SOLUTIONS FROM THE YARD
Candid discussions about life behind bars and its effect on society and the reentry journey back to community post-incarceration.
Episodes
In this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," host Dietrich Trent and co-hosts Michael Dickerson-El and Charles Hopkins discuss the history and impact of solitary confinement, known as "the shoe" or special housing unit (SHU). They explain that solitary confinement was initially intended as a severe form of punishment, not for rehabilitation, dating back to the early 19th century. The hosts share personal experiences, detailing the...
In this section of "Solution on the Yard," hosts Dietrich Trent, Michael Dickerson-El, and Charles Hopkins discuss experiences in the "shoe" (solitary confinement unit). They talk about the mental preparation necessary to survive under these extreme conditions, where mental strength is crucial. Dickerson-El describes how solitary confinement can dehumanize individuals, desensitizing them to normal emotions and affecting their relat...
In this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," hosts Charles Hopkins, Michael Dickerson-El, and Dietrich Trent discuss the challenges faced by youth in the D.C. area, focusing on the education system and juvenile delinquency. The hosts argue for the need for more resources, vocational training, and mentorship programs to provide hope and practical skills for youth. They emphasize the importance of parental involvement and community ...
In this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," hosts Charles Hopkins, Michael Dickerson-El, and Dietrich Trent discuss D.C. politics and juvenile delinquency. They highlight a Justice Department study showing high rates of single-parent households, teen deaths, school dropouts, and child poverty in D.C. The hosts argue that preventive services and resources for youth are lacking and stress the importance of education, mentorship, an...
In this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," host Dietrich Trent and co-hosts Michael Dickerson-El and Charles Hopkins discuss public safety and recent legislation on neck restraints. They criticize changes that could allow police to use chokeholds more freely, despite previous bans. The conversation highlights concerns about police accountability and the potential harm to black and brown communities. They also discuss the issue o...
In this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," host Dietrich Trent, along with co-hosts Michael Dickerson-El and Charles Hopkins, discuss the challenges of life in prison and reintegration into society. They highlight their efforts to help others reintegrate and mention a recent community impact award Michael received. The conversation critiques the focus on increasing penalties for crimes without addressing the underlying social is...
In this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," Michael Dickerson-El hosts a discussion with Joe Houston, who shares his journey of reentry after five years in prison. Joe describes the challenges he faced, including securing employment and eventually becoming a certified personal trainer. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, particularly from a figure named Mousy, and the support of his team in building We Fit DC. Despite set...
On this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," the guys had an amazing conversation with Joe Houston Jr. on Solutions from the Yard today. Joe, the founder of We Fit DC, shared his journey from growing up in a challenging environment in DC to becoming a leader and mentor for at-risk youth. His story of resilience and transformation during his time in prison is truly inspiring. Joe’s work in the community, helping others navigate the...
Today's episode of Solutions from the Yard was truly enlightening. Norman Ramel joined us to discuss the Sentencing Commission and the crucial need for sentencing reforms. We delved into the impact of mandatory minimum sentences, the First Step Act amendments, and the importance of judicial discretion. Norman's insights remind us that our justice system must evolve to better serve humanity by recognizing the potential for redemptio...
Today on Solutions from the Yard, we had an insightful discussion with Norman Ramel, a dedicated advocate for criminal justice reform. Norman has spent his career defending those accused at various judicial levels and pushing for much-needed changes in our justice system. His work with the Clemency Project 2014 helped secure commutations for nearly 900 individuals. It was an honor to hear his perspective on the Sentencing Commissio...
The discussion continues with Dietrich Trent sharing his initial skepticism and negative perception of religious individuals in prison, viewing them as arrogant. Over time, as he matured, he realized the importance of having a compass in life and the fragility of faith in the prison environment. He describes how some people misuse faith for personal gain, which can shake others' faith. Trent emphasizes the need to personalize one's...
In this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," Michael Dickerson-El, Charles Hopkins, and Dietrich Trent discuss the role of faith in prison and its impact on reintegration into society. They emphasize how faith provides a foundation and solace for many incarcerated individuals, helping them cope with their circumstances and envision a better future. Each host shares personal experiences of how their faith journey began and evolved ...
The Solutions from the Yard podcast discusses the crucial role of SNAP benefits in aiding formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society. They highlight the financial challenges these individuals face, emphasizing that SNAP benefits can significantly ease their transition by alleviating the cost of food. The hosts argue that denying these benefits contributes to recidivism by forcing individuals into desperate situat...
Join us on "Solutions from the Yard" as we examine the systemic factors contributing to the miseducation and incarceration of our youth. Our hosts provide a thorough analysis of how historical injustices and current policies perpetuate these issues. We also discuss the importance of parental involvement and the need for community-based solutions to break these cycles. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in s...
Welcome to another episode of "Solutions from the Yard," where we discuss the miseducation of our youth and its impact on society. Join hosts Dietrich Trent, Michael Dickerson-El, and Charles Hopkins as they explore the barriers faced by underserved communities and the effects of youth incarceration. In today's discussion, we delve deep into the alarming rates of youth incarceration and its detrimental effects on society. Our hosts...
Join us on "Solutions from the Yard" as we explore the roles of different institutions in addressing community challenges. With guest Darren Stephenson, Sr., we critically examine the effectiveness of churches, schools, and community programs in curbing violence and supporting youth. This episode sheds light on the need for community responsibility and systemic change to create a safer, more supportive environment for future genera...
On this episode of "Solutions from the Yard," we discuss the critical issue of youth violence and its impact on our communities. Michael Dickerson-El. and Charles Hopkins are joined by youth counselor Darren Stephenson Sr., who offers his professional insights into the causes and solutions for this troubling trend. We explore the role of family, community, education, and systemic changes needed to address these challenges.
Reentry isn't just about finding a job—it's about building a life. In our latest "Solutions from the Yard" episode, Michael Dickerson-El and his co-hosts, Charles Hopkins, and Dietrich Trent discuss how they navigated their way back into society. From the importance of patience to leveraging community resources, they share essential do's and don'ts for anyone reintegrating.
Michael Dickerson-El, is joined with Charles Hopkins, and Dietrich Trent as they discuss strategies for reintegrating into society after prison. They emphasize personal responsibility, patience, and discipline. Sharing their own experiences, they highlight the need for having a flexible plan and effectively using available resources. The episode concludes by underscoring the positive impact former incarcerated individuals can have ...
Hosts Dietrich Trent and co-hosts Charles Hopkins and Michael Dickerson-El continue their conversation with guest Alyce McFarland about her journey from trauma to triumph, building on the discussion from part 1. She emphasizes the importance of family support, education, and community in her recovery and personal growth. The podcast highlights her efforts to transform her experiences into positive change for herself and as an activ...
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