Episode Description
Miguel Lugo came to Homeboy Industries looking for help removing a chest tattoo that had defined his violent past and kept him trapped long after prison. After serving 18 years behind bars, starting at age 18, Miguel walked through Homeboy’s doors just days after his release. He stood outside for hours, unsure if he was ready to let go of the identity that once kept him alive but was now holding him back.
In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo sits down with Miguel, Community Relations and Head of Security at Homeboy Industries, to trace his journey from a life shaped by violence to one rooted in presence, accountability, and care. Miguel shares how tattoo removal became a path to reclaiming himself, how spiritual practices like sweat lodge ceremonies sustained him in prison, and how therapy helped him confront when harm became acceptable. Today, Miguel stands on the sidewalk welcoming newcomers, diffusing conflict, and walking with people before they ever enter the building. His story shows how deep personal healing becomes sacred work and how choosing love, again and again, turns survival into leadership.
Key Takeaways
Tattoo Removal as Freedom
Removing gang tattoos was not about jobs. It was about shedding an identity rooted in harm and reclaiming self-ownership.
The Power of the Sidewalk
Many people hesitate before entering Homeboy. Healing often begins outside the door through presence, listening, and trust.
Community Relations = Walking With, Not Watching
Miguel reframes safety as walking with people, not watching them, creating belonging instead of fear.
Spiritual Practice as Survival
Sweat lodge ceremonies in prison offered grounding, humility, and a connection to identity beyond incarceration.
Therapy and the Courage to Ask Why
Healing deepened when Miguel confronted the question of when harming others became acceptable.
From Violence to Buffer
By stepping between conflict and naming people with care, Miguel and his team prevent harm before it escalates.
In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction
00:25 – Miguel’s journey begins
01:08 – First steps at Homeboy
03:06 – Tattoo removal and transformation
06:01 – Leaving the gang life behind
08:09 – Helping others and building community
18:52 – Navigating challenges and misconceptions
21:39 – Changing lives for a better future
21:59 – Interactions with politicians
24:44 – Building a new home
26:52 – Spiritual journey and sweat lodges
30:42 – Overcoming trauma and finding freedom
38:05 – Passion for classic cars
42:12 – Final reflections and gratitude
Notable Quotes
“Am I okay cleaning toilets? ... I give it a shot.” — Miguel [02:21]
“ In tattoo removal, the main thing it got is the freedom from yourself of who you were before.” — Miguel [05:30]
“ A lot of people still call it security, but we don't. We like community relations because it does something different. I'm not here to watch you, I'm here to walk with you.” — Miguel [11:53]
“In the sweat lodge, I was able to humble myself and give myself up to God.” — Miguel [31:51]
“My job now is to be water to fire.”— Miguel [35:33]]
Resources and Links
Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Media
Miguel Lugo
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