Ryan shares his powerful story of transformation, from a difficult teenage chapter and joining the military to training military working dogs, surviving trauma, building a dog training business, and working with high-profile celebrity clients. The conversation explores the emotional connection between humans and animals, why “energy runs down leash,” and how dogs can reveal deeper lessons about leadership, communication, healing, and self-awareness.

Ryan also opens up about surviving stage three colon cancer, chemotherapy, a widow-maker heart attack, PTSD, and how a chocolate lab puppy may have helped save his life by keeping him close to a hospital when he needed emergency care. Patricia and Ryan also discuss biohacking, meditation, breathwork, psychedelic therapy, travel, podcasting, and what it means to own your story without shame.

This episode is funny, raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring for dog lovers, entrepreneurs, veterans, leaders, and anyone who believes animals can teach us something about life, healing, and human connection.

Ryan's Instagram

World of Dog Training

Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - story teller, entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC

Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online.

Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last.

After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

@Patriciamuellen

@pmuellenassociates 

@builtthiswaypodcast

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