TV Host Hannah Fletcher on the Five Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career as a Journalist
“If you have a passion, or if something is really on your heart, pay attention to it. Don’t focus on what might be holding you back… Instead, focus on what could come from it. Don’t stifle your daydreaming when it comes to pursuing that passion or idea. Let yourself dream big and lean into it.” — Hannah Fletcher
I had the pleasure of talking with Hannah Fletcher. Hannah is an emerging media personality, talk show host, and journalist who has steadily built a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Known for her engaging red carpet interviews and authentic storytelling, Fletcher has spoken with a broad range of celebrities, including Sydney Sweeney, Maya Rudolph, Charlie Day, Larry the Cable Guy, Mena Suvari, and Bert Kreischer, among many others. Her interviews, often praised for their warm and thoughtful tone, reveal a passion for connecting with her subjects on a deeper level.
Raised in Winchester, Virginia, Fletcher discovered her love for the arts at an early age. As an only child, she credits her parents’ unwavering support as a critical foundation for her journey. A dedicated dancer for 15 years, Fletcher also pursued acting from the age of five, participating in school drama clubs and other creative endeavors. This early passion led her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting before relocating to Los Angeles in 2019 to pursue her dreams.
Like many, Fletcher faced significant challenges during the pandemic. With the entertainment industry at a standstill, she took the opportunity to reassess her career path. Reflecting on old footage of herself conducting interviews and engaging with others, she realized her aptitude for journalism and storytelling. This realization marked a turning point as she pivoted toward hosting and reporting, determined to carve out a space for herself in Hollywood.
Fletcher’s persistence and adaptability began to pay off as she gained experience hosting for outlets such as The Buzz, Muse TV, and Where Is The Buzz. These roles provided her with opportunities to interview high-profile talent, hone her skills, and build her reel. A recurring cast member on the popular YouTube channel REACT, which boasts over 20 million subscribers, Fletcher also became a familiar face in digital media. She launched a podcast to further refine her interviewing abilities, while also learning the intricacies of booking guests, pitching ideas, and developing professional relationships — skills that proved invaluable as her career progressed.
Fletcher’s breakthrough came when she met Eric Wheelwright, an award-winning producer and director, during a networking event. Their collaboration led to the creation of The Hannah Fletcher Show, an upcoming talk show set to premiere on Tubi. As both host and producer, Fletcher seeks to redefine celebrity interviews by offering guests a platform to share their stories on their terms. Rejecting the sensationalism and exploitation often associated with entertainment media, Fletcher aims to foster honest and respectful conversations. Upcoming episodes feature a diverse lineup, including Lainie Kazan, Gary Anthony Williams, Stephen Kramer Glickman, and Daytime Emmy nominee Jessica Morris just to name a few.
In addition to her professional achievements, Fletcher is committed to giving back. She has volunteered with S.T.R.E.A.M., an organization dedicated to providing children with educational resources and support. Her advocacy reflects her belief in the importance of uplifting others and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Fletcher’s thoughtful approach to media extends to her views on the evolving landscape of journalism. She recognizes the challenges facing traditional outlets in the age of digital creators but believes in a collaborative future where influencers and established journalists can coexist. Her vision for media is one that balances innovation with respect for the craft, ensuring that diverse voices are amplified without compromising journalistic integrity.
As she looks ahead, Fletcher is focused on expanding The Hannah Fletcher Show and exploring new ways to engage with audiences. The show, described as a blend of meaningful dialogue and practical advice, aims to resonate with younger viewers while maintaining broad appeal. Segments tackling topics such as financial literacy and personal growth reflect Fletcher’s commitment to providing value beyond entertainment.
Verified on Instagram and steadily building her platform, Fletcher continues to attract attention for her work ethic and authenticity. She is carving a niche for herself as a media figure who values connection over spectacle, offering audiences a fresh take on celebrity culture. As she continues to grow her career, Fletcher remains dedicated to creating a space in media that is inclusive, respectful, and impactful.
Yitzi: Hannah, it’s a delight and an honor to meet you. Before we dive in deep, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share with us the story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Hannah: It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. I’m so excited to be here. I was born and raised in Virginia, in a town called Winchester. It’s about 60 miles outside of D.C. I’m an only child, and I have really great parents who are still very involved in my life today.
Honestly, ever since I was very young, I realized I had such a passion for the entertainment industry. I just loved it so much, and that’s ultimately what led me to where I am today — living in Los Angeles and always being on stage. I was a young dancer and danced for 15 years of my life. I started at three, began acting at five, and throughout school, I was always in the drama club. I was constantly striving to perform and stay involved in the Arts in any way I could.
Eventually, I pursued my BFA in acting, and that led me to relocate to L.A. The rest, of course, has unfolded from there. It’s been such a beautiful journey, and I’m so grateful for it. I’m also so thankful for where I come from and for my parents, who have always been incredibly supportive of me. That’s such a big blessing, and I’m very aware of it and deeply appreciative of it.
Yitzi: Could you tell us the next chapter of that story? What led you to this career as a TV host?
Hannah: Yes! So, I moved out to L.A. in 2019 and ended up living not too far from The Grove. I loved where I was — it was such a fun experience. But it was also really tough because, as we all know, the pandemic hit in 2020. That forced me to recalibrate and think about what direction I wanted to take.
I’ve always loved acting. It’s what I went to school for, and I’m so passionate about it. But when I got to L.A., I had zero connections. I’m not a nepo baby; I didn’t have any built-in industry ties to help propel me forward in Hollywood. So, during the pandemic, I made the decision to pivot. I told myself, “Okay, I love acting, but let me see what else I might have a passion for.”
That’s when I started digging into old footage of myself. I did some deep diving and realized that, even at a young age, I showed a big interest in interviewing and connecting with people. That realization ultimately led me to decide that I wanted to pursue a career on red carpets — interviewing celebrities, influencers, anyone and everyone.
At the same time, I launched a podcast. The idea wasn’t to go viral or rack up tons of views. The purpose was to showcase my abilities and gain experience because, in this industry, you have to show what you can do. You can say you’re capable of something all you want, but if you don’t have anything to back it up, it’s hard to move forward — especially when you don’t have pre-existing connections to open doors for you.
So, I focused on building a reel. I took on as many internships as I could and worked hard to get onto the red carpet in any way possible. Those internships gave me opportunities to get there, and at the same time, my podcast became a training ground. It taught me how to interview and helped me refine my skills.
Beyond that, the process of running a podcast taught me the backend of the industry. I learned how to book guests, pitch ideas, and connect with publicists. And I realized just how important those relationships are. In some cases, building connections with publicists is even more crucial than connecting with talent.
Overall, it was such a valuable experience. It taught me respect for the industry, the hustle, and what it takes to build something from scratch. And now, here we are!
Yitzi: So, you probably have some amazing stories from different red carpets you’ve been on, different people you’ve interviewed, or just some experiences as a journalist. Can you share with our readers one or two stories or anecdotes that stand out in your mind about your professional life?
Hannah: Sure! Well, there are always certain celebrities that stand out as some of my favorite interviews, especially when I’m a huge fan of their work. Two people who come to mind right away are Larry the Cable Guy and Bert Kreischer. I really enjoyed interviewing both of them.
With Larry the Cable Guy, it was a virtual interview — I wish it had been in person, but I’ll take what I can get! Larry was so kind, and as an interviewer, one of the biggest highlights is when someone acknowledges your work or says your name during the conversation. For me, it’s such a special moment because it feels like they’re breaking down that extra wall and truly connecting with you as a person.
I’ll never forget when I was interviewing Larry. He picked up his Mater toy truck, made it “dance” on camera, and said, “Hi, Hannah!” in his full Larry the Cable Guy voice. It was so surreal and such a fun, personal moment. He was just so down-to-earth. I think he was sitting in a recliner wearing a tank top during the interview — he was so chill and just a genuinely good guy.
Then there’s Bert Kreischer. I’ve been a fan of his for years. I absolutely love stand-up comedy — it’s my go-to for entertainment. While other people might gravitate toward movies in their free time, for me, it’s all about stand-up, especially on Netflix.
I had the chance to interview Bert at the premiere of his movie The Machine, which was such a cool event. The premiere had this street carnival vibe — it was unlike anything I’d ever been to. I interviewed Bert at a station while he was getting ready to play beer pong! It was such a fun, unique experience.
Bert was incredibly nice and down-to-earth. For someone who’s had such an amazing career and worked with legends like Mark Hamill, he was so approachable and genuine. You know, they always say, “Don’t meet your heroes,” and you never know how it’s going to go, but Bert was everything you’d hope for and more.
That whole carpet really stood out to me — not just because of how unique it was, but also because of how great the interaction was. It was an amazing moment for sure!
Yitzi: It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting out, and the lesson you took from it?
Hannah: That’s a good question. I’d have to say — this has happened a few times — sometimes, especially during virtual Zoom junkets, little human errors can occur. For example, the people running the junket might mix things up. You’ll think you’re about to interview a specific talent you’ve prepped for, but suddenly, someone entirely different pops up on your screen.
One scenario that happens pretty often is when you’re expecting an actor, but then, out of nowhere, you’re connected with the director instead — or vice versa. Maybe you’ve prepared for the actor and know the director is supposed to come later in the process, but the schedule gets switched without warning.
When that happens, I’ve learned to quickly pivot. I’ll usually start broad with a more general question to feel things out, then narrow in as the conversation progresses. A lot of it comes down to trusting your instincts. If you’re thinking, wait a minute, this person doesn’t seem like one of the supporting actors — he seems more like someone behind the scenes, you’re probably right.
The key is staying present, engaging your active listening skills, and just rolling with whatever comes your way. If something feels off, don’t ignore that instinct. Instead, adjust and go with the flow.
It’s definitely a funny and humbling situation when you realize you’ve been thrown a curveball like that, but it has taught me to stay flexible and prepared for anything. That’s really what makes a good interviewer — being able to adapt in the moment and make the best of it.
Yitzi: None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. We love hearing stories about someone whose small gesture opens a door or creates an opportunity that changes someone’s career trajectory. Do you have a story like that — where someone did that for you, or you did that for someone else?
Hannah: Yes! I always love being able to offer connections to other people who I feel will represent both themselves and me as well. That’s something I really pride myself on, especially in this business. If I can share a connection with someone, I will.
That said, this has definitely happened to me, too. It’s exactly what happened with my talk show. My executive producer, Eric Wheelwright, is incredible. He and I first connected back in March of this year. We met at a party, had a great conversation, and stayed in touch afterward. Later, we grabbed coffee, and I ended up sharing my hopes and dreams with him.
Now, I want to clarify — when I go to coffee with someone, I always have two reasons. One is to genuinely get to know them, and if they happen to work in the same industry, great. The other reason is just to make a friend. I never go into it looking for anything from someone. If an opportunity arises, that’s amazing, but it’s never my initial intention.
With Eric, I knew who he was and what he’d accomplished in the industry. He’s a multi-award-winning director, filmmaker, and producer, and he’s worked with some incredible talent. I was aware of all of that, but my intention wasn’t to pitch him or ask for anything. I just wanted to connect with someone else in the same business.
During our conversation, I shared my dreams and desires, and he really listened. That conversation ultimately led to the birth of my talk show. Eric became the executive producer, and he’s just phenomenal at what he does. Working with him is incredible. Every time we shoot, I feel so inspired and creatively fulfilled — it’s almost like leaving an acting class when I was 21, where you feel like you’ve had a really good workout for your craft.
Eric’s direction is on another level. He’s so talented and has this amazing ability to bring out the best in people. I’m so grateful that he took a chance on me. I talk to him every day and always make a point to express how much I appreciate him. It means the world to me.
Yitzi: Hannah, you’ve done so much impressive work. Please tell us more about your show. Why should we watch it? Why should we tune in? And what should we expect in the near future?
Hannah: Absolutely. The show, The Hannah Fletcher Show, is something I’m incredibly proud of. So far, we’ve shot about seven episodes, and we have so many more planned. It’s a really special project because of the incredible guests we’ve had on. Every single guest I’ve had so far has been someone I share some kind of connection with — whether I already knew them, admired their work, or became a fan through the process. There has always been some meaningful tie with each person, which adds so much authenticity to the show.
What I think sets The Hannah Fletcher Show apart is that, while the guests are primarily well-known — celebrities for the most part — they’re all so much more than just their public personas. If you stripped away their celebrity status, they’d still have so much to offer as people. They’re well-rounded individuals with amazing stories to tell.
One of the key things we’ve incorporated into every episode so far is this concept of sharing a “nugget of wisdom.” We ask our guests to offer a piece of advice, whether it’s personal, professional, or just something meaningful to them. It’s all about connecting with the audience in a way that feels real and valuable. We’re aware that our audience is likely to lean younger, and probably skew toward women, though we welcome viewers of all ages. Knowing that, we’re making a conscious effort to create content that’s relevant to that demographic while also being accessible to everyone.
As a team, we’re still growing and evolving. We’re bringing on new producers and developing new segments to flesh out the show even more. One segment we’re working on, for example, tackles stigmas around things like economics and financial literacy. Let me give you an example: when I graduated high school, I took one economics class. Did I leave that class understanding the economy? Not really. Did I fully grasp the importance of a credit score? Definitely not. Do I know exactly how to buy a car? I’m 27, and I’m still figuring that out.
So we’re working on bringing in guests and building segments that offer real, practical advice and guidance for younger viewers who might feel lost in areas like that. We want to fill a gap that has been overlooked in the talk show space. Podcasts are hugely popular right now — and I’ve had one myself, so I know how great they can be — but there’s no talk show out there specifically for this younger generation. There’s no talk show host speaking directly to them.
I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into that space and pioneering something new, alongside Eric and the rest of our team.
Yitzi: As someone in the same business, I know that booking can sometimes be a challenge. Do you want to share any insights on how you book such great talent?
That’s such a good question — thank you! I will say that when it comes to booking, one of the most important things is to not be afraid to follow up a couple of times. Persistence is key. Just earlier today, right before I hopped on this call, I was emailing with one of the publicists for a guest. They had a question about the show and sent me a follow-up email saying, “Just bumping this to the top of your inbox.” I was so grateful for that because I had completely overlooked their first email.
So, persistence is definitely important, but having an exciting and compelling product to offer is just as critical. If you’re inviting someone to be part of something great, that enthusiasm can go a long way.
Another big tip is leveraging any pre-existing connections you have with talent. It’s always worth sending an email to see if they’re interested. Of course, it depends on who the person is and what you’re trying to book them for, but starting with your network can often open doors.
For me, especially in this space of interviewing, I approach it with the mindset of being in service to my guest. I’m not looking to invade their personal lives. There’s a big difference between having a meaningful conversation and prying for clickbait content, and that’s just not something I stand for.
When I have an interview with someone, I like to be upfront about how I’d like to present them. At the same time, I leave room for their input. I want them to feel comfortable, though I still see myself as “driving the car” during the conversation. I’m not digging for exploitative information or trying to create viral moments at their expense.
Instead, I focus on who they are and what makes them special, often highlighting aspects of their career or life that the public may have overlooked. For example, Lainie Kazan is one of the guests on my show. She’s incredibly well-known across multiple generations, but there are things about her that many people don’t realize. Did you know she was on The Dean Martin Show 26 times? We talk about that! Of course, we also discuss My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but I make it a point to explore the lesser-known stories that make her who she is.
That’s my approach. I want to give my guests the opportunity to shine in a way that feels authentic and respectful, while also providing my audience with insights they might not have heard before.
Yitzi: This is our signature question that we ask in all our interviews. Hannah, you’ve been blessed with a lot of success now. Looking back to when you first started, do you have five things you know now that you wish somebody had told you when you first started?
Five things. Okay, let me think about that. So, in terms of five things, the first thing I’d say — and this is advice I’ve always believed in, though it’s hard to apply to yourself — is to not compare yourself to others. That’s such a big one. Personally, professionally, it doesn’t matter — comparison just doesn’t work. There’s a reason people say, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” If I could go back in time, I’d remind my younger self of that over and over again.
The second thing I’d say is, if you have a passion, or if something is really on your heart, pay attention to it. Don’t focus on what might be holding you back, whether that’s finances, a lack of support, or anything else. Instead, focus on what could come from it. Don’t stifle your daydreaming when it comes to pursuing that passion or idea. Let yourself dream big and lean into it.
For the third, I’d say don’t be afraid to take risks. This applies to so many things. Let’s use booking as an example. Maybe there’s a guest you really want on your show, but they seem way out of reach. That doesn’t mean you don’t send the pitch. Send it anyway! The worst-case scenario is that you don’t get a response or they say no. And that’s okay! I’ve gotten plenty of emails that say, “We’ll pass,” and it’s fine. It’s like Monopoly — when you pass “Go,” you collect $200 and keep moving. A rejection isn’t a dead stop; it’s just part of the process.
For the fourth, I’d say adjust your perspective. This has been a big lesson for me this year. If you have a “Negative Nancy” in your life, someone telling you that you can’t do something or that you don’t deserve to be in the room, don’t let that discourage you. I’m very spiritual, and while I understand that religion isn’t for everyone, through my lens of faith, I see those moments as elevation. When someone speaks negatively about you or doubts you, I take it as a sign that I’ve just been elevated to the next level. Whether you’re religious or not, I think you can embrace that mindset. Trust the process, keep going, and don’t let anyone stop you.
And finally, the fifth thing I’ve learned is this: if people are talking about you — whether it’s positive or negative — take it as a compliment. It means you’re doing something right. It means you’re doing something different, something that stands out. People often judge what they don’t understand, and that’s just human nature. Think about fashion trends — how often do we see something new and think, “What is that?” only to find ourselves wearing it a year or two later? The same concept applies to life and humanity. When you’re doing something unique or outside the box, it can feel foreign to others, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It means you’re making waves.
Yitzi: Amazing answers. I don’t usually ask this question, but since you’re a journalist, I want to take the opportunity. What are your thoughts on the media landscape today? The state of journalism? So many outlets are going out of business, the business model seems broken with people unable to rely on advertising. And then there’s the rise of partisan media and echo chambers of truth. What do you think could be done to make the industry healthier?
Here’s the thing — there should always be a place for traditional media. I stand by that completely. But what I’m seeing more and more, especially on red carpets, is that influencers and bloggers are being invited instead of traditional outlets. From a network’s perspective, I understand why. If you bring in one influencer with two million followers, you’ll probably get an immediate boost in exposure. Meanwhile, an outlet may take time to process, edit, and publish their content, and they might not have the same reach as that single influencer.
That said, I believe both worlds can coexist. I’m a big believer that two truths can be true at the same time, even if they’re different. I think traditional media and social media creators both bring value, and instead of competing, there’s an opportunity to collaborate and balance those roles. Right now, the pendulum has swung too far in both directions, but I’m hopeful it will eventually settle somewhere in the middle.
It’s hard to watch, though. Having worked with many outlets, I’ve seen how much they’re struggling. These professionals are fighting to stay afloat, trying to secure access to events and get the coverage they need to survive as businesses. It’s tough to see them lose out to creators who, while incredibly talented, don’t necessarily have the same background or training.
And I do want to say — I love social media creators. I interview them, and I think they bring something really exciting to the table. But we have to find a way to integrate them into the broader media space in a way that supports everyone.
For example, why couldn’t outlets and creators collaborate more directly? If a creator with five million followers works with an outlet that has one million followers, together, they’re reaching six million people. Maybe those creators could even be trained in some journalism basics so they’re better equipped for interviews or reporting while still bringing their unique perspective to the table. It could be a win-win situation.
At the same time, we can’t dismiss the people who’ve spent years studying and mastering this craft. Their experience and dedication matter. Personally, I have a BFA in acting, but I’ve been passionate about journalism since middle and high school. I know how much effort and skill it takes, and I think it’s important that we continue to respect that.
Ultimately, I believe there’s room for everyone. It’s not about taking opportunities away from one group to give them to another — it’s about redistributing those opportunities so everyone gets a fair shot. It’s like Thanksgiving dinner when more people show up than expected. Sure, it might feel chaotic at first, but you can always pull up a few extra chairs and make it work.
That’s how I see the media landscape right now. It’s a time of change and challenge, but also opportunity. If we work together, there’s no reason we can’t create a healthier and more inclusive industry where everyone has a seat at the table.
Yitzi: Okay, this is our final aspirational question. So, Hannah, because of your great work and the platform that you’ve built, you are a person of enormous influence. If you could spread an idea, or inspire a movement, that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
Your questions are fantastic. Thank you. I think it would be a combination of two things I’ve touched on already: inclusivity and really listening to others. I mean really listening — to their stories, their experiences, their struggles — without judgment. If we could drop judgment at the door and approach each other with genuine curiosity and compassion, I think that would go such a long way.
What’s cool right now is that authenticity is trending. I love that, and I hope it stays. But I think we need to go beyond the surface. If we could strip away this obsession with competition, this idea of a social hierarchy, and just see each other as people, I think it would make such a difference. At the end of the day, we’re all human. We were all born here, and we’re all going to leave here. It doesn’t matter if you believe in God, in polytheism, or in nothing at all — we all experience similar joys and struggles.
When we can really break things down to that level, when we can truly see and hear each other, that’s when we can start to build something meaningful. That’s part of what I’m trying to do with my show — showcasing people from different walks of life, with different levels of influence, and giving them a platform to share their unique perspectives.
I think uniting people is going to take work. It’s often during tough times — like the ones we’re in now — that people start to realize the need for connection and reparation. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s going to take people from all different walks of life coming together. But while it’s difficult, I absolutely believe it’s possible.
We just need to focus on getting stronger together — not even necessarily “better,” just stronger. That’s where it starts. Do I have all the answers for how to make it happen? Not at all. But I hope for it, I pray for it, and I believe that it’s something worth striving for every single day.
Yitzi: Hannah, how can our readers continue to follow your work? How can they watch the show? How can they support you?
Absolutely! They can follow the show on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook — all under the handle @thehannafletchershow. Personally, they can follow me at @hannahrfletcher on Instagram.
We also have a website I’m really proud of: thehannahfletchershow.tv. There, you can find information about our guests, details on upcoming episodes, and even opportunities to sponsor an episode or advertise with us. There’s also a page where people can get to know our staff. Fun fact: our team is entirely women — except for Eric — and we’ve created such an amazing, collaborative environment.
The website is also where you can stay up-to-date with all the exciting changes and growth happening with the show. It’s evolving so much right now, and it’s a really beautiful and exciting process.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, Yitzi. I’ve loved this conversation!
Yitzi: I wish you continued success!
TV Host Hannah Fletcher on the Five Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career as a… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.