Who is this guy?

Hi, I’m Dr. Ryan J. Pelton (but I don't perform surgeries)...

... A former fencing champion... oh wait, it's not that kind of an About Page? Let me try again...

Okay, I’m a Gen-Xer firmly planted in the second half of life, and I believe the next chapter can be your best.

Now in my mid-40s, I’ve been obsessed with one big question:

“What if the second half of life wasn’t about slowing down, but about stepping up?”

I’ve lived enough life to know that age is just a number. The truth is, the second half can be richer, more purposeful, and more exciting than anything that came before—if we choose to make it that way.

We’ve been sold a lie of what the “good life” is.

I’ll give you one hint: it doesn’t involve working a job you hate, with people you tolerate, and hoping to retire with enough scratch to live a few years before you die.

God has more for us.

I’ve worn a lot of hats—ordained pastor, spiritual guide, teacher, writer, speaker, coach, publisher, business owner, and podcaster. I’ve built creative businesses from scratch, helped others tell their stories, and guided leaders to step into their potential.

But the work I love most?

Helping people 40, 50, 60, and beyond turn their hard-won wisdom, skills, experience, and story into something that matters—a business, a ministry, a mission, a legacy.

Why I Do This?

I saw too many people my age (younger and older) feeling like their best days were behind them. That’s just not true. You’ve spent decades building skills, relationships, and resilience—things younger creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders don’t yet have.

Rocking Our Second Half is about using all of that experience to create projects, businesses, ministries (and a life) that fuels your spirit, funds your dreams, and leaves a mark on the world.

If you’re ready to turn your next chapter into your best chapter, I’d love to help you get there.

-Ryan

Official Bio for Media

Dr. Ryan J. Pelton is a writer, ordained pastor, speaker, coach, and spiritual entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to helping people pay attention to what matters most—in their art, leadership, and spiritual lives. Over the past two decades, Ryan has founded three businesses and planted three churches, blending creativity, strategy, and spiritual insight to inspire individuals and organizations to thrive.

As the author of more than twenty-three books across multiple genres, Ryan combines storytelling with practical wisdom to spark transformation in readers. He is the host of The Art of Paying Attention podcast, where he explores the intersections of creativity, faith, and purposeful living.

Through his leadership coaching, spiritual direction, and business ventures, Ryan equips creators, leaders, and spiritual entrepreneurs to clarify their vision, take bold action, and make a lasting impact. Whether in the pulpit, the boardroom, or behind a microphone, Ryan’s message is clear: "... life is too precious to live on autopilot—pay attention, create boldly, and lead with purpose."

Ryan lives with his family in Los Angeles, where he continues to write, speak, mentor, and search for the perfect taco.