Story & Lesson Highlights with Ryan Marthaller

Ryan Marthaller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Ryan, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees YET?

My very first album called ‘Never Give Up’ – it’s been a long time coming for my first official album, and I’m very happy to say that’s it’s coming along nicely and I hope to have it finally released next year, in 2026!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, I’m Ryan Marthaller — an actor, singer-songwriter, and storyteller.
I’ve worked across film, TV, and theater, with credits including 1923 (Seasons 1 & 2), Dead 7, and Brown. I also have several upcoming projects, like For the Night, Blonde Instinct, and Guttermuckers. On the music side, I focus on pop rock and emotional ballads—songs that come straight from my own experiences.

Losing my dad in 2021 was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. That year tested me in ways I never imagined, and music became my way to process the pain and find strength. My upcoming album, Never Give Up, is the most personal work I’ve ever created. It explores grief, resilience, family, and the fight to keep moving forward when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Every song tells a part of that journey.

At the same time, I’m pursuing film and television roles that challenge me and allow me to tell meaningful stories. Whether I’m acting or writing music, my goal is the same: to be honest and real. It’s that authenticity that connects us—and ultimately, that’s what saved me.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world started telling me who I had to be, I was simply myself—curious, hopeful, and open to whatever life might bring. I wasn’t defined by expectations or labels, but by a genuine desire to explore, create, and connect. There was a rawness to that version of me, a freedom in not knowing exactly where I was headed. Over time, the noise and pressures of the world tried to shape me, but I’m learning to reclaim that original self—the one who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to follow what truly matters.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. After losing my dad in 2021, I hit a point where I seriously thought about giving up. It felt like everything I knew was falling apart, and I struggled to find any reason to keep going. But the unwavering support from my aunt and uncle, my mom, sister, nephews, and even my dog Gracie helped me find my way back. Turning to music and storytelling gave me a way to process the pain and keep moving forward. That experience taught me that even in the darkest moments, there’s still a spark worth fighting for.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I’m most committed to—no matter how long it takes—is my upcoming album, Never Give Up. This album is more than just music to me; it’s a journey through loss, healing, and resilience. Every song is a piece of my story, and I want it to resonate deeply with anyone who’s faced struggles or felt like giving up. I’m dedicated to making this album as honest and impactful as possible, no matter how long the process takes.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating—whether that’s writing a song late at night, working through a scene, or just sitting quietly with my thoughts and letting the emotions flow. Those moments help me find clarity and calm amidst life’s chaos. I also find deep peace in simple times with my family like mostly my dog Gracie, who is my best friend and my other best friend, Abby, and my friend Dolly. I love spending time with my nephews, my sister, and my mom. My mom is one of my biggest fans! She is always the first person that I show my songs to and she always gives honest feedback and compliments. She loves to promote me to her friends and coworkers and it just truly means the world to me.

I love talking to my Aunt Chris and my Uncle Kurt. I love reminiscing on memories of my dad and I. —those connections ground me. But one of the most powerful moments of peace I’ve ever felt was meeting my idol, Katy Perry, in 2022. That experience reminded me how far passion and dedication can take you, and it inspired me to keep pushing forward no matter what.

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