Episode #158 w/ Darnell Tomlin

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.