Big Feelings Welcome Here!

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

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