We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashton Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashton, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since I was a pre-teen, I always knew that I wanted a career in entertainment. However that was going to happen or whenever that was, it was going to happen! As that pre-teen, I remember coming home from school and being so excited to watch the newest episode of E! News, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and Larry King Live to name just a few. Larry King Live was my one of my all-time favorites. I enjoyed that it Larry King and a guest for an hour talking about everything. I so wanted to do that and I always believed that I had what it took, also So now we fast forward to 2022, I decided to take a step out on faith and believe that the dream that I had as a kid could be my reality if I wanted it bad enough, so I began “Off The Record: A Podcast with Ashton” and that little Ashton is definitely proud of himself now! The ultimate goal still is to be that talk show host I envisioned many years ago. I can see it now and I will not stop until that talk show is a real thing!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Well.. where do I even begin?! I am so proud of “Off The Record: A Podcast with Ashton” for so many reasons, but I think the one I often think about is that I am so proud that I did it, period! So many people have dreams, goals, visions and do not ever give themselves the freedom to chase after them and I allowed myself to stand in my truth and believe that I could do it and look what I am creating here! What sets my podcast apart from many other podcasts is that I am sharing my honest truths, my authentic experiences, and pain with the purpose that my listeners learn to love themselves in the midst of their troubled waters! My mom says it best— “there’s purpose in your pain!” That is something I have applied to my life and my podcast. Initially, my first season of my podcast was audio-only available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, etc, but with this NEW season, we have incorporated visuals and brought them to YouTube! (Don’t forget to subscribe!)

Also, hosting this podcast by myself is one of the most rewarding things, but it definitely makes it even more difficult in quite a few ways! There’s so much expectation on me carrying the conversation and making sure it flows effortlessly and if I had a co-host, it would be far easier because there would be that other voice that would play off each other. I have had several people ask if it’s hard and I will say a solid yes to that. Thankfully I have a vast experience with talking to myself to help me out here.

One thing I hope the world knows about me and my brand is that your authenticity is your ultimate power in this world! Once you realize you are the true key to your own success, the world will shape around you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love having a great time and being somewhere with great energy around me, so some of my favorite places in the city are Happiest Hour, Te Deso, and Stirr are super fun places! For some good food, I totally enjoy Yardbird also.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to start by thanking my family, first and foremost. To my mother, Kandace Martin, my dad, David Jackson, my siblings, Alyssa and Austin Martin and nephew and nieces, Konnor, Lohgan, and Kenadi. The love and support you give me has allowed me to spread my wings and soar without fear and rejection. With you guys, I can do all things. I love you guys.
To my business partner and right-hand, Brandon Chiles, thank you for believing in my podcast to join me on this journey and bring my vision to life. To my many friends and supporters who hold me down, surround me, and also believe in my vision, there are far too many to name, but you know how thankful I am for you all. I can not be more honored, humbled and grateful for all of the love and support I have had from you. It means the world to have amazing people rally around me that want me to be my best version.
 
Also, an extra special shout out to Charyae Morgan! I told you I’d shout you out when I win my first award, but you deserve this one too!

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hosthetics

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@offtherecordapodcast

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