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The Homeboy WayAuthor: The Homeboy Way Language: en Genres: Business, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Smitty’s Story: From Incarceration to Purpose with Diwaine “Smitty” Smith
Episode 20
Wednesday, 4 February, 2026
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 HealingHomeboy allows mistakes with support, wellness days, family priorities, and care without fear of punishment.From Personal Healing to Helping OthersAs a Navigator, Smitty leads with empathy, meeting people where they are and asking how he can help.The Civil Rights Trip’s Profound ImpactWalking in civil rights history reshaped Smitty’s view on nonviolence, resilience, and moving forward.Mercy as a Teachable PracticeSmitty 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 navigator00:56 – The jail mentality and Homeboy’s safe haven02:45 – Smitty’s journey to Homeboy03:34 – Culinary arts and Bread and Roses04:24 – The role of a navigator06:17 – Community organizing and helping others09:50 – The Civil Rights Trail experience12:45 – Reflecting on regional differences13:37 – Impact of Southern history14:26 – Personal transformation and community16:49 – Teaching mercy at Homeboy20:24 – Spiritual journey and personal growth21:49 – Conclusion and final thoughtsNotable 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 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/Thomas Vozzohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzoThe Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456XCredits:Hosted by: Tom VozzoProduced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media
