Welcome to the ninety eighth episode of Talk Spirit To Me.

This week, Jess is joined by the powerhouse that is Dena Amy Kaplan.

You may know Dena as Abigail Armstrong from the cult-hit series Dance Academy, but her story reaches far beyond the screen.

Dena is an Australian artist, actor, dancer, DJ, vocalist, entrepreneur, mental health advocate and all-round creative force. Her career began in the world of ballet, training and performing with The Australian Ballet, before stepping onto the stage in the internationally acclaimed production of The Lion King.

From there, Dena moved into television and became widely recognized for her breakout role in Dance Academy, a show that captured hearts around the world and cemented her place as one of Australia’s most memorable young performers.

But this conversation is not just about fame, success or the shiny parts of the story.

In this episode, Jess and Dena unpack what happens when the identity you built your life around starts to shift. They talk about growing up in the public eye, navigating pressure, performance, pain, mental health, self-worth, reinvention and the messy, beautiful process of coming home to yourself.

Dena also shares her evolution into music, touring globally as a DJ and vocalist, performing alongside major electronic acts including RÜFÜS DU SOL and Hayden James, and playing some of the world’s most iconic stages, including Coachella.

Beyond her creative career, Dena is the founder of Twerk After Werk, a movement built around confidence, self-expression and empowerment. She also created The Self Retreat, a wellness experience designed to help people reconnect with themselves on a deeper level.

Now studying psychotherapy with the intention of becoming a trauma-informed therapist, Dena is entering another powerful chapter — one rooted in healing, emotional honesty and helping others feel less alone in their own becoming.

This episode is raw, grounded, inspiring and deeply human. It is a conversation about fame, grief, identity, mental health, purpose and what it really takes to rebuild yourself from the inside out.

If you’ve ever felt like you are shedding an old version of yourself and trying to figure out who the hell you are now, this one is for you.

You can connect with Dena on Instagram:
@denaamy

If you like this sh*t, come hang with us on Instagram:
@jessicalynnemediumship
@talkspirittomepodcast

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Please note: we do not own the rights to this music; Hope In You - Chillity