Chris Ryan ’95, the editorial director of The Ringer, got the spark for his career in media in the classrooms and hallways of Friends Select School. As a member of our 13-Year Club, Ryan attended Friends Select from kindergarten through 12th grade, during which time he was a writer for The Falcon and a contributor to our yearbook, The Record.
“I’d say from eighth grade on, I just liked writing,” Ryan said. “I specifically liked writing about sports, and The Falcon was an opportunity to do that. And the best thing about The Falcon and the yearbook was that at the end of them, you could hold them in your hand; it’s kind of remarkable to be able to have mementos of your hard work.”
Outside of the classroom, Ryan also played baseball, learning about teamwork and dedication. He was chosen as a student speaker at graduation, showing his leadership and importance in the Friends Select community.
Friends Select’s teachers made a lasting impact on Ryan, especially in English. He reflected, “The teachers were often so encouraging of developing not only my love for storytelling and reading and film even in school, but also for encouraging me to think critically and to express myself in my own voice about those things.”
After high school, Ryan attended Emerson College in Boston, MA. He attended classes while working in record stores and trying to start writing professionally. He landed jobs at The FADER and MTV, where he gained more writing experience and learned to balance creativity with consistency. He recalls how, whether in magazines or blogs, it was “trial by fire.”
Ryan’s career shifted when he joined Grantland in 2011. Initially covering a weekly soccer column, he eventually moved to Los Angeles, CA, for a larger role. There, in collaboration with a longtime friend, he started podcasting. He said, “I would say 90% of my job now is appearing on podcasts.”
For students interested in podcasting or journalism, Ryan encourages regular practice and technical proficiency in their chosen field. “Don’t worry about publishing and don’t worry about numbers and don’t worry about whether or not anybody on Twitter or Reddit has found it yet,” he said. “Just practice because I’m so, so, so much better now than I was when I started.” He advises students to start slowly and learn the basics.
In addition to working in media and sports, Ryan has maintained personal hobbies, including golf, which he can play year-round in Los Angeles. He also follows Philadelphia sports teams, staying connected to his hometown.
It is clear that Ryan’s current passion for podcasting and career in media are rooted in his experiences at Friends Select. His membership in The Falcon and contributions to The Record unlocked his love for journalism, which ultimately led him to his current role as The Ringer‘s editorial director. From being a Friends Select to overseeing editorial strategy and hosting podcasts, Ryan’s journey shows how dedication and a love for storytelling can create a lifelong media career.
Click here to access Chris Ryan’s podcasts on The Ringer.
