Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hardy.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
The story of how I got to where I am begins at the age of 4 when I watched wrestling with my father for the first time. It was WCW during the height of the Monday Night War when they and WWE were going head to head each week. I’ve been in love with the sport ever since.
As far as my journey as a podcast host starts, it began when I was in an online group with other wrestling fans and was unseated from my administrative position there after taking a break. We had previously discussed starting a podcast, but it never happened and I still had the free software to record a podcast on my phone. After asking around for a co-host to no avail, I gained the courage to start The Hardy Wrestling Podcast in February 2020 and the journey has been blessed and crazy.
Doing my own show has opened doors for me in a field that I never specialized in. I had always been a fan but never thought that anyone would actively want to listen to me talk about the wild world of professional wrestling, and because I stepped out on faith, I’ve become a host, a color commentator, a panelist, and a writer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been the easiest journey. Some of the struggles that I have faced have been due to self-doubt and wondering if I should be taking up space in wrestling.
Other struggles have been due to dealing with backlash from standing up for what I believe in online and getting bullied for it. People have said cruel things like “Have fun with your 30 followers” and “You’ll never grow with takes like that.” I have even been body shamed on Twitter and rejected for interviews that could have been amazing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the host and content creator of my own podcast The Hardy Wrestling Podcast, a chill, positive, and passionate wrestling show that discusses news and gossip, what I like in wrestling on a weekly basis, along with special segments and interviews with wrestlers, commentators, referees, and various personalities that makes wrestling go around.
I’m also a color commentator that has been featured on The BellaDonna Division, the first all-women’s wrestling promotion in Alabama, Battle Club Pro in Brooklyn, New York, and the annual event Black Girl Magik in 2022. I also serve as a host and writer for Women’s Wrestling Talk, the #1 Women’s Wrestling show on the planet, created by pop culture host TK Trinidad.
I am most proud of being a Black woman in wrestling who is learning how to be myself and express my love for the sport in a healthy way. I’m also proud of gaining the courage to use my voice in a way that is unexpected and strong.
What sets me apart from others is my work ethic and persistent need to add light where there is darkness.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can find and support me on Instagram and Twitter @QueenStephHardy and work with and book me at hardywrestlingpodcast@gmail.com.
People can listen to The Hardy Wrestling Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Prime, and IHeartRadio. You can also follow the show on Instagram @hardywrestlingpodcast and on Twitter @hardywrestlepod.
You can also find me on Women’s Wrestling Talk on Instagram, Twitter, and Twitch @WWTalkPod and on YouTube at Women’s Wrestling Talk.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/queenstephhardy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardywrestlingpodcast
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/QueenStephHardy
