Dog In The Yard

Shanduke McPhatter is living proof that transformation is possible when purpose meets discipline. Born and raised in South Brooklyn, Shanduke’s early life was marked by instability, foster care, and the absence of his biological father. By 16, he was incarcerated at Rikers Island for robbery and it was there that he joined the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods, becoming one of the first five adolescents to form the set on the East Coast. Known in the streets as “Trife Gangsta,” his influence grew but so did the consequences. Over the years, Shanduke faced more than 18 arrests and served a total of 13 years behind bars.  During his last prison sentence, everything changed. Through a spiritual awakening, Shanduke decided to redefine his life. Upon release, he founded Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes Inc. (G-M.A.C.C.), a nonprofit dedicated to reducing gun violence and uplifting communities. Under his leadership, G-M.A.C.C. helped achieve a 65% reduction in shootings in East Flatbush and provided hundreds with mental health counseling, legal aid, and job training. Today, Shanduke is an activist, motivational speaker, and certified trainer who travels the country teaching nonviolence, conflict resolution, and community empowerment. From the block to the boardroom, his story is one of redemption, resilience, and real change.  #DogInTheYard #ShandukeMcPhatter #GMACC #BrooklynStories #GunViolencePrevention #RedemptionStory #FromPrisonToPurpose #CommunityHealing

Joseph “Yusuf” Cobb is a community activist, leader, and mind cultivator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known for his tireless dedication to driving positive change and helping others heal from cycles of violence and loss.  A survivor of the streets who turned his life toward service, Yusuf now channels his experience into empowerment. As Vice President of S.A.V.E. Pennsylvania, he advocates for peace and safety in communities impacted by gun violence. Through his work with the Victim Impact Program, he helps others find healing, accountability, and direction after trauma. Yusuf is also a public speaker, trainer, and mentor captivating audiences with his insight on street violence, grief, leadership, and self-transformation. Beyond his community work, he’s known as a “mind cultivator,” guiding people to grow through reflection, purpose, and personal discipline.  This episode of Dog in the Yard explores Yusuf’s powerful story of redemption from navigating street life to becoming a force for peace and change in Philadelphia and beyond.  #DogInTheYard #YusufCobb #Philadelphia #SavePennsylvania #CommunityActivist #RedemptionStory #MindCultivator #FromPrisonToPurpose #ViolencePrevention #HealingThroughAction

From the streets of East New York’s Pink Houses to nearly 25 years in prison, Joe Robinson known as Donkor inside, meaning “humble person” has lived both sides of transformation. At 22, he was sentenced to 25 years to life for murder in the second degree and spent the next 24 1/2 years incarcerated, where he turned time into purpose. Behind those walls, Joe became known for teaching entrepreneurship and personal finance to other men serving time, using his own growth as a roadmap for theirs. Since his release on October 3, 2016, Joe has built a new legacy. He worked as Director of Reentry Services at a law firm for seven years, helping others transition successfully after incarceration, and today he’s the founder of Mindful Money, LLC, a business dedicated to financial empowerment and personal accountability. Joe is also the author of three self-published books, with his memoir Losing Mama set for release next spring a story about loss, love, and redemption. Married for 20 years to the same woman he met while incarcerated, Joe’s journey is one of humility, discipline, and vision. This episode of Dog in the Yard dives into the life of a man who turned a life sentence into a life of purpose proof that you can rebuild, reimagine, and reclaim your story no matter where you start.

Before the fame, before the plaques Dave East was a young hustler from Harlem trying to find his lane. Growing up between the projects and the courts, he got caught in the streets early, facing several run-ins with the law, including arrests for marijuana possession and disorderly conduct. But those moments didn’t stop him they shaped him. Dave East used his pain, his hunger, and his Harlem roots to fuel his pen. His storytelling caught the attention of one of hip-hop’s greatest Nas who saw something real in him and signed him to Mass Appeal Records, in partnership with Def Jam. From mixtapes like Kairi Chanel to albums like Survival and Paranoia, East turned his experiences into lyrics that resonated far beyond New York. His authenticity earned him collaborations with legends and rising stars alike, and even led him to acting most notably portraying Method Man in Wu-Tang: An American Saga. This episode of Dog in the Yard dives into the real Dave East: the man behind the music, the struggles behind the fame, and how he’s continuing to evolve as an artist, father, and entrepreneur.

Straight out of Harlem’s 140th Street, Claysaun Jones lived the streets that shaped countless young men before him. Convicted of attempted murder and robbery, he spent 24 years incarcerated paying the price of a life defined by survival and split-second decisions. But the time inside didn’t break him. Instead, it became the foundation for transformation. Today, Claysaun works as a Housing Coordinator for the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), helping formerly incarcerated men and women secure stable housing as they return home. His mission is clear: break the cycle of reentry struggles and give people the stability they need to succeed. This episode of Dog in the Yard dives into Claysaun’s journey from Harlem to the yard, through decades of incarceration, and now into community leadership. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and rewriting your ending no matter where you start.

Born and raised in Jersey City, Big Brizzle grew up the youngest of six — with a nine-year gap that shaped how he looked at the world. Athletic, book smart, and influenced by his older brothers, Brizzle’s path shifted early. By 13, he was already in and out of jail. What started as strong-arming quickly turned into stick-ups, hustling, and eventually becoming known as a “work horse” in the streets and inside the system. His reputation was built on being fearless — from crushing rivals to clashing with police and COs — and he lived by simple rules: don’t touch me and hold your tongue. From 2001 to 2006, he did a bid that solidified his name. By his own words, he spent more than half his life behind bars. But today, things look different. Having been home a little over two years — his second-longest stretch of freedom since age 13 — Brizzle is focused on building. He tried real estate, passed the test, but was denied his license. Now he’s working in the construction union and looking ahead to new opportunities. This is the story of Big Brizzle — from decades of incarceration and a life defined by taking, to a man determined to build something real. #DogInTheYard #BigBrizzle #PrisonStories #RedemptionStory #SecondChances #FromPrisonToPurpose #JerseyCity

Dr. Dennis “Prince” Mapp is living proof that redemption and resilience can transform not just one life, but entire communities. After serving nearly two decades incarcerated, Dr. Mapp turned his pain into purpose—becoming a nationally recognized community safety strategist, entrepreneur, and author. Today, he serves as Head of Community & Culture at Citizen, where his leadership has reunited families, saved lives, and built groundbreaking safety collaborations with law enforcement, hospitals, and Fortune 500 companies. He’s also the Founder & CEO of BLK Squares LLC, the powerhouse behind programs like Swag Swap, Pull-Ups for Peace, Financial All Stars, and Freedom Elite Sports Academy—initiatives that uplift youth through mentorship, financial literacy, fitness, and violence prevention. Dr. Mapp’s impact doesn’t stop there. He has helped locate over 800 missing persons since 2018, fought to reduce gun violence across NYC, and been honored with awards such as the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a father, grandfather, mentor, and above all—a Hope Dealer, creating safe spaces and opportunities for the next generation to thrive. This episode of Dog in the Yard dives deep into Dr. Mapp’s extraordinary journey from incarceration to influence, and his mission to end cycles of violence, expand access to resources, and bring lasting peace to our communities.

William Steele, known in the Bronx as G. Child, grew up in the Throggs Neck Projects where the streets shaped his reality. By 13, he was already caught in the school-to-prison pipeline — arrested for gang assault. At 14, it was a drug charge. At 15, police caught him with a Mac-10 submachine gun. And at 16, he faced a murder charge that he eventually beat at trial. But freedom never lasted long. At just 19 years old, William caught an attempted murder case, blew trial, and was sentenced to 17 years. From Sparford to Horizon, from Rikers to state prison, his life became a cycle of incarceration that lasted 21 years. He spent his teens and 20s locked in, and didn’t come home for good until he was 34. Prison tried to define him, but William refused to let it. When he walked out, he made a promise to himself: no more looking back. His journey is a raw example of how the system swallows young men whole, but also how resilience, growth, and the will to change can break that cycle. This episode of Dog in the Yard dives deep into William Steele’s story — the mistakes, the lessons, the survival, and the transformation. From the Bronx projects to the prison yard, and now into a life of purpose, William’s voice is a testament to redemption and the power of never giving up.

Dejohn Huffman’s story begins in Brownsville’s Van Dyke Houses, where survival often meant the streets chose your path. While his siblings went into the military and law enforcement, Dejohn’s road led to his first prison sentence at just 16. By 20, he was facing two devastating moments the tragic loss of his son’s mother and a robbery-homicide he did not commit.  Instead of letting those blows destroy him, Dejohn used them as fuel to transform his life. Today, he is the author of Raising My Inner Male: 12 Steps Toward Uncaged Freedom, a powerful guide for healing, conscious masculinity, and breaking destructive cycles.  As Program Developer for Project Echo, a Cure Violence initiative, Dejohn builds programs for justice-impacted youth that focus on emotional, intellectual, and economic growth. He’s a proud Bard Prison Initiative alumnus with over 174 college credits, an Adjunct Lecturer at Parsons School of Design, and former Program Manager at Second Chance Studios. From the system to the classroom, from the streets to national stages, Dejohn Huffman proves that survival stories can become success stories and that no matter where you start, you are the narrator of your own ending.

Charlie B’s story is raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart of the struggle. Growing up in an environment where survival meant adapting to the streets, he faced arrests, gang life, and prison sentences before he even understood how the justice system worked. Locked up on Rikers Island, Charlie taught himself criminal law from the law library fighting his own case and negotiating his sentence down from 10 years to 7, representing himself “pro se” against the system. Before that, he had already done nearly 2 years in DFY, 6 years in prison for armed robbery, and multiple parole violations. He beat 5 counts of attempted murder on two different occasions and survived both the streets and prison. Charlie B has worn many titles: crack baby, gangsta, big homie, drug dealer, scammer, pimp, robber, rapper, actor, and even his own lawyer. But today, he wears the title of Father, CEO, and Author. He is the founder of HatBoy Records, LLC and a co-founder of Mentoring Young Rising Achievers Kids Inc. (MYRAS KIDS INC) a nonprofit dedicated to at-risk, justice-impacted youth and families. This is The Lil Homie Story a testimony of survival, growth, and redemption.

Dr. Joseph “Joe” Williams, DSW, LCSW, is living proof that resilience and redemption can rewrite any story. Growing up in Brooklyn’s Brownsville & East New York, Dr. Joe spent over 15 years in prisons, jails, and institutions. But instead of letting his past define him, he transformed it into purpose. After earning his Bachelor’s through the Bard Prison Initiative in 2013, he went on to graduate with a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in 2015. In 2025, he received his Doctorate of Social Work from NYU, where he argued the need for more “Credible Clinicians”—mental health professionals who bring both lived experience and academic expertise to the table. Dr. Joe has worked everywhere from psychiatric emergency departments and mobile crisis teams to NYC public schools and legal defense services. Today, he runs his private therapy practice, Joe Williams LCSW, PLLC, addressing the mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health (M.E.S.H.) needs of those impacted by trauma. He is also the founder of Lyfe-Chess YNK, LLC, a trauma-informed counseling and consulting firm helping individuals and communities build strategies for better outcomes. This episode dives deep into Dr. Joe’s journey—from incarceration to higher education, from trauma to healing, and from the prison yard to the doctoral stage. His story is one of truth, transformation, and testimony for all who believe change is possible.

From selling drugs at 11 to leading a gang by 13, Meshach Hewitt’s early life was consumed by the streets of Mount Vernon, NY. At just 20 years old, he was incarcerated for charges related to felony murder, gang leadership, and drug distribution—serving over 17 years behind bars. But prison became the turning point. Meshach took full accountability for his past and committed to a complete transformation. Immersing himself in education, personal growth, and mentorship, he learned the power of breaking cycles of trauma, poverty, and oppression. Now the founder of T.R.U.C.3 Inc. (Taking Responsibility & Uniting Communities through 3ducation), Meshach is dedicated to empowering youth and families through credible mentorship, truth-based storytelling, and life-changing education. He returns to the same streets he once ran from—not as a warning, but as living proof that transformation is possible. This is not just a story about survival—it’s about redemption, rebuilding, and creating real change.

Andre “Dre” Patterson was sentenced to 50 years to life at just 17 years old. Charged with multiple counts including murder, robbery, and assault, he spent decades behind bars—until his release in 2020. But Dre’s story didn’t end there. Since coming home, Dre has transformed his life, dedicating himself to youth mentorship and community uplift. He works with Guns Down Life Up as a mentor and violence interrupter, and he founded Freedom Elite Sports Academy, a nonprofit empowering youth through sports and leadership. While building his organization, he also earned both his HVAC and CDL licenses and currently works with NYC Parks, soon transferring to the Department of Transportation. From East Flatbush to Rikers to redemption, Dre’s journey is about accountability, purpose, and second chances. In this episode, he speaks on peer pressure, gang affiliation, his time up north, and the power of turning your pain into purpose.

So Rich’s story is a reflection of raw transformation, street survival, and unshakable resilience. Raised in the streets and system-impacted since the age of 15, Rich spent more than 13 years in and out of incarceration—including a decade behind bars on an 11-year manslaughter charge. But what started as a life fueled by violence and desperation would become a testimony of growth, faith, and redemption. While serving his final sentence, Rich experienced a powerful mental and spiritual awakening that changed everything. He chose a new path—one rooted in purpose, ownership, and service. That decision laid the foundation for a new identity: artist, entrepreneur, community leader. Today, So Rich is signed to Red Cafe’s Shakedown Entertainment and runs So Rich Entertainment. He also owns The Black House—a creative and cultural lounge in Long Island, serving as a business hub for artists and entrepreneurs. Through his nonprofit, So Rich in Community, he mentors gang-involved and justice-impacted youth, helping them rewrite their own narratives just like he did. This episode is a reminder: the streets don’t have to write your ending. Rich is proof that redemption is always possible—if you choose it.

Dr. Trell “Donk” Webb was sentenced to life plus 90 years at Angola — one of the deadliest prisons in America. Paralyzed by gun violence. Targeted in a shooting that almost took his voice. And yet, Donk came out of that darkness with a mission bigger than himself. Known now as The Voice for the Voiceless, Dr. Donk travels the country sharing his truth, his faith, and his message of transformation. From the streets of Baton Rouge to the pulpit, Donk’s life is raw, unfiltered proof that grace and grit can break any chain. This is more than an interview — it’s a spiritual awakening. Don’t miss it.

Chico Brown is living proof that transformation is possible — even when the odds are stacked against you. Raised in the heart of Compton, Chico once found himself caught in the middle of gang life, systemic neglect, and survival mode. But in 2005, he made a life-changing decision to turn his pain into purpose. Since then, he’s become a powerhouse community activist, youth mentor, developer, and advocate for justice-impacted individuals. In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Chico opens up about the journey that led him to start Ex-Contractors, a movement that brings together former gang members (Crips and Bloods alike) to learn real trades, earn real income, and rebuild their lives. His work directly tackles recidivism by turning ex-cons into entrepreneurs and mentors. He also shares how he helped create Compton Empower, a youth center that launched the careers of NBA stars like DeMar DeRozan and Michael Beasley, and how he’s used his platform to raise millions for at-risk communities with the backing of celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Penny Marshall, and others.  Now an entertainment consultant and developer, Chico continues to build bridges between street life and opportunity, between incarceration and redemption, between silence and a powerful voice. This conversation is about growth, grit, and giving back. Don’t miss it.

Darnell Tomlin’s story is one of loss, lessons, and leadership.Born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Darnell found himself pulled into the streets early. At just 21, he was falsely accused and convicted of a crime he didn’t commit a decision that stole 19½ years of his life. Gang affiliation and association put a target on his back, but it was the system that ultimately took him away.Now, after 5 years home, Darnell is a motivational speaker, mentor, father, and aspiring entrepreneur, using his experiences to pour into the next generation. He’s on a mission to reach the youth before the streets do, and his message is rooted in accountability, peer pressure, and self-respect lessons he had to learn the hard way.In this powerful episode of Dog in the Yard, Darnell opens up about what it really means to grow up in an environment that sets you up to fail, and how he used time in a cell to transform his mindset, reclaim his purpose, and build a new future.

Qwell grew up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn — where street smarts met survival. At 22, he began his career in law enforcement, working at MDC Brooklyn and Rikers Island, eventually earning a spot in the high-stakes Emergency Services Unit (ESU). That experience gave him a firsthand look at the violence, corruption, and trauma inside the walls. Now a police officer in a major metropolitan city, Qwell’s impact is undeniable — earning “Officer of the Month” four times for his proactive, community-driven work. What makes him unique is his dual perspective: someone who’s worked inside the system and now walks the beat with a deeper understanding of both sides of the law. In this powerful episode, Qwell opens up about his time behind the walls, how being a Black officer comes with its own set of challenges, and why he joined Season 9 of “60 Days In” to expose the truths about jail conditions from the inside.

Tiffany “T.J.” Vulcain survived more than just a prison sentence — she endured the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, and federal incarceration. But her story isn’t about what broke her. It’s about what she built after. Now an author, speaker, and force for transformation, T.J. serves as the Program Director of the Women’s Rising Workforce Development program at the Fortune Society, where she helps justice-impacted women rebuild their lives through healing, skill-building, and community. T.J. was sentenced to nearly 5 years in federal prison for credit card fraud. Since coming home, she’s been laser-focused on changing the narrative for parents, youth, and families impacted by incarceration. She created Parents Day at the Fortune Society, an annual event bringing visibility to the challenges of parenting while incarcerated and navigating reentry. You may have seen her featured in the Amazon Prime documentary “Preschool to Prison”, where she speaks truth to the systemic failures that push Black and Brown youth into the justice system. In this episode of Dog in the Yard, she shares the emotional and honest journey of surviving the system, and using her pain to fuel purpose. This one’s for every mother, every fighter, every survivor. T.J.’s voice is real—and it’s necessary.

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.