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!

The Essence of Steph: I'd Rather Be Behind the Camera

The Essence of Steph: I'd Rather Be Behind the Camera

The Essence of Steph: I'd Rather Be Behind the CameraSteph Lokelani
Published on: 10/30/2026

I’ve spent 29 episodes asking guests who they are beyond their titles. For episode 30, I finally answered my own questions.

The Essence of You podcastSteph LokelaniSteph Cullensolo episodeIn Real Life FilmsIRL FilmsOMGFemaleFilmmakerswomen in filmfemale filmmakerBoise IdahoHawaiiOahuHauulaFull Sail UniversityHPself-taught filmmakernonprofit videodocumentary filmmakingstarting a businessrebrandingFederal Way Washingtondrama clubyoga teacherRobie Creeksenior dogpodcast guestswomen's podcast
Jenny Mundy-Castle On Consent & A Life Across Continents

Jenny Mundy-Castle On Consent & A Life Across Continents

Jenny Mundy-Castle On Consent & A Life Across ContinentsSteph Lokelani
Published on: 10/16/2026

Steph Lokelani sits down with educator, curriculum leader, and writer Jenny Mundy-Castle for a wide-ranging conversation about consent, resilience, education, and a life lived across continents.

The Essence of You podcastJenny Mundy-CastleSteph LokelaniEvery Time I Didn't Say Nomemoir of consentconsentsexual assault survivorMeToomemoir writingEMDRThird Culture KidNigeriaSanta FeBoise Idahogifted educationpublic educationcurriculum leadershipteachingyoung adult fictiondemocratic free schoolI May Destroy YouTed Lassowomen supporting womenresilience
The Girl Who Was Always Smiling: Nichole Stull on Story & Self-Worth

The Girl Who Was Always Smiling: Nichole Stull on Story & Self-Worth

The Girl Who Was Always Smiling: Nichole Stull on Story & Self-WorthSteph Lokelani
Published on: 08/07/2026

"You can't be triggered if you're not cocked." That's the kind of line Nichole Stull drops mid-conversation - half punchline, half life philosophy. This conversation moves fast and goes deep.

Nichole StullThe Essence of You PodcastSteph Lokelanicostume designproduction designindie filmmakingapplied improvStory Spinestorytelling frameworkPixarBoise IdahoLDS faithmotherhoodbook fairreluctant readersTwilight book clubStephenie Meyerlibrary censorshippornography addictionraising teenstrigger warningsself-worthidentitypride vs humilitypersonal growthreinvention
The Actor Behind the Mask: Chance Fuerstinger on Craft & Identity

The Actor Behind the Mask: Chance Fuerstinger on Craft & Identity

The Actor Behind the Mask: Chance Fuerstinger on Craft & IdentitySteph Lokelani
Published on: 07/24/2026

Actor, writer, filmmaker, and acting teacher Chance Fuerstinger joins Steph Lokelani for a conversation that moves from the craft of storytelling to the harder work of understanding yourself.

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