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!

Jenny Mundy-Castle On Consent & A Life Across Continents

Steph 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

Nova Calverley-Frye on Resilience, SoulCollage® & the Power of No

Steph Lokelani

Published on: 10/02/2026

Nova explains SoulCollage®, shares about how her Irish mother taught her plants and moon phases, how "The Mists of Avalon" shaped her feminism, and what it means to her to practice as an eclectic witch.

The Essence of You podcastNova Calverley-FryeSteph LokelaniSoulCollageintuitive artcollage workshopBoise Idahoeclectic witchgoddess spiritualityPelefoster careadoptionchildhood traumaresiliencemental health awarenessbipolar disorderpostpartum depressionHope Squadsaying noboundariesself-carehustle culturecommunity theaterIdaho Shakespeare FestivalStrengthsFinderwomen's stories

Leaving Religion and Redefining Purpose with Sharmaine McWhite

Steph Lokelani

Published on: 08/28/2026

Sharmaine, a multi-hyphenate creative, real estate agent, and content creator, opens up about growing up in a strict independent Baptist household that took her family from North Carolina to Alaska.

The Essence of You podcastSteph Lokelanileaving religionindependent Baptistreligious traumapurity culturecourtship vs datingadult ADHD diagnosisneurodivergent womenpassion vs purposeopen relationshipLGBTQ and religionfaith deconstructionboundariesself-discoverycontent creatorreal estate agentwomen's podcastpersonal growth

Karin Henniges: Immigration, Loss & Finding Herself Later in Life

Steph Lokelani

Published on: 08/22/2026

Karin shares her story of growing up in Hanover, Germany as the only girl among three brothers, meeting her husband Mike, and starting a marriage with almost nothing.

The Essence of YouKarin HennigesAngelaimmigration storyGerman immigrantCanada immigrationHanover Germanywidowgriefloss of a childmarriageindependencetravel later in lifeEurope tripgrandparentinghospicedeath and dyingashes ceremonyidentityagingresiliencepodcast interviewSteph LokelaniBoise Idaho

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