Episode Description
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
Homeboy Media
Thomas Vozzo
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