An Inspired Chat with Michael W. Gray of Northern New Jersey

We recently had the chance to connect with Michael W. Gray and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Good Morning is around 6-630am depending on the night before (haha). Quickly glance at texts and DM’s that came in since I crashed. Do not look at emails at this point. (wink). Immediately drink 16 ounce of cool water and brush teeth. A dip into financial news and global news and a little social media peek and then I have a 24gram protein drink followed small pause into a 2.5mile road work process for conditioning (I lift weights and hit heavy bag later in the day). Once back home from that I have a 15gram protein yogurt with 16 ounces of cool water and a multivitamin and then we are now in the 8-830am range. Lets Fkn Go! At this point my workflow for the day is sketched out and I’m ready to fight!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an entertainment content producer/writer/director. I have produced movies that have played all major festivals and around the globe. I recently wrote and directed my first feature, AMERICAN SUMMER (AmericanSummerMovie.com) which will be released late spring 2026 nationwide. It stars Steve Guttenberg (Police Academy, Diner, Cocoon), Christie Brinkley (Vacation), Dan Lauria (Wonder Years, Reagan), Cullen Moss (Outerbanks), Mia Talerico (Disney’s Good Luck Charlie) plus an amazing youth ensemble cast including lead actor Logan Gray (no relation). My entertainment company is Relentless Filmz and I also consult in branded content, marketing, public speaking and advertising via my EVOKE Content Group company (EvokeContentGroup.com).

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
HaHa there are a few but when I was 8years old I was a trumpet playing prodigy and had been advanced up into the older kids band to play in school orchestra. That felt pretty good at the time.

Then at age 14 I was hired by orchestras around Northern NJ to play for money. Gave up the trumpet at age 14 and the next phase of power was being a youth baseball umpire!! OH THE POWER to call balls and strikes and safe or out and have parents fight with you – I was age 14-18!!!!

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I am blessed with absolutely incredible humans for children. Two girls and two boys. (Erica 23, Skylar 21, Derrick 20 and Jake 18). They are super respectful and as you put it, truly listen to me.

Of course on a larger level, clients of my former marketing company listened to me (usually ha) but one of the most fulfilling groups who listened to me were the athletes and families that I had the pleasure to coach in my community. I coached youth football, baseball and wrestling but it was wrestling where I really felt like I made an impact and had the eyes ears and hearts of many of the kids and parents.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
That’s an easy one. I have friends for decades who know me well. Even the more recent in the last decade would say the same thing. “Be yourself and be free” is a motto I have and the theme is FREEDOM. I always say that if you see me someplace it is because I want to be there (not jury duty ha). Having personal, business and creative freedom to me, is the ultimate.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Great theme…….I feel that many people kill time being caught up in what they “think” is important and lose sight of the small, seemingly insignificant moments. A small moment may be your child asking you a question or taking a walk. Or having a coffee with your parent who is older. Some people rush out of their childs school event to get to their job. And I totally get it, you have to work…..but people should try to see the small moment they are in and savor it.. The Small Moments are to be cherished.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
EVOKE Content Group logo
Michael W Gray (center) with Mia Talerico and Logan Gray on set for AMERICAN SUMMER
AMERICAN SUMMER logo
Michael W Gray (center) with Dan Lauria and Erinn Ruth on set for AMERICAN SUMMER

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