Many Christian media consumers— whether it be movies, audio dramas, or books may not be familiar with the name Torry Martin. However, behind-the scenes people sure are! Torry is a published author, accredited actor and scriptwriter, and also the long standing writer for Focus on the Family’s radio drama series, “Adventures in Odyssey.” Torry is one of the funniest guys I have ever had the pleasure to be around.
Torry’s life-story is unique and his career is possibly even more unique! He has worked on anything and everything throughout the years. He recently starred in the Hallmark film “The Ultimate Life.” He published a book about his life titled “Of Moose and Men”, that tells of when he lived in Alaska after a brief career as a stand-up comic. This man is hilarious. He is also genuine, and has a great heart for God and for people. I recently interviewed Torry and it is with great pleasure that I share our conversation and introduce our readers to Torry Martin!
Jared AFRV:
Torry, you’re a jack-of-all-trades in the world of Christian art. From acting in films and writing films, to writing books and characters for popular audio dramas, to speaking at live events, you’ve done it all! You’ve traveled all over the world and lived in many different places, but where did it all start? How did your life as it is now come to be? Or how did you get where you are today?
Torry:
That is such a long story! I first started writing when I was living in a remote cabin in Alaska. How that turned into me writing for “Adventures in Odyssey,” writing screenplays, and acting is best told in my book, “Of Moose and Men.” That’s where you can get all the details and have a few laughs along the way. I’m writing a sequel to it now.
Jared AFRV:
Okay, so the book. After writing so many scripts and things for and about other people, was it different, perhaps even strange to write about yourself?
Torry:
Thankfully I had the brilliant Doug Peterson as my co-writer, which made the whole process of paring down my story much easier. We had a lot of fun doing it and the whole process was enjoyable. We’d Skype and do interviews with some of the people like My Pastor, Jack Aiken and his wife Ann, or Larry and Dean Lauer. Rob had to do a couple interviews too and it was pretty humorous to hear his perspective on some of the stories. It was a lot like journalism which is something I’ve always enjoyed. The trickiest part though was determining how much I wanted to share and how vulnerable or transparent I wanted to be.
Jared AFRV:
I know from first-hand experience that this is a difficult thing to come to terms with. On one hand you want others to know your story, on the other, you don’t want to be an open book, (pun intended). There is also a vanity and an anxiety about what the reader will think. You always feel like the audience will stand in judgement of you and that’s scary.
Torry:
Yes, and there’s something freeing about revealing your flaws. It caused me to lose sleep a few nights from worrying that I had shared too much. But in the end, I decided to throw caution to the wind and share what God has done in my life without holding back. Once you put your life in His hands you get rid of the worry and just enjoy the ride.
Jared AFRV:
That’s a truth we would all do well to hear more often. Your book has been getting significant traction as well. I saw that you had the opportunity to appear on TBN and were able to share about the project. Tell me a little bit about that.
Torry:
I had a great time with Jason Crabb and Point of Grace. They were really a pleasure to spend time with. I enjoyed hearing Chris Maxwell’s story too. Great testimony! It aired last October but my segment can be viewed now on youtube. It’s a very funny interview and the music that night was incredible. It was special, for sure.
Jared AFRV:
Speaking of October, also in that month was the release of a movie from the Vetter brothers, “The Matchbreaker,” in which you have an acting role. I’ve watched the movie several times and love it. This is a great film! Could you tell a bit about it?
Torry:
“The Matchbreaker” was written by Marshal Younger and I. We had a great time writing it! I play Tully the landlord. It was fun to write the role and then play it afterwards. Also, I’m a huge fan of the Vetter Brothers. I love those guys!
Okay, so now that you know a little bit about Torry, his life and his heart, I’d like to have a little fun with this interview.
QUICKFIRE ROUND:
In this segment, I asked five questions that Torry had to answer in the quickest time possible with the shortest answers possible.
Jared: If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Torry: Misfit
Jared: What color would you describe your personality
Torry: Orange
Jared: If a vegetarian eats another vegetarian, is it cannibalism?
Torry: Yes
Jared: Without looking it up, who was the fifth president of the United States?
Torry: Sonny Bono
Jared: Should Sour Cream have an expiration date?
Torry: Yes
Jared: What if one of the veterans was a rabbit?
Torry: You make my brain hurt
Torry Martin obviously is blessed with a great sense of humor and great talent. Connect with him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/torrymartincomedy/. “The Matchbreaker is available on Amazon, iTunes, Netflix or at www.MatchBreakerTheMovie.com. View Martin’s TBN appearance and interview with Jason Crabb on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxfCI4Cr0YM. Torry’s book, “Of Moose And Men,” is available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Goodreads!
