Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories
Hosted by Sharon Stevenson | Connection & Empowerment Host
Join Sharon Stevenson on Joy of the Hang, a podcast dedicated to storytelling, connection, and empowerment. Explore how vulnerability and meaningful relationships impact your emotional wellbeing, spiritual health, and overall wellness. As a certified Health and Wellness Coach and former bodybuilder, Sharon dives deep into the eight pillars of health, shedding light on the importance of social and occupational wellness. Discover inspiring stories that empower you to foster connection, resilience, and a balanced lifestyle. If you're seeking authentic connection, emotional growth, and empowerment, this podcast is your sanctuary for wellness coaching and real-life wisdom.
Episodes
90 episodes
90. When Your Dream Dies: How Christian "Boo" Boucousis Rebuilt His Life After Losing Everything
At 21 years old, Christian "Boo" Boucousis was living his dream. After being selected for the Royal Australian Air Force's elite fighter pilot program, he was flying F/A-18 fighter jets and doing exactly what he had worked his entire life to ac...
89. From Brain Cancer to Cancer-Free: Jody Mayo's Incredible Story of Hope and Survival
What would you do if a doctor told you that you had a year to live?For most people, a diagnosis of glioblastoma—the most aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer—would feel like the end of the story.For Jody Mayo, it became the ...
88. The Childcare Crisis No One Is Talking About with Paul Buckley
What happens when the people shaping our youngest minds are overworked, underpaid, and unsupported?In this eye-opening episode of Joy of the Hang, host Sharon Stevenson sits down with entrepreneur, former preschool teacher, and ...
87. Bridget Gengler: You Have a Story to Tell: The Power of Encouraging the Next Generation
What if one encouraging voice could change the trajectory of a child’s life?In this heartfelt episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with educator, author, and storyteller Bridget Gengler, whose work has impacted generations of ...
86. Coreena Breazeale: Women, Leadership & The Power of Strategic Connection
What happens after the introduction?After the networking event ends?After you finally get a seat at the table?In this episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with entrepreneur and community builder Coreena Breazeale to ta...
85. The Truth About Chronic Pain No One Told You—And How to Reverse It Naturally
What if the pain you’ve been told to “live with” isn’t inevitable at all?In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Bruce Phelps—creator of the Stretch n’ Release Technique, founder of The Muscle Repair S...
84. A Warrior’s Heart: Krystal Geist on Healing Trauma, Finding Strength & Rising Again
Some stories don’t just inspire you—they change you.In this deeply moving episode of Joy of the Hang, Krystal Geist opens up about her journey through trauma, survival, and ultimately, transformation. As the founder of Her W...
83. Lead from the Front: Retired Brigadier General Remo Butler on Leadership, Legacy, and Life After Service
What does it truly mean to lead from the front—not just in combat, but in life?In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with retired Brigadier General Remo Butler, a trailblazer, leader, and the first Black ...
82. Live to 100: 101-Year-Old Olga Genersich Shares Longevity Secrets, Lessons, & Tips for Living Well.
What’s the secret to living a long life—and more importantly, a meaningful one?At 101 years old, Olga Genersich has lived through over a century of change, challenge, love, and growth. In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, she sh...
81. Surviving the Unthinkable: Chasity Vannatter on Child Trafficking, Survival, and Healing
Listener Note:This episode contains sensitive content, including discussion of child trafficking and abuse. Please listen with care, and take breaks if needed. If this topic is personal for you, you are not alone—support resources ar...
80. 13 Hours in Benghazi: Mark Geist's Firsthand Account of the Attack That Shocked the World
In one of the most powerful conversations on Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Mark Geist—one of the security operators portrayed in 13 Hours—and his wife, Krystal, to share the real story behind the 2012 Benghazi attack....
79. Is Homeschooling the Future of Education? With Sam Sorbo
What if everything we’ve been told about education… is wrong?In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with actress, author, and education advocate Sam Sorbo for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about paren...
78. Motherhood, ADHD & Military Life: The Truth with Kendall Mariah
In this episode of Joy of the Hang™, Sharon sits down with author, content creator, and military spouse Kendall Mariah for a deeply honest conversation about what happens when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected.From naviga...
77. It's my Birthday! Life lessons on Turning 60!
Today, I turn 60. And instead of slowing down, I’m stepping fully into who I was always meant to be.In this special solo episode of Joy of the Hang, I’m sharing the life lessons that didn’t just shape me — they transformed me. T...
76. Designing Experiences People Never Forget
What turns an event into an experience people talk about for years?In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon Stevenson sits down with Gillian Marto and Debra Hull, the creative minds behind Events of a Lifetime Producti...
75. Burnout, Breakups & the Soul: Rebuilding from the Inside Out | with Emilee Tucker
Success on paper doesn’t always feel like peace in your body.In this episode, Emilee Tucker shares how corporate stagnation and a painful breakup forced her into a deeper journey of self-discovery — one that went beyond productivity hack...
74. Building Bold: A Candid Conversation with Kortney Farhat on Leadership, Growth & Reinvention
In this episode, I sit down with Kortney Farhat for an honest and energizing conversation about what it really takes to build, lead, and evolve in today’s fast-changing world.Kortney shares her journey—lessons learned, pivotal risks take...
73. Reinventing Life at 50+: Lorraine Ladish on Confidence, Community & Viva Fifty
What if turning 50 wasn’t the beginning of the end — but the start of your most powerful chapter?In this episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with Lorraine Ladish, CEO and co-founder of Viva Fifty!, a dynamic bilingual ...
72. . Love, Sleep Deprivation & a Whole New Identity: Life After Baby
In this honest and heartfelt episode, Sharon sits down with interior designer and new mom Christiana Engert to talk about the life shift no one can fully prepare you for: your first baby.We go beyond the cute photos and nursery dé...
71. What Every Woman Needs to Know About Pregnancy, IVF, and Finding Support
In this heartfelt episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with Christina Ordonez for an honest conversation about the emotional, physical, and relational challenges of pregnancy and IVF treatments.Christina shares what it’...
70. The Price of Truth: Protecting Whistleblowers Who Serve
In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon Stevenson sits down with Francesca Graham, an advocate working with the Walk the Talk Foundation, an organization dedicated to defending whistleblowers in service who risk thei...
69. Sober Founders: Why the Clear-Minded Entrepreneur is the Future (with Andrew Lasisse)
What happens when you remove alcohol from the founder lifestyle—and replace it with clarity, community, and purpose? In today’s episode, Sharon sits down with Andrew Lasisse, founder of Sober Founders, to talk about sobriety in entrepren...
67. Vietnamese Boat People: Nini Ta’s Remarkable Path to Freedom and Success
This episode is a gripping, heart-stirring journey you’ll never forget.At just 14 years old, Nini Ta fled South Vietnam as one of the Vietnamese Boat People—risking everything for a chance at freedom. Her escape wa...
66. 10 Languages, One Purpose: The Extraordinary Calling of Zach Kyriazis
Season 2 opens with a remarkable story of bold faith and unstoppable purpose.In this episode, I sit down with Zach Kyriazis—a 20-year-old evangelist and missionary who speaks ten languages and spends his life spreading th...
Bonus Episode! From Survivor to Stand-up: Lessons from My Daughter, Haley Stark, on Living with a Disability.
At just 12 years old, Haley Stark survived a spinal stroke that left her partially paralyzed and fighting for her life. Today, she is a powerful example of resilience, disability empowerment, and overcoming adversity.In thi...