Meet Ryan Cusick

We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Cusick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from a mix of life experience, family influence, and an unwavering belief that there’s always something worth holding on to.

Throughout my life, I’ve worked through various demanding situations like holding multiple full-time jobs, starting my own business, and going back to school. Yet, I’ve maintained the belief that my current position is the perfect place for me to learn what I need. Optimism keeps me grounded and moving forward. Optimism drives every new project I initiate while guiding my support for students and establishing connections.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have spent twelve years writing for the news outlet iHorror.com, which marked my beginning journey into horror entertainment. A simple hobby transformed into an intense passion. This involvement enabled me to establish valuable relationships in the horror community while unlocking numerous personal and professional opportunities.

I’ve held a profound affection for movies, especially horror, since my toddler years because of my Italian grandmother. My grandmother introduced me to film across all genres (especially horror). My early life experiences have defined the person I have become today.

My interest in horror conventions emerged fifteen years back, which led to the creation of my booking agency two years ago. I am proud to manage an expanding group of skilled professionals, including actors, actresses, authors, models, and filmmakers, in the horror, sci-fi, and pop culture space. The development of this business has been a remarkable adventure, and I’m enthusiastic about upcoming expansion and collaborations.

In 2024, I had the honor of Executive Producing my first film project—Grandma’s Cookies: A Christmas Tale, which a good friend of mine, Michael Coulombe, directed. Our short film features legendary actress Eileen Dietz, who gained fame from The Exorcist. This creative opportunity became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and increased my passion for working in the entertainment industry.

I have a strong conviction about the transformative influence of education beyond my interests in horror and entertainment. At this moment, I am working towards my second Master’s degree, which focuses on School Counseling, after wanting to pursue this field for more than ten years. Working toward a position where I can mentor students on academic and personal matters offers immense satisfaction.

My family and our dogs continue to be my primary sources of strength and happiness through every phase of life. My family and our dogs help me stay grounded while providing limitless love and reminding me of life’s true priorities. My family serves as the foundation for everything I achieve. The combination of two full-time jobs and writing for iHorror, alongside running my growing business and pursuing grad studies, keeps me extremely busy, but it is precisely how I want things to be. 

Through connecting with fans and creating art, I demonstrate my passion for storytelling and growth while making a difference and remaining authentic to myself.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

In my journey, these three qualities have stood out as most impactful: resilience, relationship-building, and time management.

Through resilience, I managed to handle multiple careers while returning to graduate school later in life and launching my own business. Challenges are unavoidable, yet mastering adaptability and maintaining focus on long-term goals has proven crucial.

The foundation of all my opportunities has been relationship-building, whether it involved working with iHorror, talent for my booking agency, or collaborating on film projects. My positive interactions with people, genuine interactions, and integrity presence have enabled me to establish enduring relationships within the educational and entertainment sectors.

Effectively managing your time becomes crucial when you have several roles to fulfill. The combination of managing two full-time jobs while running a business and attending school while still spending time with family requires excellent organizational abilities and prioritization skills. When you practice intentional time management, you can keep progressing even during the busiest moments of your life.

My advice to those starting out is this: Begin today without waiting for the perfect moment while remaining open to learning and pursuing your passions. Build a network of supportive individuals while maintaining your mental health so you can recognize how consistency and authenticity will propel you beyond your wildest dreams.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

I would choose to live my final decade with complete presence by surrounding myself with loved ones and working on fulfilling tasks while creating meaningful memories and impactful legacies.

I would cherish every single moment spent with my family and our dogs through quiet dinners and road trips, as well as sharing laughter over old stories. I would strengthen my most important connections and demonstrate to those I care about their significant impact on my life.

My creative focus would rest on finishing heart-driven projects, which include film production and supporting talent through my agency while working on the novel I’ve always wanted to write. The remainder of my life will be dedicated to mentoring new talent in horror and entertainment while giving back the guidance and kindness that I have received.

My life would be driven by gratitude and purpose while fostering love so I can pass on a legacy of kindness and creativity instead of just a list of achievements.

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