Joy of the Hang™: Connecting Through Conversation
Joy of the Hang™ is where meaningful conversation meets real human connection. Hosted by speaker and social wellness advocate Sharon Stevenson, this podcast explores the stories, struggles, laughter, and lived experiences that remind us we’re not alone. Each episode is an invitation to slow down, lean in, and rediscover what it means to truly connect — with others and with ourselves. Through heartfelt interviews and honest solo reflections, Sharon brings warmth, humor, and depth to the conversations most people crave but rarely have. Before stepping behind the mic, Sharon spent two decades in the hospitality world — leading teams, running hotels and restaurants, and creating spaces where people felt seen and welcomed. That experience shaped her belief that connection isn’t accidental — it’s something we build. On Joy of the Hang, you’ll hear real stories, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of dialogue that lingers long after the episode ends. This isn’t small talk. It’s soul talk — with laughter along the way. If you’re longing for deeper relationships, more honest conversations, and a little more humanity in your day, you’re in the right place. New episodes every Wednesday. Pull up a chair — you’re always welcome here.
Episodes
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 décor to unpack the real changes that happen after becoming parents. Christiana opens up about what surprised her most — from the emotional and physical transformation of her body to the unexpecte...
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’s really like to walk through uncertainty, medical interventions, hope, disappointment, and resilience—often quietly, and often without enough support. We talk about the parts of fertility journeys th...
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 their careers—and often their well-being—by telling the truth.
Francesca shares what it really means to “walk the talk” when integrity collides with institutions, and why protecting those who speak ...
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 entrepreneurship, building identity without drinking culture, and why going alcohol-free can become a true competitive advantage. We dive into business growth, mental health, confidence, and th...
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 was perilous, her time in a refugee camp was uncertain, and her arrival in the United States marked only the beginning of an entirely new fight for survival.
But Nini didn’t just rebuild her life…
She rose...
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 the message of Christ across Ukraine and developing nations. Zach found Jesus at just fourteen years old, and from that moment on, his path was set: go where hope is needed most and meet people exactly ...
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 this moving episode of Joy of the Hang, Haley joins her mom, Sharon Stevenson, to share how surviving a childhood stroke reshaped her identity—and her future. After losing the use of her dominant right...
Ready to reset your health in the new year? Personal trainer Jim Foubister joins Sharon with practical, sustainable tips for building strength, boosting metabolism, and creating fitness habits that last longer than January.
Jim shares simple strategies for improving mobility, staying motivated, and designing routines that fit your real life—not the idealized one on Instagram. His approach is grounded, encouraging, and ...
In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with Mylitta Butler, author of Slim Down, Level Up, to talk about her extraordinary 161-pound weight loss journey — and how she’s kept it off.
Mylitta opens up about the mindset shifts, the daily rituals, the emotional healing, and the deep “why” that fueled her transformation. This isn’t a story about dieting. It’s a story about reclaiming your life, your health,...
In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Jessica Rueger — a guide to visionary leaders who are ready to create a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. Jessica’s work is all about divine embodiment, energetic alignment, and conscious creation—helping people design a life of freedom, fulfillment, and success that money alone can’t buy.
Together, we explore what it really means...
In this episode of Joy of the Hang, host Sharon Stevenson travels—figuratively and emotionally—to Italy with mother-and-son duo Mary Ann and Mimmo Cricchio, the heart behind Da Mimmo Tours. From their legendary Baltimore restaurant to luxury culinary adventures along the Amalfi Coast, the Cricchios have built a life centered on food, family, and connection. Discover how they transformed hospitality into heritage, and ...
Beth Lawlor has built her career at the highest levels of finance—leading thousands across the country as President of U.S. Bank Wealth Management. But in this candid conversation, Beth opens up about more than markets and money. She shares how she leads with purpose, creates connection in a competitive industry, and defines true wealth beyond the balance sheet.
We talk about resilience, leadership lessons from her 25-...
In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon welcomes Ukrainian entrepreneur-philanthropist Yana Matviychuk — founder of the creative agency ARENA CS, the Women’s Aid International charity fund, and a driving force for business, volunteerism and humanitarian impact in wartime Ukraine. We dive into how Yana started a company with just $300, scaled it into multi-million-dollar success, pivoted into radical philanthropy du...
In this Joy of the Hang episode, Sharon sits down with Dr. Robin Perry Braun—PhD in Integrative Medicine, MS in Psychology, and ordained minister—whose life’s work is helping people release the inner blocks that keep them from peace, joy, and purpose. We get into the “how”: energy and the nervous system, belief patterns, trauma imprints, and practical tools to support real-world change. Dr. Braun shares insights from ...
Ever wondered why your body feels different lately—why you might be low on energy, struggling with night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, or just feel like you’re not you anymore? In this episode, Sharon sits down with Dr. Victoria Andarcia, board-certified in internal medicine with advanced training in integrative and functional medicine, to explore what it really means to reclaim vitality, rebalance your hormones, an...
In a world obsessed with hustle, Katie Close teaches a different path—one that honors the soul behind the strategy. With over two decades of experience helping entrepreneurs and executives transform their businesses from the inside out, she joins Sharon to talk about the evolution of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how to stay grounded in your humanity while scaling your dreams.
Hospice work isn’t about dying—it’s about living with grace. In this powerful episode, Sharon talks with Carla Armstrong, Director of Philanthropy at Gulfside Hospice, about what it truly means to show up for others at the most tender moments of life. They discuss generosity, grief, and the surprising joy that emerges when we stop fearing the end and start embracing connection.
Be sure to click the Fol...
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Sharon sits down with Connie Going, a nationally recognized advocate, adoption expert, and tireless voice for children in the foster care system.
With more than 40 years in social work—and as an adoptive mom herself—Connie has witnessed the heartbreak, beauty, and resilience that come with finding “forever homes.” From the trenches of child welfare to national media spotlig...
In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon welcomes Elle McComb and Michelle Burnett of RX Weight Loss Clinic for a conversation that blends science, healing, and hope. Together, they explore today’s most innovative treatments—like EmSculpt for muscle toning, EmSella for core and pelvic health, and cutting-edge peptides—alongside practical approaches to weight loss and wellness.
But this episode goes deeper th...
In this inspiring episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Sean Croker and Tanner Kim of League of Angels—the world’s only undefeated baseball team. But this isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about transforming lives. League of Angels is dedicated to giving people with special needs the chance to experience the joy of playing baseball, fulfilling lifelong dreams that might not otherwise be possible. Toge...
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