The Homeboy Way

The Homeboy Way Podcast invites listeners into stories of healing, kinship, and transformation. Hosted by Tom Vozzo, former longtime CEO of Homeboy Industries, alongside Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., and illuminating guests, the show explores what happens when people are seen, cherished, and given space to heal. The Homeboy team will talk about trauma, redemption, social justice, faith, and business efforts that foster healing, but more than anything, we talk about belonging and what happens when you meet people where they're at. The Homeboy Way, a movement of radical kinship.

The Homeboy Way is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 49 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Homeboy Way, a business show with 49 episodes published.

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  Episode #48

  Removing the Past: The Healing Power of Tattoo Removal at Homeboy Industries with Dr. Troy Clarke, Marvin Kelly, and Ashley Mendoza

  Aug 19, 202630 minS1

  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

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  Episode #47

  Learning to Listen: Tom Vozzo on Trading Corporate Rules for Homeboy's Way

  Aug 12, 202620 minS1

  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

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  Episode #46

  From Gang Life to Homeboy to Hollywood: Joseph Lucero’s Story

  Aug 5, 202641 minS1

  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

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  Episode #45

  Building Businesses That Heal: Kabira Stokes on Circular Economy and Social Impact

  Jul 29, 202629 minS1

  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

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  Episode #44

  More Than Merch: From Stranger Danger to Retail and Recovery with Homeboy’s Joe Tarin

  Jul 22, 202618 minS1

  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

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