Ryan Stream

Motivational Speaker, Musician, Author, Veteran & Entrepreneur

Ryan Stream

Motivational Speaker, Musician, Author, Veteran & Entrepreneur

Add to List Availability & Fees

Biography

Sleeping in a homeless shelter. Bouncing between foster homes. Losing his mother to suicide. And that’s just the beginning. Ryan Stream’s story didn’t start in the spotlight, it started in survival mode. Through faith, grit, and relentless hustle, he went from foster care to Forbes Magazine, from jail cells and two years of drug addiction to over 500 stages in 32 states and a corporate event in Mexico. From brokenness, he built a mission he now calls: Building an Army of Resilient Leaders.

Ryan is a TEDx speaker, best-selling author of four books, and an award-winning musician who performs rap, country, and piano, yes, all three. His music videos have reached millions, blending powerful lyrics with emotional visuals that leave lasting impact. But his influence doesn’t stop there.

He’s a two-time war veteran and multi-business entrepreneur. On his first deployment to Afghanistan, 23 out of 32 soldiers in his unit were wounded, and one was killed in action. Ryan returned with PTSD, physical and learning disabilities, and the invisible weight of war—and still had to deploy again. Not long after, he sat alone in a car with a plan to end his life. That plan didn’t work. His wife, two daughters, and unshakable faith gave him something to live for and he chose to fight back.

After failing college four times, Ryan became the first in his biological family to earn a degree. He now holds degrees in psychology and family science. From broken to builder of people, purpose, and platforms Ryan turned his mess into his message and struggles to strength.

Today, his story has reached corporate offices, military units, hospitals, prisons, addiction recovery centers, universities, and K–12 schools nationwide. His message isn’t about perfection—it’s about rising up and facing your giants.

Through his signature 5 C’s of Legendary Leadership—Choice, Clarity, Consistency, Connection, and Courage Ryan empowers people to lead with purpose, overcome adversity, and create winning environments at work, school, and home. His workshops teach self-evaluation, accountability, confidence, strategic planning, and bold action.

He’s not just talking about resilience he’s lived it.

From a life-threatening sports injury in his youth, to crushing his hand in a coal mine, to surviving a brutal car wreck and being trapped in a semi-truck crash Ryan has turned trauma into triumph. He knows what it means to rebuild through pain, discipline, and purpose.

“You can be crushed, broken, and hit rock bottom... but I’ve been there. And I know—rock bottom is the perfect place to rebuild.”

Speech Topics

Homeless to Hope Dealer: The Power of Resilience, Choice & Courage

From addiction, foster care, drug-addicted parents, and incarceration to Army veteran, award-winning musician, entrepreneur, and author—Ryan delivers a powerful comeback story packed with raw emotion, truth, and genre-bending live music.

This keynote isn’t just a speech—it’s a full experience.

Audiences walk away with Ryan’s 5 C’s of Legendary Leadership:
Choice, Clarity, Consistency, Community, and Courage.

Suicide to Success

Ryan lost his mother, military brothers, and close friends to suicide. He was once in a car himself with plans to end his life—until he picked up a book and chose to fight. This keynote tackles anxiety, depression, and mental health head-on. Your emotions are your giants—Ryan teaches you to run toward them and conquer.

The Bully Free Zone: Spreading Kindness, Shutting Down Hate

Live music and real-life stories collide in this high-impact session on empathy, kindness, and creating uplifting school culture. Ryan replaces hate with hope and teaches students how to stand up, speak out, and support each other.

Resilience Unleashed: Mental Wellness for Real Life

When life hits hard, this message hits back. Ryan shares hard-earned wisdom on mental health and emotional strength—with music that moves hearts and helps students bounce back stronger.

Stay Smart, Stay Safe: Real Talk on Drugs & Alcohol

A brutally honest, no-fluff session based on Ryan’s own battles with addiction and recovery. Music and lived experience drive home the message that smart choices protect your life, your future, and your legacy.

Military Appreciation 101: Honoring Sacrifice, Living with Purpose

From fighting behind enemy lines to finding purpose after the uniform, Ryan honors veterans and military families while teaching how service values translate into strength at school, work, and home.

College and Career Mastery: Achieving Dreams with Purpose & Hustle

Ryan failed college four times—then rose up with the help of TRIO, VA services, and pure hustle. From disability to diploma, he shares how to stay focused, overcome adversity, and chase a life of impact.

Ohana: Building an Ohana of Resilient Leaders

Inspired by the Hawaiian value of Ohana—family beyond blood—this keynote teaches how to lead with heart, build bonds across differences, and create environments where people feel seen, safe, and supported.

Connecting Cultures: Celebrating Our Differences, Strengthening Our Unity

Adopted into a white family and raised across cultures, Ryan shares his deeply personal story of race, identity, and unity. This keynote blends music, humor, and heart to break down barriers and build bridges in our divided world.