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

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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/

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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 battlefield
• The responsibility that comes with breaking barriers and making history
• The transition from military leadership to civilian life
• The hidden toll of service—and the power of asking for help
• Lessons from Lead from the Front that apply to all of us

https://a.co/d/07fKuWMZ

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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.

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💛 Share this episode with someone you love—because the best conversations are the ones we pass on

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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.org
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
  Call or Text: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
  Live chat available at childhelphotline.org
• If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

You deserve safety, support, and to be heard.

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 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
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 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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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
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 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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What if everything we’ve been told about education… is wrong?

In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon sits down with actress, author, and education advocate Sam Sorbo for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about parenting, homeschooling, and the systems shaping our children’s futures.

From questioning traditional schooling to redefining what it means to truly educate, Sam shares why she believes parents—not institutions—should lead the learning journey. Together, we explore independence, critical thinking, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

This conversation isn’t about easy answers—it’s about asking better questions.

https://sorbostudios.com/sam-sorbo

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 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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In this episode of Joy of the Hang™, Sharon sits down with author, content creator, and military spouse Kendall Mariah for a deeply honest conversation about what happens when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected.

From navigating ADHD and fertility struggles to the realities of motherhood, marriage, and identity, Kendall shares what she calls “soul friction” — those seasons where everything feels uncertain, uncomfortable, and unresolved… yet quietly transformative.

Together, they explore the pressure to have it all figured out, the emotional weight of changing roles, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when there are more questions than answers.

This is not a conversation about having it all together.
It’s about learning how to live — and even grow — in the middle of the unknown.

If you’ve ever felt stretched between who you were and who you’re becoming, this episode will stay with you.

https://kendallmariah.com/about-1

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 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
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 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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Today, I turn 60. And instead of slowing down, I’m stepping fully into who I was always meant to be.

In this special solo episode of Joy of the Hang, I’m sharing the life lessons that didn’t just shape me — they transformed me. The moments that broke me open, the experiences that rebuilt me, and the connections that reminded me what it truly means to belong.

This isn’t just a reflection on age — it’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and the power of choosing joy, again and again.

I talk about what I’ve learned about relationships, reinvention, courage, and why it’s never too late to become more of yourself. Because the truth is, the most meaningful parts of life aren’t behind us — they’re built in the moments we choose to show up, reach out, and connect.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re still becoming… you are.

And maybe the best years of your life aren’t ahead or behind — they’re happening right now.

Let’s hang. 💛

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 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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What turns an event into an experience people talk about for years?

In this episode of Joy of the Hang, Sharon Stevenson sits down with Gillian Marto and Debra Hull, the creative minds behind Events of a Lifetime Productions, an award-winning event production and branding company known for turning ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences.

Gillian, named Atlanta’s Event Industry “Rising Star,” is known for bold, imaginative concepts like the Branded Live Hand Wall and the now-famous Champagne Vending Machine—interactive moments that surprise and delight guests.

Debra brings decades of experience as a branding strategist and event producer, blending creative storytelling with strategic precision to deliver high-impact corporate, charity, and destination events.

Together, we dive into:

• What separates a good event from a truly unforgettable experience
• The psychology behind creating connection through live events
• How branding and storytelling shape the guest experience
• The wildest and most creative event ideas they’ve produced
• Why meaningful moments matter more than ever in a digital world

Because when people gather with intention, something powerful happens.

And that’s where the real magic of the hang begins.

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 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
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 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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Success on paper doesn’t always feel like peace in your body.

In this episode, Emilee Tucker shares how corporate stagnation and a painful breakup forced her into a deeper journey of self-discovery — one that went beyond productivity hacks and leadership books.

Emilee believes the soul is the missing piece in modern self-development. Through energetics, breathwork, Human Design, and deep self-awareness, she now helps others reconnect with who they truly are — not who they were conditioned to be.

We explore:
• Why burnout is often misalignment
• The danger of chasing information instead of integration
• What it means to “decondition” yourself
• How authenticity transforms leadership
• Why alignment creates peace and power

If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or exhausted from trying to “fix” yourself, this conversation will feel like a reset.

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
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 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.