The Essence of You.

A podcast that explores who we are beyond our labels.

Who are you when you take away the job title, the roles, the labels, and just be?

Through intimate, unscripted conversations with host, Steph Lokelani, The Essence of You Podcast dives deep into the core of the human experience with people from all walks of life.

New episodes release every Friday, with guests whose stories are as unique as the outfits they choose to wear, because yes, this is both a video AND audio podcast.

Do you have a story to share? I'd love to hear it. Tell me a little bit about you and let's get you in an episode!

Taking Flight After 40 with Pilot Sarah Cortez

Steph Lokelani

Published on: 09/11/2026

Sarah Cortez knew she wanted to be a pilot from the age of three, watching out the window of her dad's plane. It took her almost 40 years to act on it.

The Essence of You podcastSarah CortezSteph Lokelaniwomen in aviationgirls in aviation daylearning to flyprivate pilot licenseinstrument ratingcommercial pilot trainingstarting over at 40career changepipe dream to realitysales careerkeynote speakerbackcountry flyingGrand Canyon flightheli-snowboardingBoise Idahoaviation careerwomen's podcastchasing your dreams

ZERO Wan-Kenobi on Healing, Hip-Hop & Rap America

Steph Lokelani

Published on: 08/15/2026

In this episode of The Essence of You Podcast, host Steph Lokelani sits down with Boise hip-hop artist and community builder Cornell Johnson, known on stage as ZERO Wan-Kenobi.

The Essence of You PodcastSteph LokelaniCornell JohnsonZERO Wan-KenobiEarthlings CrewBoise hip-hopIdaho music communityRap America Projectrap campyouth mentorshipsobriety journeybrain injury recoverymental healthgrief and healingKaizenMushinhip-hop culture historyspoken wordmusic therapyfatherhoodresiliencehopecommunity buildingBoise Idaho podcast

Puzzles, Purpose, & The Best Job Ever with Joey Maxey

Steph Lokelani

Published on: 07/17/2026

Joey Maxey wears a lot of hats - actor, filmmaker, dancer, cosplayer, and host of the vintage jigsaw puzzle YouTube channel Janky Puzzles. But ask him what he's proudest of, and he'll tell you it's his job as an elementary school janitor.

The Essence of You PodcastSteph LokelaniJoey MaxeyJanky Puzzlesvintage jigsaw puzzlescareer change storyelementary school janitorepilepsy storycontentment vs happinessindie filmmaker IdahoBoise podcastmental health podcastThomas Kinkadeindependent filmmethod actingpodcast interview

Celia Espinoza on Cultural Identity & Finding Her Way Home

Steph Lokelani

Published on: 07/10/2026

Steph & Celia explore what it means to feel disconnected from your heritage while living far from your roots, and how food, music, family rituals, and even a spontaneous trip to Mexico City or Hawaii can reconnect you to where you come from.

The Essence of You PodcastSteph LokelaniCelia EspinozaBoise Idaho podcastIdaho Housing and Finance Associationb|Wise mentorshipBoise Metro Chambercultural identityHawaiian cultureChicana identityStanding RockGiraffe Laugh BoiseBreaking Chains NampaLeadership Boisecommunity and mentorshipaffordable housing financemotherhoodcultural connectionpersonal growth podcastBoise nonprofits

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