Best Dena Kaplan Podcasts (2025)

1
S1E1 - Understanding Patients’ Everyday Experiences with Dr. Deanna Kaplan 21:46

13h ago21:46

21:46

Episode Notes Dr. Kimberly Eck sits down with Dr. Deanna Kaplan to discuss her efforts in advancing personalized healthcare through the use of digital tools such as wearable tech and smartphone apps. In this episode, Dr. Kaplan discusses the important work of her lab in leveraging digital tools to generate a more complete picture of a person’s heal…

1
Life Lately: Bestie Debrief Dump 45:52

7d ago45:52

45:52

This week it’s just us, catching up on all things bestie chat 💕. We talk about our health, house renos, Dena’s back and twerking goals, Father’s Day gifts, our future weddings and plans for babies, a rare night out we had (yes, it actually happened!), and the excitement of Dena’s sold-out retreats. Life Lesson: Sometimes we all need a weekly debrie…

1
Season 1 Trailer 2:17

13d ago2:17

2:17

# Episode Notes

1
Hello World this is ..... Ariel Kaplan! 1:18:45

14d ago1:18:45

1:18:45

So we have another fallen soldier… Dena is officially continuing in her poo era with gastro around the whole house. The Kaplan sisters pull through again though- this time with the amazing Ariel Kaplan. The smallest but sassiest Kaplan sister. ( low-key she's a better podcast host than Dena. Maybe it’s time for a re-cast? 👀) Alicia chats with Ariel…

1
The big PMDD, Mental Health, Menopause and Hormones convo. 1:18:32

20d ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Hormones & Mental Health with Professor Jayashri Kulkarni. This week, we had the absolute privilege of interviewing Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, a world-renowned psychiatrist and Australia’s leading expert on PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), as well as menopause, and women’s mental health. We asked so many big questions, the professor has a …

1
Your Burning Questions Part 2 27:07

23d ago27:07

27:07

Lets do this again, last time was so much fun! We answer your burning Q's! some of these are saucy! Follow us at: ⁠Dena: @denaamy⁠ ⁠Alicia: @aliciabanit⁠ ⁠TikTok: @lifeacademythepodcast⁠ ⁠YouTube: @LifeAcademyThePodcast⁠ ⁠Facebook: Life Academy The Podcast Private Community⁠ Wearing: Dena – King Csilla Alicia –Kmart baby! Learn more about your ad c…

1
She Talks To Dead People! 1:16:25

28d ago1:16:25

1:16:25

This episode is next‑level magic, we sobbed our way through it and it might be our favourite episode so far ✨ We’re joined by the sensational Jessica Lynne, one of Australia’s most in-demand psychic mediums, live from Melbourne. Brace yourself baddies: Jessica did a live reading for us, and even now, we’re still reeling from how accurate it was. So…

1
Big Feelings Welcome Here! 1:42:59

1M ago1:42:59

1:42:59

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, …

1
REWATCH! Dance Academy Season 1, Episode 8 25:19

1M ago25:19

25:19

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 p…

1
Life Lately: Catch Up With The Girlies 1:18:23

2M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

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. …

1
REWATCH! Dance Academy Season 1, Episode 3 26:06

2M ago26:06

26:06

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.co…

1
Know Thy Hormones 1:14:29

2M ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Know the cycles, Know thy hormones, Know thy vagina! We have a fascinating conversation about honouring our cycles with Olivia Orchowski. Olivia Orchowski: creator, CEO, and visionary behind KYRI. Olivia is a passionate advocate for body literacy, cyclical living, and hormone intelligence and in this episode, she brings the wisdom. SHE IS SO BADASS…

1
Life Lately: Chaos, Catch Ups and Car Crashes 1:09:50

2M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

This week on Life Academy, we hit pause on the big themes and take a moment to check in with each other (and with you). It’s a much-needed life update and brain dump, where nothing is too small, too big, too chaotic, or too TMI. We debrief on everything from Dena’s recent car accident (she’s okay, but wow…) to Alicia’s ongoing house reno saga, to m…

1
Your Burning Questions Part 1 25:55

2M ago25:55

25:55

We asked, you delivered, and then some! This week on Life Academy, we’re diving into Part 1 of answering your burning questions, from juicy Dance Academy throwbacks to deep life chats, parenting, personal growth, and everything in between, nothing was off-limits. We got thousands of questions (literally), so we’ve hand-picked some of our favourites…

1
Raising Girls Who Like Themselves 1:11:07

2M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

In this very important episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Kasey Edwards. Researcher, bestselling author, and the powerhouse behind "Raising Girls Who Like Themselves". Kasey’s work has sparked a movement of empowered parenting, and today, she’s sharing her wisdom with us, including the pillars to raising girls to like themselves. 💬 In This Epis…

1
The Truth Will Set You Free 1:14:47

3M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

This one’s brave and unforgettable. In todays episode, Alicia and Dena sit down with the incredible Tim Pocock, actor, composer and now author who shares his powerful journey of breaking free and finding truth. 💬 In This Episode: Tim opens up about growing up in and ultimately escaping a fundamentalist cult What it was like to endure and survive co…

1
Our Mental Health Journey's Part 1 1:06:34

3M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

This one’s raw, real, and just the beginning. In this episode Alicia and Dena sit down for Part 1 of a powerful series exploring their personal mental health journeys. 💬 In This Episode: Alicia opens up about her lifelong struggles with self-worth and the moments that cracked the facade Dena shares her road from addiction to recovery and the messy,…

1
Reclaiming Our Relationship With Food 1:03:34

3M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

In this deliciously thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by Tammy and Eitam from Boosa, food therapy experts who are flipping the script on how we think about eating. Forget diets and calorie counting. This conversation is all about rediscovering the joy, memory, and meaning behind what nourishes us. 💬 In This Episode: How food therapy can heal …

1
Giving Birth is Badass! 1:27:01

3M ago1:27:01

1:27:01

We are cool moms now- Giving Birth Is Badass! This one’s for the mamas, past, present, and future. In this episode Alicia and Dena dive deep into the raw, wild, and awe-inspiring experience of becoming mothers. From the moments of conception to the miracle (and mayhem) of birth, they share their honest and powerful stories, the joyful highs, the sc…

1
REWATCH! Dance Academy Season 1, Episode 1 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

You asked, we delivered! In this special bonus episode, Alicia and Dena hit rewind and take you back to where it all began, the very first episode of Dance Academy. 🎬 In This Episode: Behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard Hilarious memories from their first day on set What it was like watching themselves as baby ballerinas Reflections on how…

1
Body Image & Ego Deaths 1:21:15

3M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

This one’s a deep dive. In Episode 4, Alicia and Dena open up about their personal journeys with body image from the pressures of the entertainment industry to the profound transformations brought on by motherhood. 💬 In This Episode: How growing up in front of cameras and dance studios shaped the way they saw their bodies The silent struggles that …

1
Talking to Lost Loved Ones 1:16:30

4M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

In this very special episode, we’re joined by the one and only Thom Green — aka Sammy from Dance Academy. That’s right… we’ve brought our bestie back from the dead (not literally… or is it?) for a hilarious, heartfelt, and slightly chaotic reunion. 💬 In This Episode: Thom spills on life after Dance Academy We lovingly interrogate him about old time…

1
What happens in LA doesn't stay in LA 1:12:36

4M ago1:12:36

1:12:36

Buckle up for a wild ride through Tinseltown in this spicy second episode! Alicia and Dena take you behind the scenes of their outrageous LA adventures — from on-set secrets to unexpected celebrity encounters. 🎬 In This Episode: We spill the tea on our time in Los Angeles and how very different our lives are now Alicia dishes on working with Aussie…

1
Welcome to Life Academy 1:08:35

4M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Welcome to the very first episode of Life Academy with Dena Amy Kaplan and Alicia Banit —on screen frenemies turned real-life besties and your unqualified but enthusiastic guides through the mess and magic of modern life. You might know them from the beloved TV series Dance Academy, but now they’re teaming up in real life to dive into all the big t…

1
Mental Health & Our Community w/ Lucas Connolly and Isabel Rodriguez 49:20

4+ y ago49:20

49:20

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Josh and Nayanci are joined by Nayanci's science professor/public health professional Isabel Rodriguez, and one of our favorite local NY comedians, Lucas Connolly. We talk about the state of mental health and addiction in our communities after COVID.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Cultural Appropriation w/ Gordon Baker Bone, Professor Kate Griffiths and Crystal Grant 1:01:12

4+ y ago1:01:12

1:01:12

In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of cultural appropriation, what's acceptable and what's over the line, and if there is a line at all. We definitely have a heated conversation about hip hop and compare the differences between Eminem, Lil Dicky, Iggy Azalea and what they are each doing for the culture if anything at all. One of our favori…

1
Love & Physical Attraction w/ Quan Wiggins and Daniel Campos 58:16

4+ y ago58:16

58:16

We discuss Socrates and Diotima's philosophies on different types of love.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Freedom of Speech w/ Ryan Long & Christina Weinbaum 56:04

4+ y ago56:04

56:04

In this episode Nayanci and Josh are joined by comedian Ryan Long and professor Christina Weinbaum. They discuss the fine line between good comedy and hate speech among many other fun topics.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
The Allegory of The Cave w/ Myq Kaplan & Dena Shottenkirk 58:03

4+ y ago58:03

58:03

In this episode Nayanci asks comedians Myq Kaplan and Josh Carter along with Philosophy Professor and podcast host Dena Shottenkirk their interpretation of "The Allegory of The Cave" and how it may relate to our current societyBy Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Philosophy of War w/ Larry Beyah and Justin Steinberg 1:16:39

4+ y ago1:16:39

1:16:39

In this episode Nayanci brings up the philosophy and ethics in war. Josh and guests; Larry Beyah (comedian/podcaster/veteran) give their points of view and Justin Steinberg (CUNY Philosophy/Ethics Professor) brings his academic perspective.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
The Death Penalty w/ Danny Lobell and Anna Gotlib 1:00:23

5y ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Nayanci and Josh are joined today by comedian and podcaster, Danny Lobell and philosophy professor and author Dr. Anna Gotlib. We are all over the place with interesting subjects this week as we talk about the death penalty, moral vs political stances, abortion and more!By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Philosophy of Dreams w/ Krystyna Hutchinson 59:37

5y ago59:37

59:37

This is one of our favorite episodes, Krystyna Hutchinson joins Josh and Nayanci and they talk about the philosophy of dreams, and sleepwalking, sleep paralysis including our own supernatural experiences (warning, it gets crazy).By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Aristotle - Relationships & Friendships w/ Dante Nero and Christine Vitrano 1:00:04

5y ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Nayanci discusses Aristotles theories on relationships with comedians Dante Nero ("NBC's The Blacklist," Relationship Guru), Josh Carter and Brooklyn College Philosophy professor Christine Vitrano. They talk about all types of positive and negative friendships and relationships.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Religion and Social Politics w/ Kurt Metzger 1:17:24

5y ago1:17:24

1:17:24

Nayanci asks comedians Josh Carter and Kurt Metzger about their opinions on topics relating to philosophy of religion, the conversation gets deep and they also end up talking about social politics.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Philosophy of Sports w/ Amarie Castillo & Alan Meehan 1:12:49

5y ago1:12:49

1:12:49

Nayanci brings up various topics related to philosophy of sports no matter how controversial and comedians Josh Carter, Amarie Castillo and Alan Meehan dish on them.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Plato's Crito - Should We Always Follow The Law? w/ Francisco Aldorando and Felicia Madison 56:56

5y ago56:56

56:56

Nayanci brings up Plato's Crito and poses the questions: Should we always follow the law? Are there immoral laws? Are there illegal actions that are moral? Comedians Josh Carter, Francisco Aldorando and Felicia Madison chop it up and bring their perspectives.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Ayn Rand - Libertarianism in America w/ Boris Khaykin & Preston Gitlin 1:14:53

5y ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Nayanci and Josh are joined by businesman/entrepeneur and founder of Comedywire.com, Preston Gitlin and Comedian and Contributor to We The Internet, a libertarian comedy network, Boris Khaykin. We talk about Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, and similar issues pertaining to current society.

1
Albert Camus - The Plague & Corona w/ Geno Bisconte and Larry Salomon 1:04:46

5y ago1:04:46

1:04:46

Nayanci and Josh welcome SF State Ethnic Studies Philosophy Professor Larry Saloman and comedian and host of "In Hot Water" Geno Bisconte and they talk about philosopher Albert Camus' book "The Plague" and how it relates to Corona Virus in our society (recording date is July 1 2020)By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
John Holt - The Anti-School Episode w/ Gastor Almonte & Dan Louzonis 59:03

5y ago59:03

59:03

Nayanci and Josh are joined by comedian Gastor Almonte (comedy special "Immigrant Made" on Amazon Prime, "This is Not Happening" on Comedy Central) and homeschool coach, Dan Louzonis and discuss John Holt's philosophies on learning/education and why traditional schooling may be a thing of the past.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Angela Davis - Politics & The Police w/ Vanetta Schoefield and Haley Strong 51:26

5y ago51:26

51:26

Josh and Nayanci are joined by NY comedians Vanetta Schoefield & Haley Strong and they discuss issues such as defund the police and brainstorm solutions to some of the toughest issues the black community faces.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Hobbes and Locke - Ownership & Housing Equality w/ Shaun Lynda & Robert Blodgett 59:50

5y ago59:50

59:50

In this weeks episode we talk about property ownership, housing equality, #cancelrent, and Josh gives a tip to low-moderate income people on purchasing and OWNING your first single or multifamily property with no money down regardless of credit score!By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Malcolm X: Black People & America w/ Celeste Joseph Jennings & Matt Lindauer 1:11:28

5+ y ago1:11:28

1:11:28

Josh and Nayanci are joined by comedian and host of the podcast: Vox Celeste, Celeste Joseph Jennings and Brooklyn College Philosophy Professor and Philosopher, Matthew Lindauer. They discuss what's really going on in these protests, why some are violent and why rioting is happening in the first place - it's not what you think!…

1
Pollan and Confucius: Philosophy Of Food w/ Alex Carabano & Hetty Diep 52:55

5+ y ago52:55

52:55

Josh and Nayanci are joined by Alex Carabano, comedian, star of HBO's "The Winners" and owner of V Spot Vegan Restaurant in Brooklyn and Hetty Diep, a personal trainer and nutrition coach based out of LABy Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Aristotle and Nietzche - Philosophy of Music w/ Reformed Whores, AlexXx P3, Chulita Mija Sarah 1:08:26

5+ y ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Josh and Nayanci are joined by musicians: Reformed Whores, AlexXx P3 and Chulita Mija Sarah to discuss the Aristotle and Nietzche's philosophies of music. The discussion is followed by a listening party of each guest's newest hit. Listening Party: AlexXx P3 - No Love Allowed Reformed Whores - Whorny Chulita Mija Sarah - Hola Stranger (first 3 min)…

1
Socrates & Plato - Philosophy of Love & Dating w/ Ashley Hesseltine & Napoleon Emill 53:13

5+ y ago53:13

53:13

Josh and Nayanci are joined by a couple of Josh's favorite NYC comedians, Ashley Hesseltine (Host of "Girls Gotta Eat" Podcast) and Napoleon Emill (Winner of Caroline's March Comedy Madness Competition). They answer some of Socrates and Plato's questions on love and dating.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Mills and Zack - Race & Reparations w/ Todd Montesi, Haley Strong, Jessica Munoz 56:43

5+ y ago56:43

56:43

Nayanci's philosophers of the week are Charles Mills and Naomi Zack, the subject is race and reparations; guests Todd Montesi (HBO's Crashing), Haley Strong (NYC Comedian), Jessica Munoz (Small Business Consultant for the Bay Area latino community) join and bring their perspectives.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Haslanger - Are Gender and Race Social Constructs? w/ Dave Temple, Monica Cruz & Keith Price 54:29

5+ y ago54:29

54:29

Josh brings 2 of his favorite comedy buddies and Nayanci brings her activist friend and we let worlds collide as we debate whether or not race and gender are social constructs.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Anderson & Young - Luck Egalitarianism w Robert Blodgett 43:52

5+ y ago43:52

43:52

Josh's old high school friends, Robert Blodgett and George Gill are guests this week. Nayanci goes over Elizabeth Anderson and Iris Marion Young's theories on luck egalitarianism and group based oppression and the guys dish on their opinions on those subjects.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Stiglitz & Rousseau w/ John Fugelsang 54:10

5+ y ago54:10

54:10

Comedian, actor and broadcaster John Fugelsang (host of acclaimed "Tell Me Everything" on SiriusXM Progress channel 127) joins Josh and Nayanci to talk about income inequality before and during the pandemic. We also go off track a bit and talk corruption within the democratic party.By Josh Carter and Nayanci Lopez

1
Rawls Vs Nozick - Should Government Intervene? 47:09

5+ y ago47:09

47:09

Nayanci presents the philosophers for this week, John Rawls and Robert Nozick. Nayanci asks Josh's opinion on each of their ideas on how much the government should intervene with citizens, and use examples from the current COVID-19 pandemic.By Josh

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Dena Kaplan Podcasts

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