Dog In The Yard

In this powerful episode of Dog in the Yard, Pistol Pete sits down with Vidal Guzman, an abolitionist, entrepreneur, and author who transformed his life after spending five years in prison. Growing up in Harlem and facing incarceration as a teenager, Vidal now leads criminal justice reform efforts as the Executive Director of America On Trial Inc. and the founder of campaigns like #AIRS and End Qualified Immunity NY. He has been instrumental in the #CLOSErikers campaign and continues to inspire change through his work with organizations such as Drive Change and JustLeadershipUSA. Vidal’s story, featured in outlets like National Geographic and BBC News, is one of resilience, activism, and a vision for a more just society.

Since his release, Vidal has dedicated himself to dismantling the structures that perpetuate injustice, focusing on initiatives that seek to transform the prison system and hold law enforcement accountable. Through his work, Vidal has become a leading voice in the fight to close Rikers Island and end qualified immunity for police officers, pushing for reforms that prioritize community well-being over punitive measures. His advocacy has garnered attention across media platforms, including Insider, Revolt TV, and National Geographic, amplifying his message of hope and systemic change. This episode dives deep into Vidal’s personal experiences, the harsh realities of incarceration, and his unrelenting pursuit of justice for marginalized communities.

Tune in to hear Vidal’s inspiring journey, his insights on criminal justice reform, and his call to action for systemic change.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, we sit down with DOT, a 41-year-old from Stamford, Connecticut, who has experienced both the harsh realities of the streets and the challenges of rebuilding after incarceration. Born on August 11, 1983, DOT’s life took a pivotal turn when he was sentenced to federal prison at just 24 for distributing cocaine and crack. His case was complicated by charges of witness tampering, leading to a five-year sentence. He was released at 29, determined to change the course of his life.

Since his release, DOT has been committed to giving back to his community, channeling his experiences into positive endeavors. He launched a podcast where he shares his journey and insights, and he started a clothing line, aiming to inspire others through both his story and his entrepreneurial spirit. DOT’s passion for business extended to owning a liquor store and a clothing store, both of which faced unfortunate closures during the Covid pandemic. 

In this deeply personal conversation, DOT also opens up about the devastating loss of his brother, who was tragically murdered in 2021, and how this has impacted him and his family, including his living sister. Despite the setbacks, DOT continues to push forward, embodying resilience and growth in the face of adversity.

Join us for this powerful episode, as DOT reflects on his life before and after prison, the importance of community, and his ongoing journey of self-reinvention. His story is one of strength, transformation, and the pursuit of purpose—don’t miss out on this impactful and inspiring conversation.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

Robert Wiegman, aka Boxx, is a Yonkers native whose life journey has been marked by significant challenges and remarkable resilience. Growing up in a vibrant yet complex environment, Boxx faced the harsh realities of life from a young age. He began encountering the criminal justice system at just 13 years old, experiencing a series of "skid bids" that would shape his future.

At 19, Boxx faced a pivotal moment when he was sentenced to a year in federal prison for impersonation and aiding and abetting. This experience served as a turning point in his life, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and the impact they had on his loved ones.

After his release, Boxx made a conscious decision to change his life for the better. He embarked on a journey of self-improvement, dedicating himself to personal growth and development. Today, he focuses on investing his time and energy into being a present and supportive father to his daughter, fostering strong family relationships, and becoming a role model in his community.

Through his experiences, Boxx has gained invaluable insights into the power of second chances and the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity. He believes in the transformative potential of self-development, using his story to inspire others facing similar struggles.

Now, as a podcast guest on "Dog in the Yard," Boxx shares his compelling narrative of redemption, offering a message of hope and empowerment to those who may feel lost or trapped in their circumstances. His journey is a testament to the idea that with determination and support, anyone can rewrite their story and invest in a brighter future.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

Flip, a native of Jersey City, faced a pivotal moment in his life when he was incarcerated for 9 years on charges of shooting and drug distribution. Growing up in an environment where street life was often the only option, Flip found himself entangled in decisions that led him down a destructive path. However, prison became a turning point. During his time behind bars, Flip made a commitment to change his life, reflecting deeply on his past choices and envisioning a better future.

Since his release, Flip has dedicated himself to living a life free of crime, working legally to support himself while simultaneously reigniting his passion for music. Music has always been an outlet for him, and now it serves as a tool for self-expression and a means to inspire others who may be on the same path he once walked. With each lyric and beat, Flip’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the belief that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Through hard work, determination, and creativity, he is carving out a new life, proving that change is possible no matter how dark the past may seem.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

Welcome back to Dog in the Yard, the podcast where we bring you real stories of resilience, survival, and transformation straight from the hearts of those who’ve experienced life behind the wall. In this powerful episode, Pistol Pete sits down with Dance, a Dominican brother from the Bronx with an extraordinary life story. Dance opens up about his journey through the foster care system, the harsh streets of New York, and his eventual descent into crime that led him to prison and beyond.Born and raised in the Bronx, Dance shares how life pushed him from foster homes to the streets, forcing him to adapt quickly to survive. He discusses his early exposure to violence, the hustle, and the moments that led to his first arrest, which landed him in Rikers Island at just 16 years old. In prison, Dance learned the brutal rules of survival, building a reputation for himself through fights and gaining the respect of those around him. But the streets kept calling him back.After his release, Dance dove deeper into the criminal world, orchestrating major heists, including hijacking 18-wheelers filled with high-end goods. But his rise in the game came with a heavy price. Facing federal charges, Dance eventually found himself serving 16 years in the federal prison system, navigating some of the toughest prisons in the country.In this episode, Dance doesn't hold back as he reflects on the choices he made and the lessons he learned during his time in prison. From dealing with the realities of snitching and betrayal to finding ways to keep his mind sharp through prison activities like playing chess and Jeopardy, Dance’s story is both raw and inspirational. He discusses the turning points that led to his personal transformation and what it takes to survive not only physically, but mentally in a world designed to break you.This is more than a story of crime and punishment—it's a story of redemption. Dance shares the wisdom he's gained over the years, offering a powerful message to anyone caught up in the fast life or facing their own battles with the system. His journey from a kid in the Bronx to a federal prisoner, and now a man working to change his life, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

In this powerful episode of "Dog in the Yard," we sit down with Francisco Trinidad, also known as Trini, whose remarkable journey from the streets of Yonkers to the cannabis business is both inspiring and eye-opening. Born in the Dominican Republic and brought to America in 1986, Trini’s early life in Paterson and Yonkers shaped his path. Despite his initial success in modeling and light acting—featured in The Source and XXL magazines—he found himself caught up in a darker world. Facing a murder charge with a million-dollar bail, Trini spent four years waiting for trial, but through faith and perseverance, he emerged victorious. He shares his experiences of overcoming the odds, the support of his family, and his journey through the criminal justice system. After his release, he focused on rebuilding his life, working as an activity director at a nursing home, and eventually transitioning into the cannabis industry. Join us as Trini discusses his transformation, the importance of staying positive, and the opportunities for success beyond the streets. His story is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of second chances. Tune in to hear Trini’s incredible story and gain insight into the path from adversity to achievement.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

In this gripping episode of Dog in the Yard, host Pistol Pete sits down with Mikey Brown, a man whose life took a sharp turn from the streets of the Lower East Side to prison and ultimately to success. Convicted of Manslaughter 1st, Mikey served 13 years behind bars. However, instead of letting the system break him, he used his time to reflect, transform, and prepare for a life beyond the cell walls. Now the founder of Anything Less Entertainment, Mikey Brown is channeling his experiences into creating powerful narratives that resonate with those who've been through the struggle. His production company is dedicated to telling raw, authentic stories about life in the streets, incarceration, and the fight for redemption. In this episode, Mikey dives deep into his past-sharing the tough lessons he learned, the pivotal moments that shaped him, and how he's using his platform to uplift others. From navigating life after prison to building a business, Mikey's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and leadership. Tune in to hear how he transformed his pain into purpose and is now helping others rewrite their own stories. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about survival, redemption, and the power of second chances. This is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of change.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

In this episode, Pistol Pete sits down with Big Bootsie, a man whose life story is as gritty as it is inspiring. Growing up in Kingston, New York, and later navigating the rough streets of Jessup, Maryland, Bootsie was no stranger to the hustle. In 1992, his life took a dramatic turn when he was pulled over illegally in Newport News, Virginia, and faced a daunting 60-year sentence for drug smuggling.

Bootsie shares the raw truth about the choices that led him down this path, his time in the system, and how he managed to survive and rebuild. From feeding the homeless every Sunday in North Carolina to producing films like "A Polished Soul" and "17 Days," Bootsie is living proof that it’s never too late to turn your life around.

Tune in to hear Big Bootsie’s story—a tale of redemption, resilience, and the power of change. Whether you’re in need of inspiration or simply want to hear a gripping story of survival, this episode has it all.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

In this enlightening episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Jaime Santana, a pioneering legal professional whose career has broken significant barriers. Jaime made history as the first Latino judge in Orange County, showcasing his dedication to justice and representation. His journey continued as he served as a district attorney in Brooklyn, where he made impactful contributions to the legal system. Now, as a leading attorney in New York City and the head of Santana Law Firm, Jaime brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his practice.

Join us as Jaime shares his experiences, challenges, and successes, offering invaluable insights into his path from groundbreaking judge to influential attorney. We delve into his vision for the future of the legal field and how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to law. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true trailblazer in the legal community.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org

In this gripping episode, we sit down with a remarkable guest from the Bronx, who shares his extraordinary journey from the streets of McKinley Projects to overcoming severe legal battles. Starting in the drug game at just 13, our guest faced numerous challenges, including a high-stakes murder trial and multiple prison sentences. Despite a tumultuous past, he turned his life around after serving nearly 14 years behind bars, thanks to a retroactive law. Now a successful entrepreneur with a trucking and consulting business, as well as a podcast, he dedicates his life to mentoring youth and promoting positive change. Tune in to hear his powerful story of redemption and resilience.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org