Joy of the Hang™: The Social Wellness Movement

Sharon Stevenson | Host of Joy of the Hang | Connection Advocate

Joy of the Hang is more than a podcast — it’s a movement. Hosted by Sharon Stevenson, former competitive bodybuilder and certified Health and Wellness Coach, this show explores the missing link in modern wellbeing: connection. After years of studying the eight pillars of health — Physical, Emotional, Social, Intellectual, Environmental, Financial, Occupational, and Spiritual well-being. — Sharon discovered something profound. We can optimize every area of our physical health and still feel lonely. We can achieve, perform, and succeed… and still feel disconnected. That realization changed everything. Joy of the Hang was created as a platform for real people — leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, parents, reinvention stories, and everyday heroes — to share their journeys openly and honestly. Because stories matter. And when people feel seen and heard, they remember they matter too. In a world more digitally connected than ever, we are facing a loneliness epidemic. Social isolation is quietly impacting our mental, emotional, and physical health. Joy of the Hang exists to push back against that reality. Through meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and vulnerable storytelling, Sharon explores how relationships shape our wellbeing, leadership, resilience, and identity. You were born to bond. Built to belong. If you’re craving deeper connection, more intentional relationships, and a sense of community in your adult life — you’re in the right place. Follow, subscribe, and join the Social Wellness Movement. Reach out through social media, email, and community events — your voice matters here. Because the best moments in life are shared. And you don’t have to do this alone. https://joyofthehang.com/

  1. 6D AGO

    73. Reinventing Life at 50+: Lorraine Ladish on Confidence, Community & Viva Fifty

    Send a text 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 community celebrating life at 50 and beyond. Originally from Madrid and now based in Sarasota, Lorraine shares her bold reinvention story — from losing her print journalism career during the 2008 recession to becoming a leading midlife content creator and voice for women’s empowerment. We talk about: • Reinventing yourself after 50 • Navigating identity shifts in midlife • Entrepreneurship in the digital age • Cultural belonging as a Spanish-American woman • Confidence, longevity, and why it’s never too late to start again At 62, Lorraine believes she still has so much to build — and this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible in your next chapter. Because we are born to bond. Built to belong. At every age. Follow Joy of the Hang for more conversations about connection, reinvention, and living fully. https://www.vivafifty.com/ 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.

    58 min
  2. FEB 11

    72. . Love, Sleep Deprivation & a Whole New Identity: Life After Baby

    Send a text 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 unexpected mental load of new motherhood. We talk about how your relationship with your spouse evolves, how roles shift, and how connection can feel both deeper and more strained at the same time. This episode is about identity, partnership, exhaustion, love, and learning to communicate in a season where everything feels new. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this part?” — this conversation is for you. Whether you’re expecting, newly postpartum, or years into parenting, you’ll walk away feeling less alone and more understood. Because sometimes the most important hang… is the one that helps you find each other again. 💛 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.

    1h 10m
  3. JAN 14

    67. Vietnamese Boat People: Nini Ta’s Remarkable Path to Freedom and Success

    Send us a text 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. Today, she’s an acclaimed dentist who runs a thriving practice, a testament to what determination, resilience, and faith can create even out of the darkest circumstances. In our conversation, Nini opens up about: The night she escaped Vietnam and what she carried with herThe brutal reality of life as a young refugeeThe moments that nearly broke her — and the ones that carried her forwardHow she built a successful career in dentistry from the ground upThe legacy she hopes her story will inspire in othersThis is a story of survival, courage, grit, and the unshakeable spirit of a young girl who refused to give up. Don’t miss this one. It stays with you. https://www.siestavillagedentistry.com/ 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.

    1h 13m
  4. JAN 7

    66. 10 Languages, One Purpose: The Extraordinary Calling of Zach Kyriazis

    Send us a text 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 where they are. Together, we talk about: The moment Zach encountered Christ and how it reshaped everythingWhat mission work really looks like in places facing war, poverty, and fearHow a young man carries spiritual courage into some of the hardest circumstancesThe unexpected ways God shows up in the fieldWhat Zach believes the world needs most right nowIt’s a powerful, grounded, and eye-opening conversation with a young man whose wisdom far exceeds his years. A beautiful reminder that purpose doesn’t wait for permission—and that one faithful “yes” can ripple across the world. A meaningful start to a new season. Let’s dive in. http://www.modernday.org/profile/zachary-kyriazis/ 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.

    51 min
  5. JAN 5

    Bonus Episode! From Survivor to Stand-up: Lessons from My Daughter, Haley Stark, on Living with a Disability.

    Send us a text 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 hand, Haley retrained her brain, adapted to life with a disability, and refused to let limitations define her. A Harvard University graduate, Haley earned a dual degree in Psychology and Theater, blending mental health insight with creative expression. Along the way, she discovered the transformative power of improv and stand-up comedy, using humor as a tool for healing, confidence, and connection. This episode explores: Life after a spinal strokeNavigating disability and identityThe psychology of resilience and adaptabilityHow comedy, improv, and laughter support mental healthRedefining success after traumaTurning survival into purposeFrom hospital rooms to Harvard classrooms to comedy stages, Haley’s journey is a reminder that joy, belonging, and confidence can be rebuilt—one brave choice at a time. ✨ A hopeful conversation for stroke survivors, people living with disabilities, caregivers, parents, and anyone learning how to rise after life-altering challenges. 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.

    1h 27m
4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Joy of the Hang is more than a podcast — it’s a movement. Hosted by Sharon Stevenson, former competitive bodybuilder and certified Health and Wellness Coach, this show explores the missing link in modern wellbeing: connection. After years of studying the eight pillars of health — Physical, Emotional, Social, Intellectual, Environmental, Financial, Occupational, and Spiritual well-being. — Sharon discovered something profound. We can optimize every area of our physical health and still feel lonely. We can achieve, perform, and succeed… and still feel disconnected. That realization changed everything. Joy of the Hang was created as a platform for real people — leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, parents, reinvention stories, and everyday heroes — to share their journeys openly and honestly. Because stories matter. And when people feel seen and heard, they remember they matter too. In a world more digitally connected than ever, we are facing a loneliness epidemic. Social isolation is quietly impacting our mental, emotional, and physical health. Joy of the Hang exists to push back against that reality. Through meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and vulnerable storytelling, Sharon explores how relationships shape our wellbeing, leadership, resilience, and identity. You were born to bond. Built to belong. If you’re craving deeper connection, more intentional relationships, and a sense of community in your adult life — you’re in the right place. Follow, subscribe, and join the Social Wellness Movement. Reach out through social media, email, and community events — your voice matters here. Because the best moments in life are shared. And you don’t have to do this alone. https://joyofthehang.com/