Bring Ryan in to speak.

Real stories. Lasting impact. A message that invites people—of all ages—to walk their own path.

Ryan Benz is a storyteller with soul—someone who doesn’t just deliver a message but creates a moment. He’s been invited into schools, companies, retreats, and parent groups, with one thing in common:

His message resonates. Deeply.

Grounded in personal experience and a trail-tested philosophy, Ryan helps people slow down, tune in, and reconnect with what really matters. Whether speaking to students navigating identity and pressure, or adults seeking purpose and clarity, Ryan meets every audience where they are—with humor, heart, and perspective.

He doesn’t preach. He invites. And what he invites people into is rare:

A quiet rebellion toward authenticity.

Topics Ryan speaks on:

  • Hike Your Own Hike: Lessons from the Trail

  • The Courage to Be Yourself

  • Authentic Living in a World of Comparison

  • Purpose Beyond Success: What Are You Really Chasing?

  • Mindfulness, Resilience & Self-Discovery

Every talk is adapted to fit the audience—youth or adult, personal or professional—because the truth is, we’re all just trying to find our way.

Audiences Ryan has spoken to:

  • Elementary + middle + high school students

  • College students

  • Teachers and school staff

  • Corporate teams + leadership groups

  • Parent organizations + community events

  • Youth development conferences

  • Wellness + mindfulness retreats

Signature Program: School Assemblies

Ryan’s powerful, story-driven assembly program has left a lasting impact on school communities across the country. Using his 2,000-mile journey on the Appalachian Trail as a metaphor for life, Ryan invites students to choose courage, kindness, and presence—especially when life gets hard.

Workshops & Retreats

Beyond the stage, Ryan leads hands-on workshops that help teams and communities go deeper into themes like clarity, courage, and connection. Whether it’s a youth leadership group, a staff wellness day, or a nature-based team retreat, Ryan brings grounded, actionable insight to every setting.

See Ryan in action.

Watch this short clip from one of Ryan’s recent school assemblies.

While every audience is different, you’ll get a feel for his speaking style: real, grounded, and built to connect.

(TEDx Talk coming soon → Stay tuned)

What clients are saying…

Let’s talk about your next event.

If you’re looking for a speaker who can inspire without preaching, bring grounded energy without the hype, and offer depth and direction without jargon—let’s connect.