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In the late 1980s, a young social worker in Watts kept hearing she had to meet a priest in Boyle Heights. She didn't like priests. She didn't like religion. But she finally made the call. What happened in that first meeting, and in the decades that followed, changed how Dr. Jorja Leap saw gangs, research, and her own life. In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo, former CEO of Homeboy Industries, sits down with Jorja, a UCLA professor, longtime friend of Father Greg Boyle, and a self-described "Homeboy elder." She takes us back to a time when there was no Homeboy, when a city was afraid, and when almost no one believed in the people Greg did. She shares what she discovered by simply showing up, why funders and government kept Homeboy at arm's length, and what she'd tell any nonprofit fighting for support. She also gets personal about how Homeboy became her chosen family, a woman who has stayed in her heart for years, and the one time she and Fr. Greg really fought. Key Takeaways Violence is multifaceted, so the response has to be too.  Jorja compares gang violence to cancer: cutting out the tumor never worked on its own. She says no single approach, and no "typical" gang member, exists.  Relationships were the intervention.  Her early research at Homeboy found that no specific strategy explained the results. Community, transferable skills, and seeing other former gang members succeed gave people the confidence to believe they could change too.  Relapse is part of the process, not a failure.  Jorja prefers "relapse" to "recidivism" and describes people as "struggling," not failing. She advises nonprofits to put a comma in place of the period: "We have an 18-month program, and very few people make it through the first time."  Bring in a researcher early, but don't let a rigid funder rewrite your mission.  She urges nonprofits to partner with a university researcher early and often. She and Tom also criticize control groups that deny services to people in need, and she argues that if a funder insists on one, "you don't want their money."   Homeboy never gives up on anyone.  Jorja describes a woman she has watched at Homeboy since 2008 who is still struggling and still trying. To her, that is what Homeboy stands for: hope, not just success.  In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [01:32] Meeting Father Greg before Homeboy existed [03:37] The "super predator" myth [06:40] Why violence is multifaceted [11:40] Pitching Fr. Greg on research [14:48] Relapse, not recidivism [18:07] What the research found: relationships [21:05] The study's results [23:06] Why foundations hesitated [26:37] LA County, the "bad boyfriend" [30:28] Advice for nonprofits [31:40] The trouble with control groups [35:19] Explaining an 18-month program [36:28] How Homeboy changed Jorja [41:20] Being Fr. Greg’s friend  [43:24] Closing  Notable Quotes "The effectiveness was based on relationships." - Jorja Leap [00:18:18] "Homeboy never gives up on anyone." - Jorja Leap [00:39:50]  "Greg Boyle has taught me in the purest sense, the meaning of unconditional love." - Jorja [42:32]  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/ Jorja Leap https://luskin.ucla.edu/profile/jorja-leap/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorja-leap-a30a451a5/ 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

What do you do when you're tired of the life you're living but have no idea where to start? Paradise Adamson asked that question in a prayer on a dirt hillside beside the freeway, at what she calls her rock bottom. What followed was an arrest over a missing TAP card, time in county jail and in treatment, and a string of people telling her she should check out Homeboy. In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Paradise, now a navigator at Homeboy Industries who went through the 18-month trainee program herself. She shares how she went from rock bottom to walking through Homeboy's doors for the first time. She talks about what it meant to be honest in an interview when every past job had taught her to hold something back, and how she learned to treat anger as a signal instead of a flaw. She also explains why she believes healing works best as a toolbox rather than a single fix, and what it takes to guide new trainees through the same fears she once had. Her story is a reminder that transformation doesn't require a plan. It can begin with showing up, telling the truth, and letting yourself be accepted as you are. Key Takeaways Sometimes the hardest part is finding a starting point.  Paradise reflects on reaching rock bottom and struggling to figure out where to begin. Homeboy became the opportunity she had been praying for.  Honesty was the game changer.  She feared that being open about her past would work against her. At Homeboy it was exactly what was asked of her, and she says being that honest for the first time gave her room to grow.  Addiction takes many forms.  Paradise learned that anything not used in moderation can become an addiction, including anger, harsh self-talk, and even depression.  Grief isn't something to stop; it's something to carry well.  She doesn't try to stop missing her loved ones. She focuses on how she represents them.  Healing is a toolbox.  Rather than expecting one class or one insight to fix everything, Paradise takes what fits from each and leaves the rest.  In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [01:00] A prayer near the train tracks, and an arrest over a TAP card [04:24] Hearing about Homeboy in jail and in treatment [06:27] Showing up for intake and interview [07:10] Being honest about her past for the first time [08:38] Celebrating one year of sobriety at Homeboy [10:09] What was different about this prayer [13:15] Learning through hardship and changing how she prays for her siblings [14:42] Advice for avoiding addiction: everything in moderation [16:04] Why she vents out loud in the morning [17:41] Being tired of the life and having no starting point [19:23] Still working on her emotions as a trainee [20:58] Understanding anger as a secondary emotion [22:01] Embracing grief instead of trying to stop it [23:26] Building a toolbox from Homeboy's classes [24:15] Working in the Homeboy Cafe [26:05] Why trainees should embrace the social enterprises [27:11] What keeps her grounded [27:48] Why navigator may be the hardest job at Homeboy [29:23] Where she sees herself in the next few years [30:31] What Father Greg means to her  Notable Quotes "If I'm always pretending, then I can never authentically grow." - Paradise [09:26]  "Anything that's not used in moderation could become addiction." - Paradise [15:04]  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

After surviving a brain hemorrhage and facing stage-four metastatic cancer, Fr. Frank Buckley, S.J. describes the past year as both the hardest and the best of his life. His experience revealed something he had spent years searching for: God was not somewhere “out there.” God was already present within him, and in the people surrounding him at Homeboy Industries. In this deeply personal conversation, Tom Vozzo is joined by Mikala Rahn, Fr. Frank Buckley, S.J., and Mary Ellen Burton to explore how Homeboy Industries has transformed their understanding of God, faith, and unconditional love. Mikala shares why curiosity protects us from judgment and how loving ourselves is inseparable from accepting God’s love. Mary Ellen reflects on arriving at Homeboy broken, being welcomed into the community, and discovering a God who is “relaxed and smiling.” Together, they examine faith in action, the relationship between suffering and joy, and the difference between helping people and walking alongside them in kinship. They also discuss spiritual doubt, contemplative practice, cherished belonging, and why Homeboy can feel more like church than church itself. This episode is an honest exploration of what becomes possible when faith moves beyond belief and becomes a way of being with others. Key Takeaways God can be found in the chaos. Homeboy Industries may not look peaceful from the outside, but its relationships reveal a deeply present, loving, and nonjudgmental God. Accepting God’s love requires self-love. Believing that God loves us unconditionally is only part of the journey. We must also confront the barriers that prevent us from loving ourselves. Kinship is different from rescuing people. The goal is not to fix or save someone. It is to stand beside them and allow both people to be changed through the relationship. Homeboy offers a different model of leadership. Humble leadership is rooted in relationships, openness, and a willingness to be corrected while staying grounded in the mission. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction to The Homeboy Way [01:28] How Homeboy changed Mikala’s understanding of God [03:25] Mary Ellen arrives at Homeboy broken and finds love [04:18] Discovering a God who is relaxed and smiling [08:35] Fr. Frank’s hardest and best year [10:58] Experiencing the kingdom of God in a Homeboy classroom [11:38] A God too busy loving us to judge us [13:05] Finding unexpected joy after a devastating diagnosis [14:01] The dream that changed Fr. Frank’s surgery experience [19:04] The daily practices that keep Mary Ellen grounded [20:19] Finding Jesus in Homeboy’s “secure village” [21:46] Why Homeboy can feel more powerful than Sunday church [24:40] Mikala receives an unexpected “ticket to heaven” [27:13] Why suffering and resurrection belong together [28:13] Cherished belonging and the Homeboy model of healing [36:38] Fr. Richard Rohr, Henri Nouwen, Rumi, and belovedness [38:15] Finding spiritual teachers in everyday life Notable Quotes “All you need to do in this life is take in that you are beloved and support anybody who comes across your path in taking that in for themselves.” - Mary Ellen Burton [05:39] “At Homeboy, we learn to meet what Fr. Greg says, ‘A God who is way too busy loving us to judge us.’” - Fr. Frank Buckley, S.J. [11:38] “I’m a kinship person. I wanna be with someone so that I’m transformed as much as they’re transformed.” - Mikala Rahn [26:14] 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

What does it take to rebuild your life after prison, addiction, grief, and years of being told you will never change? For Nickloos Tate and Washea Beverly, transformation began when they stopped allowing their pasts to dictate their futures and found a community willing to believe in them. Nickloos shares how a life-changing question inside prison, “Do you want life, or do you want to live life?”, helped him change direction after 14 years behind bars. Washea opens up about recovery, rebuilding her relationship with her son, and using stand-up comedy to find light in painful experiences. In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo and Hector Verdugo explore how Homeboy Industries creates second chances through kinship, accountability, laughter, and unconditional support. Nickloos also performs “Drive to You,” an original song he wrote while incarcerated, and explains why his greatest ambition is helping someone else succeed. Key Takeaways Your past is part of your story, not your identity. Nickloos refuses to hide his former gang involvement or incarceration, but he no longer allows those experiences to define the man he is becoming. Choosing life requires deciding what to do with it. A fellow incarcerated man challenged Nickloos to think beyond getting released and seriously consider what kind of life he wanted to build. Recovery begins with honest acceptance. Washea explains how accepting the consequences of her past allowed her to stop defending herself and begin moving forward. Homeboy Industries welcomes people from every background. Washea initially wondered whether she belonged because she had never been in a gang or prison. What she discovered was a community built around love, accountability, and personal transformation. Accountability is an expression of love. Homeboy does not abandon people when they struggle. It offers correction, another opportunity, and the invitation to return when they are ready. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [03:03] Nickloos Tate’s first days after leaving prison [03:35] Meeting Father Greg inside juvenile hall [04:47] The handwritten letter that brought Nickloos home [05:24] Why Nickloos refuses to hide from his past [14:01] Washea Beverly opens up about addiction and her legal cases [15:01] Arriving at Homeboy and questioning whether she belonged [16:06] Working to rebuild her relationship with her son [18:07] Why Nickloos chooses to smile after surviving violence [20:51] Washea’s decision to choose peace and light [23:00] Teaching her son to remain cautious but lead with love [30:17] How Washea became a stand-up comedian [32:37] Laughter, accountability, and everyday life at Homeboy [40:45] Nickloos’ goal of writing music for other artists [42:37] Live performance of “Drive to You” [48:09] How Homeboy helped Nickloos rebuild his life [55:50] Washea explains what brings her joy [56:22] Closing reflections Notable Quotes “My past don’t define who I am, but it also is a reflection of where I came from.” - Nickloos Tate [05:24] “I choose to choose peace. I choose the lighter side of life, only because we all go through something.” - Washea Beverly [20:51] “You be cautious in this world, but you lead with love, and love will follow you.” - Washea Beverly [23:32] “A hand up means I’m just pulling you up and showing you there’s another way to do it.” - Nickloos Tate [41:26] 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 Technical team: Ronald Dennison and David Carpinteyro

A life shaped by survival can make change feel almost impossible. Mike Tyson knows that world firsthand. So does Jose Arellano, whose childhood in a multigenerational gang family led him into the streets, juvenile hall, and eventually prison. Miguel Tyson’s story takes a different path, shaped by a mother who taught him through her actions that helping others is a way of living. When Jose returned home after six years in prison, he was carrying trauma and struggling to adjust to life outside. Then he called Homeboy Industries looking for a job. His past could have closed the door, but instead, it opened one. Even after setbacks, the Homeboy community continued to welcome him back. Today, Jose is the organization's Vice President of Operations and an entrepreneur. In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo and co-host Jose Arellano sits down with legendary boxer Mike Tyson and his son Miguel Tyson to talk about the mentors who shaped them, the communities that helped them survive and grow, and the responsibility to give others the opportunities they were given. From boxing and incarceration to service, entrepreneurship, and the new Homeboy gym, their stories come together around a powerful idea: sometimes transformation begins when someone sees possibility in you before you can see it in yourself. Key Takeaways Homeboy becomes a place to rebuild. After six years in prison, Jose returned carrying trauma and struggling to adjust, eventually finding his way to Homeboy Industries. Second chances require persistence. Homeboy welcomes people back even after setbacks and relapse, creating a community where people society has written off are given another opportunity. Survival can shape what feels normal. Mike and Jose reflect on growing up surrounded by crime, poverty, violence, and environments where survival became the norm. A mentor can change a life. For Mike, boxing and the mentorship of Bobby Stewart created a path beyond the world he knew. Giving creates purpose. Mike explains that he started the Tyson Foundation because he wanted to use his reach and resources to do meaningful work and help people. Belief can unlock potential. Mike argues that helping people believe in themselves, while understanding the value of work, struggle, and sacrifice, can change how they see what is possible. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:24] Jose's story: three generations of gang life to incarceration [03:11] The phone call that got Jose hired at Homeboy [04:23] Jose's path from client to VP of Operations [04:47] Mike Tyson on his upbringing and the Tyson Foundation [07:45] Mike’s "awakening" moment through boxing [08:20] Miguel on discovering Homeboy and starting the gym project [11:36] Homeboy's reliance on donor generosity [12:19] Mike on poverty as a "frame of mind" [13:07] Why even a bad mentor beats no mentor [14:55] Miguel on his mother's activism and his global mission work [16:56] Giving as self-love [18:20] Jose's business, Tepito Coffee, and its meaning [19:09] Homeboy's mission: healing, community, and job skills [20:04] Closing thanks and reflections on family  Notable Quotes "You only keep what you have by giving it away." — Jose [17:09] "Even a bad mentor is better than having no mentor." — Mike Tyson [13:12] "Poor is a frame of mind... it's all about believing in yourself." — Mike Tyson [12:41]  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

What if the most effective response to incarceration, homelessness, and economic instability isn’t another temporary program, but a real job? Carla Javits has spent nearly two decades helping employment social enterprises turn overlooked talent into meaningful work, sustainable businesses, and pathways toward a better life. In this episode of The Homeboy Way, host Tom Vozzo sits down with Carla to explore how Redefine Alliance, formerly REDF, helped strengthen a national movement of purpose-driven businesses. Carla shares the scale of that impact: 350 social enterprises supported, $4 billion in revenue generated, and 176,000 people employed. Together, Tom and Carla unpack what it takes to build a viable social enterprise, why employers keep screening out capable people, and how government procurement can create thousands of second-chance jobs. They also discuss Homeboy Industries’ transitional employment model, the value of lived expertise, and why belonging and compassion aren’t just good for people; they’re good for business. Key Takeaways Employment creates a pathway forward. Support services matter, but people also need the opportunity to earn income, demonstrate their abilities, and build meaningful lives through work. Social enterprise requires a real business model. A strong mission cannot rescue an idea with no customers, market, or reliable source of revenue. Business and social impact must work together.  Successful employment social enterprises balance revenue generation with meaningful support, skill development, and opportunity. Clear employment goals shape the entire enterprise. Organizations must decide whether they are creating transitional jobs, permanent employment, or another specific pathway for workers. Belonging is good business. Valuing lived expertise, nurturing employees, and creating a genuine sense of connection can strengthen both people and organizations. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction[00:25] Welcoming Carla Javits[01:00] Why REDF became Redefine Alliance[04:34] The business leaders behind the movement[08:50] Has society become more open to second-chance hiring?[12:21] 350 enterprises, $4 billion in revenue, and 176,000 jobs[14:22] The five pillars of Redefine Alliance’s model[16:23] Should a nonprofit start a social enterprise?[22:11] Homeboy Industries as a transitional employer[23:20] Defining business goals and employment outcomes[25:36] Bringing government into the social enterprise ecosystem[26:28] The $2.23 societal return for every dollar invested[28:24] Why government must define employment social enterprise[33:26] The Caltrans partnership creating thousands of jobs[34:50] Carla’s first impressions of Homeboy Industries[38:42] Why lived experience should be valued as expertise[39:38] Carla’s next chapter of service and leadership[42:13] Helping people take action instead of accepting doom and gloom “Do you really want to run a business? There’s a balance when you run a business. You have to balance the social mission with the revenue generation.” - Carla Javits [16:46]“People’s life experiences are a big part of what they bring to any job.” - Carla Javits [38:42]“Nurturing people and making them feel that sense of belonging is a good way to run your business.” - Carla Javits [39:19]“We need each other. We need the reflection of each other.” - Carla Javits [41:02] 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

For thousands of people, the hardest part of leaving gang life behind isn't deciding to change. It's carrying visible reminders of a past they're trying to escape. Every day at Homeboy Industries, people walk through the tattoo removal clinic hoping for more than a treatment. They're hoping for another chance. Behind that work is a team of 36 volunteer doctors who donate their time to help remove more than 12,000 tattoos every year, making it one of the busiest free tattoo removal clinics in the world. In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Marvin Kelly, who arrived at Homeboy fresh out of prison and entered its 18-month trainee program before working his way up to lead the organization's tattoo removal department, and Dr. Troy Clarke, a volunteer provider who has spent more than two decades helping people rewrite their futures one tattoo at a time. Together, they share why the clinic has become one of Homeboy's signature programs, how a simple tattoo appointment often opens the door to counseling, education, and employment, and why removing ink is only one part of the healing process. Their stories reveal that the real transformation isn't what disappears from someone's skin. It's what begins to grow in its place: confidence, dignity, hope, and the belief that the future no longer has to look like the past. Key Takeaways Homeboy opened Marvin's first door.  Fresh out of prison, one conversation with Father Greg Boyle led to Marvin's first job and eventually to leading Homeboy's tattoo removal clinic. Success comes full circle.  Troy says the greatest reward is seeing former clients return as managers, employers, or donors who help the next generation. Removing tattoos helps people move forward. The goal isn't simply fading ink but removing reminders that keep people tied to their past. Healing is a process.  Every treatment requires patience, honest conversations, and ongoing support through discomfort and change. Change is bigger than appearance. One mother shares she's removing her face tattoos to create new opportunities for herself and a better example for her children. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:46] Ashley’s story of removing tattoos for herself and her children [03:10] Why tattoo removal became one of Homeboy's signature programs [04:09] Marvin's journey from prison to leading the clinic [05:38] Inside one of the world's busiest free tattoo removal clinics [06:39] Troy on why he joined Homeboy more than 20 years ago [07:47] Creating a place where everyone feels welcome [08:39] How tattoo removal introduces people to Homeboy's other services [10:33] Why removing one tattoo can change a life [11:45] "It hurts more to keep it on." [13:05] The emotional process of deciding which tattoos to remove [14:55] Success stories that keep the team motivated [16:01] Why every treatment is completely free [17:22] Working with court-ordered youth [19:49] How laser tattoo removal actually works [23:59] Why Homeboy's clinic is different from private providers [26:03] Former clients helping today's participants [26:32] What gives Marvin and Troy hope  Notable Quotes "You realize it's more than just taking the tattoo off; it's helping them move forward their life." — Tom [28:47] “It hurts more to keep it on."—Troy [11:46] “We mainly focus on the visible and like gang-related tattoos. Not no girlfriend, boyfriend name.”— Marvin [12:21] 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

Tom Vozzo arrived at Homeboy Industries from the corporate world expecting to bring his experience, solve problems, and help stabilize an organization facing a financial crisis. What he didn't expect was how much Homeboy would change the way he understood leadership. In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Daniel Martinez and George Nunez turn the tables on Tom, asking about the transition that forced him to slow down, listen, and learn from the people around him. Tom reflects on sitting in Homeboy's daily council meetings and realizing that the answers he would have given in the corporate world often looked completely different from the solutions rooted in kinship, grace, and care. George opens up about initially judging Tom when he returned to Homeboy after 11 years in prison, only to change his mind after watching Tom's actions and seeing how deeply he cared about the people at Homeboy. Daniel recalls the quieter ways Tom showed up, including helping Father Greg Boyle during the pandemic. The conversation also explores faith, burnout, family, taking time away from work, and Tom's vision for Homeboy Media. At its heart, this is a story about showing up without needing the spotlight and letting your actions prove why you're there. Key Takeaways Coming to Homeboy to help. Tom left the corporate world and came to Homeboy during a financial crisis, knowing decisions had to be made before he fully understood what made the organization successful. Leadership without ego. Tom saw the timing of his arrival as an advantage. He wasn't there to make a name for himself. He was there to help. Learning from your mistakes. After returning from 11 years in prison, George reflects on judging Tom and the importance of holding himself accountable for his thought process. Finding faith at Homeboy. Tom says his spirituality deepened at Homeboy through listening, asking questions, and learning from Father Greg. Carrying the work home. The care, stress, and trauma involved in helping people at Homeboy can make it difficult to leave work behind at the end of the day. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction and role reversal [00:39] Transitioning from corporate to Homeboy [01:54] Learning the Homeboy way [04:25] Accepting a new leader [05:34] Overcoming initial judgment [07:05] Tom's motivation and perspective [09:26] Navigating the pandemic [11:42] Tom's upbringing and values [12:32] Finding spirituality at Homeboy [13:17] Work-life balance challenges [16:00] The importance of taking breaks [17:03] Health and favorite foods [17:43] The future of Homeboy Media [19:12] Closing gratitude Notable Quotes “The transition was hard. I didn't know what I was getting myself into.” — Tom Vozzo [00:57] “I came to Homeboy to help.” — Tom Vozzo [05:23] 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

Joey Ray, (Joseph Raymond Lucero), never expected his life to take him from a California Youth Authority facility to a Hollywood film set. But a chance encounter with Father Greg Boyle in prison, and a program called Criminals and Gang Members Anonymous, set him on a path toward Homeboy Industries, sobriety, and eventually an acting career. In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Joey to explore the long road from prison to purpose. Joey reflects on how Criminals and Gang Members Anonymous helped him understand gang life as an addiction, why becoming a father gave him the courage to confront alcoholism, and how learning to love himself transformed every relationship in his life. He also shares the unexpected path that led him into acting, the lessons he's carried from Homeboy Industries, and why being transparent about his past has become one of his greatest strengths. Together, they discuss redemption, recovery, and the power of radical kinship, revealing how lasting change begins when someone believes in you before you're able to believe in yourself. Key Takeaways Gang life was an addiction, not just choices.  CGA treats it as a lifestyle addiction rooted in craving respect he lacked at home. Change came from refusing to hurt loved ones. His son bailing him out of jail after his last drink in 2015 was the real turning point. Presence matters more than perfection.  He still bumps heads with his daughters, but now he shows up, including finally making   amends to Tom. Survival instincts explain behavior, they don't excuse it.  Hustling and stress from tough circumstances shape actions, but real harm still needs accountability. Fatherhood forced honest change.  He admits he'd grown okay with chaos until his son's existence pushed him to stop. Faith survived hardship.  After being shot four times and stabbed, he never blamed God, believing Homeboy was his purpose. In This Episode: [00:02] Introduction [00:45] Joey makes amends to Tom [02:19] Meeting Father Greg in prison [03:28] What is CGA, and gang life as addiction [07:37] Getting hired by Father Greg [08:42] Moving to LA, becoming a father [09:26] Early days at Homeboy in Boyle Heights [11:13] Balancing two families, two cities [11:38] Becoming a public speaker for Homeboy [15:39] Continued struggles with alcohol [16:36] The moment his son confronted him [18:01] Learning to love himself [22:25] Loss within the Homeboy community [24:28] How he broke into acting [26:22] Getting "discovered" on set [29:02] What he loves about acting [33:37] Being named Homeboy Hero at Lo Máximo [36:26] Spirituality and faith [39:20] What he's hopeful for Notable Quotes "You gotta love yourself before they can love others." — Joey Ray [19:48] "The moment you really start living for yourself, you're actually able to be there for everybody else." — Joey Ray [18:01] 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

Kabira Stokes never planned to become an entrepreneur. After 9/11, she became an anti-war activist, searching for ways to create meaningful change. That journey led her from city government and criminal justice policy into an unexpected realization: instead of waiting for policy to create opportunities, she could create jobs herself. In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Kabira Stokes to explore the intersection of justice, business, and community. Kabira shares how founding Isidore Recycling eventually became Homeboy Recycling, why hiring people returning from incarceration isn't charity but smart business, and how entrepreneurship can become a powerful vehicle for second chances. Together, they reflect on the evolution of Homeboy Recycling from a small startup generating $650,000 in revenue to a thriving, multimillion-dollar enterprise that creates meaningful employment for people rebuilding their lives. Kabira also discusses why local action creates lasting change, how community gives people hope, and why businesses have a responsibility to see potential where others only see a criminal record. Key Takeaways One conversation can spark a movement A simple conversation about recycling eventually became Homeboy Recycling, proving big ideas often begin with small moments. Partnerships create greater impact Homeboy helped scale the business with funding, wraparound services, and a shared commitment to second chances. People deserve opportunities, not labels With the right support, people returning from incarceration become dependable employees and future leaders. Business can be a force for good A successful company can deliver excellent service while creating meaningful employment for people rebuilding their lives. Transformation is the real measure of success The greatest achievement isn't revenue, it's watching employees build lasting careers, stability, and hope for the future. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [01:10] First Homeboy encounter [02:05] 9/11 to activism [04:25] Faith and justice roots [05:15] Inside city government [07:10] Studying prisons and reentry [09:10] Launching Isidore Recycling [12:15] Joining forces with Homeboy [15:30] Social enterprise realities [18:00] Hiring stories that matter [21:00] How to hire returning citizens [22:15] New York and the next chapter [25:15] Local change and community [28:05] Why recycle with Homeboy [28:50] Closing thanks and farewell Notable Quotes "I guess I could go work for the state and create policy that will create jobs, or I could just create some jobs." — Kabira Stokes [00:10:04] “If you're gonna work hard at something, it might as well have real impact.” — Kabira [15:46] 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

Joe Tarin never imagined he would one day lead a business that helps transform lives. After years of addiction, incarceration, and believing he didn't belong anywhere, one conversation with a friend led him through the doors of Homeboy Industries. What began with fear and uncertainty eventually became a journey of healing, recovery, and leadership. In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Joe Tarin, the newly promoted manager of the Homeboy Merchandise Store, to talk about his remarkable transformation. Joe shares how rehab changed his perspective, why Homeboy gave him hope when no one else would, and how managing a business is about far more than sales. It's about creating a safe space where people rebuilding their lives can grow with confidence. Together, they explore what makes Homeboy's social enterprises different, why communication and connection matter just as much as business results, and how every purchase supports someone working toward a brighter future. Joe also reflects on his goals, his passion for helping others in recovery, and why products with a purpose can truly change lives. Key Takeaways Growth starts by changing what you value Joe realized he had been chasing approval for the wrong things. Homeboy helped him replace instant gratification with purpose and personal growth. Recovery requires accepting support  After relapsing, Joe chose rehab and returned to Homeboy, where accountability and compassion allowed him to rebuild his life. One opportunity can restore hope When Father Greg offered Joe a job despite his past, it became the turning point that showed him he was worthy of a second chance. Every product has a purpose The merchandise store isn't just about selling apparel. Every purchase helps fund training, support, and opportunities for people beginning their own transformation. Supporting Homeboy changes lives Every sale strengthens multiple social enterprises, creates meaningful employment, and helps more people rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:57] The concept of stranger danger [02:14] Joe's road to Homeboy [03:32] Meeting Father Greg [03:56] Relapse and rehab return [05:28] Finding joy after rehab [06:05] From recycling to retail [07:12] New store manager life [08:07] Learning business basics [09:02] Training and leadership [10:15] Recovery through service [11:20] Selling books and swag [11:59] Future goals and peer support [12:53] Product with a purpose tour [13:29] Best sellers showcase [14:54] Designing the teal crewneck [16:34] Candles and morning meetings [17:50] Closing thanks and outro  Notable Quotes "When he says hope, I believe in hope for real." — Joe Tarin [03:33] "It's not just a logo. These are products with a purpose." — Joe Tarin [13:07] 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

After spending years interviewing homies, healers, and thought leaders, Tom Vozzo finally finds himself on the other side of the microphone. In this special episode of The Homeboy Way, Dyamond Watts, Angel Rodriguez, and Vianka Villagomez turn the tables on Tom and ask the questions that reveal the person behind the leadership lessons. Tom reflects on his journey from corporate America to serving nearly 13 years as CEO of Homeboy Industries. He explains why compassion and business performance are not opposing ideas, how companies can build more engaged workforces, and why providing good jobs to people experiencing poverty is both morally responsible and economically smart. The conversation also explores Tom’s spiritual growth, the ego and pride he had to release, his friendship with Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., and the pressure he carried while leading Homeboy Industries. Through honest stories, laughter, and a few unexpected questions, Tom shares how Homeboy transformed his understanding of success, leadership, belonging, and what it means to help people discover their own worth. Key Takeaways Compassion and business results can coexist. Tom challenges the belief that successful companies must choose between caring for employees and delivering strong results. Engaged, supported employees are more likely to remain loyal, productive, and invested in the organization’s success. True fulfillment is found in relationship. Corporate achievement gave Tom financial success, but it did not provide the deeper fulfillment he later discovered through service, kinship, and working alongside others. Purpose is sustained through action. For Tom, faith is not only about reflection or prayer. It means waking up each day and doing something concrete to help another person. Anger can be acknowledged without being carried forever. Tom speaks candidly about his frustration with the bias and discrimination homies continue to experience, while explaining why his daily spiritual practice helps him release that anger. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction: Turning the tables on Tom Vozzo [01:35] What corporate America misunderstands about compassionate leadership [04:33] How good jobs, fair wages, and employee support strengthen businesses [06:55] What Tom recognized in Homeboy trainees and emerging leaders [09:00] The emptiness of corporate success and redefining what it means to win [10:57] Letting go of ego, pride, and the need to prove yourself [13:09] What motivates Tom, and the pressure of leading Homeboy Industries [16:29] Spiritual practice, anger, and confronting society’s treatment of homies [18:49] The hugs, laughter, and relationships that surprised Tom at Homeboy [19:47] Meeting Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. and becoming CEO of Homeboy Industries [22:19] Why Tom stepped down and prepared the next generation of leaders [24:17] The wisdom behind The Homeboy Way and Tom’s message to listeners Notable Quotes “The true way to get to belonging, compassion, and kinship is working on ourselves to heal.” — Tom Vozzo [06:03] “Wake up every day and look to help people.” — Tom Vozzo [15:09] “Being CEO of Homeboy is the best job I’ve ever had.” — Tom Vozzo [22:25] “You can run a business or you can run your life with the values of kinship, compassion, and love.” — Tom Vozzo [24:49] “We are loved. It’s easy to say, but not enough people believe that.” — Tom Vozzo [25:17] 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

Kimberly Moore went from a mattress in a crack house to building a $51 million campus in one of Louisville's most violent neighborhoods. The moment that changed everything came when she watched a six-year-old girl get slapped by her mother for saying she was hungry. Kimberly got up, walked out, and went to treatment. She has been sober since 1998. In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Kimberly Moore to talk about second chances, speaking truth to power, and what it really means to never forget where you came from. Kimberly now works alongside the police who used to lock her up and has the attorney general on speed dial. She challenges donors with a simple question. "Do you want to do good, or do you want to feel good?" When a funder said no, Kimberly did not get angry. She heard "not right now." Two years later, they gave her $50,000. For her 60th birthday, Kimberly brought everyone to the Muhammad Ali Center, the people she got high with and the people who helped her get sober. She will not apologize for her life getting good, and she will not dim her light for anyone still in darkness. Her credentials? "A PhD from the streets." Key Takeaways Look underneath the behavior Behavior often reflects deeper struggles like trauma, family conflict, or unstable housing. Real support begins by addressing the root cause. Delay is not denial Kimberly sees rejection as "not right now." Persistence turned one funding rejection into a future $50,000 grant. Someone took a chance on you, too Because someone believed in her, Kimberly believes others deserve the same opportunity to change. Sobriety doesn't mean leaving people behind Recovery didn't separate Kimberly from her community. She stays connected so others know help is always available. Change happens on its own timeline People change when they're ready. Kimberly's turning point came from within, not from pressure or persuasion. Don't count the addict out Someone believed in Kimberly when she couldn't repay them. That grace shaped her commitment to helping others recover. Withholding a chance wastes potential One mistake shouldn't define a life. Second chances allow people to discover their purpose. A PhD from the streets still counts Kimberly embraces her past and uses it to lead, refusing to apologize for where she came from or where she's going. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:27] Meet Kimberly Moore [01:27] Kimberly’s work today [02:22] Leaving politics for purpose [03:27] Truth to power on violence [07:26] Finding Homeboy Network [09:05] Building a one-stop campus [11:36] Second chances and self-care [14:44] Getting sober for real [17:35] Why people deserve more chances [18:33] Second chances mindset [19:44] Hard truths with families [22:58] Right time for change [24:52] Not apologizing for growth [26:15] Therapy and boundaries [27:04] Do good or feel good [28:39] Homeboy redefines success [29:57] Owning your story [30:54] Hope and legacy Notable Quotes “I don't operate in fear, and I see so many people in corporate America that operate in fear, and I just don't.” — Kimberly [18:13] “Being brought out of darkness comes with the responsibility to be a light for others.” — Kimberly [00:23:44] 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

When Tom Vozzo stepped down as CEO of Homeboy Industries after thirteen years, he thought he would finally get some peace. What he did not expect was how much he would still need the place and how much it would still need him. In this episode, Tom sits down with founder Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. to talk about what happens when you stop running an organization but refuse to leave it behind. Fr. Greg admits it was not always easy letting go. But he learned early that Homeboy's magic is not in its policies or programs. It is in the noticing. The text that says "How was your weekend?" The homie who turns around and walks back to greet you because they saw you park. The simple act of paying loving attention. They unpack the question that has guided Fr. Greg for decades. "What do we think we are doing here?" It is a check against conventional wisdom, a reminder that you do not punish wound. You heal it. And they share why no kid ever joins a gang seeking adventure. They are always fleeing something. With board members, with travelers on the road, with homies finding their voice on stage, the answer is always the same. Tell your story. Stay humble. And remember, none of us got here on our own. Key Takeaways Compassion starts with understanding When you understand what someone has survived, it's harder to judge them and easier to walk alongside them. Privilege is often the luck of the draw Fr. Greg reflects on how easily his life could have gone differently. Sometimes geography, circumstance, and opportunity make all the difference. Success should make us humble Tom shares how Homeboy challenged his assumptions about leadership and taught him to listen before offering solutions.  Punishment isn't part of the Homeboy Way Homeboy doesn't focus on consequences for their own sake. The goal is transformation, not punishment.  Name the wound, not the behavior When organizations focus only on behavior, they miss the deeper issue. Healing begins when we understand what's underneath.  It's all wound, all the time The Homeboy philosophy starts with a simple belief: beneath most destructive behavior is pain, trauma, or loss that has never been healed.  In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [01:05] Fr. Greg's role today [02:06] Letting go of leadership [04:21] How to lead without taking over [06:40] Asking the right questions [08:28] Choosing compassion over punishment [11:56] When gang members were written off [14:14] Why people deserve another chance [16:10] Leadership, boards, and trust [18:15] What privilege really means [21:39] Knowing what you don't know [23:31] Why stories change minds [25:57] Staying connected to the mission [28:17] Why Homeboy doesn't believe in punishment [30:19] The power of being seen [32:55] Taking homies on the road [34:01] Helping people find their voice [37:27] Trust, responsibility, and travel [39:46] Lessons from the road Notable Quotes "No hopeful kid has ever joined a gang. They're always fleeing something." — Greg [00:36:16] "The homies have taught me everything of value. That's not hyperbole. I really believe that." — Greg [00:20:21] "You have to name things correctly, otherwise you're gonna go down a rabbit hole. Homeboy knows that this is all wound. It's all wound all the time." — Greg [00:29:50] "I would never let you go. I understand the benefit and how rich this place is. But you're the boss, and you get to decide whether you stay here or not." — Greg [00:14:37] 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

Actor Lauren Tom has spent decades moving audiences through roles in The Joy Luck Club, Friends, Futurama, and more. But in this episode of The Homeboy Way, she joins Tom Vozzo to talk about the story that moved her: Homeboy Industries. After reading Fr. Greg Boyle S.J.’s Tattoos on the Heart and hearing him speak, Lauren knew she had to get involved, even if she didn’t yet know what she could offer. What began with a book club and a muddy early Homeboy 5K became a 15-year relationship with the organization, its mission, and its people. Lauren shares how Fr. Greg became a spiritual mentor, how Homeboy helped her move from fear to compassion, and why being honored as a Community Hero at Lo Máximo meant more to her than any Hollywood award ever could. Together, Tom and Lauren explore second chances, first chances, belonging, fandom, representation, and the simple but radical idea that relationships change everything. This is a conversation about what happens when people are seen with love, and how one person, one introduction, one act of compassion, can help someone remember they belong. Key Takeaways Homeboy turns fear into relationship. Lauren shares how she used to feel afraid when seeing someone with gang tattoos. Through Homeboy, that fear shifted into recognition, humanity, and a simple willingness to say hello. Second chances are often first chances. Tom and Lauren discuss how many Homeboy trainees were never given a real first chance to be loved, believed in, educated, or seen without judgment. Belonging is a healing force. Whether at the Homeboy 5K, Lo Máximo, or a fan convention, Lauren sees the same human need everywhere: people want to belong to something bigger than themselves. Hope is an everyday practice. Lauren reminds us that hope is not passive. It can be as small as making one phone call, building one relationship, or asking one person to help. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [01:17] How Lauren first discovered Homeboy Industries [02:06] Why Fr. Greg’s stories make people laugh and cry [04:40] Why the Homeboy 5K feels bigger than a run [06:34] Fr. Greg as Lauren’s spiritual mentor [09:43] Why everything in life is about relationship [10:35] How Homeboy changed Lauren’s view of gang members [13:30] Why Lo Máximo meant more than an Oscar [14:01] The meaning of collective effervescence [14:52] The hope and joy people feel at Homeboy [16:22] The Homeboy story Lauren never forgot [17:59] Why one person believing in someone can change a life [18:35] Bringing Lauren’s fan communities into Homeboy’s mission [27:02] Why Lauren keeps coming back to Homeboy [29:15] The current state of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles [30:16] How Lauren stays hopeful [31:41] Why people need a visceral experience of Fr. Greg’s message [33:52] Closing reflections Notable Quotes “I feel so deeply blessed that I get to live in the same time that Fr. Boyle is alive.” — Lauren Tom [06:34] “At the end of the day, I feel like everyone just wants to belong. And that’s the beauty of Homeboy.” — Lauren Tom [20:53] “I can’t help but fundraise for Homeboy. I feel like it’s not even a choice for me. It’s something I need to do.” — Lauren Tom [27:15] “Relationships, just keep building those relationships and not being shy about asking for help with the people you know already love you.” — Lauren Tom [28:07] Resources and Links Lauren Tom https://laurentom.com/ https://www.instagram.com/laurentom9000/ 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