Joy of the Hang | A Wellness, Connection & Empowerment Podcast with Sharon Stevenson

Sharon Stevenson | Host of Joy of the Hang | Connection Advocate
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Joy of the Hang | A Wellness, Connection & Empowerment Podcast with Sharon Stevenson  What if the best conversations could change your life? Joy of the Hang is a personal growth and wellness podcast about storytelling, authentic connection, and empowerment, hosted by Sharon Stevenson — a certified Health and Wellness Coach, speaker, and former bodybuilder.  Every episode explores how vulnerability and meaningful relationships shape your emotional wellbeing, mental health, spiritual health, and overall wellness. Sharon breaks down the eight pillars of health — with a special focus on the social and occupational wellness most of us overlook — and shares candid, real-life stories about resilience, reinvention, mindset, and living a balanced, intentional life.  If you're seeking authentic connection, emotional growth, self-improvement, and everyday inspiration, this is your sanctuary for wellness coaching and real-life wisdom. Whether you're navigating a season of change or simply craving deeper conversations, you'll leave each episode feeling seen, encouraged, and empowered.  New episodes release weekly — follow Joy of the Hang on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss a conversation. https://joyofthehang.com/

  1. Aug 12 ·  Video

    96. Finding Your Voice: Jazz Singer Barbara King on Music, Reinvention, and the Power of Following Your Dreams

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when talent, timing, and purpose finally align? In this episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with acclaimed jazz vocalist Barbara King to discuss her remarkable journey from singing in the choir at college to sharing the stage with legendary artists like Patti LaBelle, Kirk Franklin, and Kirk Whalum. Barbara opens up about the courage it takes to pursue a creative calling, the lessons she's learned from decades in music, and why it's never too late to step fully into your purpose. We also discuss her acclaimed debut album, Perfect Timing, and how faith, perseverance, and authenticity have shaped her journey. Whether you're a lover of jazz, an aspiring artist, or someone contemplating a new chapter in life, Barbara's story is a powerful reminder that our dreams don't have expiration dates. In This Episode, We Discuss:  Barbara's journey into jazz and inspirational music  The meaning behind her album Perfect Timing Performing alongside legendary musicians  How creativity and faith fuel resilience  Reinvention and finding purpose later in life  Why it's never too late to follow your dreams  The role music plays in connection and healing Connect with Barbara King: https://www.barbarakingjazz.com Subscribe to Joy of the Hang for conversations that inspire connection, courage, and living with purpose. #JoyOfTheHang #BarbaraKing #JazzSinger #JazzMusic #InspirationalMusic #WomenInMusic #Reinvention #MusicAndHealing #Purpose #FollowingYourDreams Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

  2. Aug 5 ·  Video

    95. Emmy-Winning Journalist Julian Phillips on Racial Inequality, Media Bias, and the Future of Journalism

    Send us Fan Mail What makes a great conversation? Is it asking the right questions, truly listening, or simply being present? In this episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with Julian Phillips, an Emmy-winning journalist whose career has spanned more than three decades in television news, including national roles at Fox News and a year serving as Deputy Commissioner of Public Information for the New York City Police Department. After spending a lifetime telling other people's stories, Julian opens up about the power of meaningful conversation, the importance of curiosity, and why food often becomes the bridge that brings people together. We also explore what happens when we step away from the noise of our busy lives and rediscover the simple joy of human connection. From breaking news and high-pressure communication to sharing meals and creating community, Julian's journey reminds us that our most meaningful moments often happen around a table and within authentic conversations. In This Episode, We Discuss:  What makes someone a great storyteller  Why curiosity is one of life's greatest gifts  Lessons learned from decades in television journalism  The role food plays in creating connection and community  How meaningful conversations can change our relationships  Why listening may be our most underrated skill  Finding purpose and reinvention in a new chapter of life Subscribe to Joy of the Hang for conversations that inspire connection, curiosity, and a more meaningful life. #JoyOfTheHang #JulianPhillips #Storytelling #Journalism #HumanConnection #Conversation #FoodCulture #Community #EmmyWinner #SocialWellness Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

  3. Jul 29 ·  Video

    94. Can We Slow Aging? Dr. Sandra Kaufmann on the Science of Longevity and Living Better Longer

    Send us Fan Mail What if aging isn't something that simply happens to us? What if we could influence how we age? In this episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with Dr. Sandra Kaufmann, physician, researcher, and author of The Kaufmann Protocol, to explore the cutting-edge science of longevity and what it really means to age well. Dr. Kaufmann explains why we age at the cellular level, the seven key mechanisms that drive aging, and how today's science may allow us to slow the process and improve both lifespan and healthspan. We also discuss practical strategies for protecting your brain, preserving your energy, and making choices today that could significantly impact how you feel decades from now. Whether you're 40, 60, or beyond, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about aging and leave you inspired to take charge of your future. In This Episode, We Discuss:  Why we age at the cellular level  The difference between lifespan and healthspan  The seven drivers of aging  How lifestyle choices influence longevity  The role of supplements and emerging science  What you can do today to age better tomorrow  Why it's never too early—or too late—to invest in your future health Connect with Dr. Sandra Kaufmann: https://kaufmannprotocol.com Subscribe to Joy of the Hang for conversations that help you live with greater connection, purpose, and well-being. #JoyOfTheHang #SandraKaufmann #Longevity #HealthyAging #Biohacking #TheKaufmannProtocol #AntiAging #Healthspan #Wellness #AgingWell #SocialWellness Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

  4. Jul 22 ·  Video

    93. Healing Beyond Medicine: How Rest, Connection and Salt Therapy Can Transform Your Well-Being with Myra Maldonado

    Send us Fan Mail What if true healing isn't found in doing more, but in slowing down? In this episode of Joy of the Hang, I sit down with Myra Maldonado, owner of Salt Caves & Spa, to explore the powerful connection between stress, wellness, and healing. We discuss why so many people are living in a constant state of overwhelm and how practices like salt therapy, mindfulness, and intentional self-care can help us reconnect with ourselves and others. Myra shares her journey into the wellness industry, the science and benefits behind halotherapy (salt therapy), and why creating spaces for restoration and human connection may be one of the most important forms of medicine available today. If you've been feeling exhausted, disconnected, or simply in need of a reset, this conversation is your invitation to pause, breathe, and prioritize your well-being. In This Episode, We Discuss:  The hidden effects of chronic stress on the body  What salt therapy is and how it works  Why rest is essential for healing  The connection between wellness and human connection  Practical ways to create more peace and balance in everyday life  Why self-care is not selfish—it's necessary Connect with Myra Maldonado: https://thesaltcaveslwr.com/ Subscribe to Joy of the Hang for conversations that help you build connection, resilience, and a more meaningful life. #JoyOfTheHang #MyraMaldonado #SaltTherapy #Wellness #SelfCare #StressRelief #MentalHealth #Healing #SocialWellness #Connection Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

  5. Jul 15 ·  Video

    92. Country Singer Kaitlyn Croker on Pursuing Your Dreams, Building a Music Career, and Taking the Leap

    Send us Fan Mail Tag someone who needs to hear this!   Caitlin Croker did just that. Leaving behind her life in Maryland, she moved to Nashville, the city where artists go to shine. She's shared stages with legends and conquered iconic venues like the Bluebird Cafe.   Caitlin’s journey is proof that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward anyway. It's about finding your voice, taking risks, and building a life around your passion.   Sometimes the biggest risk is not taking one at all.   What dream have you been holding back on?  Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

  6. Jul 8 ·  Video

    91. What Happens When You Die Without a Will? Jermaine Ee on Legacy, Estate Planning & Protecting Your Family

    Send us Fan Mail What would happen if your phone rang tomorrow with news that someone you love had suddenly passed away? No will. No instructions. No plan. Just grief, confusion, and a lifetime of unanswered questions. In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of HeirLight, Jermaine Ee, to explore one of the most important—and most avoided—conversations we'll ever have: what we leave behind. After unexpectedly losing his mother, Jermaine found himself navigating the overwhelming emotional and logistical challenges that come when a loved one dies without a clear plan. That experience inspired him to create HeirLight, a platform designed to help families preserve memories, document wishes, and protect the people they love. Together, Sharon and Jermaine discuss: ✔ Why most families avoid conversations about death and legacy ✔ The emotional burden of dying without a will or estate plan ✔ How to organize your affairs before a crisis occurs ✔ What truly matters when you're remembered by others ✔ The difference between inheritance and legacy ✔ How preserving stories, values, and memories can become your greatest gift ✔ Practical steps everyone can take today to protect their loved ones This isn't just a conversation about estate planning. It's a conversation about love, family, memory, and making sure the people you care about aren't left carrying unnecessary burdens during the hardest moments of their lives. Whether you're 30 or 80, married or single, wealthy or not, this episode may be one of the most important hours you invest in your future—and your family's peace of mind. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. #EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #WillAndTrust #FamilyLegacy #EndOfLifePlanning #JoyOfTheHang #JermaineEe #HeirLight #PersonalLegacy #ProtectYourFamily Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

  7. Jul 1 ·  Video

    90. When Your Dream Dies: How Christian "Boo" Boucousis Rebuilt His Life After Losing Everything

    Send us Fan Mail 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 achieve. Then everything changed. A diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis abruptly ended his military career, forcing him to walk away from the identity, purpose, and future he had spent years building. What followed was a journey through uncertainty, loss, reinvention, and ultimately, extraordinary growth. In this powerful conversation, Boo shares what happens when life doesn't go according to plan—and how some of our greatest opportunities emerge from our most devastating setbacks. Together, we explore: ✈️ What it feels like to lose a lifelong dream overnight ✈️ The emotional impact of having your identity stripped away ✈️ How to rebuild confidence when you're starting over ✈️ Why resilience is a skill anyone can learn ✈️ The surprising lessons fighter pilots use to navigate uncertainty ✈️ How to find purpose when life takes an unexpected turn Whether you're facing a career change, a health challenge, a divorce, a loss, or simply wondering what's next, Boo's story is a reminder that your greatest chapter may begin after the one you never wanted to end. Because sometimes the dream that falls apart is the very thing that makes room for the life you were meant to live. #JoyOfTheHang #ChristianBooBoucousis #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #LifeAfterLoss #Reinvention #MentalStrength #Leadership #Purpose #Podcast Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

  8. Jun 24 ·  Video

    89. From Brain Cancer to Cancer-Free: Jody Mayo's Incredible Story of Hope and Survival

    Send us Fan Mail 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 beginning of a new chapter. In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Jody to discuss the moment her life changed forever, the fear and uncertainty that followed, and the mindset that carried her through one of life's greatest challenges. Together, they explore what happens when hope collides with impossible odds, how we find strength when the future feels uncertain, and why resilience is often built one day at a time. This conversation isn't just about surviving cancer. It's about choosing to live fully, finding meaning in adversity, and discovering what truly matters when everything else falls away. Whether you or someone you love has faced a serious illness—or you're simply navigating a difficult season of life—Jody's story is a powerful reminder that hope can exist even in our darkest moments. In this episode: • What it felt like to receive a glioblastoma diagnosis • The emotional toll of facing a life-threatening illness • How Jody found hope when the statistics weren't in her favor • The role of mindset, resilience, and support during recovery • What surviving cancer taught her about life, purpose, and gratitude • Why none of us should wait to live the life we want If this episode inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little hope today. #Glioblastoma #BrainCancerSurvivor #CancerSurvivor #Hope #Resilience #JoyOfTheHang #SharonStevenson #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #LifeAfterCancer Support the show  Be sure to click the Follow button so you never miss an episode of Joy of the Hang! Join the conversation with us on Instagram @joyofthehang .  If you love what you hear, consider becoming a supporter of the show with a small monthly investment—it helps us keep bringing you inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and great content week after week.

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4.8
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Joy of the Hang | A Wellness, Connection & Empowerment Podcast with Sharon Stevenson  What if the best conversations could change your life? Joy of the Hang is a personal growth and wellness podcast about storytelling, authentic connection, and empowerment, hosted by Sharon Stevenson — a certified Health and Wellness Coach, speaker, and former bodybuilder.  Every episode explores how vulnerability and meaningful relationships shape your emotional wellbeing, mental health, spiritual health, and overall wellness. Sharon breaks down the eight pillars of health — with a special focus on the social and occupational wellness most of us overlook — and shares candid, real-life stories about resilience, reinvention, mindset, and living a balanced, intentional life.  If you're seeking authentic connection, emotional growth, self-improvement, and everyday inspiration, this is your sanctuary for wellness coaching and real-life wisdom. Whether you're navigating a season of change or simply craving deeper conversations, you'll leave each episode feeling seen, encouraged, and empowered.  New episodes release weekly — follow Joy of the Hang on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss a conversation. https://joyofthehang.com/

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