow we still end up plotting our reality TV careers. Big love to anyone quietly hoping it’s their turn next 🩵 Content warning: This episode discusses miscarriage, fertility struggles, postnatal depression, eating disorders, body image and bereavement, and contains adult themes and coarse language. 00:00 Welcome, dAlings + we’re barely holding it together03:53 We thought it would happen again…05:01 When making a baby stops being fun06:57 Are we ready to take the next step?10:24 The newborn days Dena wishes she could get back11:37 Happy for you… but when is it our turn?14:46 Do we actually want to know the answers?18:09 The news that put everything into perspective23:16 You can be grateful and still have a shit day25:45 Dena’s ready to be on the other side of the retreat26:51 Everyone’s day is planned… except Alicia’s31:37 Vision boards + could we Abigail our way onto The Traitors?36:32 Supermodels, Abigail questions & dating disasters40:52 Recs/Homework Follow us at:https://www.instagram.com/denaamyhttps://www.instagram.com/aliciabanithttps://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcasthttps://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast Join our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/ Watch us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoSBaaa9Wr8WtIwPg249TFQ PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Recs/Homework:Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke — Dena’s audiobook pick about a tradwife influencer whose picture-perfect online life meets the brutal reality of 1855. Little Hottie — Alicia’s repeat recommendation for a rechargeable heat pack she’s been using constantly, with Dena equally obsessed with hers. Make a vision board — Inspired by their retreat chat: carve out some time to put your goals on paper, and try including your own face in the images so you can picture yourself there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nothing says Life Lately like a full-blown Bali transformation, a birthday spent sick in bed and Alicia entering mama-bear mode at kindy 💀 We’re talking body image, motherhood, female friendship, career setbacks and whether Alicia crossed the line by stepping in when Isla was being left out. Come for Dena’s Bali awakening, stay to shop our Favourite Four products from September below. Love you, dAlings 🫶 00:00 Welcome to Life Academy 01:53 The Bali retreat that changed everything 10:08 Sick on your birthday and still having to mum 13:45 Could we be cast in the same show again? 15:28 Going full mama bear for your child 22:18 Favourite Four for September Shop Our Favourite Four Products From September: 1. Kiehl’s 1CC CollaShot Plump Serum – A bouncy serum featuring pink vitamin B12 and recombinant collagen polypeptide, designed to visibly plump the skin and target signs of ageing. Purchase the new 1CC CollaShot Plump Serum and receive 25% off sitewide (excluding sets) using code COLLAGEN25. Valid 30 September to 11 October. 2. Best & Less Nappy Bag – Dena’s affordable everyday bag that looks far more expensive than it is, with plenty of room for all the mum essentials. 3. Sarah J. Maas Books– Alicia’s latest fantasy obsession, including the *Throne of Glass* and *A Court of Thorns and Roses* series. Expect immersive worlds, romance and varying levels of spice. 4. Tulita Vikasa Fragrance – Dena’s long-lasting, 100% natural fragrance housed in a refillable bottle with an activated rose-quartz crystal cap. Follow us at: 📸 Dena's Instagram 📸 Alicia's Instagram 📸 Life Academy Instagram 🎵 Life Academy TikTok 🔵 Join our Facebook group ▶️ Watch us on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode takes us straight into one of Dance Academy’s most iconic side quests: Kat becoming a music video girlie 💃🎬 This week, we live-react to 'Heartbeat' episode and unpack the Miles Kelly storyline, what filming those dance scenes was really like, the wardrobe choices we still have questions about, and the scenes Alicia was much more nervous to film than anyone realised. And then there’s the kiss. Let’s just say the director had notes 😭 Come rewatch Dance Academy with the girls who lived it, remembered half of it, and are discovering the rest right alongside you, dAlings 🩵 1:14 — Reacting to the opening music performance 3:35 — The boys get VERY competitive behind the scenes 7:14 — Dena wanted Kat’s music video storyline BADLY 10:03 — The music video shoot begins 14:45 — Dena’s intense 5AM Dance Academy workout routine 16:56 — Alicia reveals how nervous she was filming the dance scenes 19:49 — The moment Alicia knew the kiss was coming 20:24 — THAT kiss… and the director’s brutal note 😭 22:34 — Filming the Miles Kelly music video 26:40 — The role was originally meant for Ruby Rose?! 27:18 — Watching the finished music video for the first time 29:09 — Final reactions to Episode 9 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/ PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apparently all roads lead back to an Australian teen drama 😭🇦🇺 This week, we unpack Kendall Jenner allegedly funding the romance, the H2O reboot that should absolutely exist, what Kat and Abigail would be doing now, and the Sydney Sweeney ad that has the internet very divided. There’s also reality TV tea, an Emmys red carpet debrief, a little Nicole Kidman appreciation, Practical Magic 2 hype, and some very unexpected Sandra Bullock lore. As always: under-researched, over-opinionated, and somehow still committed to the assignment. Pop culture homework complete, dAlings 🎭💅 1:04 — Kendall Jenner’s alleged sugar mummy era with Jacob Elordi 4:07 — The H2O reboot that apparently nobody wanted?! 6:13 — Could Dance Academy: Next Generation actually work? 8:28 — Sydney Sweeney’s controversial sports campaign 15:22 — Alix Earle’s reality show and the Alex Cooper fallout 17:59 — The Emmys red carpet debrief: hits, misses and fashion crimes 19:23 — Nicole Kidman, beauty tweaks and red carpet reactions 21:19 — Shailene Woodley’s look gets absolutely roasted 22:02 — Practical Magic 2 and the Sandra Bullock love fest 22:54 — Why 28 Days has been watched way too many times 23:40 — Final thoughts 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

Okay… we might have accidentally unlocked a new Life Academy era 👀🎭 After months of talking about the live show, we finally got on stage; and meeting our dAlings in real life hit way harder than either of us expected. There were tears, Dance Academy throwbacks, a surprise guest, a very big “wait… should we actually take this on tour?” moment. There’s also some VERY exciting acting news, the reality of returning to set after years away, and an airport story so unnecessarily chaotic that honestly… of course it happened to us 😭 To everyone who came, watched, listened, sent us love, or has been here quietly supporting us from the start - thank you. We’re beyond grateful for every single one of you 🥹🩵 2:18 — The forgotten airport bag and pre-show travel chaos 7:02 — Getting ready for the Life Academy live show 11:21 — Meeting our dAlings and why it hit so hard 17:12 — Behind-the-scenes chaos before going on stage 22:03 — The live show begins and the first big laugh 23:50 — Tim Pocock joins us on stage 27:20 — Could Life Academy go on tour? 30:24 — Back on set after five years and two new acting jobs 40:05 — Bondi dreams and the trip home from hell 49:10 — Period chaos, trying for another baby, and wrapping the weekend 51:14 — Recs and final thank-yous 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: Abrand jeans — Stretchy, comfortable jeans with a flattering fit. Best&Less — Affordable summer clothes and matching sets for holiday packing. Famesick by Lena Dunham — A book rec with behind-the-scenes stories, career reflections, and plenty of tea. Boody period underwear — Soft, comfortable period undies that can handle a heavier flow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices