So Far... Ryan McCrary | StoryTeller | P.R. PRo

What I've Learned... (so far...)

Ryan McCrary | Publicist, Jim Gaffigan stunt double | Kalama, WA | March, 2022

One of the best life philosophies I’ve ever heard came from my dad when he was my fourth grade basketball coach: “Shoot the ball before you turn it over”.

My one relationship dealbreaker? Anyone who tries to trick me into eating broccoli or cauliflower. Just… no.

I spent nearly 20 years educated or employed by Jesuits. They taught me to be relentlessly curious and never fear asking “Why”. Also how to swear effectively in scholarly settings.

There is nothing quite like a MLB clubhouse. Seeing JT Snow give his young son (nicknamed Snowflake) cotton candy and jolly ranchers and then telling him to go play in Uncle Barry’s (Bonds) Sharper Image massage recliner still makes me laugh.

Magic Johnson was my most hated player for my most hated team growing up. He destroyed my beloved Portland Trail Blazers over and over. I’ve softened my stance on Magic, but not the Lakers. I know this is irrational, but I’m good with it.

I believe in the transformative power of team sports. This has been put to the test - working with teams that have one winning season every six years will shake anybody.

I memorized Crash Davis' speech from Bull Durham when I was 17. Took me weeks to get it down. Then I performed it for my church youth group. Nailed it.

Hearing Jim McKay open ABC’s Wide World of Sports with the phrase “Thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat…” inspired me from an early age. I realized much later that I was telling those stories. It was a watershed moment.

I’ve lost my mom and two fiances to cancer. They taught me more about grace and courage than I ever thought possible. I miss them every day.

Coming out of a toxic relationship, I was invited to join a knitting circle at a coffee shop. I brought the combined average age down to about 67. This grandmother pulls a flask out of her pocket, slips it to me and whispers, “It’s Baileys…” Turns out I suck at knitting, but that coffee…

When I win PowerBall, I am not going back to work.

My grandpa repaired antique clocks as a hobby. He had a sign stating “Clocks repaired. While you wait and wait and wait…” Looking back, this taught me that all good things take time, but if you’re truly in a rush, check your cell phone.

Personal reinventions can be tough to achieve. David Hasselhoff is my inspiration. He went from Knight Rider to Baywatch to Baywatch Nights to Baywatch Hawaii. And never forget: Germans love David Hasselhoff. (RIP, Norm)