In this episode, Lindsay sits down with Kyle Denman—Executive Director of Arts Bridging the Gap, award-winning fashion designer, and lifelong advocate for equity through creativity.
Kyle shares his journey from being adopted from South Korea into a Midwest family, to becoming youth mayor of Cincinnati, to leading a nonprofit that empowers thousands of young people in Los Angeles through the arts.
They talk about the challenges of being “othered,” the stereotypes Asian Americans often face, and how Kyle’s experiences in politics, education, and art have shaped his leadership style. Most importantly, Kyle reveals what it means to lead with love in a world that often rewards the opposite.
If you’ve ever felt confined by other people’s expectations or questioned whether your voice matters, Kyle’s story will inspire you to create your own possibilities—and to help others do the same.
Episode Outline
00:00 – Introduction: Breaking Out of the Box
Why Kyle represents possibility beyond traditional expectations.
02:11 – Adoption, Identity, and Growing Up Different
Kyle’s story of being adopted from Korea and navigating life in the Midwest without role models who looked like him.
07:28 – The Boxes People Put Us In
Stereotypes about Asian Americans and how Kyle learned he didn’t fit the “doctor, lawyer, engineer” mold.
11:56 – Finding His Voice Through Politics
From youth mayor of Cincinnati to national policy work—how Kyle defied assumptions of weakness.
18:34 – Politics Meets Fashion
Why political science and fashion design are more connected than you think.
25:47 – Creating Safe Spaces to Speak
Kyle’s early advocacy and how it shaped his belief in co-creating safe environments for young voices.
32:15 – Arts Bridging the Gap
Kyle’s work leading ABG to uplift thousands of young people in Los Angeles through visual, performing, and healing arts.
44:02 – Expanding the Creative Economy
Why ABG pays artists more than industry standards and how representation changes what young people believe is possible.
53:40 – Leadership with Love
Kyle’s philosophy of leading with love, protecting his team, and breaking traditional molds of leadership.
1:04:28 – Shrinking to Expand
Kyle’s reflections on times he felt he had to shrink—and how being “soft” can also be a form of strength.
1:12:00 – Overcoming Underestimation
What it’s like to be a young, gay, Asian leader in the nonprofit space—and how Kyle deals with being underestimated.
1:20:45 – Closing Reflections
How Kyle stays grounded in love, and what listeners can take away about finding their own voice.
How to connect with Kyle Denman:
@thekyledenman
Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube:
@courageclasspod
@drlindsaykwockhu
www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast
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Music Credit:DayNigthMorning from Pixabay
invitation-no-copyright-music-388387
Hopeful-corporate-uplifting-and-inspiring-38939from Pixabay
Disclaimer: Courage Class with Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu and content posted by Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website isat the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of aphysician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
