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

Nick Yarris is a speaker, writer and ex-death row inmate.

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.

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.

At 21, after enduring a violent childhood, Nick found himself in a situation that led to his wrongful conviction and life sentence.

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.

Nick became the FBI's Most Wanted Man after a prison escape but soon turned himself back in.

He promised his mother he wouldn't waste his time on death row becoming embittered by his wrongful accusation.

Nick became both the kindest and most dangerous man on death row.

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.

His eloquent and powerful communication led him to become the first death row inmate to request DNA testing.

As a result, Nick was exonerated in 2004 after DNA technology proved his innocence.

Nick spent 22 years behind the toughest bars for another man's crime.

He was tortured mentally and physically for an act he did not commit.

Yet, Nick tells me, "Death row is like a fond memory to me. I am no longer disturbed by what happened to me."

Since his release, Nick has become an author, anti-death penalty activist, and inspiring public speaker.

He uses his pain as his purpose.

He uses his pain to connect.

Five years ago, after seeing Nick on Joe Rogan, I reached out before I started my podcast.

I thanked him, we connected, and we've been friends since.

His story isn't just about survival—it's about thriving against impossible odds and emerging triumphant from trauma.

This episode hits hard. Prepare for tears.

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