#123 Nick Yarris - 22 Years on Death-row as an Innocent Man

About this episode

<p>Nick Yarris is a speaker, writer and ex-death row inmate.</p><p><br /></p><p>I had the privilege of sitting down with Nick Yarris in London. Nick spent 22 years on death row for a murder he didn't commit.</p><p><br /></p><p>Nick is an author, motivational speaker, and the subject of the documentary film "Fear of 13," available on Netflix. He's also the inspiration for a play currently running in London, starring Adrien Brody.</p><p><br /></p><p>At 21, after enduring a violent childhood, Nick found himself in a situation that led to his wrongful conviction and life sentence.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the 1980s, prisons and guards were notoriously harsh to convicts of such crimes. Enforced silences, caged dog-fights, guard beatdowns, and "quality time" with psychopaths were commonplace.</p><p><br /></p><p>Nick became the FBI's Most Wanted Man after a prison escape but soon turned himself back in.</p><p>He promised his mother he wouldn't waste his time on death row becoming embittered by his wrongful accusation.</p><p><br /></p><p>Nick became both the kindest and most dangerous man on death row.</p><p><br /></p><p>He taught himself to read in prison, becoming a student of language and religion. He wrote letters home to family, friends, and lawyers of other inmates.</p><p><br /></p><p>His eloquent and powerful communication led him to become the first death row inmate to request DNA testing.</p><p><br /></p><p>As a result, Nick was exonerated in 2004 after DNA technology proved his innocence.</p><p>Nick spent 22 years behind the toughest bars for another man's crime.</p><p><br /></p><p>He was tortured mentally and physically for an act he did not commit.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yet, Nick tells me, "Death row is like a fond memory to me. I am no longer disturbed by what happened to me."</p><p><br /></p><p>Since his release, Nick has become an author, anti-death penalty activist, and inspiring public speaker.</p><p><br /></p><p>He uses his pain as his purpose.</p><p><br /></p><p>He uses his pain to connect.</p><p><br /></p><p>Five years ago, after seeing Nick on Joe Rogan, I reached out before I started my podcast.</p><p>I thanked him, we connected, and we've been friends since.</p><p><br /></p><p>His story isn't just about survival—it's about thriving against impossible odds and emerging triumphant from trauma.</p><p><br /></p><p>This episode hits hard. Prepare for tears.</p><p><br /></p><p>---</p><p><br /></p><p>Sponsors:</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks Finnieston clothing in Glasgow for sponsoring this episode - https://finniestonclothing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6PMx7H5ckHcQILm2wcGAT-bNC9pMAXfRlFiSi3B2ECXKxpShb</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks to David Millar at Mantra Menswork for sponsoring this episode - https://mantra-menswork.mykajabi.com/man-alive?preview_theme_id=2155765370</p><p><br /></p><p>Find Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/?hl=en</p><p>Find Me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@developmentbydavid?lang=en</p><p><br /></p><p>Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid</p><p>Subscribe to my newsletter: [https://developmentbydavid.substack](https://developmentbydavid.substack/).</p>