Dog In The Yard

Dog In The Yard LLC
Dog In The Yard

Pistol Pete aka "King of Rikers Island" interviews real life prisoners and celebs that have done hard time and shares his personal experiences along with his guests amazing stories of how they survived and persevered. This should inspire Americas youth to avoid the same trappings and mistakes and understand that nothing is worth doing the time. Take the hard road not the easy one. Prison is full of hardship and pain. Know that.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Episode #130 w/ Alpha Mel

    In this inspiring episode, we spotlight Alpha Mel, a rising artist out of the Bronx who is making waves in the music industry. Although he only began taking his craft seriously in 2022, Alpha Mel has already gained the support of top-tier producers and assembled a powerhouse team to amplify his message of positivity and resilience. Growing up in the Bronx and navigating life as a kid in the system, Melvin Acevedo (aka Alpha Mel) found his voice through music, inspired by rap legends like Big Pun, Nas, and Tupac. With a style uniquely his own, his tracks deliver cinematic beats and authentic lyrics that reflect the vibrant NYC energy. His latest single, *Lottery*, from the album *Alpha Mentality*, is a celebration of life and happiness. Alpha Mel’s journey includes collaborations with industry giants like Illmind, Dawty Music, and HuuBanga, and he’s been featured on platforms like DJ Self (Power 105.1), BAGFUEL, and Statik Selektah. Beyond music, he’s also co-founded "HipHop Luv LLC" with Alana Luv, continuing his mission to inspire others to pursue their dreams while staying true to themselves. Tune in to hear Alpha Mel's story, his passion for creating original music, and his vision of becoming a beacon of hope for the next generation of artists. 🎵 Find Alpha Mel’s music on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and more. 📲 Follow Alpha Mel on Instagram: @AlphaMel174 & @_hiphopluv_ 📧 Contact Alana Luv: @_alanaluv_ | Alanaluv.hiphopluv@gmail.com Don’t miss this electrifying conversation with an artist destined for greatness!

    31 min
  2. NOV 3

    Episode #128 w/ Vladimir Bautista

    In this compelling episode, we sit down with Vladimir Bautista, CEO and Co-Founder of Happy Munkey, an internationally renowned NYC lifestyle brand synonymous with cannabis culture. Born and raised in Hamilton Heights, NYC, Vladimir has become a formidable advocate in the cannabis space, leveraging his deep connections within the industry to bridge the gap between the legacy and legal markets. From a challenging upbringing as a single mother's son in Sugar Hill to navigating the complexities of street life, Vladimir's journey is one of resilience and transformation. After serving time in Rikers Island and other facilities, he emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, co-founding Happy Munkey, which has quickly garnered attention and acclaim—earning a feature in Forbes as the "40/40 of Marijuana." Under Vladimir’s leadership, Happy Munkey hosts exclusive VIP events that unite politicians, chefs, doctors, influencers, and artists, all brought together by a shared passion for cannabis. In 2021, he made headlines as a keynote speaker at MJBIZ CON, the largest trade show in the U.S., advocating for collaboration between the legacy and legal cannabis sectors. Join us as Vladimir shares his incredible story, discusses his experiences in music, hospitality, and event production, and reflects on the groundbreaking events that have positioned Happy Munkey as a leader in the cannabis industry. From winning a Silver Clio for their innovative “Happy Munkey After Hours” event to hosting New York’s first legal pot party on 4/20, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration about resilience, community, and the evolving world of cannabis. ---------- Connect with Vladimir: Instagram: Vladimir Bautista https://www.instagram.com/vlad... Instagram: Happy Munkey Goodies https://www.instagram.com/happ... Instagram: Happy Munkey https://www.instagram.com/happ... TikTok: Vladimir Bautista https://www.tiktok.com/@vladimir.bautista50?_t=8r4PT3zFNwB&_r=1 Facebook: Vladimir's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share... LinkedIn: Happy Munkey LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ha...

    51 min
  3. OCT 20

    Episode #126 w/ Vidal Guzman

    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.

    1h 6m
  4. OCT 13

    Episode #125 w/ DOT

    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.

    39 min
  5. OCT 7

    Episode #124 w/ Boxx

    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.

    50 min
4.8
out of 5
102 Ratings

About

Pistol Pete aka "King of Rikers Island" interviews real life prisoners and celebs that have done hard time and shares his personal experiences along with his guests amazing stories of how they survived and persevered. This should inspire Americas youth to avoid the same trappings and mistakes and understand that nothing is worth doing the time. Take the hard road not the easy one. Prison is full of hardship and pain. Know that.

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