In this powerful episode of Abruptly Authentic, Hollie is joined by Micah — a Marine veteran, husband, and father whose journey from the sports field to the battlefield is marked by deep purpose, devastating loss, and unshakable brotherhood. After feeling lost post-high school, Micah found direction in the discipline of the Marine Corps. But what began as a calling quickly turned into a reality marked by trauma and survival — including a life-altering attack on his 21st birthday in Iraq. Topics include: ● Why team identity shaped Micah’s early life ● What led him to enlist in the Marine Corps ● The moment he told his mom he was going to war ● What it means to lead during wartime ● Why some emotional wounds take longer to show Micah’s story is one of commitment, complexity, and emotional clarity — a powerful reminder of what it takes not just to survive war, but to carry its weight home. Subscribe for Part 2: “Strength Through Pain,” coming soon #CallToServe #MarineVeteran #VeteranVoices #PTSD #AbruptlyAuthentic #MilitaryLife #SurvivorStory #EmotionalResilience #HollieStrano

In this episode of Abruptly Authentic, Hollie is joined by Gretchen — a fierce advocate, mother of four, and the founder of OutRun Ovarian Cancer (OROC). After losing her aunt and nearly her mother to ovarian cancer, Gretchen turned grief into action, building a movement that brings hope and resources to women across Northeast Ohio. Topics include: ● How vague symptoms delay diagnosis ● Why genetic testing could save your life ● What to know about OROC’s mission and impact ● How survivors are rewriting the narrative ● Why advocacy starts with listening to yourself Gretchen’s story is one of power, purpose, and community — a reminder that hope isn't just possible, it's actionable. Learn more and get involved: oroc.org OROC Race Info, Donations, and Resources Subscribe for new episodes weekly Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more #OROC #OutRunOvarianCancer #OvarianCancerAwareness #WomensHealth #HollieStrano #AbruptlyAuthentic #GeneticTesting #CancerAdvocacy #KnowTheSigns

In this episode of Abruptly Authentic, Hollie sits down with Dr. Patrick Beeman, an OB/GYN and addiction medicine physician, to talk about ovarian cancer, self-advocacy, and what every woman should know about the symptoms often dismissed or missed entirely. When Hollie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it was caught early — but only because she pushed for testing after being told it was likely nothing. In this conversation, Dr. Beeman unpacks why early signs are often missed, how anxiety can become a tool for advocacy, and what patients need to know when they’re navigating medical systems that don’t always listen. Topics include: ● Why ovarian cancer is often overlooked ● What early signs women (and doctors) ignore ● How to advocate for yourself during medical visits ● The role of anxiety in pushing for answers ● What Hollie’s case teaches us about persistence and prevention Whether you're navigating a diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or seeking to better understand women's health, this episode offers clarity and empowerment. About Dr. Beeman: Dr. Beeman is an OB/GYN and addiction medicine physician from Lorain, OH. He founded Ars Longa Media with the intention of helping others (especially fellow physicians) develop their creativity and apply their expertise to media and educational projects that will impact the culture of health care and medical education for the better. Explore more of Dr. Beeman’s work: Linktree: linktr.ee/DrBeeman All of Dr. Beeman’s work in one place—media, medicine, socials, and clinical locations. Ars Longa Media – arslonga.media Creative content at the intersection of medicine, storytelling, and recovery. Visit @arslongamedia on YouTube for videos on health, recovery, and the human side of medicine—with a creative twist. Veranova Health – veranovahealth.org Dr. Beeman’s clinic offering women’s health, family medicine, mental health, pelvic floor physical therapy, and addiction care in Middleburg Heights, OH. Also home to a focused prenatal addiction clinic located at Cornerstone Pregnancy in Elyria, Ohio. Subscribe for weekly episodes of Abruptly Authentic #OvarianCancerAwareness #SelfAdvocacy #DrBeeman #HollieStrano #AbruptlyAuthentic #MedicalAdvocacy #WomensHealth #KnowTheSigns #CancerAwareness

She trusted her gut—and it may have saved her life. In this emotional solo episode of Abruptly Authentic, Hollie opens up for the first time about her experience with ovarian cancer. What started as a subtle sign quickly turned into something serious. Through medical anxiety, self-advocacy, and two major surgeries, Hollie walks us through the fear, the decisions, and the moment everything changed. If you’ve ever ignored a symptom, questioned your instincts, or struggled to speak up in a doctor’s office—this episode is for you. You’ll hear about: ● How Hollie’s anxiety nearly kept her from seeking care ● The scan that caught what almost went unnoticed ● What it’s like to face cancer while sober ● The moment she knew something wasn’t right ● Why self-advocacy matters—especially in women’s health This isn’t just a story about cancer. It’s a story about speaking up, paying attention, and learning to listen to your body—even when no one else sees what you feel. Subscribe for more raw and real conversations every week. Like, comment, and share if this episode resonated with you. Don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss a moment of Abruptly Authentic. #OvarianCancer #WomensHealth #MedicalAnxiety #Sobriety #SelfAdvocacy #CancerSurvivor #AbruptlyAuthentic #HollieStrano

Longtime Cleveland Newscasters Reunite — Friendship, Sobriety, and the Real Life Behind the Camera! In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Abruptly Authentic, Hollie Strano 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 working in the spotlight, Hollie and Mark reflect on over 20 years of friendship. They open up about the realities of mental health, addiction recovery, and navigating career transitions — all with humor, honesty, and heart. If you’ve ever watched Hollie or Mark deliver the forecast, you won’t want to miss this episode! 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations, community stories, and healing with humor. #Cleveland #SobrietyJourney #BroadcastLife #HollieStrano #MarkNolan #AddictionRecovery #LocalNews #RadioLife #Meteorologist #FriendshipGoals #abruptlyauthentic #boss

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: https://www.instagram.com/veranda_lni/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealVerandaLNi/ #abruptlyauthentic #host #varietyshow #letslearnsomething #educate #drag #veranda #lgbtq 💫

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: https://www.instagram.com/ricoblumusic/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ricoblu #abruptlyauthentic #host #varietyshow #mentalhealth #stigma #cleveland #creative #irecoveroutloud #mustwatch #rap #rapper #rapmusic #hiphop

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: https://www.ididntwanttotellyou.com/ Chad’s socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cowtownchad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowtownchad #abruptlyauthentic #mentalhealth #stigma #cleveland #creative #irecoveroutloud #mustwatch #cowtownchad #photography #grateful #varietyshow #host