“You Can’t Aspire to Be What You Don’t See” — Sentenced at 18, Freed at 33 – Bryson McCalley Interview [Video]

Bryson McCalley was sentenced to 30 years in state prison at just 18 years old for gang violence. Inside, he found mentors, shed his old identity, and discovered his purpose: impacting lives through storytelling. Now free, he’s the founder of Last of a Dyng Seed, a platform that uses film analysis to decode the stories that shape our lives.

About Our Guest: Bryson McCalley

After being sentenced to 30 years in prison as a young man, Bryson made a radical decision: he would not allow his circumstances to define his future. During incarceration, he committed himself to education, discipline, and study — ultimately developing a framework he calls MQ—Movie Intelligence, centered on rewriting one’s internal story through the lens of film to reclaim power and purpose.

Today, Bryson is the author of the Pearls of IZM series, and speaks at the intersection of resilience, responsibility, narrative identity, and cultural awareness. His message challenges audiences to confront the story they’re living — and to decide whether they are the author of it.

In This Interview:

From 30-year sentence to freedom — Growing up in a gang-affiliated family and the path to prison at 18

The aha moment — How a single book sparked a complete transformation behind bars

MQ—Movie Intelligence — Using film to decode and rewrite the stories that define us

Last of a Dyng Seed — Building a platform for narrative-driven healing and community

Vulnerability as strength — Why shedding the tough exterior was the hardest and most important step

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In partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship—building bridges of hope and belonging.