Abruptly Authentic with Hollie Strano

Hollie shares the most powerful, funny, and heartfelt moments from Abruptly Authentic Rewind: Part One—including stories about resilience, recovery, family, and finding strength through authenticity. Part Two is coming soon, with even more unforgettable moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollie talks with Melinda and Matt from The Miles Group — parents who turned grief into advocacy after losing their son Miles to fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. A powerful conversation about stigma, healing, and the hope that comes from saying his name and building awareness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two winners. Two conversations. One unforgettable connection. In this special episode, Hollie chats with the Wake Up and Win contest winners about sobriety, kindness, family, coffee, and the small moments that make life big. A celebration of connection, gratitude, and being real. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Micah returns for Part 2 of his story—from surviving a deadly bombing in Afghanistan to facing the emotional aftermath. A conversation about trauma, fatherhood, faith, and what healing really looks like Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollie talks with Micah—a Marine veteran whose story spans enlistment, leadership, and a devastating 21st birthday in Iraq. A raw and honest conversation about identity, purpose, and the weight of surviving war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollie talks with Gretchen from OutRun Ovarian Cancer—a mother, advocate, and founder of one of Northeast Ohio’s most impactful awareness movements. A moving conversation about symptoms, survivorship, and the strength that comes from speaking up. Learn more and get involved: oroc.org OROC Race Info, Donations, and Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ovarian cancer is known as a silent killer—but what if speaking up could change everything? In this powerful conversation, Hollie sits down with OB/GYN and addiction medicine physician Dr. Patrick Beeman to talk about early signs, missed symptoms, and how to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right. A must-listen for anyone navigating a diagnosis or seeking to be heard. Learn more a...

When Hollie noticed something didn’t feel right, she spoke up—and it may have saved her life. In this powerful solo episode, she shares her journey through ovarian cancer, sobriety, and the fear that almost kept her from seeking care. A story about listening to your body, trusting your instincts, and speaking up—especially when it’s hard. If you’ve ever ignored a symptom, questioned your instincts...

🎙️ Roll the Tape — Brad Sussman joins Hollie to revisit the moment a single news tape changed everything. As Hollie’s first mentor in broadcasting, Brad reflects on their early days in the newsroom, what makes a great mentor, and how both their lives have evolved since leaving TV. From second chances to spiritual wake-up calls, this is a candid conversation about growth, grace, and the power of be...

🎙 Longtime Cleveland Newscasters Reunite — Friendship, Sobriety, and the Real Life Behind the Camera! In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Abruptly Authentic, Hollie sits down with her longtime friend and fellow Cleveland media icon, Mark Nolan, for an unfiltered conversation about life and transformation. From their early days as beloved Cleveland TV personalities to the challenges of...

This week, Hollie is joined by Veranda L’Ni, a talented Cleveland drag entertainer, human rights advocate, and creator of the Drag Pride flag. Together, they discuss some important topics including the rise in backlash against drag, the often misunderstood artistry of drag, and, of course, what it’s like being Cleveland’s tallest drag queen! Check out Veranda’s socials: Instagram Facebook Learn mo...

This week, Hollie gets the chance to sit down with Cleveland musician and artist Jose Martinez Perez, also known as Rico Blu. They discuss Rico's creative mindset, artistic history, and how he handles the chaotic atmosphere guaranteed for the life of an artist. Keep up with Rico Blu: Instagram Linktree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollie is joined by Cleveland photographer Chad Cochran to discuss his work including his newest project, “I Didn’t Want To Tell You,” a series which aims to normalize the conversation around mental health. Learn more about the series here. Chad’s socials: Facebook Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Hollie gets the chance to speak with Cleveland artist Jenna Fournier (Kid Tigrrr, Niights) about song-writing, working with Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), and mental health. Together, they share their experiences of dealing with burnout, being vulnerable in the public eye, and how they deal with haters. Jenna's socials: Instagram Facebook Check out Jenna's music and art here! Le...

Hollie sits down with Cleveland musician Joe Abraham from the band Joe Abraham and the Faces of Belmez. Hear all about Joe’s journey with music and a live performance of the Abruptly Authentic theme song, 'Highways'. Checked out the band on their socials: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ And ⁠listen to 'Highways'⁠ on all streaming platforms! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Hollie is joined by her sister Stephanie. Together, they discuss their shared love of plants, their experiences with anxiety, and the ups and downs of motherhood. Digressions include: guilty pleasures, spirit animals, and the scariest flight they’ve ever been on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollie sits down and answers your hard-hitting questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollie is joined by friend and Upstream Therapeutics wellness coach Anne Marie. Together, they craft some tasty mocktails in celebration of Dry January, and remind us that fun drinks don’t need alcohol! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come along with Hollie to dress rehearsal for The Nutcracker! Hollie was given the opportunity to participate in a guest role in Ballet Legato’s Nutcracker and gives us a sneak peek into the rehearsal process featuring an interview with artistic director Jennifer Muselin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollie takes us back to the night of her car crash and walks us through the resulting fallout, the moment she knew she would never drink again, and her decision to recover out loud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Abruptly Authentic! On this first episode, Hollie walks us through how her Abruptly Authentic journey started and where she hopes it takes us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices