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.