Not Defined By Time

In this episode, host Vix Lyttle, guest Melvin Jones and Oscar Rodriguez reflect on how reading, faith, and self-awareness became powerful tools for personal transformation during and after incarceration.Melvin shares how reading while in solitary confinement changed the way he viewed anger, patience, accountability, and grace. And Oscar opens up about finding clarity through Buddhist teachings, introspection, and learning how to process emotions in healthier ways. Together, they discuss how spiritual growth and education inside prison created the foundation for lasting change.

In this episode, host Vix Little sits down with Nikk Sena, returning citizen, formerly incarcerated, and healer to discuss how childhood trauma, addiction, and seven years of incarceration shaped his path toward recovery, faith, and spiritual healing.He shares how early experiences of instability, unworthiness, and unresolved trauma contributed to addiction and destructive patterns long before prison. After spending years incarcerated, including time in county jail, he began confronting the deeper emotional and spiritual roots behind his behavior and started rebuilding his life from the inside out.The conversation explores addiction recovery, life after prison, trauma healing, and the role of faith, prayer, and personal accountability in lasting transformation. He also discusses how practices like energy work, belief system shifts, and emotional regulation helped him move beyond survival mode and into purpose-driven healing.This episode touches on the realities of prison life, racial and political dynamics inside incarceration, and how prison can either deepen pain or become a turning point for change. Through honest reflection, he explains how spiritual awareness, discipline, and self-understanding became essential tools in breaking cycles of addiction and rebuilding trust in himself.This is a powerful conversation about second chances, recovery, and learning that true healing starts by addressing what happened long before prison ever began.

In this episode, host Vix Little sits down with Carlos Simental, a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur, community advocate. From incarceration to studying at Pepperdine University, he reflects on how access to education, mentorship, and community support can completely change the path of someone returning home.The conversation explores prison reentry, education inside prisons and out. Carlos also shares how his work with Homeboy Industries shaped his understanding of impact investing, social entrepreneurship, and long-term community healing.A unique part of this episode dives into the importance of water, health, and environmental awareness. From mineral-rich artesian water to the deeper connection between wellness, balance, and how we care for ourselves and our communities. Carlos explains how health, education, and opportunity are all connected in the work of rebuilding lives.This episode is a powerful conversation about second chances, prison reform, social justice, and investing in people instead of punishment. It highlights how education, practical skills, and meaningful support can create real transformation and not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

In this special episode, host Vix Little sits down with 8-year-old Blake Lyttle for a lighthearted and honest conversation about dogs, patience, and the simple lessons behind good dog training.This episode also gives a fun look into Blake’s dream of becoming a dog trainer one day, showing how early experiences with animals can shape confidence, responsibility, and compassion. It’s a warm and genuine episode for dog lovers, families, and anyone who believes the best lessons often come from the simplest voices.

In this episode, host Vix Little speaks with Robert Palomo about how a road rage incident led to court involvement — and ultimately to mentorship, accountability, and personal redirection through community support.Robert shares what was happening beneath the surface before the incident, the consequences that followed, and how being connected to structured guidance changed the direction of his life. The conversation explores anger management, decision-making under pressure, and the importance of early intervention before small moments become life-altering mistakes.Through mentorship, routine, and working alongside dogs, Robert began rebuilding discipline, communication skills, and emotional regulation. This episode highlights how community-based intervention programs, mentorship, and dog training can support personal growth and prevent deeper system involvement.Robert’s story is an honest look at consequences, second chances, and the power of accountability when someone is willing to change.DogsTrainHome.com

In this episode, host Vix Little sits down with Troy McVay a returning citizen whose path has taken him from the U.S. military to incarceration, prison dog training programs, and ultimately into firefighting.He shares what life was like growing up, his transition into military service, and the choices that led to prison. Inside, he found structure through education in sociology and psychology, and discipline through working with dogs. The conversation explores how prison dog training programs build communication, accountability, and emotional regulation — skills that directly translate to life after release.After incarceration, he rebuilt his life through rescue dog training and eventually transitioned into firefighting, finding a renewed sense of service and purpose. This episode dives into life after prison, second chances, mentorship, and how discipline learned through dog training can support long-term rehabilitation and career transformation.Through stories of grit, setbacks, and rebuilding, this conversation challenges the idea that your past defines you — and shows what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.

In this episode, host Vix Little sits down with Didontae Farmer, who shares his journey from participating in a prison dog training program to founding k9Hubb Dog Rescue after his release.Didontae speaks candidly about life after incarceration, the challenges of funding and sustaining dog training and rescue programs, and the critical role of community support in successful rehabilitation. The conversation explores how dog training can support reentry, create employment pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals, and strengthen communities through purpose-driven work.This episode highlights the importance of genuine commitment to change, accountability, and long-term support — and how working with dogs can become a powerful tool for rehabilitation, healing, and community uplift.IG - k9Hubb Rescue

In this episode, Vix Lyttle talks to Oscar Rodriguez and they explore the power of friendship, mentorship, and inner resilience through the lived experiences of returning citizens. The conversation touches on how Buddhism and mindfulness helped sustain calm and clarity during extreme hardship inside prison, including long periods of restraint, and how those practices continue to support life after release. We also discuss Oscar Rodriguez’s documentary work, created since returning home, and how creative storytelling has become a tool for healing, identity, and purpose. An honest reflection on prison reentry, emotional intelligence, and transformation beyond incarceration.Follow Oscar Rodriguez in Social @ Under Dogs K9 Training

In this episode, Vix Lyttle from Dog’s Train Home sits down with Rudy Escamillia to discuss the real challenges of re-entering society after prison. Rudy shares his personal journey of resilience, the barriers returning citizens face when seeking housing, employment, and support, and how emotional intelligence plays a critical role in rebuilding life post-incarceration. This honest conversation explores prison reentry, rehabilitation, accountability, and second chances, offering insight into what successful reentry truly requires beyond release.DogsTrainHome.com

In this episode, Steph Taylor speaks with Vix Lyttle, a professional dog trainer whose journey began by training her veteran neighbor’s dog and evolved into working within prison dog training and rehabilitation programs. Vix shares how her early hands-on experience led her into correctional facility dog training, where incarcerated individuals learn responsibility, emotional regulation, and life skills through working with dogs. She also discusses her experience training alongside Cesar Millan, and how those foundations shaped her approach to canine behavior, rehabilitation, and prison reentry support. This conversation explores the real challenges and impact of dog training in prisons, the role of structure and connection in rehabilitation, and how dogs can support meaningful second chances for returning citizens.In a separate conversation thread, Steph Taylor introduces EduPaws, her new dog training platform and program designed as “dog training in a box.” EduPaws makes professional dog training accessible to everyday dog owners by providing structured, step-by-step guidance that can be followed at home. Steph explains how EduPaws bridges the gap between professional training and real-world use, empowering owners with clear tools, consistency, and confidence.DogsTrainHome.comEduPaws.com

In this episode, host Vix speaks with Melvin Jones, about his life before prison, his time inside, and the difficult work of rebuilding after release. Melvin opens up about growing up in a challenging environment, the choices that led him to incarceration, and how prison became a turning point rather than an ending.After release, Melvin carried his lessons forward, building God First Dog Training and putting his faith into action through working with dogs. This conversation explores life after prison, faith-based transformation, reentry challenges, and how dog training can provide structure, healing, and purpose for people seeking a second chance.This episode is for listeners interested in prison reform, reentry support, faith and recovery, dog training, and real stories of personal transformation.Links:Www: GodFirstDogTraining.orgIG: GodFirstDogTrainingWww: DogsTrainHome.comIG: DogsTrainHome

Unfiltered conversations about life after prison, re-entry, and the dog-training programs inside prisons that transform lives. Each episode amplifies voices often missing from public dialogue, formerly incarcerated people rebuilding their lives, dog trainers and mentors working inside and outside the system, and families impacted by incarceration seeking understanding beyond the headlines.This podcast offers a grounded, human look at rehabilitation, second chances, prison reform, and the power of purpose and community. If you’re searching for real stories that challenge assumptions, inspire hope, and highlight what’s possible after incarceration, you’ll find them here.Hosted by Vix Lyttle, CEO and Founder of ⁠⁠Dog’s Train Home⁠⁠, a nonprofit dedicated to kickstarting dog-training careers after prison by training rescue dogs. At Dog’s Train Home, re-entry support and career pathways are at the forefront. We believe compassion and education are the building blocks that help our returning citizens rebuild their lives and rejoin society with purpose and confidence.If you or a loved one needs help in this area, please reach out. We're here to support you. ⁠⁠DogsTrainHome.com