May 15, 2020 • 9 mins
Ryan Seacrest is an Emmy-winning television host, radio personality, mega producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. As one of the most recognizable voices across television and radio, Seacrest is host of “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” his market-topping #1 nationally-syndicated LA morning drive-time show for iHeart Media’s 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally-syndicated Top 40 radio show.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Commencement Speeches for the Class of is a production of
I Heart Radio. Class of Parents, faculty, rising graduates, Welcome
to commencement. You made it. This year is a little different,
(00:23):
a difficult time to graduate because the traditional graduation day
has been put on hold. So we're bringing it to
you wherever you are because this is still your day,
your moment. And now put your hands together. It's time
to be inspired. This year's commencement speaker the one and
only Ryan Seacrest. Hello to the graduating class of It
(00:55):
is Ryan Seacrest. Here. The time has arrived your commencement
from school. There's no doubt that this is not playing
out as you envisioned, nor how anyone else envisioned it
for you. But that does not in any way take
away from everything you've accomplished. If anything, it further demonstrates
your resiliency and your ability to handle whatever the future
(01:15):
may hold. We may be living in a time of uncertainty,
but the one thing that is certain is that you
should all be very proud of what you've accomplished. I
want to share our favorite quote of mine for you.
It's from the poet John Chiardi, and it goes like this,
the day will happen whether or not you get up.
Let me say it again, the day will happen whether
or not you get up. Now, it's not a reprimand
(01:37):
for those who are late risers. In fact, virtual commencement
seemed taylor fit for those that are. Instead, I take
Charity's wisdom as a wake up call to make sure
you happen to the day instead of letting it happen
to you. Every new day is a chance to get better,
to be kinder, or try something new. Each new day
(01:57):
can also push you to your limits, make you stumble,
or reduce you to tears. But no matter the circumstances,
you still only get one shot to make the day matter.
Chartie's words remind us that life is precious, a truth
that's currently playing out right before our eyes. Days come
and go fast, before you know it, time starts to
(02:18):
add up. And then the older I get, the more
I realized that life happens whether or not I get up.
It is true. The world can sometimes be a pretty
messy place. The news is flooded with sad stories. Our
politics can make us feel disheartened. The view of the
job market is overwhelming. But no this the world is
also full of opportunities to find your purpose, your inspiration, creativity,
(02:43):
and what excites you. And there are many more good
people than bad. Maybe you can tell them fairly optimistic.
I like to try and look at life like that.
But much of that optimism comes from growing up, being raised,
and naturally the rest comes from working hard to be
true to myself. Over time, developed my own set of tools.
I call him to bring a positive energy to each
new day. Today, I thought I'd tell you what works
(03:05):
for me. See what you think. I call it my code.
So here goes. First. I try to live my passion.
Some of you have always known what you were born
to do. Others are still trying to figure that out,
and that's okay. I was once an uncomfortable kid in
husky jeans, so I can remember that. To be honest,
I didn't feel like I fit into a lot of places.
But one thing I knew was I knew what my
(03:26):
passion was. I fell in love with radio. I told
anyone who would sit and listen that I wanted to
be a broadcaster. Played DJ my bedroom using an old
twenty dollar radio shack audio mixer. I put all my
energy towards achieving my goal. I started exercising, eating better,
attempting to dress better. Eventually I gained a little more confidence.
But most important, I realized it didn't matter what anyone
(03:47):
else said about me. What mattered was how I thought
about myself and what I believe I could accomplish only
if I put everything I had into it. The best
path we can choose for ourselves is one that allows
us to follow our hearts more than our heads. I
also think you need to trust your gut. Even before
I stepped my first foot on the campus for my
time in college, there was a voice inside me telling
me there was something else I should be doing to
(04:09):
pursue my passion for broadcasting. Something tell me I needed
to be in Hollywood to make it happen. There wasn't
a minute to waste. Many of my professors, my closest
friends and family, they weren't so sure about the plan.
I was nineteen years old and I was literally scared
to death. But at the same time, I was never
more sure of anything in my life. And we try
something new, you take a risk, or you change your course,
(04:32):
there will be naysayers, and there will be well meaning
skeptics too. You should thank them, thank them for their advice.
But whatever you do, do not let them silence your intuition. Next,
I try and listen. A lot of people think that
what this job is, or broadcasting is is talking for
a living, but it's not really true. It's listening for
a living. When I'm on the air talking to someone,
(04:53):
I tell myself shut up and listen to what the
person is trying to say. Instead of doing all the talking.
I try and make a point to listen, watch for
the signals, wait for the moment when you can help others.
Be in the spotlight and shine. It's a wonderful thing.
Also in my code, laugh loudly and preferably at yourself.
Here's here's a joke. I remember I was watching TV
(05:15):
one night and it cracked me up, and it was
something like for the fifth consecutive year, Ryan Seacrest took
home the award for Best Animated Short. That was a
het joke. I can think Jimmy Kimmel for and happened
to be watching television when I saw it myself. So
kata laugh at yourself. Laughter keeps you saying laugh hard
and often. Next on my code, I try to indulge
my curiosity. Your college degree is great evidence that you
(05:38):
have learned a lot over your years in school. It's
a good start, but learning never stops. There's no better
example of that than all the lessons we're learning as
individuals about ourselves right now and as a nation and
a world. There's something to be learned in everything. So
follow your curiosity and satisfy it. What makes you curious?
Where do you want to go when you can? What
(05:59):
questions are you asking? Never forget it's our curiosity that
keeps us searching. Not A part of the code is
be prepared. So a long time ago, someone figured out
there were twenty four hours in every day, But if
you really really do it right, there's a twenty hours
the time you make happen to get yourself prepared for
(06:19):
what's next. It's when you steal back moments in your
day wherever you can find them and use them to
get ready for tomorrow. The preparation skills that I learned
back in school still help me today. I always have
a highlighter with me, I set the alarm on my
phone and try not to hit snooze, although it doesn't
always happen that way. And before any Awards show. For example,
I make flash cards right with three facts about every
(06:41):
person who I might encounter their on the air. And
it's not the flash cards that made me ready. It's
taken the time to anticipate the moment that awaits me.
You don't always have to be the most talented person
in the room, trust me that I know, but you
can be the most prepared. Next up is controversial, but
I I stick to it, and that is be impatient.
(07:01):
I am. I'm the annoying friend who keeps texting when
you don't get back. When I'm relaxing on Sunday night,
I power through sixty minutes and twenty five minutes, and
I'm the guy who gets annoyed at how long it
takes a website to reload. Sometimes patience is for people
who have time to waste. I know not everybody agrees
with that, and I know lately it seems like we
(07:21):
have all the time to waste in the world. But
even though things may have slowed in some respects, dreaming continues,
planning continues, because life continues. It's okay to be impatient,
but also remember that it's important to be kind and
brave and hold the door look everyone in the eye,
say thank you and mean it when you say it,
(07:42):
and that brings me to giving back here. Giving back
is a lot like compound interest. To maximize the impact,
be sure you start early. That can mean donating a
few bucks to the cause of your choice, or making
time to help an organization that's trying to make a difference.
Over the past decade, with my parents, my sister, or
my family, we've helped build broadcast studios media studios in
(08:03):
children's hospitals so kids and their families can find an
escape and interact with each other. That's how I felt
we could give back. Choosing how to express gratitude is
totally up to you, but it's one of the most
deeply personal choices you'll ever make. It's an important one.
Let's get that's the code. That is my code. Hopefully
(08:25):
you're inspired to create your own code and then share
your code. See what your friends can offer that sounds
good to you. Sometimes being your best self means being
open to different ideas. Classes. This is your time. Close
your eyes, take a deep breath. You'll always remember what
you've learned and experienced during this time. It will bind
(08:47):
you to your classmates together forever. While physical distancing may
have changed today, it is you that will change tomorrow.
It's your time to rise. You are ready, You have
the tools you need. You are equal to the challenges
that lie ahead. Good luck. You can find the collection
(09:16):
of incredible commencement addresses from all your favorite speakers at
the Commencement Podcast on I Heart Radio or wherever you
listen to podcasts. M
Commencement Speeches for the Class of is a production of
I Heart Radio. Class of Parents, faculty, rising graduates, Welcome
to commencement. You made it. This year is a little different,
(00:23):
a difficult time to graduate because the traditional graduation day
has been put on hold. So we're bringing it to
you wherever you are because this is still your day,
your moment. And now put your hands together. It's time
to be inspired. This year's commencement speaker the one and
only Ryan Seacrest. Hello to the graduating class of It
(00:55):
is Ryan Seacrest. Here. The time has arrived your commencement
from school. There's no doubt that this is not playing
out as you envisioned, nor how anyone else envisioned it
for you. But that does not in any way take
away from everything you've accomplished. If anything, it further demonstrates
your resiliency and your ability to handle whatever the future
(01:15):
may hold. We may be living in a time of uncertainty,
but the one thing that is certain is that you
should all be very proud of what you've accomplished. I
want to share our favorite quote of mine for you.
It's from the poet John Chiardi, and it goes like this,
the day will happen whether or not you get up.
Let me say it again, the day will happen whether
or not you get up. Now, it's not a reprimand
(01:37):
for those who are late risers. In fact, virtual commencement
seemed taylor fit for those that are. Instead, I take
Charity's wisdom as a wake up call to make sure
you happen to the day instead of letting it happen
to you. Every new day is a chance to get better,
to be kinder, or try something new. Each new day
(01:57):
can also push you to your limits, make you stumble,
or reduce you to tears. But no matter the circumstances,
you still only get one shot to make the day matter.
Chartie's words remind us that life is precious, a truth
that's currently playing out right before our eyes. Days come
and go fast, before you know it, time starts to
(02:18):
add up. And then the older I get, the more
I realized that life happens whether or not I get up.
It is true. The world can sometimes be a pretty
messy place. The news is flooded with sad stories. Our
politics can make us feel disheartened. The view of the
job market is overwhelming. But no this the world is
also full of opportunities to find your purpose, your inspiration, creativity,
(02:43):
and what excites you. And there are many more good
people than bad. Maybe you can tell them fairly optimistic.
I like to try and look at life like that.
But much of that optimism comes from growing up, being raised,
and naturally the rest comes from working hard to be
true to myself. Over time, developed my own set of tools.
I call him to bring a positive energy to each
new day. Today, I thought I'd tell you what works
(03:05):
for me. See what you think. I call it my code.
So here goes. First. I try to live my passion.
Some of you have always known what you were born
to do. Others are still trying to figure that out,
and that's okay. I was once an uncomfortable kid in
husky jeans, so I can remember that. To be honest,
I didn't feel like I fit into a lot of places.
But one thing I knew was I knew what my
(03:26):
passion was. I fell in love with radio. I told
anyone who would sit and listen that I wanted to
be a broadcaster. Played DJ my bedroom using an old
twenty dollar radio shack audio mixer. I put all my
energy towards achieving my goal. I started exercising, eating better,
attempting to dress better. Eventually I gained a little more confidence.
But most important, I realized it didn't matter what anyone
(03:47):
else said about me. What mattered was how I thought
about myself and what I believe I could accomplish only
if I put everything I had into it. The best
path we can choose for ourselves is one that allows
us to follow our hearts more than our heads. I
also think you need to trust your gut. Even before
I stepped my first foot on the campus for my
time in college, there was a voice inside me telling
me there was something else I should be doing to
(04:09):
pursue my passion for broadcasting. Something tell me I needed
to be in Hollywood to make it happen. There wasn't
a minute to waste. Many of my professors, my closest
friends and family, they weren't so sure about the plan.
I was nineteen years old and I was literally scared
to death. But at the same time, I was never
more sure of anything in my life. And we try
something new, you take a risk, or you change your course,
(04:32):
there will be naysayers, and there will be well meaning
skeptics too. You should thank them, thank them for their advice.
But whatever you do, do not let them silence your intuition. Next,
I try and listen. A lot of people think that
what this job is, or broadcasting is is talking for
a living, but it's not really true. It's listening for
a living. When I'm on the air talking to someone,
(04:53):
I tell myself shut up and listen to what the
person is trying to say. Instead of doing all the talking.
I try and make a point to listen, watch for
the signals, wait for the moment when you can help others.
Be in the spotlight and shine. It's a wonderful thing.
Also in my code, laugh loudly and preferably at yourself.
Here's here's a joke. I remember I was watching TV
(05:15):
one night and it cracked me up, and it was
something like for the fifth consecutive year, Ryan Seacrest took
home the award for Best Animated Short. That was a
het joke. I can think Jimmy Kimmel for and happened
to be watching television when I saw it myself. So
kata laugh at yourself. Laughter keeps you saying laugh hard
and often. Next on my code, I try to indulge
my curiosity. Your college degree is great evidence that you
(05:38):
have learned a lot over your years in school. It's
a good start, but learning never stops. There's no better
example of that than all the lessons we're learning as
individuals about ourselves right now and as a nation and
a world. There's something to be learned in everything. So
follow your curiosity and satisfy it. What makes you curious?
Where do you want to go when you can? What
(05:59):
questions are you asking? Never forget it's our curiosity that
keeps us searching. Not A part of the code is
be prepared. So a long time ago, someone figured out
there were twenty four hours in every day, But if
you really really do it right, there's a twenty hours
the time you make happen to get yourself prepared for
(06:19):
what's next. It's when you steal back moments in your
day wherever you can find them and use them to
get ready for tomorrow. The preparation skills that I learned
back in school still help me today. I always have
a highlighter with me, I set the alarm on my
phone and try not to hit snooze, although it doesn't
always happen that way. And before any Awards show. For example,
I make flash cards right with three facts about every
(06:41):
person who I might encounter their on the air. And
it's not the flash cards that made me ready. It's
taken the time to anticipate the moment that awaits me.
You don't always have to be the most talented person
in the room, trust me that I know, but you
can be the most prepared. Next up is controversial, but
I I stick to it, and that is be impatient.
(07:01):
I am. I'm the annoying friend who keeps texting when
you don't get back. When I'm relaxing on Sunday night,
I power through sixty minutes and twenty five minutes, and
I'm the guy who gets annoyed at how long it
takes a website to reload. Sometimes patience is for people
who have time to waste. I know not everybody agrees
with that, and I know lately it seems like we
(07:21):
have all the time to waste in the world. But
even though things may have slowed in some respects, dreaming continues,
planning continues, because life continues. It's okay to be impatient,
but also remember that it's important to be kind and
brave and hold the door look everyone in the eye,
say thank you and mean it when you say it,
(07:42):
and that brings me to giving back here. Giving back
is a lot like compound interest. To maximize the impact,
be sure you start early. That can mean donating a
few bucks to the cause of your choice, or making
time to help an organization that's trying to make a difference.
Over the past decade, with my parents, my sister, or
my family, we've helped build broadcast studios media studios in
(08:03):
children's hospitals so kids and their families can find an
escape and interact with each other. That's how I felt
we could give back. Choosing how to express gratitude is
totally up to you, but it's one of the most
deeply personal choices you'll ever make. It's an important one.
Let's get that's the code. That is my code. Hopefully
(08:25):
you're inspired to create your own code and then share
your code. See what your friends can offer that sounds
good to you. Sometimes being your best self means being
open to different ideas. Classes. This is your time. Close
your eyes, take a deep breath. You'll always remember what
you've learned and experienced during this time. It will bind
(08:47):
you to your classmates together forever. While physical distancing may
have changed today, it is you that will change tomorrow.
It's your time to rise. You are ready, You have
the tools you need. You are equal to the challenges
that lie ahead. Good luck. You can find the collection
(09:16):
of incredible commencement addresses from all your favorite speakers at
the Commencement Podcast on I Heart Radio or wherever you
listen to podcasts. M
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