Ruben Wills was once a rising political force in Southeast Queens—serving as a New York City Council Member for District 28—until everything changed. In 2014, he was arrested and convicted on charges he insisted were false. He spent over three years behind bars. But in 2020, Ruben’s fight for justice paid off when the New York State Appellate Division overturned his conviction, ruling that he had been denied a fair trial. In 2021, he was officially exonerated—cleared of all charges.

But Ruben’s story isn’t just about the system failing him—it’s about what he chose to do after. He returned home not defeated, but more determined than ever.

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Ruben shares his powerful journey—from the South Jamaica Houses in Queens, through political office, prison, exoneration, and now back on the campaign trail with his eyes on re-election. He’s the founder of Policy, Inc., a nonprofit fighting for criminal justice reform, and he’s deeply committed to mentoring youth, testifying before lawmakers, and reshaping the system that once tried to bury him.

This isn’t just about redemption—it’s about leadership, legacy, and never letting your circumstances define your impact.

Shannon Holmes didn’t enter the literary world through classrooms or creative writing programs—he wrote his first novel from a prison cell.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Shannon served five years for drug-related charges. While incarcerated, he picked up a pen for the first time—not to write a letter home, but to write what would become his breakout novel: B-More Careful. With no formal training and only a GED, Shannon tapped into something real, raw, and revolutionary.

That debut sold over 500,000 copies, landed him a two-book deal with Simon & Schuster, and helped establish the entire street lit genre. He followed up with bestsellers like Bad Girlz, Never Go Home Again, and made history by becoming the first street lit author with a hardcover release.

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Shannon opens up about writing from behind the wall, signing major publishing deals, and using literature to flip his narrative. From incarceration to inspiration, this is a story about hustle, redemption, and the power of storytelling.

Dennis A. Woodbine’s life was stolen by the system—but he didn’t let that define him. In 1997, Dennis was wrongfully convicted of a murder he did not commit. He spent 22 years inside Sing Sing Correctional Facility, fighting not only for his freedom, but for his identity, his purpose, and ultimately, his peace. In 2019, after more than two decades behind bars, Dennis was granted executive clemency by the Governor of New York. He walked out of prison a free man—but his work was just beginning.

 Instead of choosing bitterness, Dennis chose service. He returned to his community in Poughkeepsie, NY and created something powerful: the Finish Strong Wellness Center, Inc. A free after-school program that gives local youth what the system too often fails to provide—support, structure, and a safe place to grow. For many of these young people, Dennis is more than a mentor—he’s proof that redemption is real and that your circumstances don’t have to define your future.

Since his release, Dennis has committed himself to community work, youth advocacy, and family. He’s not just healing from what was taken—he’s building something lasting, brick by brick. His journey is about turning pain into purpose and injustice into impact. In this powerful episode of Dog in the Yard, Dennis sits down with us to talk about what it feels like to carry the weight of a wrongful conviction, the process of rebuilding your life from the ground up, and what it truly means to finish strong.

This is more than just a redemption story—this is a blueprint for how to survive, evolve, and serve. Whether you’ve experienced the system firsthand or you just believe in the power of second chances, Dennis’s story will stay with you long after the credits roll. Tap in. Listen. Learn. Be moved.

Keonnie Raheem’s journey is the definition of second chances. Hailing from the Forest Houses in the Bronx, Keonnie was charged as a juvenile with multiple homicides in Baltimore and sentenced to two life terms. After serving 31 years in prison, his sentence was reduced under juvenile resentencing, and on March 23, 2023, he walked free.

His reentry wasn’t easy, but Keonnie leaned into every resource he could find—participating in “Lifting Stigma” in Maryland for mental‑health support, then moving back to New York under parole. He’s built a life brick by brick: earning OSHA certification through BroConnect, working in HVAC and at Verizon buildings, and meeting weekly with a therapist to stay grounded. He’s even raising funds to reunite with family, writing his memoir “25 of Life,” and launching a clothing line to amplify his message.

 In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Keonnie opens up about growing up in the Bronx, surviving three decades behind bars, and turning trauma into purpose. Tune in to hear how he’s rewriting his story—one day, one step, one dream at a time.

Jermaine “Bang” Archer’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. After spending 22 years behind bars, Jermaine didn’t just survive—he built a legacy. In 2005, while incarcerated at Sing Sing, he watched his first Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) production, Breaking the Mummy’s Code. That moment would plant a seed that would grow into something far bigger than he could’ve imagined.

Jermaine went on to join RTA, act in and manage productions, chair the Steering Committee, and earn his master’s degree and paralegal certification while inside. He also became the first person to emcee a TedX event inside a NY State prison, and even gave his own Ted Talk from behind the wall.

Just five weeks after his release, Jermaine was already working with the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County and later joined the Schusterman Family Philanthropy team, supporting criminal justice reform through impactful grantmaking.

And in 2024, everything came full circle—his wrongful conviction was overturned, and by 2025, the RTA production that started it all inspired the Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing. Today, Jermaine stands as the Executive Director of RTA, leading the same organization that helped transform his life. This episode is about power, purpose, and proving that no system can define your future. Tap in now.

Before the world knew him as Opressure—a respected Hip-Hop artist, journalist, and radio voice—he was 94-B-0730, a young man navigating the harsh realities of Buffalo, NY. At just 17 years old, Omar was sentenced to 8 to 24 years for manslaughter, the result of growing up in survival mode and making choices that led him down a dangerous path. But what the system didn’t expect was how he would transform that time behind bars into a foundation for greatness.

 During his incarceration, Omar forged a life-changing bond with NY General Mysonne Linen, and together they sharpened their lyrical skills, challenged each other creatively, and pushed themselves to elevate both as men and as MCs. That bond evolved beyond the prison walls, and today, Opressure continues to use his voice and vision to uplift, empower, and inspire.

Now a dedicated Substance Abuse Counselor, community advocate, Hip-Hop journalist, and co-host of Dem Bx Boyz on New Bronx City Radio, Opressure has made it his mission to build platforms for the next generation of talent—especially those who come from the same struggle. He’s even brought his knowledge and experience to VladTV, where he works as a trusted journalist, providing authentic stories from inside the culture.

 In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Opressure opens up about his time inside, the pain of his sentence, the purpose he found, and the relentless grind that brought him back stronger. This is more than a prison story—it’s a testimony of redemption, creativity, and resistance against a system designed to keep us down.

Jason Abreu, born and raised in Dyckman Projects in Uptown Manhattan, opens up about his powerful story of growth, setbacks, and redemption. After being incarcerated twice for drug-related offenses, Jason realized during his second time behind bars that he had a bigger purpose to fulfill.

While incarcerated, Jason found his vision and created Made Up North, a movement dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reenter society and break the cycle of recidivism. Through his social media platforms, Jason shares valuable resources, motivational content, and firsthand experiences to inspire those coming home to stay focused and avoid falling back into old patterns.

Since his release in November 2023, Jason has made major moves — securing a career in the construction industry, building his Made Up North platform, and launching his brand-new podcast, Off The Count. His mission is to amplify the stories of individuals who have rebuilt their lives after prison, while continuing to educate, guide, and empower the next generation.


Jason’s journey is a reminder that no matter how many times you fall, you can always get back up and make a difference. His story is not just about survival — it's about growth, purpose, and creating real change.

Tap in with Jason and be a part of the movement: 📲 Follow him: @madeupnorthnyc 🎙️ Tune into his podcast: @offthecountpodcast

DeShawn Kenner was just 22 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison for murder and attempted murder. He would go on to spend the next 20 years behind bars—but instead of letting time break him, DeShawn used it to transform himself from the inside out.

In this powerful episode of Dog in the Yard, DeShawn opens up about his journey—from the streets of Mount Vernon to the harsh reality of prison life, and how he rewired his mindset to become a mentor, author, and leader. During his time inside, he wrote three impactful books:

•No More Mistakes
•Twelve Paths to Power
•Conversation With A Killer

Each book reflects his growth and commitment to helping others avoid the same mistakes he made. Now free, DeShawn is developing online courses, launching a new podcast called Aim for Excellence, and staying active in the fight for prison reform and youth empowerment.

This episode is about pain, power, and purpose.
Tap in and witness what real transformation looks like.

Frans Sital was just 17 years old when he was wrongfully convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to 51 years to life. He ended up serving over 31 years behind bars before finally being released in August 2023. In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Frans shares his raw and emotional journey—from surviving the prison system to reclaiming his life and freedom.

Now home and fighting for others still trapped inside, Frans is deeply involved in the criminal justice and prison reform movement. He’s building his companies Finally Free and FSconsulting LLC, while also caring for his mother and helping others rebuild. His story is one of strength, redemption, and relentless purpose.

This is more than a prison story—it’s a blueprint for rebuilding your life and fighting back against injustice.