Episode 73 - Holly Brians Ragusa - Writer, Poet & Founder of Lit Cincy

Ep. 73 — Holly Brians Ragusa on Lit Cincy, Poetry, Memoir, Writing, Healing, and Cincinnati’s Literary Community We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the groundbreaking for a new Veterans Village, brownfield cleanup funding for New Richmond, Clermont County’s new Facade Improvement Pilot Program, safety improvements at the State Route 32 and Herold Road intersection, Milford’s 2027 tax budget hearing, and a detailed look at Milford’s PFAS water treatment options. Interview — Holly Brians Ragusa Holly Brians Ragusa joins the show to talk about writing, poetry, memoir, literary community, and the work of connecting writers, readers, bookstores, libraries, open mics, workshops, and arts organizations across Greater Cincinnati. Holly is a writer, poet, speaker, community activist, founder of Lit Cincy, and president of the Ohio Poetry Association. The conversation covers her path as a writer, the value of good editors and workshops, the difficulty of creative work, and why literary communities matter for both new and experienced writers. We also talk about Lit Cincy, a grassroots effort to serve as connective tissue for the region’s literary life. Holly explains how the idea came together, why Cincinnati needed a stronger literary hub, and how Lit Cincy hopes to highlight local writers, literary events, independent bookstores, publishers, editors, libraries, and community partners. The conversation also gets into poetry, open mics, the Ohio Poetry Association, and how people who feel intimidated by poetry can begin reading, listening, writing, and joining the community. Holly shares why poetry and writing can be powerful tools for healing, reflection, and connection. A major part of the interview focuses on Holly’s memoir, Met the End, which tells the story of her father’s murder by serial killer Donald Harvey. Holly discusses the process of reclaiming that story from sensational true-crime framing and writing instead about survivorship, trauma, family, healing, and the humanity of victims and their families. We also discuss local history, America’s River Roots, the Riverwalk Cincy app, the Freedom Journey app, and why understanding the history of Cincinnati, Clermont County, the Ohio River, and the Underground Railroad can help communities better understand themselves. Links from this episode Holly Brians Ragusa — Official WebsiteLit CincyMet the EndOhio Poetry AssociationNews Clermont County breaks ground on a new Veterans Village to support homeless veterans in the Tri-State  The more than $10 million Veterans Village project will include 19 homes and wraparound support services  Ohio awards $15.5 million in brownfield cleanup and assessment grants across 35 counties  Clermont County receives $400,000 for cleanup of the former New Richmond bus garage site  The Clermont County Port Authority launches a new Facade Improvement Pilot Program  Eligible commercial and mixed-use properties may receive up to $20,000 for exterior improvements  Batavia and ODOT begin safety improvements at State Route 32 and Herold Road  Milford City Council holds a public hearing on the city’s 2027 tax budget  Milford officials discuss future park levy questions and the unfinished vision for Five Points Park  AECOM presents Milford City Council with options for removing PFAS from the city’s drinking water  Milford considers granular activated carbon and ion exchange treatment options for PFAS removal  City officials discuss funding options, settlement money, possible regionalization, and the long-term future of Milford’s water utility Events Union Township Farmers Market  Bethel America 250 Celebration Kick-Off Picnic and Worship in the Park  Ralph Shepherd Concert Series in New Richmond  Summer Bird Walk at Crooked Run Nature Preserve  Front Street Flea Pop-Up Flea Market  Milford Farmers Market  Second Saturday in Haussermann Park  Clermont County History and Museum Day  Elvis Tribute Concert in Miami Township  New Richmond Farmers Market  Astronauts of Ohio at the Miami Township Library  Oregon Trail Adventure at the Bethel Library  Sunset River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34 Park  Red, White and Bloom into Independence  Hoots and Hops at Cincinnati Nature Center  Union Township Summer Concert with the Marty Connor Band  Annual Butterfly Count  Goshen Branch Plant Club  Native American Artifact Evaluation with the Clermont County Historical SocietyFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate