Joy of the Hang | Connection & Empowerment Stories

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

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/support]  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 [https://instagram.com/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.

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

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/fan_mail/new] 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 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/support]  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 [https://instagram.com/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.

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

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/support]  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 [https://instagram.com/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.

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

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/fan_mail/new] 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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/support]  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 [https://instagram.com/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.

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

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432382/support]  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 [https://instagram.com/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.