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What happens when you remove alcohol from the founder lifestyle—and replace it with clarity, community, and purpose? In today’s episode, Sharon sits down with Andrew Lasisse, founder of Sober Founders, to talk about sobriety in entrepreneurship, building identity without drinking culture, and why going alcohol-free can become a true competitive advantage. We dive into business growth, mental health, confidence, and the power of connection when you choose a new way to “hang.” If you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or building something big—this one will hit home.

https://www.soberfounders.org/

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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 her
• The brutal reality of life as a young refugee
• The moments that nearly broke her — and the ones that carried her forward
• How she built a successful career in dentistry from the ground up
• The legacy she hopes her story will inspire in others

This 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/

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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 everything
• What mission work really looks like in places facing war, poverty, and fear
• How a young man carries spiritual courage into some of the hardest circumstances
• The unexpected ways God shows up in the field
• What Zach believes the world needs most right now

It’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/

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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 stroke
• Navigating disability and identity
• The psychology of resilience and adaptability
• How comedy, improv, and laughter support mental health
• Redefining success after trauma
• Turning survival into purpose

From 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.

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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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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 approach is grounded, encouraging, and perfect for anyone wanting to feel stronger, lighter, and more energized in 2025.

And in true Joy of the Hang spirit, Jim helps us reconnect with the “H” in HANG: Healthy Habits as a form of self-connection. Because when we honor our bodies with small, consistent choices, we create a deeper hang with ourselves—one built on respect, discipline, and joy.

If you’re searching for expert insight on New Year fitness goals, strength training, fat loss, and healthy routines, this episode is your fresh start.

A Joyful Act for today: choose one Healthy Habit and let it anchor your week.

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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 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 about reclaiming your life, your health, and your joy.

If you need hope, motivation, or a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, this conversation is for you.

https://a.co/d/bDX7EsT

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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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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.

Together, we explore what it really means to live an exquisite life: one built on intention, connection, and the courage to listen to your soul’s calling. Jessica shares how to shift out of survival mode, tune into higher wisdom, and step into the version of yourself that’s been waiting for you all along.

If you’re craving more meaning, more alignment, and a life that feels deeply yours, this episode is your permission slip to rise.

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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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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 transformed hospitality into heritage, and why they believe joy is best served with good wine, good company, and a view of the Mediterranean.

https://www.damimmotours.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
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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.