In this episode of Dog in the Yard Knick Gunz opens up about his journey through the justice system and his path to redemption. From his first experience at Spofford as a juvenile to serving time in Mohawk, Midstate, and Barehill, Knick faced numerous challenges, including convictions for kidnapping, gun possession, and attempted murder.

Since his release in 2013, Knick has turned his life around. Now, he’s thriving as an independent artist and the CEO of two successful clothing brands, TRUELINGO and VRAI JARGON.

Tune in to hear Knick Gunz share his story of resilience, hard lessons, and building a better future.

#DogInTheYard #KnickGunz #LifeAfterPrison #RedemptionStory #StreetToSuccess #InspiringJourneys

In this inspiring episode of Dog in the Yard, we sit down with Tony "BX Tone" Windley, a man whose story of resilience and redemption proves that transformation is possible, no matter the past. Convicted on multiple conspiracy charges, Tone spent 20 years in federal prison. Instead of allowing his circumstances to define him, he focused on personal growth, education, and self-improvement behind bars.

Now, Tone is a testament to life after prison success. He is pursuing his Master’s degree at Columbia University and running his own consulting firm, dedicated to helping others navigate the challenges of reentry and building a new life after incarceration. His journey from the streets to success is a powerful example of how prison reform and second chances can lead to extraordinary change.In this episode, Tone opens up about his personal experiences, the struggles of adjusting to life after prison, and how he is using his story to inspire others to break the cycle and create a brighter future.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, breaking free from the cycle of incarceration, and finding redemption. #DogInTheYard #BXTone #LifeAfterPrison #InspiringJourneys #PrisonReform #Redemption #Transformation #OvercomingAdversity #SelfImprovement #Reentry

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Hector "Suave" Gonzalez shares his powerful story of transformation. Born and raised in East New York, Brooklyn, Hector was drawn to the street life at a young age. By 16, he was incarcerated for murder and witness tampering, ultimately serving 28 years, 6 months, and 5 days behind bars.

During his time in prison, Hector refused to let his circumstances define him. He earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences and used his time to grow and prepare for a brighter future. Since his release in May, Hector has already begun working as a Youth Counselor at Rising Ground, a youth detention center in Queens, where he’s committed to guiding others away from the mistakes he made.

Hector’s story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of transformation. Tune in to hear how he turned his life around and what he’s doing now to make a difference in his community.

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Marc "Dinero" Rowley shares his incredible journey from the streets to redemption. Born to immigrant parents and raised in Queens, Brooklyn, and Teaneck, NJ, Marc faced the challenges of poverty and turned to selling weed and guns to survive.

After being arrested for a gun charge and a homicide in 2009, Marc was sentenced to 38 years. But instead of giving up, he fought back—studying law, reducing his sentence to 16 years, and earning multiple degrees while mentoring others in financial literacy.

Since his release in 2022, Marc has been advocating for prison reform, financial education, and second chances. His story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience.Tune in to hear Marc’s transformative journey and the lessons he’s sharing with the world.

Join us on a powerful journey with Demetrius Wardsworth, a former gangster turned advocate for prison reform. His story will inspire you to rethink your life and the justice system. Tune in to the Dog in the Yard Podcast for more impactful conversations.

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, we sit down with Demetrius Wardsworth, a man whose journey of resilience and transformation proves that it’s never too late to change. Raised in a single-parent household in the inner city, Demetrius faced the harsh realities of poverty, lack of resources, and limited opportunities. This challenging environment led him to the streets and ultimately to incarceration, where he was sentenced to life in prison.

 But during his time behind bars, Demetrius found an opportunity to transform his life. Through self-reflection, a commitment to personal growth, and a deep dive into financial literacy, Demetrius became passionate about investing in stocks and real estate, which drastically changed the course of his life.Now, Demetrius is on a mission to help others break free from financial distress and build a brighter future. By sharing his experiences, he’s teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others, showing that with the right mindset, no matter your past, you can create a better future.

Tune in to hear Demetrius share his powerful story of growth, redemption, and how he's making a difference in the lives of others.

In this powerful episode of *Dog in the Yard*, we sit down with Don Dre, better known as "Dondretheboss." Don Dre shares his story of stepping into the streets at just 12 years old, forced to grow up fast to support his two younger brothers. Despite the challenges, he was guided by old-timers who pushed him to stay in school while hustling. Intelligent and ambitious, Don Dre quickly rose through the ranks, shifting from purpose to power.

Now, Don Dre has turned his life around as a Youth Development Specialist, dedicating himself to helping others transition back into society and transform their struggles into success. With a documentary, clothing line, book, and potential movie on the way, Don Dre is determined to leave a lasting legacy and make his family proud.

Tune in to hear his inspirational journey of resilience, growth, and redemption.

#DogInTheYard #DonDreTheBoss #Transformation #FromStreetsToSuccess #YouthDevelopment #Resilience #Redemption

In this inspiring episode, we spotlight Alpha Mel, a rising artist out of the Bronx who is making waves in the music industry. Although he only began taking his craft seriously in 2022, Alpha Mel has already gained the support of top-tier producers and assembled a powerhouse team to amplify his message of positivity and resilience.

Growing up in the Bronx and navigating life as a kid in the system, Melvin Acevedo (aka Alpha Mel) found his voice through music, inspired by rap legends like Big Pun, Nas, and Tupac. With a style uniquely his own, his tracks deliver cinematic beats and authentic lyrics that reflect the vibrant NYC energy. His latest single, *Lottery*, from the album *Alpha Mentality*, is a celebration of life and happiness.

Alpha Mel’s journey includes collaborations with industry giants like Illmind, Dawty Music, and HuuBanga, and he’s been featured on platforms like DJ Self (Power 105.1), BAGFUEL, and Statik Selektah. Beyond music, he’s also co-founded "HipHop Luv LLC" with Alana Luv, continuing his mission to inspire others to pursue their dreams while staying true to themselves.

Tune in to hear Alpha Mel's story, his passion for creating original music, and his vision of becoming a beacon of hope for the next generation of artists.

🎵 Find Alpha Mel’s music on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and more.
📲 Follow Alpha Mel on Instagram: @AlphaMel174 & @_hiphopluv_
📧 Contact Alana Luv: @_alanaluv_ | [email protected]

Don’t miss this electrifying conversation with an artist destined for greatness!

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, we sit down with Phillip C. Hamilton, a powerhouse trial attorney and litigator whose career has spanned high-stakes civil and criminal cases across the U.S. Known for his fearless approach in the courtroom, Phillip’s clients include high-net-worth individuals, Fortune 100 companies, civil rights organizations, and public officials. From securing six-figure settlements for workplace discrimination to full acquittals in complex criminal cases, Phillip’s track record speaks to his dedication and expertise.

Beyond the courtroom, Phillip teaches as an Adjunct Professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and serves on the Board of Directors for the New York Metropolitan Black Bar Association. Appointed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, he’s also a member of the State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct, using his influence to advocate for legal accountability and reform.

Growing up between Detroit and Queens, Phillip brings a unique perspective to issues of race and justice, making him a sought-after voice in legal commentary for major news networks like MSNBC, CNN, and BBC World News. Join us as we dive into Phillip’s inspiring journey, his insights on criminal justice reform, and the impact of his work in both the courtroom and the community.

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Vladimir Bautista, CEO and Co-Founder of Happy Munkey, an internationally renowned NYC lifestyle brand synonymous with cannabis culture. Born and raised in Hamilton Heights, NYC, Vladimir has become a formidable advocate in the cannabis space, leveraging his deep connections within the industry to bridge the gap between the legacy and legal markets.

From a challenging upbringing as a single mother's son in Sugar Hill to navigating the complexities of street life, Vladimir's journey is one of resilience and transformation. After serving time in Rikers Island and other facilities, he emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, co-founding Happy Munkey, which has quickly garnered attention and acclaim—earning a feature in Forbes as the "40/40 of Marijuana."

Under Vladimir’s leadership, Happy Munkey hosts exclusive VIP events that unite politicians, chefs, doctors, influencers, and artists, all brought together by a shared passion for cannabis. In 2021, he made headlines as a keynote speaker at MJBIZ CON, the largest trade show in the U.S., advocating for collaboration between the legacy and legal cannabis sectors.

Join us as Vladimir shares his incredible story, discusses his experiences in music, hospitality, and event production, and reflects on the groundbreaking events that have positioned Happy Munkey as a leader in the cannabis industry. From winning a Silver Clio for their innovative “Happy Munkey After Hours” event to hosting New York’s first legal pot party on 4/20, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration about resilience, community, and the evolving world of cannabis.

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Connect with Vladimir:

Instagram: Vladimir Bautista
https://www.instagram.com/vlad...

Instagram: Happy Munkey Goodies
https://www.instagram.com/happ...

Instagram: Happy Munkey
https://www.instagram.com/happ...

TikTok: Vladimir Bautista
https://www.tiktok.com/@vladimir.bautista50?_t=8r4PT3zFNwB&_r=1

Facebook: Vladimir's Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share...

LinkedIn: Happy Munkey LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ha...

In this gripping episode of *Dog in the Yard*, Pistol Pete sits down with Jamie Rosemary Turner, a Harlem native with an unforgettable story of resilience and transformation. Born and raised on 129th Convent Ave, Jamie grew up in Harlem’s vibrant and intense streets, alongside iconic figures like Cleveland Nappy Red, DJ S&S, DJ Craig G, and DJ Webstar. Known for her hustle, Jamie was embedded in Harlem’s high-stakes lifestyle, but her path shifted dramatically when she was incarcerated in 2012.

Jamie served a 14-year sentence for robbery and burglary, beginning at Rikers Island and later moving to Bedford Maximum, Albion, and Taconic prisons. Her journey behind bars was filled with hard-earned lessons, witnessing violence and loss while discovering her inner strength. Since her release in 2024, Jamie has returned to Harlem with a mission. With her firsthand understanding of the challenges of incarceration, she’s founded a nonprofit to support families in staying connected with loved ones in prison. 

In this episode, Jamie—known to many as Ja-Mos—shares how she turned her street smarts into a force for change. Her message speaks to the power of resilience, inner strength, and the importance of uplifting others. Join us for this powerful conversation as the “Queen” returns to Harlem, ready to inspire, empower, and redefine what it means to reclaim one’s legacy. ---