Brad Ryan is a veterinarian, wildlife conservationist, social media influencer, mental health advocate, and writer from southeastern Ohio. He earned his BA from Miami University, an MSc in mammalian biology from the University of Pretoria, and both a DVM and MPH from The Ohio State University, specialising in wildlife medicine and veterinary public health. For Brad, storytelling is a vehicle for healing – rooted in empathy, inspired by nature, and driven by a desire to help others feel seen and connected. As a keynote speaker, he champions LGBTQ+ inclusion in the outdoors, eliminating stigma around mental health, and the protection of wildlife and public lands.