In this episode of The Martin Show, Ariana Grant joins Zak Martin for a powerful conversation on modern relationships, emotional safety, self-awareness, and personal growth.

We discuss why women often fall in love with a man’s potential, why many men struggle to fully open their hearts, and how anxiety can actually become one of your greatest teachers rather than something to avoid.

Ariana also shares why being single can be one of the most valuable seasons of your life, and why one of the biggest mistakes men make in relationships is settling before they’re truly ready.

Whether you’re single, dating, healing from a breakup, or looking to build a stronger relationship, this conversation will challenge the way you think about love, commitment, and connection.

In this episode:

• Why women fall in love with potential

• Why men struggle to open their hearts

• How anxiety can become your friend

• The importance of spending time single

• Emotional safety in relationships

• The question every couple should ask themselves

• Why men settle too early in relationships

• Building healthier and more conscious connections

Most people aren’t lazy.

They’re running unconscious patterns they’ve never stopped to question.

In this conversation with human behaviour specialist Hayden Brown, we unpack self-sabotage, emotional mastery, purpose, relationships, pain, and why so many people lose themselves chasing external success.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, emotionally disconnected, or unsure why you keep repeating the same cycle, this episode is for you.

In this episode I sit down with creative artist Abeiku Eshun.

He opens up about growing up between Africa and New Zealand, the silent pressure of being the eldest sibling, and how fear of being seen shaped his identity.

From losing his playfulness to navigating masculinity and self-expression, this is a raw conversation about what it really takes to stop shrinking and start owning who you are.

This one’s about identity, pressure, and becoming the man you’re meant to be.

Today I sit down with actor and entrepreneur Rihari Te Are.

In this conversation, we break down how Richard discovered his purpose after 36 years, the moment it became clear, and that it’s not only about finding it, but also accepting it.

Raised by his Kuia (grandmother), Rihari speaks on the foundation that shaped the man he is today, the power of a feedback loop, and the responsibility that comes with being a storyteller.

We also dive into the reality of an actor’s life and why the landscape is shifting towards creators who are willing to own their voice.

This conversation isn’t just about acting. It’s about identity, purpose, and becoming the man you’re meant to be.

In this episode, I sit down with private chef and content creator Hercules Noble. Herc opens up about his early life of finding his passion for food and the great relationship he has with his dad. We talk about how “will it sourdough” appeared, is cooking a masculine or feminine skill and why he wants to show more of who he is through his YouTube channel. From building a global audience to finding meaning beyond social media, this is a conversation about identity, pressure, and why we should choose excitement over fear.

Today I sit down with co founder of the largest performance car dealership company in New Zealand (RPM), Riz Eskerie.

We dive into what it was like being a refugee from Kurdistan and the impact that had on him and his family. We discuss the negatives of success that nobody talks about, why he struggles to trust people now and ultimately the mindset him and his family have carried to build there empire.

An honest conversation about success, money, pressure, trust and what it truly takes to win.

Please like, comment or share to someone who you think needs to hear this conversation.

Today I sit down with Hollywood actor, proud husband & father Beulah Koale.

We discuss his early life in South Auckland and how he contributes a lot of his success to that place. Beulah shares how his darkness became a driving force and why he now sees it as his superpower.

We dive into the reality of what Hollywood is really like, but more importantly, the internal battles that come with being a man—why so many struggle to ask for help, and what it means to carry everything on your own.

Lastly, Beulah reflects on how his kids have given him the opportunity to become the man he never had growing up and why protecting your energy, your circle, and your focus matters more than ever.

Today I sit down with entrepreneur and proud father Willis Alatini.

Willis opens up on the moments that shaped him — from how King’s College helped change the direction of his life, to navigating abandonment, relationships, and the weight of self-awareness.

We dive into his ADHD diagnosis, the patterns it revealed, and why hitting rock bottom in 2025 became the turning point that forced real change.

This is a conversation about ownership, growth, and becoming a better man.

Today I sit down with entrepreneur and founder of ‘Sumthin Dumplin’ Shane Liu.

Shane opens up about the dark side of ambition, why winning can be selfish, and the sacrifices that often come with building something meaningful.

Shane also shares a powerful story about the moment he went blind and nearly died, and how that experience reshaped his relationship with pain, discipline, and purpose.

This is a raw conversation about success, sacrifice, and the reality of chasing greatness.

If you’re building something or questioning the cost of it then this episode is for you.

What if the thing people mock you for is actually your biggest advantage?

In this episode I sit down with Nepia Takuira Mita — an actor, singer, and creator. We unpack the truth about New Zealand culture, identity, and why being called a “try hard” might be the best thing that ever happens to you.

We dive into Nepia’s upbringing in a strict, military-style environment, how becoming a young father/pāpā reshaped his mindset, and why he believes being a “jack of all trades” has been his edge—not his weakness.

A young tane/man who continues to lead the way through his actions and today, through his words/wisdom. This is a conversation about pressure, purpose, and choosing growth when it’s easier to stay comfortable.