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Kevin “Kareem” Brooks is a researcher and advocate who spent over 24 years incarcerated and now focuses on examining the long-term impact of prison on individuals and communities. While serving his sentence, Kareem pursued higher education and earned a degree in Social Sciences, using that foundation to critically analyze the systems that shaped his experience. Today, his work centers on what he calls “carceral sickness,” exploring the physical, psychological, and social consequences of incarceration that extend far beyond prison walls. As a peer advocate with New York County Defender Services, Kareem supports individuals navigating the criminal legal system, helping them access resources and understand their rights while providing guidance rooted in lived experience. In this episode of Dog In The Yard, Kareem shares insight into the deeper effects of incarceration and the need for a more restorative approach to justice. 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

David Ruiz, known as Trust Mula, is a Brooklyn native from the Marlboro Projects whose life reflects the consequences of early decisions and the power of transformation. Choosing the streets at just 13 years old, he spent over 16½ years incarcerated, separated from his family and caught in a cycle of prison and street life. After his release in July 2024, Trust Mula made a commitment to change his path.  Since coming home, he has focused on music, personal growth, and promoting positivity, gaining attention for openly turning away from his past and encouraging others to do the same.  In this episode of Dog In The Yard, Trust Mula shares his journey from incarceration to purpose, and what it means to truly choose a different life. 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

Jahliek Tyson, known as “The Paperwork God,” is an entrepreneur, speaker, and creator who transformed 16 years of incarceration into a mission to educate and empower others. After early involvement in the streets and multiple arrests starting at age 16, Jahliek served over a decade in state prison before later returning on a federal gun charge. During his time at FCI Allenwood, he made a decision to change his life and focus on purpose. That decision led to the creation of Urban Life News Magazine, a platform designed to provide incarcerated individuals with legal knowledge, reentry resources, and insight into culture and personal development. Since returning home, Jahliek has rebuilt his life through entrepreneurship, public speaking, and community work.  This episode of Dog In The Yard explores his journey, the lessons learned inside, and how knowledge of the system became the foundation for a new life. 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

Samuel “Baby Sam” Edmonson is a Brooklyn native whose case has drawn national attention in discussions surrounding wrongful convictions, witness testimony, and the criminal justice system. Convicted in 1990 and sentenced to 75 years to life, Baby Sam spent 33 years in prison before his conviction was vacated in 2022 following witness recantations and questions about the reliability of the original evidence. After briefly regaining his freedom, an appellate court in 2025 partially reversed that decision, resulting in his return to prison and reigniting debate about how courts handle recanted testimony and decades-old convictions.  This episode of Dog In The Yard explores the complexities of his case, the legal battles, and the broader issues surrounding justice, accountability, and second chances. Sign the petition and help Baby Sam https://www.standwithbabysam.com/ Hosted By: @pistolpetekarts Guest: @babysamfree 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

Edward L. “Boo” Andrews is a sociologist, author, lecturer, and urban trauma specialist from the Red Hook Projects in Brooklyn, New York. After being sentenced to 33 years in prison and serving 22 years for murder, Boo returned home determined to transform his experience into purpose. Today he is the Founder and CEO of the Second Chance Re-Entry Initiative Program (SCRIP), an organization dedicated to helping justice-impacted individuals overcome systemic barriers and rediscover their identity and potential. Through mentorship, education, and community engagement, SCRIP focuses on addressing the long-term effects of incarceration and urban trauma. Boo’s work has been recognized across the Connecticut metropolitan area through media features, radio interviews, and speaking engagements. He was also inducted into the Hall of Change in Connecticut for his service and impact on the community. In this episode of Dog In The Yard, Boo discusses prison, rehabilitation, trauma, and the importance of leadership in helping others rebuild their lives after incarceration. 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

Smurkz grew up in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood on the Darkside. At just 19 years old, he was arrested and sentenced to 40 years to life for murder. During his time inside the New York State prison system, Smurkz was transferred through multiple facilities including Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, Upstate’s SHU, Attica, and Groveland. While fighting his original case, he also caught a separate case on Rikers Island that resulted in a 7-year sentence running concurrently. Years into his incarceration, Smurkz received a reversal on direct appeal, meaning his original conviction was overturned and a new trial was ordered. The fight for his freedom continued as he faced retrial on serious charges, ultimately accepting a 13-year flat sentence before being released on conditional release. In this episode, Smurkz reflects on life behind the wall, navigating the prison system, fighting cases, and what it means to come home after years of incarceration. 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

Porsche Truck Ruk, known as Ruk, is an artist and entrepreneur from Schenectady, New York. After being charged in a federal R.I.C.O. drug trafficking case and sentenced to 120 months in prison, he served 10 years before returning home determined to rebuild his life. Now home, Ruk is an MMA fighter, rapper, promoter, and business owner. He founded Elite Juice Parlor, launched a Redemption Center and Event Hall, and owns a cannabis strain called “Huttt” available in New York dispensaries. This episode explores accountability, transformation, and what it takes to rebuild after federal time. 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

Shawn Robert Johnson was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, and raised in Asbury Park and Neptune. A gifted basketball player in his youth, his life took a different direction in his early teens when he became involved in the streets. In 2006, Shawn was arrested on a murder charge, with an attempted murder charge later added. After maintaining self-defense throughout trial, he was sentenced to 60 years in prison. He served 19 years at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, where he focused on rehabilitation and mentoring others. Due to his rehabilitation and the circumstances of his sentencing, 41 years were commuted from his original term. He was released on December 4th, 2025. This episode explores accountability, trial consequences, rehabilitation, and life after long-term incarceration. Hosted By: @pistolpetekarts Guest: @shawnjohnn1222 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

Pena The Mentor shares his journey from growing up in the Patterson Projects of the South Bronx to federal prison and ultimately finding purpose through mentorship and community service. After early incarceration, luxury living, and deep ties within the reggaeton music industry, Pena faced an 11½-year federal sentence. During his time inside, he endured the loss of his mother a moment that reshaped his outlook on life.  Now home, he has turned his influence into impact mentoring youth, launching free educational programs in audio engineering and photography, working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and dedicating his life to service and faith.  This episode explores identity, loss, accountability, and transformation. 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

Anthony Colón Sr., known as Scarface, is a Bronx native, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose life includes more than two decades spent incarcerated across state and federal systems. Growing up on 188th Street and Marion Avenue, Anthony served four prison bids totaling 22½ years for charges related to drugs, assault, financial crimes, and organized schemes. His incarceration experience spanned New York State, Pennsylvania, Florida, Atlanta, and federal custody, exposing him to multiple systems and realities. Now eight years home, Anthony is the founder of Premier Wellness of South Florida, a published author, homeowner, and co-host of Success After Lockdown. This episode of Dog In The Yard explores his journey from repeated incarceration to ownership, stability, and service—and how empowerment and education became central to his mission. 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

Eric Benson, known as EB, is a Bronx native, entrepreneur, and credible messenger whose life was shaped by early exposure to the streets and transformed through accountability and education. At 20 years old, EB was sentenced to 25 years to life for taking another young man’s life. He spent more than 27 years incarcerated, where he made a conscious decision to change. Entering prison without a GED, he earned multiple college degrees and vocational certifications, building a foundation for life beyond incarceration. Released in August 2020 and fully discharged from parole in 2023, EB returned home focused on work, growth, and service. Today, he holds multiple roles as a case manager, facilitator, and motivational speaker, using his story to support others navigating reentry and personal responsibility. This episode of Dog In The Yard explores EB’s journey of accountability, education, and what it means to truly rebuild a life. 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

Emmanuel Pierre-Louis, known as “Supreme,” is a Queens-born entrepreneur, certified CMS practitioner, and community leader whose life bridges business, culture, and violence prevention. After returning home from incarceration, Supreme built First Choice Enterprises, launching ventures across fashion, music, nightlife, and retail that gained national visibility and celebrity support. His brands and creative work helped define streetwear and hip-hop culture throughout the East Coast. Today, Supreme applies his experience on the front lines of community safety as a CMS-certified interventionist with NYC Health + Hospitals / Lincoln Guns Down Life Up, leading violence interruption, crisis response, and youth development initiatives. As Founder and CEO of N1DP INC, he continues mentoring young people through sports, culture, and entrepreneurship.  This episode of Dog In The Yard explores Supreme’s journey from survival to leadershi and how vision, accountability, and purpose can transform lives and communities. 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

Wise Money is a financial educator and entrepreneur who turned adversity into opportunity after overcoming a federal prison sentence. With limited formal education, Wise Money fought and won his own federal appeal, earning his freedom and using that second chance to completely transform his life. Since returning home, he has dedicated himself to financial education, mindset development, and helping others break cycles of poverty and incarceration. Through the Wise Money platform, he teaches investing strategies, discipline, and long-term thinking especially to individuals who were never given access to financial literacy.  In this episode of Dog In The Yard, Wise Money shares how self-education, accountability, and execution changed everything, and why financial freedom begins with mastering your mindset. 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

Joe Avianne, born Yosef Aranbayev, is a New York City based jeweler and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and public face of Avianne & Co. Jewelers, a custom jewelry brand that emerged from Manhattan’s Diamond District and became closely connected to hip-hop and pop culture.  After immigrating from Uzbekistan and growing up in Brooklyn, Joe entered the jewelry business at a young age. Alongside his brother Izzy, he helped grow Avianne & Co. into a globally recognized name, known for bold custom pieces worn by artists and athletes. In June 2020, Joe Avianne was arrested in Queens, New York, in connection with an incident that led to serious criminal charges, including attempted murder and assault, according to public records. While the arrest and charges are documented, publicly available sources do not clearly show a final conviction or sentence.  This episode of Dog In The Yard examines Joe Avianne’s journey through success, controversy, and public attention highlighting how business, culture, and accountability intersect. 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

Born Charly Wingate and raised in Harlem, Max B helped shape a sound, language, and movement that influenced an entire generation of street music. His creativity and individuality made him impossible to ignore and even during years away from the spotlight, his influence never faded. Recently released from prison, Max B joins Dog In The Yard for an exclusive conversation focused on clarifying his upbringing, addressing long standing legal misunderstandings, and reflecting on the personal growth that came with time and distance. This episode is not about rumors or headlines it’s about perspective, accountability, and telling the story in his own words. Max B speaks openly about where he comes from, how his environment shaped him, and what it means to return home with clarity after years of reflection. He discusses legacy, responsibility, and the lessons learned through hardship offering insight into how time behind the wall changed his outlook on life, freedom, and purpose. This episode captures a pivotal moment: a respected voice returning to the conversation, ready to move forward with intention and truth.  🎙 Hosted by: Pistol Pete: @pistolpetekarts BX Tone: @tonybxtonewindley 🎤 Guest: Max B: @maxb140 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