What would you do for a shot at your dream? For Ryan Dacko, the answer was running 3,143 miles from Syracuse to Hollywood to try to land a meeting with Mark Cuban.
On Episode 216 of Good News York, Noah Chrysler sits down with author, filmmaker, Coast Guard veteran, and working lineman Ryan Dacko. Ryan shares the story behind The Book of Quint, his novel exploring the life of Jaws’ iconic shark hunter, and how his experiences diving and sailing helped bring it to life.
They discuss the USS Indianapolis, preserving survivors’ stories, building The Jaws Obsession podcast, and Ryan’s extraordinary 123-day run across America. The meeting never happened—but the journey became his documentary, Plan 9 from Syracuse, and helped shape everything that followed.
A conversation about creativity, resilience, and why chasing an impossible idea can still be worth it—even when the plan falls apart.
Chapters:
00:00 – Cold open: “It was Mark Cuban”
00:11 – Meet Ryan Dacko & Jaws in 35mm
03:29 – Coast Guard service & a lifelong love of Jaws
06:47 – Running to Hollywood for a movie pitch
11:17 – The inspiration for The Book of Quint
14:53 – Building The Jaws Obsession podcast
17:38 – Quint & the USS Indianapolis
24:05 – Bringing the audiobook to life
27:25 – Antarctica, sharks & writing from experience
35:12 – Preserving survivors’ stories
40:12 – Planning the cross-country run
44:13 – Why Mark Cuban?
47:00 – The physical toll of running across America
50:59 – Losing the support van & finding community
55:50 – Family support & reaching Hollywood
59:16 – Rejection & Plan 9 from Syracuse
1:03:46 – Living without regrets
1:09:34 – Find your community & create
1:16:44 – Follow Ryan & The Book of Quint
1:17:17 – Eastwood Palace screening & proof-of-concept trailer
Thank you to our sponsor, Ads on the Go, for supporting Good News York! Learn more: https://www.getadsonthego.com
Good News York: https://www.goodnewsyork.com
Click Stream Studios: https://www.ClickStreamStudios.com
Ryan on Instagram: @bookofquint
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