The Homeboy Way

Welcome to The Homeboy Way, where we share the voices and stories that reveal how belonging, kinship, and courage change lives. In this episode, I sit down with Jose, Dre, and Hector — three men whose childhoods were marked by poverty, instability, and addiction. From selling drugs at 15 to keeping his family housed, to missing holidays because survival came first, to realizing that poverty was invisible until they stepped outside their neighborhood — their stories show us how economics drive choices, how shame takes root, and how the power of community creates another way forward.Key Takeaway:This episode of The Homeboy Way goes deep into how poverty and addiction shape lives — and how Jose, Dre, and Hector transformed their stories into hope.In This Episode:[00:00] Introduction[02:07] Growing up in poverty and the challenges it presented.[04:56] Hector shares his journey of hustling at a young age to survive, leading him to the streets and eventually to Homeboy Industries.[08:23] Dre discusses the emotional challenges of growing up without basic necessities, such as a Christmas tree or regular meals.[14:13] Jose shares how he navigated poverty and took on responsibilities at a young age to care for his family amidst drug addiction and violence.[17:43] Jose explains how he turned to gang life due to a sense of abandonment and the lack of financial stability.[21:20] Dre reflects on the material allure of gang life, especially when compared to the poverty-stricken lifestyle he experienced growing up.[33:21] The group reflects on Father Greg’s approach to giving and how Homeboy Industries provides support for those in need.[49:14] The importance of second chances, generosity, and kinship within the Homeboy community.Notable Quotes:[17:23] "I was just trying to survive, trying to feed my family. I didn’t care about the rest of the world." – Jose[08:48] "You don’t realize the importance of a Christmas tree until you don’t have one." – Dre[33:21] "Money solves problems for poor people. It makes a difference in their survival." – Tom Vozzo[30:12] "You don’t just survive, you thrive because you’ve been given a chance." – HectorResources and LinksHomeboy Industrieshttps://homeboyindustries.org/https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videosDonate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/Homeboy Media https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/Hector Verdugohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-verdugo-7297a684Jose Arellanohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-arellano-001966a0/Dre Comershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dre-comers-65178541/Thomas Vozzohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., to unpack one of the most frequently asked questions about Homeboy Industries: What’s the secret sauce?Together, they reflect on how Homeboy creates a community where people feel safe, seen, and cherished. Father Greg shares stories from the early days of ministry, remembering names, meeting homies where they’re at, and learning that transformation often starts with the smallest gestures of attention.The conversation explores why real change depends on relational wholeness, how leadership is rooted in listening and humility, and why giving second (or eighth) chances isn’t just compassion, it’s the heart of Homeboy. During their conversation, they revisit formative memories of leaders like Hector Verdugo and Jose, discuss how to balance the presence of rival gangs under one roof, and consider what it really means to trust, forgive, and find sustenance in God.This episode is an honest, moving look at how kinship, not programs or policies, is what heals.Key TakeawaysFaith reframed: God’s role is not to remove challenges but to provide sustenance within them.Outcome vs. presence: True spiritual confidence comes from knowing you are sustained regardless of outcomes.Resilience through faith: Belief in divine sustenance makes it possible to face anything without fear of being abandoned.Shift in orientation: Move from “God has me on this one” to “God is with me in everything.”In This Episode[00:44] What is the “secret sauce” of Homeboy?[02:06] Seen vs. watched: the power of being noticed[05:19] “The priest knows my name”: why attention transforms[07:34] Relational wholeness and remembering names[09:06] Why volunteers should listen first, not rush into friendship[12:27] Leadership through presence and receptivity[13:42] Why Homeboy gives second, third, and tenth chances[15:46] “No hanging, banging, or slanging”: old rules for readiness[17:08] Father Greg’s first memories of Hector Verdugo[19:14] What makes people stay: attention as a drop of water on a dry sponge[21:19] Jose’s story: talent, addiction, and resilience[23:28] Healing as building upon past growth, not starting over[24:34] Why Homeboy works with gang members, not gangs[27:38] Balancing dynamics when homies from the same gang come in[36:09] God as sustenance, not magician[38:38] Forgiveness, shame, and clarity in transformationNotable Quotes[03:13] “You receive the tender glance, and then you become the tender glance.” — Father Greg[19:20] “Attention is like a drop of water on a very dry sponge, it transforms more than you think.” — Father Greg[23:42] “You don’t start over at day one; you build on what was already begun in you.” — Father Greg[24:41] “We work with gang members, not gangs.” — Father Greg[39:44] “Clear is loving. If you can be clear with people, you’re deeply loving them.” — Father GregResources and LinksHomeboy Industrieshttps://homeboyindustries.org/https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videosDonate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J.https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-boyle-s-j-05458514Thomas Vozzohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

Welcome to a special sneak peek into, "The Homeboy Way", hosted by former, longtime CEO of Homeboy Industries, Tom Vozzo, with Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J , founder of Homeboy Industries, and voices from inside and outside of Bruno Street. Here, we offer Insights from 4 episodes, as we discuss the myth of second chances, why people join gangs, and how the grace of giving without expectations and not giving up leads to a community of kinship and thriving. Homegrown from Homeboy Media, this podcasts invites you to join us, listen in to conversations and wisdom from the world's largest gang and re-entry program, and take action to implement "the Homeboy Way” -  a radical approach business and life.

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.