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
Theater Made Me Who I Am: Tim Chappell on Directing & Reconnecting

Theater Made Me Who I Am: Tim Chappell on Directing & Reconnecting

Theater Made Me Who I Am: Tim Chappell on Directing & ReconnectingSteph Lokelani
Published on: 10/23/2026

Steph Lokelani reconnects with Tim Chappell, who she walked with at their high school graduation ceremony and who was the drama club VP while Steph was the President, for their first real conversation since graduating from Decatur High School.

The Essence of You podcastTim ChappellSteph Lokelanihigh school theatertheater directordrama clubDecatur High SchoolFederal Way WashingtonWashington State UniversityWSUByron High SchoolRochester MinnesotaSchool of RockOnce Upon a MattressBye Bye BirdieBearded Villainsnonprofitcommunity serviceice fishingMinnesotacraft beermeadhigh school friendsreconnectingperforming artsTreasure Valley Children's Theater
Teaching, Theater, and Lifelong Friendships with Angela Ocheltree

Teaching, Theater, and Lifelong Friendships with Angela Ocheltree

Teaching, Theater, and Lifelong Friendships with Angela OcheltreeSteph Lokelani
Published on: 09/04/2026

Steph Lokelani reunites with Angela Ocheltree, the oldest friend she's had on the podcast to date, for a warm, funny catch-up that doubles as a time capsule.

The Essence of You podcastAngela OcheltreeSteph LokelaniFederal Way Washingtonjunior high friendssixth grade teacherschool librarianteacher career changecollege later in lifeWestern Washington Universitydrama clubtheater kidsdivorce and remarriageparenting and social mediaphones in schoolsGirls on the Matyoga breathworkEmmett Idahofriendshipwomen's podcast

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