Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Stream.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a motivational speaker, bestselling author, or a war veteran with music awards and a mic in my hand. I slept in homeless shelters and bounced between foster homes before being adopted and raised in Utah. Life hit early. I made choices that nearly buried me. Drugs. Jail. Homelessness as a young adult. I’ve stared at the ceiling of a jail cell wondering if I even deserved a comeback.
But here’s the thing — rock bottom isn’t the end. Sometimes, it’s where the real story begins.
I joined the military looking for something worth fighting for. I deployed to war zones twice and came home with medals, scars, and a whole new understanding of life, pain, and leadership. But even after the uniform came off, I still struggled. I sat in a car once, ready to end it all. I’d been fired. I felt like a failure. But what I learned in that moment — and every painful one since — is that what you go through gives you the power to help others through. Rock bottom can be a solid place to rebuild.
So I went back to school. I rebuilt my life brick by brick. I married Elizabeth — my best friend and co-author on two of our four books — and we’ve been married 13 years, raising two beautiful daughters together. We’ve launched businesses, published books, and started speaking.
My past didn’t disappear. I just stopped hiding it. I turned it into my platform.
Now I travel the country speaking to students, veterans, CEOs, and anyone who needs a reminder that pain can become purpose — that leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about showing up when it’s hardest.
And life didn’t stop testing me. In December, I was crushed in a semi-truck wreck. I had to be pulled out. Broken bones. Bruised body. Still recovering as I write this. But even now — even in pain — I’m standing. I’m speaking. I’m singing. I’m building.
Because I didn’t get here by luck. I got here by choosing not to quit.
And I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not even close. Smooth roads don’t build warriors wounds do.
My road’s been full of detours, potholes, and cliff edges. I’ve battled addiction. I’ve lived out of a car. I’ve done time in jail. I’ve buried friends who lost their fight to suicide. I’ve questioned God, doubted myself, and stared into the mirror wondering who the man was looking back.
I’ve sat in silence, making a plan to run my car into a concrete barrier — convinced the world would be better off without me.
I wore the uniform proudly, served in war zones, and came home decorated… but broken. And just when I thought I had found my rhythm, I got crushed literally in a semi-truck accident. They had to pull me out of the wreck. The physical pain never fully left. And before that? I rolled a car and crushed my hand working in the coal mine. That led to three surgeries.
Life hasn’t pulled any punches. Physically, emotionally, spiritually I’ve been tested on every front. And let’s be real: most people suffer in silence. I just decided not to anymore.
Money problems? Been there. Marital struggles? We’ve weathered the storms. I’ve launched businesses that didn’t make it, been rejected by people who claimed they had my back, and watched fake friends disappear the moment things got hard.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Struggle is the price of strength. You either get bitter or better. You either break down or break through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Although my wife and I run a few small businesses including a trucking company and publishing brand my heart beats for music and public speaking. That’s where my soul comes alive.
I’ve been on over 500 stages across 32 states, from high school gyms to college arenas, from military bases to businesses and boardrooms. I specialize in motivational speaking that doesn’t just hype you up it hits you in the heart and helps you rise. I blend my real-life story with music, military leadership, and raw vulnerability to speak to people where they are, not where they pretend to be.
Whether I’m performing original music, delivering a keynote on resilience and leadership, or leading a workshop for at-risk youth, my mission stays the same: build an army of leaders and help people rise from the ashes of their past.
I’m known for being real. Not rehearsed. For being loud. But with love. For taking pain and turning it into a platform. And for always always showing up with energy, truth, and faith.
What sets me apart? I don’t speak at people I speak with them. I’m not a polished product. I’m a scarred soldier, a father, a husband, and a fighter who’s walked through fire and lived to light the path for others. I bring storytelling, strategy, spirituality, and soul all in one.
What I’m most proud of? That I didn’t quit. That I turned my life around. That I’m building something with my wife and daughters that actually matters. That I’m helping people across the country — from kids in crisis to leaders at the top — believe again.
And that I’m just getting started.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If my story, my mission, or my message has moved you there are powerful ways we can lock arms and make an even bigger impact together.
1. Bring me in to speak.
From school assemblies to leadership keynotes, conferences to church events — I bring energy, emotion, and real-life transformation to every stage. I speak to students, veterans, executives, and everyday people ready to rise. Keynotes, workshops, and virtual events are all available.
2. Buy the books.
My wife and I have written books for kids, teens, and adults that teach leadership, inclusion, courage, and faith. Every book purchase helps us get life-changing content into schools and homes across the country and funds future impact projects.
3. Support my nonprofit — A Smile In Every Classroom.
This is the heart of what we do. Our nonprofit brings books, school supplies, events, and speakers to underserved classrooms across America. We’re on a mission to plant hope, confidence, and leadership in the lives of students — one smile at a time. You can donate, sponsor a school, or get your company involved at www.ryanstreamlive.com.
4. Collaborate and partner.
If you’re a business owner, brand, educator, veteran group, or content creator with a mission that aligns with ours let’s team up. Strategic collaborations allow us to serve more people and create deeper impact.
5. Spread the word.
Not everyone can donate or book a keynote and that’s okay. Sharing a post, recommending me to your school or company, or just telling someone who needs hope it all matters. Momentum starts with one person saying yes.
You can reach me directly through my website at www.ryanstreamlive.com or email me at ryanstreamspeaks.com@gmail.com.
Pricing:
- School Assemblies (Keynote or Workshop – 45 to 90 minutes): Starting at $3,000
- eadership Workshops (2 hours): Starting at $5,000 (Includes student or staff workbook materials and optional follow-up support)
- Corporate Keynote Speaking (30–60 minutes): Starting at $7,500 (Includes pre-event call, tailored message, and performance if requested)
- Virtual Events / Webinars: Starting at $2,500 (Perfect for schools, youth programs, or company culture sessions)
- Book Bundles + Speaking Packages: Custom pricing (Schools and organizations can bundle books for students/staff with keynote delivery)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanstreamlive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanstream/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/streamryan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryanstreamutah
