The Homeboy Way

Smitty did not come to Homeboy Industries looking for a job or a title. He came looking for his daughter. After incarceration and a painful separation from his child, he arrived at Homeboy for parenting classes, hoping to rebuild his family. What he found was a place where people were allowed to be human, to heal, and to grow without judgment.
In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo sits down with Diwaine "Smitty" Smith to talk about his journey from trainee to navigator, a role that places him on the front lines supporting others through reentry and transition. Smitty reflects on how life inside jail taught him that if people can learn to coexist there, they can learn to do so anywhere. He also shares how a Civil Rights Immersion trip through the South reshaped his understanding of courage, mercy, and responsibility. Through faith, service, and kinship, Smitty’s story shows how personal healing becomes leadership.
Key Takeaways
 Jail Taught Kinship First 
Incarceration showed Smitty that rivals can coexist. Homeboy proves respect and dialogue make it possible beyond jail.

Safe Space for Stumbling and Healing
Homeboy allows mistakes with support, wellness days, family priorities, and care without fear of punishment.

From Personal Healing to Helping Others
As a Navigator, Smitty leads with empathy, meeting people where they are and asking how he can help.

The Civil Rights Trip’s Profound Impact
Walking in civil rights history reshaped Smitty’s view on nonviolence, resilience, and moving forward.

Mercy as a Teachable Practice
Smitty led a class on mercy, sparking honest dialogue about compassion, even when it feels undeserved.

In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction 

00:26 – Meet Smitty: from trainee to navigator

00:56 – The jail mentality and Homeboy’s safe haven

02:45 – Smitty’s journey to Homeboy

03:34 – Culinary arts and Bread and Roses

04:24 – The role of a navigator

06:17 – Community organizing and helping others

09:50 – The Civil Rights Trail experience

12:45 – Reflecting on regional differences

13:37 – Impact of Southern history

14:26 – Personal transformation and community

16:49 – Teaching mercy at Homeboy

20:24 – Spiritual journey and personal growth

21:49 – Conclusion and final thoughts

Notable Quotes
“If we can get along in jail, we can get along anywhere else.” — Smitty [00:01:08]

“We took punches from these people so our grandkids wouldn't have to take them.” — Quote from the Civil Rights trip that shifted Smitty's view on courage [10:59]

“I came back a different person... showing that love instead of just telling people what to do.” — Smitty [15:58]

“I'm a Homeboy for life... even if it's washing dishes at the cafe.” — Smitty [20:12]

Resources and Links
Homeboy Industries
https://homeboyindustries.org/

https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videos

Donate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/

Homeboy Media 
https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/

Thomas Vozzo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456X

Credits:
Hosted by: Tom Vozzo
Produced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media

In this episode of The Homeboy Way, host Tom Vozzo sits down with Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries, to unpack one of the most pervasive challenges for those who come through Homeboy's doors: substance abuse. Drawing from decades of experience, they explore how addiction often serves as self-medication for unhealed trauma, why people numb pain when forced to "excavate wounds," and how programs like AA and NA foster surrender, community, and spiritual awakening. Fr. Greg shares raw stories of homies who first got high only after beginning deep healing work at Homeboy, the shift from drug testing to trusting sobriety for real progress, and the parallel between gang addiction, domestic violence cycles, and substance use. The conversation turns to mercy as the ultimate liberation, beyond transactional forgiveness, and how kinship creates sturdiness against life's knocks.
This episode reveals how Homeboy meets people where they are without forcing recovery while offering clear paths to healing, emphasizing that "it takes what it takes" for change, and true freedom comes from mercy upon mercy.
Key Takeaways
Addiction as Self-Medication 
Substances numb the pain of excavating deep wounds from trauma; healing begins when people stop avoiding the "pause" to look at their lives.

AA/NA Works Through Surrender 
Success depends on willingness to cooperate in one's own healing, sharing delusions humbly, and turning life over to a higher power (broadly defined).

Harm Reduction and Patience
Homeboy respects readiness: outpatient vs. residential rehab, testing, incentives, or "come back when you're ready"—you can't want recovery more than the person does.

Clear Over Tough 
"Tough love" is often mean; true clarity offers one open door to recovery, like showing a child the exit ramp from a violent freeway.

Mercy as Liberation 
Move beyond back-and-forth forgiveness to pure mercy (just "forth"); it's God's essence, freeing both giver and receiver from clinging to grudges or payback.

Spiritual Underpinning 
The 12 Steps offer a genius American contribution to spirituality: sponsors provide walking companionship, and recognizing a higher power builds resilience.

In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction

03:49 – The role of AA and NA

06:16 – Acknowledging and addressing addiction

08:31 – Therapy and alternative coping mechanisms

09:09 – Harm reduction and rehabilitation

12:58 – The concept of tough love

18:44 – Spiritual underpinnings of AA

19:56 – Exploring the spiritual basis of healing

22:53 – Forgiveness and mercy: A deeper dive

23:22 – The historical spread of Christianity

25:51 – The concept of mercy in modern times

36:41 – The importance of resilience and sturdiness

38:23 – Final thoughts on mercy and transformation

Notable Quotes
 ”Excavate the wounds so that you can air 'em out and they can heal and then close up the wound.” — Fr. Greg [01:46]

“It takes what it takes.” — Fr. Greg [11:18]

“I love you so much that you can't live here anymore..” — Fr. Greg [14:09]

“Nothing can touch me 'cause I'm already dead... you have to die before you die.” — Fr. Greg [36:14]

“Everybody’s unshakably good and we belong to each other.” — Fr. Greg [37:33]

Resources and Links
Homeboy Industries
https://homeboyindustries.org/

https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videos

Donate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/

Homeboy Media 
https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/

Fr. Greg Boyle. S. J
linkedin.com/in/greg-boyle-s-j-05458514

Books: Tattoos on the Heart, Barking to the Choir, The Whole Language

Thomas Vozzo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456X

Credits:
Hosted by: Tom Vozzo
Produced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media

Miguel Lugo came to Homeboy Industries looking for help removing a chest tattoo that had defined his violent past and kept him trapped long after prison. After serving 18 years behind bars, starting at age 18, Miguel walked through Homeboy’s doors just days after his release. He stood outside for hours, unsure if he was ready to let go of the identity that once kept him alive but was now holding him back.
In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo sits down with Miguel, Community Relations and Head of Security at Homeboy Industries, to trace his journey from a life shaped by violence to one rooted in presence, accountability, and care. Miguel shares how tattoo removal became a path to reclaiming himself, how spiritual practices like sweat lodge ceremonies sustained him in prison, and how therapy helped him confront when harm became acceptable. Today, Miguel stands on the sidewalk welcoming newcomers, diffusing conflict, and walking with people before they ever enter the building. His story shows how deep personal healing becomes sacred work and how choosing love, again and again, turns survival into leadership.
Key Takeaways
Tattoo Removal as Freedom
Removing gang tattoos was not about jobs. It was about shedding an identity rooted in harm and reclaiming self-ownership.

The Power of the Sidewalk
Many people hesitate before entering Homeboy. Healing often begins outside the door through presence, listening, and trust.

Community Relations = Walking With, Not Watching
Miguel reframes safety as walking with people, not watching them, creating belonging instead of fear.

Spiritual Practice as Survival
Sweat lodge ceremonies in prison offered grounding, humility, and a connection to identity beyond incarceration.

Therapy and the Courage to Ask Why
Healing deepened when Miguel confronted the question of when harming others became acceptable.

From Violence to Buffer
By stepping between conflict and naming people with care, Miguel and his team prevent harm before it escalates.

In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction

00:25 – Miguel’s journey begins

01:08 – First steps at Homeboy

03:06 – Tattoo removal and transformation

06:01 – Leaving the gang life behind

08:09 – Helping others and building community

18:52 – Navigating challenges and misconceptions

21:39 – Changing lives for a better future

21:59 – Interactions with politicians

24:44 – Building a new home

26:52 – Spiritual journey and sweat lodges

30:42 – Overcoming trauma and finding freedom

38:05 – Passion for classic cars

42:12 – Final reflections and gratitude

Notable Quotes
“Am I okay cleaning toilets? ... I give it a shot.” — Miguel [02:21]

“ In tattoo removal, the main thing it got is the freedom from yourself of who you were before.” — Miguel [05:30]

“ A lot of people still call it security, but we don't. We like community relations because it does something different. I'm not here to watch you, I'm here to walk with you.” — Miguel [11:53]

“In the sweat lodge, I was able to humble myself and give myself up to God.” — Miguel [31:51]

“My job now is to be water to fire.”—  Miguel [35:33]]

Resources and Links
Homeboy Industries
https://homeboyindustries.org/

https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videos

Donate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/

Homeboy Media 
https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/

Miguel Lugo
https://homeboyindustries.org/transformation_story/miguel-lugo-2/

Thomas Vozzo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456X

Credits:
Hosted by: Tom Vozzo
Produced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media

How do you build a business that puts healing, culture, and opportunity first while still making a profit? In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo sits down with Tepito Coffee co-owners Jose Arellano, Vice President of Operations at Homeboy Industries, and Mike de la Rocha, co-founder of Revolve Impact, to discuss social enterprises, specifically the challenges and successes of running Tepito Coffee. They delve into the significance of providing purposeful structure for those leaving gang life and the pivotal role of social enterprises in creating job opportunities. Tom recounts the creation of the Homeboy Ventures and Jobs Fund, a crucial step in supporting these enterprises. Mike and Jose share their journey from initial struggles, receiving investment, to finding success while staying true to their mission. Through personal stories and lessons learned, they highlight the importance of intentionality, community support, and the transformative power of giving back.
Key Takeaways
Mission Meets Market Reality
Running a for-profit social enterprise requires tough accountability alongside unwavering support. It's the "next level" after Homeboy's safety net preparing people for the real workforce.

Access to Capital Changes Everything
Predatory loans and exclusionary investors nearly ended the business. Homeboy's low-interest investment provided not just funds, but expertise and belief in modest, impactful returns.

Homegrown Leadership Is Possible
From trainee to VP to co-owner: Jose's journey shows what's achievable when organizations invest in internal talent, inspiring others to dream of ownership.

Trauma-Informed Business Takes Patience
Hiring system-impacted staff means embracing setbacks, offering dignity in tough conversations, and always leaving the door open for return.

Cultural Pride Drives Success
Unapologetically Chicano and Indigenous branding, combined with specialty quality and authentic storytelling, builds loyal community and disrupts who gets to succeed in coffee.

In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction 

01:15 – Tom's journey with Homeboy

05:28 – The birth of Tepito Coffee

15:29 – The struggle for investment and support

21:56 – Building a brand with purpose

23:56 – The spirit of Homeboy: connecting to the earth and each other

24:41 – Training with intentionality: customer service at Tepito Coffee

25:18 – Marketing with pride: embracing Chicano and Indigenous roots

25:45 – Investing in community: long-term returns beyond capitalism

26:23 – Success stories: from barista to business owner

28:48 – Balancing accountability and compassion

41:13 – Future growth: expanding Tepito Coffee's impact

Notable Quotes
“ If you have a good product and an authentic story and be unapologetically yourself, you can create a good brand identity and community.” — Mike [06:25]

“ I've always been clear studying Homeboy Industries, that the future is in social entrepreneurship.”— Mike [07:51]

“ First, you gotta know how to run a business. Then you can decide how to make it a social enterprise.” — Tom [19:15]

“ I felt not just rescued by Homeboy, but actually like I felt swooped up by God.” — Jose [38:03]

Resources and Links
Homeboy Industries
https://homeboyindustries.org/

https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videos

Donate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/

Homeboy Media 
https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/

Tepito Coffee
Visit: 695 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA

Online: https://www.tepitocoffee.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tepitocoffee/

Mike de la Rocha
linkedin.com/in/mrmikedelarocha

https://www.revolveimpact.com/

Jose Arellano
linkedin.com/in/jose-arellano-001966a0

Thomas Vozzo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456X

Credits:
Hosted by: Tom Vozzo
Produced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media

How do you run a real business when your primary mission is healing, kinship, and transformation? In this episode, Tom Vozzo is joined by Homeboy Industries Co-CEO Steve Delgado and longtime advisor Gayle Northrop to explore the social enterprises at the heart of Homeboy.
Their conversation centers on people, not products. People coming home from prison. People who have never held a formal job. People carrying trauma alongside hope and a desire to belong. At Homeboy, businesses are designed around that reality, not in spite of it.
They explore the tension between mission and margin, speaking honestly about the real costs of being trauma-informed and the courage it takes to invest in people before the world believes they are ready. They reflect on bakeries that employ twice the usual staff, leaders grown from within, and workplaces built on dignity, structure, and accountability.
This is lived experience, not theory. A reminder that at Homeboy, businesses exist to serve healing, and when people are met with kinship and structure, they rise together with their community.
Key Takeaways
The Foundational Principle
“We don’t employ people to bake bread. We bake bread to employ people.” The social enterprises exist to provide purposeful, healing-centric work.

Mission Over Margin Is a Daily Choice
Homeboy runs real businesses in real markets, but mission always leads. Profit serves people, not the other way around.

Social Enterprise Is About Disrupting Systems
True social enterprise challenges who is seen as employable and redefines value in the workforce.

Trauma-Informed Workplaces Require Structure, Not Slogans
Being trauma-informed means building roles, teams, and systems that support healing, not just good intentions.

Investment in People Is the Hard Work
Raising leaders from within takes time, patience, training, and a willingness to walk alongside people through setbacks.

Everyone Doesn’t Automatically Know How to Work 
Employment success depends on stability, resources, transportation, support, and grace, not just effort.

In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction 

00:30 – Understanding social enterprises

03:00 – Homeboy’s unique approach to social enterprise

06:59 – Balancing mission and margin

18:27 – Trauma-informed workplaces

23:18 – Healing-centric workforce development

24:14 – The challenges of homegrown leadership

25:41 – Investing in internal talent

30:42 – The realities of running a social enterprise

34:42 – Breaking conventional business wisdom

42:00 – Supporting upward mobility through education and opportunity

44:20 – Closing reflections and future conversations

Notable Quotes
“We don’t employ people to bake bread. We bake bread to employ people.” — Gayle [14:34]

“ 95% of our full-time staff who operate and manage our social enterprises have come up through our program.” — Steve [04:54]

“ Mission, at least at Homeboy, I think predominates over margin always. And I think that's the right way. I think that's the Homeboy way." — Steve [10:06]

Homeboy Industries
https://homeboyindustries.org/

https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videos

Donate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/

Homeboy Media 
https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/

Gayle Northrop
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylenorthrop/

Steve Delgado
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-delgado-9222523/

Thomas Vozzo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456X

Credits:
Hosted by: Tom Vozzo
Produced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media