Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories

Send us Fan Mail 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....

Send us Fan Mail Ready to reset your health in the new year? Personal trainer Jim Foubister joins Sharon with practical, sustainable tips for building strength, boosting metabolism, and creating fitness habits that last longer than January. Jim shares simple strategies for improving mobility, staying motivated, and designing routines that fit your real life—not the idealized one on Instagram. His...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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. T...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tr...

Send us Fan Mail 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 resi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 succes...

Send us Fan Mail 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 c...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wh...

Send us Fan Mail 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....

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tha...

Send us Fan Mail 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 p...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sha...

Send us Fan Mail 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, resilien...

Send us Fan Mail 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 outf...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wil...

Send us Fan Mail 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 w...

Send us Fan Mail 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 commun...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Joy of the Hang , we sit down with a guest who—though choosing to remain anonymous—has made it their mission to shine a light on one of the darkest issues facing our communities: human trafficking. Together, we unpack the myths, misconceptions, and hidden realities of trafficking today. From how traffickers operate to the vulnerable populations most at risk, thi...

Send us Fan Mail For those who believe every gathering should be an experience, Adrianne Mellen delivers. As the visionary luxury event planner in NYC and founder of Tailored By Propeller , she curates high-end events, bespoke experiences, and unforgettable celebrations where elegance meets innovation. With a background in precision planning and an eye for luxury event design , Adrianne transforms...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Joy of the Hang , we sit down with Sarasota’s own Vanessa Silvana, founder of Loch Nessa Makeup Creations, to talk all things glam, glow, and growing into your beauty at every age. Whether you're in your 20s or 70s, Vanessa believes makeup should enhance—not hide—who you are. She shares her favorite tips for timeless beauty, how to adapt your makeup routine...