Daily Inspiration: Meet Ben Marthey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Marthey.

Hi Ben, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has always been a part of my life, but for most of my adult years it has existed alongside a career in healthcare. I’m a Registered Nurse First Assistant in cardiac surgery, and while I found purpose in helping patients, I also felt a growing need for a creative outlet. Songwriting became a way to process life, whether it was the challenges of working in healthcare, raising a family, or simply trying to figure out who I was outside of my job.

Over time, those songs evolved into Van Arlo, an indie Americana project with a rock edge that blends storytelling, cinematic arrangements, and often a live string section. What started as writing songs in spare moments eventually became performing throughout Northeast Ohio, releasing original music, and building a community around it.

Along the way I’ve been fortunate to perform at venues like the House of Blues Cleveland, appear on Fox 8 and NPR Ideastream, and earn a nomination for Best New Artist at the Cleveland Music Awards. But the most meaningful part has been connecting with people through songs that explore themes of purpose, burnout, resilience, and change.

Today I’m still balancing healthcare, family, and music, but Van Arlo has become much more than a side project. It’s become a way to tell stories, connect with others, and explore what it means to keep chasing something meaningful no matter where you are in life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. Like many independent artists, I’ve spent years balancing music with the responsibilities of everyday life. While building Van Arlo, I’ve also been working full-time in cardiac surgery, raising a family, and trying to carve out time and resources to create and perform original music.

One of the biggest challenges has been learning to keep going when growth doesn’t happen as quickly as you’d hoped. Building an audience for original music takes time, especially when you’re not touring nationally and you’re doing much of the work yourself. There have been plenty of moments where I’ve questioned whether anyone was listening or whether all the effort was worth it.

At the same time, those challenges have shaped the music. Songs like “A Way Out” came from wrestling with burnout, purpose, and the tension between stability and pursuing something creative. Looking back, I think the struggles have made me more grateful for every opportunity, whether it’s a packed room, a radio feature, or simply hearing that a song connected with someone who needed it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By day, I work in cardiac surgery as a Registered Nurse First Assistant and educator, helping train and support surgical clinicians in a high-acuity healthcare environment. By night, I’m the songwriter and performer behind Van Arlo, an indie Americana project with a rock edge rooted in storytelling and cinematic live performances.

As an artist, I specialize in writing songs that explore themes of purpose, resilience, change, and the search for meaning. Many of those ideas are shaped by experiences from both healthcare and everyday life. Musically, Van Arlo has become known for blending Americana and rock influences with live string arrangements, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.

What I’m most proud of isn’t any particular accolade or performance. It’s the fact that I’ve been able to build something authentic while balancing a demanding career, a family, and the realities of everyday life. Every song, show, and opportunity has been built one step at a time, often outside of traditional industry pathways.

I think what sets me apart is that I’m not chasing a character or a manufactured image. The songs come from real experiences working in operating rooms, raising kids, navigating burnout, celebrating victories, and trying to make sense of life’s transitions. My goal has always been to create music that helps people feel seen and reminds them they’re not alone in whatever they’re carrying.

If someone comes to a Van Arlo show, I hope they leave feeling like they experienced something honest songs with stories, a sense of connection, and a little bit of hope.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is living a life that’s aligned with who I am and being present for the people I love. For a long time, I think I measured success the way many people do through accomplishments, titles, or reaching the next milestone. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that time is the one thing we never get back.

Working in healthcare has given me a unique perspective on that. When you spend years caring for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, you gain an appreciation for how fragile and precious life really is. It has made me think a lot about purpose, relationships, and whether I’m spending my time on things that truly matter.

My family is at the center of that. Being a husband and father is more important to me than any career achievement or musical accomplishment. Beyond that, creating music that genuinely connects with people is incredibly meaningful. If a song helps someone feel understood, gives them hope, or reminds them they’re not alone, that’s success to me.

Ultimately, what matters most is making the most of the time we’re given showing up for the people we care about, creating things that have meaning, and having the courage to pursue what makes us feel alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vanarlo.com/home