How To Reflect, Reinvent, and Keep Talking feat. Kyla Denanyoh

What do type A lawyers, podcast editing, sweet delusion, and four different recording cities have in common? Kyla Denanyoh. In this solo episode, Kyla celebrates her 10-year law school graduation anniversary and the 5-year milestone of the You Are A Lawyer podcast by sharing 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about her. From launching a podcast with no experience to accidentally becoming a manager again, this is a personal, honest, and very Kyla conversation about risk, creativity, and the joy of just talking.

LISTEN TO LEARN

Why risk-taking gets easier with practice (and why Kyla actually enjoys it now)
What she never expected to do—but is doing anyway (hint: managing a team, editing audio, running a business…)
How her love of words led her to create a podcast that’s now in its 13th season

‍

WE ALSO DISCUSS

Why she only edits podcasts for business owners (and why it’s a hell yes)
How delusion, when used correctly, is a strategy
The surprising ways creativity shows up—even when you’re a “classically trained lawyer”

‍

Want to start a podcast?

Save time and create faster with KD Creative. KD Creative offers done-for-you podcasting services by launching podcasts for small business owners and editing podcasts for existing podcasters.

‍

If you’re ready to get your content in the ears of your ideal customers, start working with KD Creative. Visit skiptheboringstuff.com to hire a podcast coach.

How To Reflect, Reinvent, and Keep Talking feat. Kyla Denanyoh

‍

About This Episode

Kyla Denanyoh’s Background

In 2015, Kyla Denanyoh graduated from law school. In 2019, she launched You Are A Lawyer, a podcast that has now grown into a creative business, media brand, and storytelling platform for lawyers who live outside the lines. In this solo episode, Kyla marks two big milestones—10 years since earning her JD, and five years since launching the podcast—with a list of 10 personal insights and behind-the-scenes reflections.

“I started the You Are A Lawyer podcast because I wanted to talk. There were a lot of really cool lawyers that I kept meeting, and no one was telling their stories," shares Kyla Denanyoh on You Are A Lawyer.

Kyla opens up about the unexpected joys of podcast editing, the evolution of her creative confidence, and how she went from being a “type A” lawyer to a full-on creative entrepreneur managing a team and building something she never imagined.

Why Law School

Kyla didn’t grow up wanting to be a lawyer—she wanted to be a judge. In true Kyla fashion, she only realized later that she’d need to go to law school first. That realization shaped her journey, but not in the way you'd expect. Law school gave her structure, discipline, and a foundation she would later bend, stretch, and remix into her own creative career.

I never wanted to be a lawyer. I always wanted to be a judge... And then it wasn’t until I was older where I realized I needed to be a lawyer to become a judge," reflects Kyla Denanyoh on Episode 190 of You Are a Lawyer.

While her early legal career followed a traditional path, what came next—creative work, business ownership, podcasting, and team leadership—was built on that legal foundation but fueled by curiosity, experimentation, and a whole lot of self-taught tech.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

Ten years in, Kyla is the perfect case study in JD versatility. She uses her law degree to run a media platform, help business owners share their stories, and coach professionals on turning their creative skills into scalable services. It’s not the career path anyone expected—including her.

“I'm doing everything I never expected... I never expected to run a business. I never expected to manage people again," emphasizes Kyla Denanyoh on Episode 190 of You Are a Lawyer.

But that’s the point. Kyla shares that law school was just the start, not the destination—and that the skills lawyers develop (like strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making) translate beautifully into creative, client-focused work.

Lawyer Side Hustles

You Are A Lawyer started as a passion project and quickly became Kyla’s side hustle. Then it became a business. Now, she runs podcast editing services, offers LinkedIn strategy and social media support, and works exclusively with business owners and creatives who are building something worth talking about.

“I work with business owners... You are an author, you're selling books, you are trying to get monetized... Sharing your story will just boost everything else,” shares Kyla Denanyoh in Episode 190 of You Are a Lawyer.

And yes—she loves editing. She talks about it like writing a letter, like storytelling with scissors. She's not afraid to slice up an audio file, reframe a conversation, or make something clearer. That’s where her creativity shines. And that’s what keeps this podcast growing, season after season.

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR

3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen

4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

About Kyla Denanyoh

Kyla is not currently licensed to practice law.

Learn more about Kyla

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Instagram: instagram.com/youarealawyer

Twitter: twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: youarealawyer.com

Recent Episodes

Tax Attorney Shares When You Really Need Help

Stephen Weisberg is a Detroit-based tax attorney who helps individuals and business owners resolve IRS controversies and tax-debt issues. In this episode, he shares how the 2008 recession launched him from corporate bankruptcy work into tax law, why most people wait too long to seek help, and what every lawyer (and taxpayer) should know before they get that letter from the IRS.

Read and listen here

Why Authenticity Matters for Lawyers

Sergio Gregorio is a lawyer, podcast host, and creative who’s redefining what it means to have a legal career. In this conversation, he shares how growing up in Brooklyn, studying journalism, and working in federal service shaped his storytelling instincts, and why today’s lawyers must balance visibility, authenticity, and creativity in the digital world.

Read and listen here

Redefining Success and Alignment in Law

Arivee Vargas is a first-generation Latina lawyer who went from Big Law litigation to in-house corporate leadership, all before pivoting to become an author, executive coach, and speaker. She shares the raw story of her identity crisis after having her first child and how that led her to develop the framework for her book, Your Time to Rise, focusing on aligning your career with your deepest values. This conversation is essential for any high-achieving lawyer ready to stop checking boxes and start building a life of true purpose.

Read and listen here

Solo Firm Autonomy: Escaping the Partnership Trap

Yladrea Drummond went from being “team no care about the law" to becoming a highly successful trial attorney and solo firm owner in Maryland and DC. She openly shares the grit required to get barred after a seven-year journey, how she transitioned her practice from family law to dominating criminal defense, and the non-negotiable value of complete autonomy that running her own firm provides. This conversation is a raw, honest look at the transition from legal disappointment to becoming a respected "big dog in court" who is truly building a legacy

Read and listen here

How Hiring a Case Manager Will Transform Your Law Practice

Rob Levine is the founder of a multi-state law firm and an advocate for operational efficiency in legal practices. In this episode, he breaks down the vital role of case managers in improving law firm operations, building better client relationships, and increasing profitability. Whether you're a solo attorney or managing a growing team, this conversation will change how you think about delegation and workflow.

Read and listen here

Reinventing Your Legal Career Through Coaching

Elise Holtzman left Big Law to raise her children, without a clear roadmap for what came next. Now she’s a leadership coach and founder of The Lawyer’s Edge, helping lawyers build confidence, develop business skills, and grow professionally. In this episode, Elise shares the mindset shifts that led her from practicing law to coaching those still in the field.

Read and listen here

Building a Legal Tech Startup from Law School

Lamia Rahman is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of SEEKR, a tech startup creating wearable AI devices for the blind. In this inspiring episode, Lamia shares her journey from law school in Hong Kong to the front lines of legal tech, accessibility, and advocacy.

Read and listen here

How To Grow a Thriving Multi-Practice Law Firm feat. Daniel Rosenberg

Daniel Rosenberg is a seasoned trial lawyer and the co-founder of a thriving civil litigation firm. With roots in criminal defense and a career built in courtrooms, Daniel shares how he went from retail entrepreneur to legal leader and why flexibility, grit, and courtroom instinct are the skills that drive his success. This episode is all about staying ready, even when your office is your car.

Read and listen here

How to Find New Purpose After a Legal Career feat. A.X. Foster

A.X. Foster is a former prosecutor and defense attorney turned novelist who’s turning real-life courtroom experience into gripping legal thrillers. In this episode, he shares how his background in acting and law helped him build a successful writing career, why COVID was the creative catalyst he needed, and how his novels teach readers about the legal system, without getting lost in legalese.

Read and listen here

How to Take the Leap from Big Law to Solo Practice feat. Gary Martoccio

Gary Martoccio is an employment lawyer and solo practitioner who left a large firm after 12 years to build his own plaintiffs-side practice. In this episode, Gary shares what it’s like to advocate for employees, run your own firm, and earn multiple state licenses through bar exams and reciprocity. If you’re curious about employment law or considering going solo, this episode gives a real-world perspective you won’t find in law school.

Read and listen here

How to Balance Law, Life, and Leadership feat. Rhonda Coleman Wandel

Rhonda Coleman Wandel is a commercial attorney, podcast host, and founder of RCW Strategies LLC, a legal consulting firm serving visionary companies and legal teams. In this episode, she shares her bold transition from education to law, her path through in-house legal roles, and why she recently stepped into entrepreneurship after years at companies like Accenture and Google. From Memphis to Chicago, single motherhood to legal leadership, Rhonda’s story is about clarity, courage, and walking your own path.

Read and listen here

How To Blend Legal Teaching With Theater and Parenting feat. Keith Shannon and Kara Shannon

Keith Shannon is a former lawyer, legal educator, and lifelong theater fan. Kara Shannon is his daughter and creative collaborator. In this episode, Kyla speaks with the father-daughter duo about their journey from legal careers and musical soundtracks to launching Fourth Row Center, a podcast celebrating Broadway and family bonds. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that success can look like connection, creativity, and choosing joy on your own terms.

Read and listen here