Ryan was born June 17, 1980, in Riverton, Wyoming. He attended college at the University of Sioux Falls, majoring in Media Studies, with an emphasis in multi-production. In 2006 he co-produced and edited the feature documentary Outspoken Los Angeles, which underscores the passion of Veterans and civilians citing to end the American Occupation of Iraq.In 2007, Ryan founded Gros Ventre Pictures and began producing EPK videos for events. His short film Our Vows (2010) earned him a nomination for an Magen Award, and a Jury Prize at the Euro Film Festival. In 2011, he directed his second short film Susan's Remembrance, and two years later he completed his third short, Elysium.All Out Dysfunktion! is Ryan's first narrative feature and directorial debut.