Meet Hana Lee | Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hana Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Bulgogi Podcast began as a silly outlet to share the thoughts and feelings I had about dating, growing into myself, and my inner most struggles as a 20 something year old. I was confused about how to be a better friend, what confidence even meant, and what to do when I felt lost in my career. I’m not very good at keeping my thoughts to myself, so in those moments of confusion, my close friends were the ones who always lent an ear (though they didn’t have much of a choice). During those yap sessions, I’d catch myself thinking “wow, we are so funny and smart, other people need to hear this” and yeah, people needed this as much as I needed it.

I honestly never thought of Bulgogi Pod would have grown to what it is today. From the start, it’s been my personal public diary and will continue to be a place where I can overshare on the internet <3 We’re going to continue exploring what it means to be the dash between Asian-American and build a safe space for those going through similar things.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Bulgogi Podcast teeters the line between getting deep and being a silly goose time. I want our gogis to come to us when they’re feeling a little lonely, a bit out of place, and need something to cheer them up. We’re not 100% cheery all the time, we want to hear about moments of failure and worries too, but idk I like to laugh and make others laugh so hopefully that comes through.

Along this journey, I’ve learned so much about having a bias for action. Putting out a weekly show isn’t easy. It takes weeks of planning, producing constantly, and a big social battery. But the pressure is what makes it fun. Can I put out a weekly show? Will I get burnt out? It’s already Tuesday?! I would not have things any other way. I feel as though all my strengths and past experiences have brought me here and I am honored to be a vessel for uplifting unheard voices.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a gatekeeper at heart but if it’s for bestie, we need to pull out all the stops!!

I’d recommend starting the day off at Yeems Coffee with their Vienna Black, an americano base topped with their signature sweet cream (careful if you’re lactose intolerant OOP). Next, we’re picking up Daniel’s Favorite at Maison Matho for lunch and eating our sandwiches at the Silverlake Meadows. We’ll do some people watching and get our sun in for the day. For an afternoon reset, Tea at Shiloh is my favorite before we head on over to either Gol Tong Chicken or Hanbat Sul Lung Tang. For dessert, we’re heading to Mateo’s Ice Cream and Fruit Bars before going out to Homage Brewing for some vibes and dancing. And late night tacos at El Chato!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are so many people I’ve met along this journey and endless support that has come from my community. The show would not be what it is with so many people so, I won’t keep this short!!

This one’s for Bulgogi Pod’s Creative Director, Diane Lee, our late-night brainstorming sessions and chats about all our hopes and aspirations keep me going.

Joyce Chun and Allison Lee who are long-time confidants and producers of the show. Thank you for our endless debriefs and life-reflections that make this show possible (and for bearing with me through all my dating stories!).

My family for your constant love, words of encouragement, support, and understanding as I pursue my passion.

Bulgogi Pod would not be what it is today without my longtime friend and former co-host, Julie. Thank you for getting vulnerable with me every week, sharing so many laughs and laugh until you cries, and your Julie jubilance.

Ashley Peng for the beautiful cover art, 808kino for the bop that is our intro song, and Dustin Newhouse for these gorgeous photos.

To my wonderful guests, thank you for trusting me to share your experience. I am so thankful for all the friends I’ve met along the way.

And last but not least, to my gogis, this show only exists because of you. Thank you for the support through these last 4 years and being there for me as I grow into the person I’m meant to be. Thank you for getting vulnerable, sharing your struggles, and allowing one another to be a part of this wonderful family without judgement. gogis 4ever.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulgogi.podcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bulgogipodcast

Image Credits
Dustin Newhouse https://www.instagram.com/dustin_newhouse/