Essence Embodied by Tyne Stecklein

In this episode, I sit down with actress and friend Mekia Cox to talk about building a career in the entertainment industry—and navigating the highs, lows, and many emotions of a creative life.Mekia and I met backup dancing for Michael Jackson, and she has since gone on to have an incredible career! We discuss her character Nyla Harper on The Rookie, and talk about the audition process as well as on set experiences. Mekia shares her stories of trusting that the right roles will find their way to you.We also talk about motherhood, balance, and the practical tools she uses to reset and keep moving forward.If you’re an actor, dancer, or creative navigating auditions, casting, and consistency, this conversation will leave you feeling steadier, clearer, and inspired. Keep up with Mekia on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/mekiacox/Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

In this episode, I reflect on my time dancing for Michael Jackson—a dream I never could have imagined, and the heartbreak that followed.What stayed with me most wasn’t just the opportunity, but the energy in the room: support, joy, and generosity, even in a space where competition could have taken over. It was a reflection of who Michael was and how he led.I share one of my favorite memories—a fleeting moment during “Human Nature” that felt like time stood still, and taught me something I’ll never forget: we all have the power to make someone feel seen.At its core, this episode is about presence. About how quickly life can change, and why being fully in it matters more than we think. Wherever you are on your journey, this is your reminder to be here for it.Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

In this episode, I’m sharing my true story of booking the biggest credit on my resume, backup dancing for Michael Jackson.  This booking taught me that when you’re aligned with your authentic self, you stop negotiating your worth and start bringing a presence people can’t ignore. I'll talk through my experience auditioning for MJ, why I believe I booked the job, and why the right opportunities for you won't pass you by, as long as you show up with confidence in who you are. Be sure to tune in next week for part two of this episode to hear the major life lesson this experience taught me! Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

A lot of creative careers look linear from the outside. Jennifer Hamilton’s story is way more useful: learn fast, earn trust, pivot when the path stops fitting, and keep your heart in the work. Jennifer is an Emmy-nominated choreographer (Apple TV+’s Physical) with decades in film and television, and she joins me for an honest conversation about what actually builds longevity in dance and entertainment.We talk about confidence that comes from being thrown into big rooms before you feel ready, and why kindness is not the opposite of high standards. Jennifer shares how she works with actors who feel vulnerable in movement, how she builds trust quickly, and why “telling a story” matters even if the choreography is simple. If you’re a dancer aiming for professional jobs, you’ll hear exactly what she looks for in auditions and classes: presence, intention, and the ability to connect the steps to something real.We also go beyond the industry. We get into motherhood, work life balance, the mental load many women carry, and the small practices that keep us grounded. Jennifer tells us about her new offering, The Room LA, designed for non-dancers who want movement as release, therapy and fun. If you’ve been wrestling with identity, you’ll love the line that keeps echoing for both of us: how do we stay a verb and not become a noun?Jennifer is the founder and artistic director of The Floor Dance Academy in Los Angeles. You can learn more about her studio here:thefloordanceacademy.com@thefloordancelaTo inquire about booking an event with The Room LA you can email: [email protected] with Jen on IG here:https://www.instagram.com/jhamla?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

I told my son not to look at a solar eclipse… then I did it myself—and spiraled into anxiety, convinced I was going blind.What followed wasn’t an eye issue, but a powerful reminder of how quickly our thoughts can take over our body and shape our reality.In this episode, I share the simple morning routine that’s helped me create more energy, joy, and patience in my real life with three young kids and a full schedule. It’s inspired by The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, but I boil it down to my favorite part: “emotional motivation.” In about 60 seconds, I choose one feeling I want to lead with, visualize what it looks like in action, and let that guide how I show up for my family and my work. We also take it further with two quick lists: what you usually feel and what you want to feel, then how to bring those emotions into your day on purpose.If you’ve ever woken up anxious, overthinking, or already behind in your day, this tool will help you reset and show up with more calm, confidence, and purpose.Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

Fear has a way of shrinking our world until we can’t think straight, and that’s exactly why I wanted to share this conversation with Dr. Mark Holmes. We recorded it at the beginning of the pandemic, but the wisdom lands just as powerfully now: stress and anxiety aren’t only “in your head” they shape your body, your choices, and your immune system through what you repeatedly hold in your awareness.Dr. Mark, a doctor of oriental medicine trained in Chinese herbology and acupuncture, explains fear through the lens of Chinese medicine and the emotions. We talk about how early survival wiring can drive adult reactions, why doomscrolling and panic-sharing make us more susceptible, and how to stay informed without becoming over-responsive or over-responsible. He also shares a grounded spiritual practice you can adapt to your beliefs: asking for the highest good, surrounding yourself with light, and choosing images of healing over images of harm.You’ll also hear a clear, step-by-step “clearing technique” you can use after a stressful interaction, or any moment your mind starts spiraling. We close with themes that feel like medicine on their own: forgiveness, flexibility, movement, creativity, and the reminder that love is respect, support, and care in action.I'm so grateful for my time spent learning from Dr. Mark, and that I get to share his wisdom with you today. If this insight helps, please follow the show, share it with someone who needs steadiness, and leave a review so more people can find these tools for emotional health and stress relief.Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

Many talented performers never build sustainable careers — not because they lack talent, but because they lack the tools to navigate the entertainment industry while protecting their self-worth.Today on Essence Embodied, I sit down with my dear friend Rachael Markarian — working actor, dancer, teacher, and author of The Dancer’s Edge — to talk about what it really takes to build a long-term career in the entertainment industry without losing yourself in the process.In this episode we discuss:• embracing the multi-hyphenate path without hiding parts of yourself• translating dance training into acting preparation and scene work• the “$6.86 with rent due” moment and the mindset behind booking work• training your instrument so you’re ready when doors open• building financial stability early in an unpredictable industry• using yoga, movement, and gratitude to ground before self-tapes• redefining success through goals you can control instead of outcomes• reading the room at conventions and maximizing what you can influence• setting goals that match your real values and current season of life• finding joy in stillness and protecting rest as creative fuel• stepping outside your comfort zone and allowing growth to be messy• building a supportive community that celebrates wins without envyWe also talk about the incredible wealth of knowledge Rachael provides in her book, The Dancer's Edge. If you’re an aspiring performer, working artist, teacher, or parent of a young dancer, this conversation offers practical tools for building confidence, resilience, and longevity in a creative career. Learn more about Rachael here: www.rachaelmarkarian.netOrder the book here: THE DANCER'S EDGE Connect with Rachel on IG here: @rachaelmarkarianThank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

I was dancing for Cher in Las Vegas at 19 years old—living the dream I had worked my whole life for. But behind the scenes, I felt deeply alone.In this episode of Essence Embodied, I share a personal story from the early days of my dance career when I booked a dream job performing with Cher in Las Vegas. The choreography was everything I had trained for as a professional dancer—but offstage, I felt isolated, and unsure how to truly belong without shrinking myself down.I trace that feeling back to high school loneliness, when the cafeteria felt like a spotlight and walking in alone felt unbearable. That thread of “I don’t have a group” can follow us into adulthood unless we learn something deeper: self-knowledge, self-trust, and the courage to show up authentically.Along the way, I share the surprising leadership I witnessed from Cher herself—including the nightly prayer circle she led before each show—and how I later realized the connection I thought I was missing had been present all along. It became a powerful lesson in kindness, presence, and treating every person like they matter.We also talk about the conversations we dread: how to express your truth without confrontation and how to leave situations with integrity.Years later, I returned to dance for Cher again—this time with a deeper sense of self—and everything changed. I finally experienced the connection and friendships I had once longed for.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in, struggled with loneliness even during “successful” seasons, or want deeper friendships built on authenticity, this episode is for you.Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

What if your hardest year became the one you’re most proud of? I open up about evacuating our home with a three‑week‑old, navigating grief, managing injury in the family, and facing a quiet season in a two‑decade performance career—then show how a few daily choices turned chaos into clarity. The heart of this episode centers on redefining success in a way that’s resilient and human. Rather than chasing credits, cash, or clout, we build a scoreboard you can actually influence—presence, kindness, learning, and consistency. When success equals how you show up, you create value on slow days and stormy ones alike. Share this episode with someone who needs a softer start to their year, and tell me: what part of success will you define for yourself today?You can watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5i-trz5DdawThank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

In this episode, I share a vulnerable moment from an early acting job when someone on set crossed a line and tested my boundaries. I said I was married and stood my ground—but later realized there were even stronger ways I could have owned my worth in that moment. We explore confidence, self-respect, and how to stay rooted in who you are when a room tries to make you doubt it. If you’ve ever questioned whether you truly belong in the opportunities you’ve been given, this conversation will remind you why you were chosen. You can watch this episode on YouTube here:https://youtu.be/wBBURZF5MHAYou can see my artwork mentioned in the episode here: https://tynesteckleinartdesigns.com/shop/ols/categories/original-artThank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

I was hired for my first professional dance job—and fired the next day. In this episode of Essence Embodied, I share how that painful moment of rejection in Los Angeles became the beginning of something far more meaningful. A story about setbacks, unexpected turns, a surprise love story, and learning to trust the path unfolding in front of you. This episode explores rejection, resilience, career setbacks, personal growth, romance, and trusting your path as a creative.You can watch this episode on YouTube here:  https://youtu.be/jn7S3Ky5t-sThank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

What happens when your dream job disappears overnight?In this first episode of Essence Embodied, I share the story of moving to Los Angeles at 17 to pursue a professional dance career—landing my first world tour and being fired on day two. What felt like rejection and failure ultimately redirected me toward dancing on the High School Musical tour directed by Kenny Ortega and a career more aligned with who I truly was.A story about rejection, resilience, and trusting the unexpected turns of a creative career.Listen to Part 2 to hear how the job I was fired from also shaped my love story.You can watch this video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/xHziHeigNWIThank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey! 

Welcome to Essence Embodied by Tyne Stecklein, a podcast inspired to help you own your authenticity and ground into your self- worth, so that you can create your dream life. I'm your host, I'm a professional dancer, actress, artist, motivational speaker, master dance teacher, and mama of three. For the last twenty years, I've been in the entertainment industry, dancing for some of the biggest pop icons, and acting across the screen from legends! So prepare yourself as I share with you my wildest, most exhilarating, and terribly gut wrenching stories from my career.  Because even though I was living my dream life, I was also really struggling personally with self doubt and insecurity. So this podcast isn't about the big credits on my resume, but more so, the life lessons that were hidden inside those experiences. Lessons that can help you navigate your life with more self trust and clarity. My inspiration comes from motherhood, spirituality, Chinese alchemy and meditation and mindset work. So my hope is that this podcast will really help you feel less alone in the challenging experiences you may be facing. Join me or an incredible guest, each week, as we share real stories, grounded insights, and give you practical tools to help you own your authenticity..Together we will explore how to release stress, instead of carry it. Because you are worthy, of a life that you love! One you feel fully embodied in. That you want to dance through every single day. Thank you so much for being here. If you feel called to, please follow Essence Embodied, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more listeners can discover these conversations. You can keep up with Tyne on instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/tynestecklein?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Join Tyne's email list here: https://shy-band-100.myflodesk.com/mrxyszsu5hI'd like to say a massive thank you to my editor and dear friend, Nikki Dalonzo, for supporting me on this journey!