Meet Ryan Benz.

Ryan Benz is a public speaker, author, and storyteller known for his raw, honest approach to personal growth and authentic living.

A former brand strategist who once felt stuck in a life that looked “successful” from the outside, Ryan walked away from it all to hike the entire 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail. What began as a personal reset turned into something far more powerful—a deep, inward journey that led him to uncover a new truth:

You don’t need to become someone new. You just need to remember who you already are.

Today, Ryan shares that message with audiences across the country—students, educators, parents, professionals, and teams—through live talks, workshops, and his bestselling memoir Wander: A Memoir of Letting Go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life. His upcoming TEDx Talk, Why Being Yourself Takes Courage—And How to Find It, delivers a bold challenge to our culture of comparison, reminding us that authenticity isn’t a trend—it’s a practice.

Whether on stage, on the page, or walking beside someone on their own journey, Ryan’s work always leads back to one thing: the power of walking your own path—and leaving trail magic behind for someone else.

Certifications & Training

  • Mindfulness Teacher

  • Nature & Forest Therapy Guide (ANFT)

  • 200-hour Yoga Instructor (AYA)

  • Certified Life Coach

As seen in:

• TEDx

• National speaking tours

• Multiple school districts and youth organizations

• Retreats and wellness events across the Northeast

Media kit available upon request.

Let’s walk this path together.

Whether you’re here for your students, your school, your team—or yourself—thank you for stopping by.

This work matters.

You matter.

And I’d be honored to support your journey.

Whether I’m on a school stage, leading a retreat, or mentoring one-on-one, my mission is the same:

To help people come home to themselves—so they can move through life with purpose, clarity, and courage.