Wrongfully Convicted, Now Building For The Youth

Dennis A. Woodbine spent 22 years in Sing Sing Correctional Facility for a murder he didn’t commit. In 2019, he was granted executive clemency and walked free—choosing not bitterness, but purpose.

Since his release, Dennis has been a pillar in his community. He founded the Finish Strong Wellness Center, a free after-school program serving youth in Poughkeepsie, NY, helping the next generation avoid the pitfalls that once trapped him.

In this episode of Dog in the Yard, Dennis shares the reality of doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, the emotional journey of coming home, and how he’s now creating safe spaces for the youth who need it most. His story is one of healing, service, and finishing what he started.

Timestamps for Dennis Woodbine:

00:00 - Intro Begins
Pistol Pete opens the show and introduces Dennis.

01:32 - Dennis' Story Begins
Dennis shares that he served 22 years and was granted clemency in 2019.

03:00 - Discovering Art and Purpose Inside
Dennis explains how theater, poetry, and music helped transform his mindset while incarcerated.

04:50 - From Dropout to Degrees
He details his journey from a 9th-grade dropout to earning a bachelor’s and beginning a master’s degree.

06:10 - Getting Clemency and Coming Home
Dennis talks about receiving executive clemency and the day he was released.

07:00 - Working for Exodus Transitional Community
He begins working for Julio Medina at Exodus, helping others reenter society.

08:30 - Launching Finish Strong Wellness Center
Dennis founds his own nonprofit to support youth and prevent incarceration.

10:20 - Learning About Trauma and Mental Health
He discusses how adverse childhood experiences impacted his life and others in prison.

13:00 - Why the Prison System Fails
Dennis explains how the system doesn't rehabilitate and increases recidivism.

15:30 - Realities of Reentry and COVID Impact
He reflects on how the pandemic made reintegration harder and cost people their lives.

18:00 - Investing in Youth and Breaking the Cycle
The motivation behind creating a safe space for kids through his youth program.

20:30 - Life on the Outside and Family
Dennis shares how he’s stepped into a father figure role and stayed focused.

22:30 - The Robert Brooks Case and Systemic Violence
A deep dive into prison abuse, the murder of Robert Brooks, and why justice is often delayed.

26:00 - Internal Corruption and Legal Challenges
How close-knit legal systems often protect officers from consequences.

28:00 - The Fight for Justice Continues
Discussing the difficulty in holding prison staff accountable and the public's role.

30:00 - Final Reflections and Advice
Dennis urges viewers to be themselves and take advantage of opportunities, a mindset he developed inside.

31:20 - Outro and Salute to Dennis
Pistol Pete closes the interview, thanking Dennis and highlighting his ongoing work in Poughkeepsie.

32:16 - Behind-the-Scenes and Light Moments
Light banter and post-interview vibes wrap up the episode.

46:06 - End of Episode
Episode ends.