🎧 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Tyler Rutledge sits down with Nashville recording artist, Ironman triathlete, and philanthropist Ryan Kinder to go far beyond the spotlight. From bar gigs in Tuscaloosa to touring with legends like Eric Clapton and John Fogerty, Ryan’s story is one of grit, grief, and growth. They dive into his pivot from baseball to music, the emotional high of performing—and the crushing lows that followed, including alcoholism and the dark side of success. Ryan opens up about therapy, redefining masculinity, and the moment a fan credited one of his songs with saving their life.

This isn’t just a music episode. It’s about identity, mental health, and purpose-driven living. It’s about building something that outlasts applause.

• 🎸 The 20-year grind from Tuscaloosa bars to sharing the stage with Clapton, ZZ Top, and Fogerty

• ⚾ Quitting baseball and choosing a guitar over a glove

• 🧠 Why therapy isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom

• 🥃 Battling alcoholism and finding sobriety through faith and marriage

• 🚴‍♂️ Becoming an Ironman athlete in honor of a friend lost to cancer

• 🧸 How a tornado in Tuscaloosa led to Ryan founding Kinder’s Kids

• 💔 The lyric that kept a fan from ending their life

• 📣 The truth about TikTok fame vs. stage presence

• 💡 Ryan’s evolving definition of success: “Giving Heather the freedom to never work again.”

“I don’t do it because I’m good at it. I do it because someone needs that song.”
“Alcoholics can be the best actors. I was acting through therapy until I broke.”
“Nobody gives a sh*t except your people—so stop living for everybody else.”
“Don’t play to the empty seats.”

• Porter’s Call – Counseling resource for artists

• OnSite Workshops – Mental health intensives

• Kinder’s Kids Charity – Annual toy drive for communities devastated by natural disasters

• Ironman Foundation – Charity partner for race-driven community rebuilding

• Song he wishes he wrote: "I Can’t Make You Love Me” – Bonnie Raitt

• Biggest track he’s released: “Close”

• Most surreal stage moment: Tied between John Fogerty & Billy Gibbons

• Beach or lake? “Wherever Heather wants.”

Instagram: @ryankinder
Spotify & Apple Music: Search “Ryan Kinder”
Kinder’s Kids: @kinderskids

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