Nick Yarris

Date: 2018-09-11 | Duration: 1h 48m

Episode Overview

Nick Yarris shares a gripping account of his wrongful conviction and 22 years on death row, exploring the brutal realities of prison life and the psychological toll of being sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. He recounts the violence he endured, including a severe beating that became a turning point in his mindset, leading him to cultivate inner calm and resilience. Yarris also details the long fight for justice, highlighting the dismissal of DNA evidence requests and the eventual breakthrough that exonerated him. His story underscores the flaws in the criminal justice system and the perseverance required to survive it. Beyond his incarceration, Yarris reflects on the personal losses and challenges he faced, including the death of his daughter and the struggle to rebuild his life after release. He discusses how he transformed his trauma into purpose, becoming an advocate and motivational speaker who has inspired many with his message of hope and redemption. Yarris also touches on his work in education and storytelling, emphasizing the power of communication and self-expression to heal and connect. Throughout the conversation, he offers candid insights into identity, forgiveness, and the human capacity to overcome extreme adversity.

About Nick Yarris

Nick Yarris is a compelling writer and professional speaker, renowned for his extraordinary journey from wrongful conviction to redemption. Spending 22 years on death row for a crime he did not commit, Yarris's resilience and insights have inspired countless individuals. He is the author of the thought-provoking books, *The Fear of 13: Countdown to Execution* and *The Kindness Approach*, both available on Amazon and through his website, nickyarris.org. His story not only highlights the flaws within the justice system but also emphasizes the power of kindness and transformation, making him a captivating figure in discussions about justice, humanity, and personal growth.

Key Moments

– Resilience
– Wrongful Conviction
– Death Row
– DNA Exoneration
– Prison Life
– Psychological Trauma
– Self-Improvement
– Public Speaking
– Criminal Justice Reform
– Mental Health
– Education
– Social Media Impact
– Documentary Films
– Writing and Authorship
– Support Networks
– Childhood Aggression
– Grief and Loss
– Community Building
0:00:49 – Introduction: Nick Yarris and wrongful conviction
0:02:15 – Nick discusses childhood aggression
0:04:17 – Recounting the night of the crime and arrest
0:06:45 – Description of police beating and trauma
0:08:13 – Practicing self-talk after prison violence
0:09:13 – Requesting DNA testing to prove innocence
0:10:16 – Closing of old prison and transfer
0:12:07 – Reading over 9,000 books in prison
0:13:02 – Dr. Edward Blake and DNA evidence breakthrough
0:15:36 – Impact of prison riots on inmates
0:18:02 – Life on the streets after release
0:19:06 – Support from friend Anthony Samandani
0:20:26 – Discussing grief over daughter's death
0:24:20 – Experience of spending 22 years on death row
0:27:41 – Police interrogation and false confession pressure
0:33:16 – Punishment of silence in prison cell
0:36:15 – Developing charisma and calmness in prison
0:38:33 – Commitment to life and purpose
0:40:57 – Dreams on death row predicting future events
0:42:26 – Recognition by Kofi Annan for speaking skills
0:44:21 – Growing up without a father figure
0:49:37 – Publishing first bestselling book
0:52:48 – Surviving violence and abuse in prison
0:54:18 – Spreading meaningful messages of hope
0:56:12 – Ben Foster interview about Hell or High Water
1:02:29 – Documentary film Fear of 13 release
1:10:46 – Importance of showing gratitude and love
1:14:41 – Reframing failure and life lessons
1:17:48 – Desire to share purposeful message
1:19:50 – Self-taught skills and personal growth
1:22:12 – Release of 150 men from death row
1:24:29 – Value of community and self-expression
1:27:12 – Helping others with legal battles
1:29:38 – Life after prison: homelessness and rebuilding
1:34:51 – Confidence and self-acceptance
1:36:20 – Theater performances in prison
1:41:54 – Working in education and youth impact

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 three two one stir it up nick we're live hello everyone hello everyone put the uh Starting point is 00:00:49 exonerated by dna evidence hello everyone my name is nick yaris and i was as joe said convicted Starting point is 00:01:40 She's going home. Starting point is 00:02:15 I became very aggressive as a child. Starting point is 00:02:55 They were two nice guys, like 68, 67. Starting point is 00:03:41 Now we all got out of the car and ran over to the cubicle together. And I went in Starting point is 00:04:17 And as it went past my face, I was like, oh shit, I hit the ground. Starting point is 00:04:36 My partner's down or gone. I pulled Starting point is 00:04:52 And there's all these people innocently eating dinner. Starting point is 00:05:21 thinking oh my god like what am I doing what do I do Joe what like how do I just Starting point is 00:05:52 I ran so hard in terror that I didn't care, man, and I got away. Starting point is 00:06:22 know so I was going to buy a raft and I was going to go out in the ocean. Starting point is 00:06:45 They beat me for four minutes, man. Starting point is 00:07:16 decided, fuck this. I'm going to be a nice guy. Starting point is 00:07:45 Either their brain is functioning too fast or their mouth is functioning too fast. Starting point is 00:08:13 So after that beating where they beat me for four minutes and they broke my face, I began practicing speaking to myself. Starting point is 00:09:13 in February of 1988 to ask for DNA testing to prove my innocence. And they threw away all the Starting point is 00:09:54 And it broke open in transport and spilled. Starting point is 00:10:16 But they finally closed down the old prison I was in for 12 years Starting point is 00:10:45 So they picked 48 of us out, and they put us in Pittsburgh Starting point is 00:11:14 race. He was my neighbor, man. Like, so they started torturing us and doing all this psychological Starting point is 00:12:07 I read over 9,000 books....

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1171?

Nick Yarris was the guest on JRE #1171. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1171?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1171 with Nick Yarris, topics include Resilience, Wrongful Conviction, Death Row, and DNA Exoneration.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1171?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1171 with Nick Yarris is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.