Legal Aid Radio

From fixing cars at 13 to fixing roads for Huntington, Andre Sorrentino’s story is about family, service, and giving back. On this episode of Legal Aid Radio, we sit down with Andre Sorrentino, Huntington’s Superintendent of Highways, community volunteer, and lifelong resident, to talk about his family’s legacy, his work for our town, and his vision for the future.

On this episode of Legal Aid Radio … he’s back! Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth joins us for a special conversation about where Huntington has been—and where the township is headed next. Ed Smyth's first term has been all about results from eight straight years under the tax cap to a Triple-A bond rating, record road paving, cleaner beaches, upgraded parks, and even bringing Steven Spielberg t...

In Part Two of our sit-down with legal icon Anthony Capetola, we fast-forward from the past to the pressing future. Joined by respected attorneys Bryan Browns and Chelsea McGrath, Anthony weighs in on how the profession has transformed, and what’s next as technology and AI redefine justice. What do 54 years of legal wisdom say about where we’re headed? Tune in for bold insights, candid reflections...

From the streets of Jersey City to the highest ranks of New York’s legal elite, Anthony Capetola has seen it all. Nearly 54 years in the courtroom, decades of defending justice, and now... he's pulling back the curtain. In this powerful episode, we sit down with the legal legend himself, joined by attorneys Bryan Browns and Chelsea McGrath, as Anthony shares his raw, unfiltered story of how he bui...

On this episode of Legal Aid Radio, we invite you into a deeply personal, profoundly important, and hopeful conversation. We’re honored to welcome back Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, a dedicated advocate for veterans in Suffolk County and across the nation. Chad joins us to discuss Suffolk’s landmark steps toward veteran suicide awareness and prevention, including legislation, a flag that...

Today, we are pleased to welcome back Dion Johnson, a returning guest whose journey of reintegration after incarceration sparked a powerful response from our listeners. When we last spoke, Dion opened up about the real-life challenges of starting over—and the critical role that meaningful employment plays for someone just coming home.  Dion, you are back by popular demand! So many people have reac...

Who is Greg Grizopoulos, and why is he running for Huntington Town Council? He’s more than a name on a ballot—he’s a former prosecutor, a respected trial attorney, a father of three, and a proud resident of Melville. Greg built his career on standing up for justice and defending the people of Long Island—both in the courtroom and in the community. From prosecuting violent crimes as an Assistant Di...

Last time on Legal Aid Radio… we met Bruce Bryan — a man who spent 28 and a half years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. The heartbreak. The injustice. The strength. But now... Bruce is back — and fighting for change. In this episode, Part Two, we continue the unforgettable journey of Bruce Bryan, going beyond the prison gates into the fight for justice, redemption, and a sense of purpose....

What if your life changed forever... because of a crime you didn’t commit? In part 1Injustice and Survival of this episode on Legal Aid Radio, we bring you the unbelievable true story of Bruce Bryan—wrongfully convicted, sentenced to life, and caged for 28 and a half years for a murder he didn’t commit. From living in the community of Queens, New York, to a prison cell, Bruce’s journey is one of i...

What does financial freedom mean after doing time? We’re back with Part Two of our powerful conversation with Joe Robinson, founder of Mindful Money, LLC — a man rewriting the rules of reentry, one dollar at a time. In this episode, you will learn why Joe decided to write his second book, The New SSI Method. The goal isn’t to be debt-free — it’s to be financially free. And Joe’s proving that freed...

Money shapes our freedom, dignity, and opportunity, but what happens when prison shatters your entire financial world? In part one of this series, we sit down with Joe Robinson, founder of Mindful Money, LLC, who turned his own East New York–to–incarceration journey into a mission to empower justice-impacted individuals with the tools to break the cycle of survival-mode money cycles and build last...

In Part 2 of our Jailhouse Lawyering series, Bobby Ehrenberg and Chris Hynes return to share what truly fueled their legal advocacy from behind the walls. From navigating retaliation to building alliances with law students and public defenders, they reveal how personal conviction turns into collective action. This is a story of resistance, resilience, and redefining justice from the inside out.

What happens when someone behind bars becomes the legal mind behind hundreds of successful appeals? Today, we kick off a powerful two-part series on Jailhouse Lawyering with fan favorites Bobby Ehrenberg and Chris Hynes. From Jerome Rosenberg—New York’s legendary jailhouse lawyer who overturned his own death sentence and earned three law degrees in prison—to modern-day heroes like Derrick Hamilton...

Sun’s out, engines revving—Long Island’s roads are calling! But before you hit the throttle, have you ever wondered who's championing biker rights and safety in our community? Meet Chris Beckhans, President of Long Island ABATE—American Bikers for Awareness, Training, and Education. This all-volunteer powerhouse not only fights for motorcyclists' rights but also supports veterans and families in n...

In episode #84, Stanley Jamel Bellamy, Kenneth Inniss, and Joe Robinson helped us understand how the Resurrection Study Group rose from the ashes of injustice. Today, we take that conversation deeper—to the moments after release, to real stories of reentry, second chances, and community rebuilding. April is Second Chances Month, and there’s no better time to ask: What does freedom really look like...

Sometimes, the truth flips the script. I used to believe the outreach work I supported came from state programs—until 2023, when I learned the blueprint for real change was built by those behind bars. Today, we lift the veil on that truth. We’re joined by Stanley Jamel Bellamy, Kenneth Inniss, and Joe Robinson, members of the Resurrection Study Group—a movement born not in policy rooms but in pris...

On this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Efren Andaluz, better known as Andaluz the Artist. Since our last chat in 2022, a lot has changed in his world. From his early days in Richmond Hill, Queens, where graffiti and hip-hop ignited his passion, to transforming T-shirts into works of art and evolving into the mural maestro he is today—Efren’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us...

In this next episode, we explore the life-changing impact of Hudson Link for Higher Education through the inspiring story of Ismael Diaz, a proud alumnus and passionate community organizer. Hear how Ismael overcame the odds behind bars, transformed his life through learning, and now champions criminal justice reform. Join us as we reveal how education opens doors, rebuilds communities, and creates...

In this episode, we are discussing how second chances spark new beginnings. Today, we're diving into the origin of Hudson Link for Higher Education—a groundbreaking program that transforms lives inside our prisons—with none other than Sean Pica, its visionary president. From a troubled teen caught in a violent moment to earning his freedom through education, Sean’s journey is a raw, riveting tale...

Legal Aid Radio welcomes an exceptional guest—Jesse Garcia, the dynamic force behind Suffolk County’s GOP and a true bridge-builder in our community. Jesse isn't just a political veteran—he’s a story of transformation! Jesse has redefined leadership from his early roots in Brookhaven, inspired by his father's courageous journey from Cuba to the American dream, to his unanimous election as Suffolk...

In this episode, we're spotlighting an extraordinary leader whose career is a testament to the power of education and public service. Imagine a man who turned a high school into a family—a place where advanced programs soared nearly 300%, setting the stage for record-high diploma rates and countless scholarship awards. That man is Town of Huntington Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo.  From serving as P...

On this episode, we delve deep into Stanley’s extraordinary journey from a troubled past to becoming a beacon of hope and leadership. Learn how a man once defined by a violent chapter has become a mentor, a community organizer, and a champion for change—proving that when you invest in redemption, recidivism becomes a thing of the past. Join us as we explore his inspiring story, the sacrifices behi...

On this episode, Imagine being 23, caught in a moment of reckless, youthful decision—a decision that would confine you for nearly four decades. Stanley Jamel Bellamy’s past is one of tragedy and transformation. Convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to 62‑and‑a‑half to life, he spent over 37 years behind bars. But while others might have lost hope, Stanley turned incarceration into a powerful j...

🎙️ What if just one unexpected bill could turn your life upside down? What if an emergency expense meant choosing between food, rent, or survival? The reality is—nearly half of Americans have less than $500 in savings, and for too many, that means homelessness is just one crisis away. On this episode of Legal Aid Radio, we’re tackling the urgent issue of homelessness on Long Island with the expert...

🎙️ This week on Legal Aid Radio , we’re bringing you an exclusive conversation with the man shaping the future of Huntington—Town Supervisor Ed Smyth ! Known for his hands-on leadership and dedication to preserving the charm of Huntington while embracing progress, Supervisor Smyth has made transparency, sustainability, and community preservation the pillars of his administration. 📢 From achieving...