Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories

Sharon Stevenson | Host of Joy of the Hang | Connection Advocate
  • 4.8 (22)
  • Relationships
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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. https://joyofthehang.com/

  1. 3d ago ·  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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Jun 17 ·  Video

    88. The Childcare Crisis No One Is Talking About with Paul Buckley

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Ratio Staffing founder Paul Buckley to unpack the growing childcare and early education crisis happening across America. After nearly 20 years working directly in preschool classrooms, Paul saw firsthand how broken the traditional staffing model had become—for teachers, schools, parents, and ultimately, children. So he built a platform designed to change it. Together, Sharon and Paul explore: The hidden challenges facing early childhood educatorsWhy teacher burnout and staffing shortages are reaching critical levelsHow traditional staffing agencies fail schools and educatorsThe importance of flexibility, transparency, and fair payWhy supporting teachers directly impacts childhood developmentThe future of preschool education and childcare in AmericaHow better systems create better classrooms—and better outcomes for kidsBefore launching Ratio Staffing, Paul spent years in biotech manufacturing leadership, earning a Six Sigma Green Belt and leading global training initiatives. Now, he’s combining operational excellence with deep compassion for education to build a more sustainable future for schools and educators alike. This conversation is powerful, timely, and deeply human—because behind every classroom is a teacher trying to make a difference. If you care about education, parenting, leadership, workforce culture, or the future of children, this episode is a must-listen. https://ratiostaffing.com/about-us 🎙️ Follow Joy of the Hang on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more meaningful conversations about connection, culture, leadership, and the human experience. 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. Jun 10 ·  Video

    87. Bridget Gengler: You Have a Story to Tell: The Power of Encouraging the Next Generation

    Send us Fan Mail 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 students over more than 30 years in education. From the classroom to the pages of her children’s books, Bridget’s mission is simple but powerful: help people recognize their worth, find their voice, and believe in their own story. We talk about: What today’s children are truly struggling with emotionallyWhy confidence and kindness must be intentionally taughtThe lasting impact teachers can have on a child’s identityRediscovering yourself after divorce and major life changesHow storytelling helps both children and adults heal, grow, and connectWhy every person — no matter their age — has a story worth tellingBridget is the author of Hold Your Head Up and Walk with Grace, You Have a Story to Tell!, Rediscovering You: A Guide to Life After Divorce, and her upcoming children’s book You Can Do Anything! This conversation is uplifting, wise, and filled with reminders we all need — especially in a world where so many people feel unseen. 🎙️ Follow Joy of the Hang on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 📲 Share this episode with a teacher, parent, friend, or anyone who needs to be reminded that their story matters. 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 3 ·  Video

    86. Coreena Breazeale: Women, Leadership & The Power of Strategic Connection

    Send us Fan Mail 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 talk about the skill nobody teaches women: how to turn connection into real opportunity. Coreena is the founder of multiple purpose-driven companies helping women lead, grow, and scale with more clarity, confidence, and intention. Through The Collective and Revive Connects, she’s helping founders move beyond surface-level networking and build relationships, systems, and strategies that actually create momentum. We talk about: Why networking alone often fails womenWhat successful women do differently once they’re “in the room”The importance of communication, follow-through, and visibilityBuilding businesses without losing yourself in the processWhy authentic connection is still one of the most powerful currencies we haveThis conversation is honest, empowering, and deeply practical for women navigating leadership, entrepreneurship, growth, and reinvention. If you’ve ever wondered why some conversations change lives while others go nowhere, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Follow Joy of the Hang on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 📲 Share this episode with a woman who’s ready to stop simply showing up — and start truly stepping into her power. 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
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

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. https://joyofthehang.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Sharon Stevenson | Host of Joy of the Hang | Connection Advocate
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories
  • Show Website
    Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories