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What happens when you’re raised to be invisible, end up in a gang, and face the death penalty by 22?

This is the story of Quan Huynh—once a violent criminal, now a bestselling author and entrepreneur on a mission to rewrite the narrative for the formerly incarcerated.

In this jaw-dropping conversation, Quan opens up to Matt Haycox like never before. From growing up a Vietnamese refugee in Utah to spending decades inside one of America’s most brutal prison systems, he reveals what really happens behind bars—and how a single moment of clarity changed his life forever.

You’ll hear about gang warfare, criminal enterprise, emotional breakdowns, the brutal truth of justice in America—and how he used books, breathwork, and belief to transform his future.

This isn’t a redemption cliché. It’s a raw, powerful insight into crime, consequence, and what it really takes to rebuild your life when the system says you’re finished.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to Quan Huynh's Journey
3:21 - Childhood and Early Influences
7:54 - Struggles with Identity and Belonging
10:00 - The Impact of Family Tragedy
12:20 - Escalation into Crime
16:40 - Life in Jail and Gang Culture
21:24 - Reintegration and Continued Struggles
26:05 - The Fatal Incident and Its Consequences
29:25 - Facing the Death Penalty
31:07 - Life Sentenced: Adapting to Prison Life
32:25 - The Mechanics of Crime and Compensation
35:10 - The Brutality of Prison Life
36:14 - The Inability to Control Violence
37:32 - The Awakening: Finding Purpose in Prison
42:18 - Transitioning from Crime to Redemption
45:03 - The Parole Process: A Journey to Freedom
47:28 - Life After Prison: Embracing New Opportunities
49:03 - Building a Business: Empowering Others
51:04 - Writing a Memoir: Sharing My Story
52:26 - Changing the Narrative: Advocacy for the Incarcerated

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Welcome to Stripping Off with Matt Haycox
This isn’t your average business podcast. It’s where real entrepreneurs, celebs, and industry leaders strip back the polished PR, and get brutally honest about the journeys that made them.

Hosted by entrepreneur and investor Matt Haycox, Stripping Off dives into the raw, unfiltered realities behind success: the wins, the fuck-ups, the breakthroughs, and everything in between. No scripts. No sugar-coating. Just real talk from people who’ve lived it.

Whether you’re hustling to scale your business or just love a behind-the-scenes look at how people really make it, this podcast is your front-row seat to the truth behind the triumphs.

Who Is Matt Haycox? - Click for BADASS Trailer