Ryan Smith – Host

Ryan Smith is part of the ensemble cast on HLN’s Morning Express with Robin Meade. Ryan provides insight into the morning’s top headlines, while tapping into the human emotion of each story. Ryan is also a host for In Session on the truTV network. He covers the biggest trials and legal stories of the day, drawing on his legal background for perspective. Ryan talks to the people at the center of each case to reveal the drama behind each of trial.

Ryan is a graduate of Syracuse University and Columbia Law School. Before joining HLN and In Session, he was already juggling a high-profile career as an entertainment and sports lawyer with a television career. Smith started his legal career as Director of Football Administration and Counsel for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and went on to practice at some of the nation’s largest firms. He started his own firm, J Ryan and Associates, and eventually became a partner at Zuber & Taillieu, LLP. He added TV to his resume as host of Animal Planet’s "Underdog to Wonderdog," telling the stories of abused and abandoned animals, who found safe homes with new families. After that, he hosted the spirited debate show "My 2 Cents" on the BET network, and then made the move to HLN and In Session.

Growing up in Philadelphia as the son of a college professor and an art teacher, Ryan developed a great appreciation for education. He is a passionate advocate for causes that encourage child and adult literacy. Ryan is also an active health and fitness enthusiast, and his extensive charity work taps into that passion. He serves as a board member for The Armory Track and Field Center in New York City, which provides health and education services in Manhattan. Despite all his commitments, Ryan still makes time to root for his Philly favorites: the Sixers, Eagles, Flyers and Phillies.

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