Leniel Writes: How Did I Get Here?

Daniel Lee
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There's a story behind every journey. Mine has been a winding road, filled with unexpected detours and moments of clarity. It hasn't always been easy, and it definitely hasn't always been pretty. But through it all, I've learned, grown, and discovered what truly matters. This podcast is a space for honest conversations, real experiences, and the pursuit of something more. Welcome to Leniel Writes!

Episodes

  1. Life Lessons from Four Paws: A Special Season Finale

    01/29/2025

    Life Lessons from Four Paws: A Special Season Finale

    In this heartfelt season finale, Leniel takes you on a journey of how his fur babies—his Alusky, beagles, and adopted cat—transformed his perspective on life and even influenced his writing. Through personal stories, Leniel reflects on the powerful bond he shares with his pets, drawing inspiration from their unique personalities to create characters in his book The Undoing of July Park. From the rebellious Alusky to the snuggly beagles and the authoritative cat, these pets have shaped not just his daily life but also his creative process. Tune in to hear how these four-legged family members helped define the person Leniel is today and learn more about the importance of pets in shaping both our stories and our hearts. This is the final episode of season 1, so don’t miss out on this special reflection that wraps up a truly transformative journey. Stay tuned until the end for a special opportunity to get a signed copy of my book, The Undoing of July Park! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support keeps this podcast alive! Follow Me: Instagram & Facebook: @lenielwrites PayPal Donations: https://paypal.me/dleerunner

    8 min
  2. Embracing Growth in Uncertain Times

    01/28/2025

    Embracing Growth in Uncertain Times

    In this episode, I reflect on my incredible 7-year journey as a UX Researcher—the growth, challenges, and everything in between. I share what I love about the field, the bittersweet reality of being laid off in early 2024, and how this time of transition has shaped me. From recharging and job hunting to embracing personal growth, I’ll take you through the highs and lows of navigating a competitive industry. This episode is a reminder that life isn’t always smooth sailing, but every challenge helps shape who we are. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt story about resilience, gratitude, and staying determined in the face of uncertainty. 🎙️ Ready to hear more? Let’s dive in! Stay tuned until the end for a special opportunity to get a signed copy of my book, The Undoing of July Park! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support keeps this podcast alive! Follow Me: Instagram & Facebook: @lenielwrites PayPal Donations: https://paypal.me/dleerunner

    9 min
  3. Family Ties: The Bonds That Shaped Me

    01/27/2025

    Family Ties: The Bonds That Shaped Me

    In this heartfelt episode, I reflect on the importance of family and how it shapes who we are. From my family’s journey—both the joys and challenges—to the unexpected families we find in communities like churches, motorcycle groups, and beyond, I explore what it means to belong. I share personal stories about my upbringing, my wife’s family, and how family values transcend cultures. Whether you’re close to your family, estranged, or have found family in others, this episode is a reminder of the connections that ground us. Stay tuned until the end for a special opportunity to get a signed copy of my book, The Undoing of July Park! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support keeps this podcast alive! Follow Me: Instagram & Facebook: @lenielwrites PayPal Donations: https://paypal.me/dleerunner

    9 min
  4. Healing Through Music: A Journey of Faith and Redemption

    01/24/2025

    Healing Through Music: A Journey of Faith and Redemption

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my story of navigating one of the darkest chapters of my life after facing unexpected challenges, including job loss and feelings of hopelessness. I open up about music's powerful role in shaping who I am, from early mornings filled with emotional songs like “Healer” to rediscovering my purpose and faith amid turmoil. This episode touches on sensitive topics, including thoughts of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or 988. You are not alone. Join me as I reflect on the transformative power of faith, music, and community, and how they’ve brought me to where I am today.

    12 min
  5. How Love Got Me Here

    01/23/2025

    How Love Got Me Here

    In this heartfelt episode of Leniel Writes, I take you on a journey through my experience of discovering love—its challenges, its beauty, and how it transformed my life. From childhood lessons about love to the serendipitous moments that led me to my wife, this episode explores what it truly means to share love and let it shape your world. You'll hear about: My personal reflections on how love was modeled (and sometimes not modeled) during my upbringing.The hilarious and touching moments that shaped my understanding of love, like bad haircuts and family dynamics.How I navigated the modern dating world, including quirky dating programs, countless apps, and finally, a Tinder success story.The whirlwind romance that led to marriage in just one year and how we built our life together.Insights into The 5 Love Languages and how they apply in my marriage, including acts of service, quality time, and the areas I’m still learning to grow.A deeper look at how love continues to teach me about sacrifice, patience, and connection.Love is a journey—one that requires us to pour ourselves into others, not just through words but through action. I hope my story inspires you to reflect on how love shapes your own life. Support the Podcast This podcast is a labor of love, and your support can help me continue sharing these stories with you. If you’re moved by what you’ve heard, consider donating—any amount helps and is deeply appreciated. Stay tuned for the next episode of Leniel Writes!

    12 min
  6. Identity, Sacrifice, and Love: Finding Myself

    01/22/2025

    Identity, Sacrifice, and Love: Finding Myself

    In this heartfelt episode of Leniel Writes, I take you on a deeply personal journey through pivotal moments that shaped my identity, tested my resilience, and redefined love and sacrifice. From my decision to leave UNLV after a challenging semester with my father, to navigating the heartbreak of his battle with cancer, I reflect on how these experiences molded me into the person I am today. Join me as I explore the profound lessons learned from family, faith, and the people who stood by me during life’s most challenging seasons. This episode is a reminder that even in the face of sacrifice and loss, love and purpose can illuminate the path forward. Tune in for an intimate conversation about finding strength, embracing identity, and the unwavering grace of being known and called by name. 🎙️ Don’t miss this second chapter of the Leniel Writes journey. As mentioned in the episode, if you'd like to listen to my original songs, you can stream them on most digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. SoundCloud is free.

    15 min
  7. A Journey Through Memory Lane: The Origins of Leniel Writes

    01/21/2025

    A Journey Through Memory Lane: The Origins of Leniel Writes

    Episode Description: To truly know me, you first need to understand my past and the journey that brought me here. In this inaugural episode of Leniel Writes, I’m opening the book of my life and sharing the untold stories that shaped who I am today. From a miraculous start at birth to navigating a turbulent childhood, moving across states, and finding purpose through the U.S. Air Force, my journey is one of resilience, transformation, and growth. I’ll take you through my family’s history, my struggles, and the pivotal moments that molded my career as a User Experience Researcher and storyteller. What You'll Hear in This Episode: A Miraculous Beginning: My lifeless birth and the incredible story of survival that followed.Roots and Resilience: Growing up in Los Angeles Koreatown, the struggles of my immigrant parents, and our eventual escape to Washington State.Navigating Adversity: Bullying, family challenges, and finding solace in choir and theater during high school.Life in the U.S. Air Force: How the military transformed an 18-year-old kid into a disciplined, world-traveled adult, and the proud milestones I achieved along the way.Fulfilling My Father’s Wish: Balancing work, studies, and life to complete my education and embark on a 7-year career as a User Experience Researcher.Why Listen? This is more than just my story—it’s about overcoming odds, learning from life’s toughest lessons, and embracing every twist and turn. I hope this episode resonates with you whether you’re here for inspiration, curiosity, or to connect. Stay Connected: Listen to the song dedicated to my grandmother [here].Follow me for updates, sneak peeks, and future episodes of Leniel Writes.Thank you for listening to my very first episode. I’m grateful for your time and support. Buckle up, because this is just the beginning! Oh, here's the link to my Grandma's tribute song that I mentioned in the episode SoundCloud

    13 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

There's a story behind every journey. Mine has been a winding road, filled with unexpected detours and moments of clarity. It hasn't always been easy, and it definitely hasn't always been pretty. But through it all, I've learned, grown, and discovered what truly matters. This podcast is a space for honest conversations, real experiences, and the pursuit of something more. Welcome to Leniel Writes!

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