Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Bachelor’s Heather Martin

Heather Martin’s journey to love unexpectedly led her to season 23 of The Bachelor. It was an experience that forced Heather outside her comfort zone, and one that taught her to be bold. During the show, she overcame her fears, feeling more empowered with each step. Pop Culturalist spoke with Heather about life before and after The Bachelor.

PC: How did you get involved with The Bachelor?
Heather: My sister actually sent in a video as a joke. I’ve always loved the show—I’m honestly obsessed with it—and I was single, so my sister sent in a tape. I met with the casting directors, but nothing really happened, and then about two weeks before the show, I got a call and they were like, “Hey! Actually, based on who the bachelor is, we’d like to reconsider you.” A week and a half later, I was on the show. It was a crazy whirlwind.


PC: Did you have any apprehensions about joining the show?
Heather: Definitely! Based on who I am and my story, I was super nervous going into it; it’s a completely different world that I’m not used to. I was nervous, but I was hopeful about meeting someone who had many qualities that I liked and someone I could potentially see myself with. I thought it was worth it.


PC: What were you doing before The Bachelor? Has your life changed a lot since?
Heather: Before the show, I was a project manager for an engineering company. Life’s been a bit crazier since coming back. Different opportunities have come along, but I’m back at work and living the same kind of life.


PC: Outside of The Bachelor, who is Heather Martin?
Heather: I’m a beach girl, through and through. Whenever I’m not working, I’m at the beach. I’m super close with my family. I have two sisters and we’re best friends who do everything together.


PC: What would you say was the most surprising part about the experience?
Heather: The most surprising part was how real it was. I mean, I knew it was real and that people develop real relationships, but I didn’t realize how fast it could actually happen. When I was watching it, I was like, “No way! No way people feel this way that fast.” The process really sets you up to have feelings really quickly.

PC: What is a typical day like at the mansion?
Heather: If you’re not on a date, you’re just hanging out at the mansion. You’re hanging around, laying by the pool, reading, chatting, and eating. That’s all you do in the mansion.

PC: Were you ever nervous about sharing your story? How did you overcome those nerves?
Heather: Oh my gosh, definitely! Going into the show, I was really nervous about sharing that I haven’t kissed anyone. I knew I was super different and it wasn’t the norm. So I was nervous even before going on the show, but then once I started talking to the girls and they shared their experiences, I really didn’t want to do it. I kept trying to avoid it. I was like, “I can’t do this. I can’t share this.” Eventually, I told myself to bite the bullet. I didn’t get over the nerves until I actually told Colton. I was like, “Okay, today’s the day. I have to share it. I have time with him. I’m doing it,” and I’m so happy that I did. It was so much easier and more well-received than I could have ever imagined.

PC: Do you have a favorite moment from the experience?
Heather: I definitely have some favorite moments, but I can’t quite share them yet. Honestly, though, I think some of my favorite moments were things that probably aren’t even shown, like the time that I got to spend with the girls. We traveled to some crazy places and couldn’t believe it.


PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from the experience?
Heather: The biggest lesson that I learned throughout the experience was getting over my fears and being bold. I’ve always been afraid to go for things. The show forced me out of my comfort zone; it helped me grow and learn. Each time I stepped out and was bold, I always felt so much more empowered.

PC: You have this incredible platform now. Are there organizations or causes that you’d be really excited to work with in the future?
Heather: Definitely! There are quite a few charities that I’m really passionate about. I worked with different pregnancy clinics throughout college—that was a huge thing for me. I’m actually going to an event soon. It’s Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine, which is a huge charity that I love and I’m so passionate about. I get the opportunity to go on a date with a child with special needs. I did it last year and I’m doing it in a couple of weeks again.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Heather: The Bachelor [laughs]

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Heather: She’s the Man

PC: Favorite book?
Heather: Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff and Donald Miller

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Heather: Wicked

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Heather: Macklemore

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Heather: Riverdale

PC: Hidden talent?
Heather: This is so weird, but my friend and I have perfected it. We’re both driving in cars, and if I’m in the passenger seat of one car and she’s in the passenger seat of another car, we have ice cubes and I can spit it across the car and she’ll catch it every single time. So random, but yep, that’s it.


To keep up with Heather, follow her on Instagram, and watch her journey to love on The Bachelor every Monday at 8/7c.

Photo Credit: Jake Pollgreen / @snakephotos