An Evening with Brad Ryan: Grandma Joy and Me

Join the Wildlife Center of Virginia on Thursday, July 2, at 6:00 p.m. for a special evening with author and veterinarian Brad Ryan.
About this Event

Brad is best known for Grandma Joy's Road Trip, the remarkable journey he and his grandmother, Joy Ryan, began in 2015 when he invited her on her first visit to a national park. What started as a single camping trip grew into a years-long adventure to visit every U.S. National Park together, inspiring millions with a story of family, resilience, curiosity, and the power of connecting with the natural world. His new book, , shares the story behind that journey and the lessons learned along the way.

The book also reflects on Brad's path to becoming a veterinarian, storyteller, and conservation advocate. As a veterinary student, Brad participated in the Wildlife Center's professional training program through a three-week externship in 2015. The experience is featured in Grandma Joy and Me and offers a unique Wildlife Center connection to Brad's story. More than a decade later, Brad remains connected to the Center and even returned with Grandma Joy during one of their travels.

During this special event, Brad will discuss Grandma Joy and Me, the extraordinary journey he and his grandmother shared, and the experiences that inspired the book. In addition to sharing stories from the road, Brad will reflect on his time at the Wildlife Center and the role professional training opportunities can play in shaping careers in wildlife and conservation medicine. The evening will include a question-and-answer session, book signing, guided tours of the Wildlife Center, and opportunities to learn more about the Center's work.

Copies of Grandma Joy and Me will be available for purchase.