Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories

Sharon Stevenson | Host of Joy of the Hang | Connection Advocate
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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. 2d ago ·  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.

    43 min

  2. 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.

    1h 3m

  3. May 27

    85. The Truth About Chronic Pain No One Told You—And How to Reverse It Naturally

    Send us Fan Mail What if the pain you’ve been told to “live with” isn’t inevitable at all? In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Bruce Phelps—creator of the Stretch n’ Release Technique, founder of The Muscle Repair Shop, and author of Stretch n’ Release—to challenge everything we think we know about chronic pain, aging, and healing. With a background in Aging Sciences and over two decades of hands-on experience, Bruce has helped thousands of people move beyond pain without relying on prescriptions, injections, or surgery. But what makes his story even more compelling is that his breakthrough didn’t begin in a lab—it began in his own body. While carrying an extra 135 pounds and battling severe back pain, Bruce set out to solve a problem most people are told to accept. Together, Sharon and Bruce explore: Why pain is often misunderstood—and misdiagnosedThe difference between managing pain and actually fixing itWhat your body is trying to tell you (and why most people miss it)How the Stretch n’ Release Technique works in real lifeWhat it really takes to reclaim mobility, strength, and confidence at any ageThis conversation isn’t just about physical pain—it’s about reclaiming ownership of your body, challenging limiting beliefs, and realizing that what you’ve accepted as “normal” may not be normal at all. If you’ve ever been told, “that’s just part of getting older,” this episode may change everything. https://a.co/d/0gS8fdAS 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 14m

  4. May 20

    84. A Warrior’s Heart: Krystal Geist on Healing Trauma, Finding Strength & Rising Again

    Send us Fan Mail Some stories don’t just inspire you—they change you. In this deeply moving episode of Joy of the Hang, Krystal Geist opens up about her journey through trauma, survival, and ultimately, transformation. As the founder of Her Warrior Heart, she’s on a mission to help women rediscover their strength and reclaim their lives. Together, we explore what it means to heal emotionally, rebuild self-worth, and find connection after pain. This is a conversation about resilience, courage, and the kind of strength that doesn’t just survive—but rises. If you’re on a healing journey or walking alongside someone who is, this episode is for you. https://krystalgeist.com https://shadowwarriorsproject.org/the-founders/ 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.

    48 min

  5. May 13

    83. Lead from the Front: Retired Brigadier General Remo Butler on Leadership, Legacy, and Life After Service

    Send us Fan Mail What does it truly mean to lead from the front—not just in combat, but in life? In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with retired Brigadier General Remo Butler, a trailblazer, leader, and the first Black man to achieve the rank of Brigadier General in his division. With decades of military service and leadership at the highest levels, General Butler shares the principles that shaped his journey—and the personal battles he faced after the uniform came off. We explore his newly released book, Lead from the Front, and the deeper meaning behind leadership, resilience, and responsibility. General Butler also opens up about the unseen cost of service, including his struggle with PTSD after retirement—and the pivotal role his wife played in helping him recognize it and begin the path to healing. This is a conversation about courage, identity, and what it takes to lead when no one is watching. In this episode, you’ll hear: What “leading from the front” really looks like beyond the battlefieldThe responsibility that comes with breaking barriers and making historyThe transition from military leadership to civilian lifeThe hidden toll of service—and the power of asking for helpLessons from Lead from the Front that apply to all of ushttps://a.co/d/07fKuWMZ 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.

    50 min

  6. May 6

    82. Live to 100: 101-Year-Old Olga Genersich Shares Longevity Secrets, Lessons, & Tips for Living Well.

    Send us Fan Mail What’s the secret to living a long life—and more importantly, a meaningful one? At 101 years old, Olga Genersich has lived through over a century of change, challenge, love, and growth. In this powerful episode of Joy of the Hang, she shares her perspective on longevity, healthy aging, life lessons, and what truly matters in the end. This isn’t about quick fixes or longevity hacks. It’s about the kind of wisdom that only comes from living—fully, deeply, and over time. Olga reflects on love, loss, resilience, relationships, and the small everyday choices that shape a life well-lived. Her words are simple, honest, and unforgettable. In this episode, we explore: -How to live to 100 (and beyond) -Longevity secrets from a 101-year-old woman -Life lessons you can apply at any age -The truth about happiness, resilience, and aging -What really matters at the end of life -How to live a meaningful, connected life If you’ve ever wondered how to live longer—or how to live better—this conversation will stay with you. 🎧 Follow Joy of the Hang on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 💛 Share this episode with someone you love—because the best conversations are the ones we pass 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.

    1h 8m

  7. Apr 29

    81. Surviving the Unthinkable: Chasity Vannatter on Child Trafficking, Survival, and Healing

    Send us Fan Mail Listener Note: This episode contains sensitive content, including discussion of child trafficking and abuse. Please listen with care, and take breaks if needed. If this topic is personal for you, you are not alone—support resources are included below. In this deeply moving episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Chasity Vannatter, a survivor of child sex trafficking who was exploited by her own mother for seven years. Chasity shares her story with courage and honesty—offering a rare and powerful look into the realities of trafficking, the long road to healing, and what it takes to reclaim your life after unimaginable trauma. Now working with Manatee Children’s Services, Chasity is turning her pain into purpose—advocating for vulnerable children and helping others find their voice. This is not an easy conversation—but it is an important one. If you’ve ever wondered how trafficking happens, how survivors rebuild, or how we can better protect children, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. “If this conversation moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Awareness creates change—and silence keeps these stories hidden.” If you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse or trafficking, confidential help is available: National Human Trafficking Hotline Call: 1-888-373-7888 Text: 233733 (Text “HELP” or “INFO”) Chat: humantraffickinghotline.orgChildhelp National Child Abuse Hotline Call or Text: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) Live chat available at childhelphotline.orgIf you are in immediate danger, please call 911.You deserve safety, support, and to be heard. 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.

    42 min

  8. Apr 22

    80. 13 Hours in Benghazi: Mark Geist's Firsthand Account of the Attack That Shocked the World

    Send us Fan Mail In one of the most powerful conversations on Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with Mark Geist—one of the security operators portrayed in 13 Hours—and his wife, Krystal, to share the real story behind the 2012 Benghazi attack. This is not a retelling of headlines. This is a firsthand account from someone who lived it. Mark takes us inside the chaos of that night—the decisions, the danger, and the moments that would change his life forever. But what makes this conversation truly unforgettable is what comes after. Together, Mark and Krystal open up about the long road of recovery, the invisible wounds of trauma, and the strength it takes to rebuild a life—and a marriage—after war. This episode offers a rare and deeply human perspective on service, sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Whether you know the story of Benghazi or are hearing it for the first time, this is a conversation that will stay with you. https://shadowwarriorsproject.org/ 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.

    59 min
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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
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories
  • Show Website
    Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories

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