Joy Of The Hang: Connecting through Conversation
Sharon Stevenson invites you to 'Joy of the Hang,' where connection, storytelling, and meaningful dialogue come to life. Join her for inspiring conversations that make you feel seen, heard, and uplifted. New episodes every Wednesday! After two decades running hotels and wrangling weddings, conventions, and the occasional Elvis impersonator, I stepped out from behind the scenes (still in heels) to grab the mic and start the kind of conversations I’ve always craved. I’ve been the boss, the underdog, the single mom, the restaurant owner, the real estate broker, and now, your podcast bestie. My journey’s been anything but linear—but every chapter has taught me the same truth: connection is everything. I started Joy of the Hang because I believe in meaningful dialogue, laughter that heals, and asking the questions most people are afraid to say out loud. Whether I’m talking with guests or flying solo, my goal is the same—to make you feel seen, inspired, and a little more human. You’ll find no fluff here. Just honest stories, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of hang that lingers long after the episode ends. Thanks for being here. You’re always welcome. New episodes air every Wednesday!
Episodes
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...
In this episode, executive coach and Luxury Executive Wellness founder Linda Mullins shares how a 2007 burnout and an immersive fitness retreat transformed her life—and inspired her to build personalized well-being retreats, executive offsites, and board retreats that actually move the needle. We dig into root-cause coaching, trauma-informed leadership, and practical ways high performers can release what no longer ser...
In this episode of Joy of the Hang, host Sharon Stevenson welcomes Ryan O’Malley—wine sales rep, storyteller, and fellow podcaster. Ryan believes wine is more than what’s in the glass—it’s a catalyst for connection, laughter, and lasting memories. From building a career in wine sales to writing his book The Girls and the Grapevine and hosting Hot Sex and Cold Champagne, Ryan shares how every pour opens the door to dee...
To celebrate 50 episodes of Joy of the Hang, I’m joined by my best friend, Maria Richardson, for a conversation filled with laughter, reflection, and wisdom. Together we dive into meditation, mindfulness, and manifesting joy — and how these practices have carried us through both the messes and the milestones of life. This heartfelt episode is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the power of connection.
After a 30-year career dedicated to caring for seniors, Toni Sexton has embraced her passion for fashion as the creator of VintageLuxe. Specializing in vintage fashion, modern styling, and statement pieces, Toni blends timeless classics with fresh, contemporary trends to design looks that stand out. Whether you’re searching for a unique vintage piece, a head-turning modern outfit, or the perfect fashion statement acce...
In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon Stevenson sits down with Melissa Howard, a passionate Guardian ad Litem from Sarasota, to explore the guts and grace of the foster care system. Melissa breaks down what it means to be a voice for at-risk youth, the realities of foster parenting, and how compassionate community action can change lives. Whether you’ve considered becoming a GAL, fostering, or simply want to supp...
In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon Stevenson sits down with Joe Gallagher Jr., author of Bars to Jars. Joe opens up about his battle with addiction, the consequences that landed him behind bars, and the faith and redemption that helped him rebuild his life.
It’s a raw and hopeful conversation about rock-bottom moments, second chances, and the power of community when willpower isn’t enough. Whether you’ve walked...
At just 32 years old, Ethan Crosson—a former collegiate athlete in peak physical shape—suffered a massive heart attack that left him flatlining in the back of an ambulance. No warning signs. No family history. Just a 100% blockage that changed his life in an instant.
In this powerful and poignant episode of Joy of the Hang, Ethan shares his story of survival, the guardian angel who helped save him, and how the experien...
She stole hearts as Maddie Ashby on The Young and the Restless—but Lexie Stevenson’s story is just getting started. On this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with the actress, singer, and fierce advocate to talk about her incredible journey from small-town Maine to Hollywood and now Nashville.
Lexie opens up about what it was like growing up biracial in a rural community, the challenges of the entertainment ...
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