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

How To Embrace Career Growth Without Burning Out feat. Anna Krolikowska

Anna Krolikowska is a divorce attorney, mediator, and past president of the Illinois State Bar Association. In this thoughtful and candid episode, Anna shares how she transitioned from litigation to collaborative law, navigated new motherhood while leading 30,000+ lawyers statewide, and built a career that supports her life, not the other way around. This is a powerful listen for anyone wondering if they can have it all—or what “all” should really look like.

Read and listen here

How To Pivot With Purpose and Confidence feat. Danielle Lyn

Danielle Lyn is a practicing attorney, coach, speaker, and podcast host who is boldly redefining what career success looks like. In this honest and energizing episode, Danielle shares her transition from corporate law to a more aligned life of coaching and creating content that empowers others. Whether you’re a law student feeling boxed in or a mid-career professional exploring a pivot, this episode is a must-listen.

Read and listen here

How to Turn Your Experiences Into a Powerful Story feat. Mark C. Fava

Mark C. Fava has had a career unlike most lawyers. A former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, and now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace manufacturing company, Mark has spent decades leading in high-pressure environments. His new book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, shares leadership insights from his time working with an admiral and how those lessons apply to law, business, and life. In this episode, we dive into his career pivots, risk-taking, and why understanding people—not just legal rules—is the key to success.

Read and listen here

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed and Take Control of Your Legal Career feat. Dina Cataldo

Dina Cataldo knows what it’s like to feel completely overwhelmed by the demands of being a lawyer. As a former criminal prosecutor, she worked long hours, prioritized everything except herself, and thought stress was just part of the job—until she was forced to rethink everything. After a life-changing health diagnosis, Dina began a journey to redefine success and take control of her time, energy, and mindset. Now, as a Master Certified Coach for Lawyers, she helps attorneys do the same. In this episode, Dina shares how lawyers can break free from stress, manage their time more effectively, and build practices that support their lives—not the other way around.

Read and listen here

How to Unlock Your Full Potential as a Lawyer feat. Yeve Chitiga

Yeve Chitiga, a lawyer turned executive coach, is on a mission to help attorneys move past fear, doubt, and uncertainty to create careers that actually excite them. After a decade of practicing law, Yeve realized that so many lawyers felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of their next steps—so she created Yevezo Coaching & Consulting to help them find clarity, confidence, and joy in their work. In this episode, we dive into the power of coaching, how lawyers can embrace career transitions, and why asking yourself what do I really want? is the first step toward transformation.

Read and listen here

How to Bring Your Legal and Scientific Expertise to a New Industry feat. Raana Kashani Gregg

Raana Kashani Gregg, attorney-turned-beauty entrepreneur, shares her journey from running her own law practice to founding Lunaescent Clean Skin Labs, an innovative skincare brand. After experiencing severe dermatitis from applying eczema treatments to her son, she saw a gap in the market for hygienic, non-porous skincare applicators—and decided to create one herself. In this episode, Raana opens up about pivoting from law to entrepreneurship, navigating the patent process, and why lawyers have the skills to build businesses in any industry.

Read and listen here

How to Find Financial Freedom and Purpose Outside of Traditional Law feat. Tashira Halyard

Tashira Halyard, a former litigator turned solopreneur, content creator, and activist, joins Kyla to share how she built a career that aligns with her values and creative passions. From navigating law school transfers to launching a blog that became a thriving business, Tashira breaks down what it means to truly own your career choices. If you’ve ever questioned whether you need the “traditional” lawyer path to succeed, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and real talk about building a life that feels as good as it looks.

Read and listen here

How to Overcome Loneliness and Thrive as a Lawyer feat. Olivia Ash

Olivia “Liv” Ash, a lawyer, artist, author, and health educator, discusses how she blends creativity and advocacy to address loneliness and foster connection. As the founder of Liv Balanced, LLC and author of Painting the Landscape of Loneliness, Liv shares her journey of using art and research to inspire others to embrace vulnerability and self-expression. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how lawyers can leverage their skills and passions to build meaningful, multidimensional careers.

Read and listen here

How to Use Connections to Develop Your Legal Career feat. Rachel Clar

Rachel Clar, founder of Interconnected Us, helps women lawyers leverage connections and grow their influence in the legal field. In this episode, Rachel shares actionable insights on networking, confidence building, and creating meaningful professional relationships. Whether you’re looking to bring in new business or expand your opportunities, Rachel’s advice will inspire you to take the next step in your career.

Read and listen here

How to Leverage Networking to Grow Your Legal Career feat. Alex Mitchell

Alex Mitchell, owner of Cumberland Law Group, shares his journey from law school to building a thriving multi-state law firm specializing in tax defense, criminal defense, and personal injury. In this episode, Alex reveals how strategic networking and authentic connections have propelled his career, offering practical advice for young lawyers and law students looking to grow their legal careers. Whether you're exploring niche practice areas or dreaming of running your own firm, Alex’s story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Read and listen here

How to Build Resilience as a Young Lawyer feat. Kenya Rothstein

Kenya Rothstein is an environmental attorney and podcast host who knows firsthand how resilience and rejection can shape a dream career. In this episode, Kenya shares her journey from navigating law school during a pandemic to launching her podcast, Thank You for Saying NO, where she reframes rejection as a powerful opportunity for growth. Join us as Kenya discusses how embracing “no” moments can lead to unexpected paths and inspire lasting success.

Read and listen here

How to Stay Consistent as a Content Creator feat. Kyla Denanyoh

Kyla Denanyoh is a podcaster, digital educator, and business owner passionate about helping others thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys. In this episode, Kyla shares five must-do strategies for content creators and business owners in 2025, emphasizing the power of being vocal, consistent, and intentional about your work. Through actionable insights and personal anecdotes, she inspires listeners to elevate their brand visibility and embrace new ways to grow their businesses.

Read and listen here