A life shaped by survival can make change feel almost impossible. Mike Tyson knows that world firsthand. So does Jose Arellano, whose childhood in a multigenerational gang family led him into the streets, juvenile hall, and eventually prison. Miguel Tyson’s story takes a different path, shaped by a mother who taught him through her actions that helping others is a way of living.
When Jose returned home after six years in prison, he was carrying trauma and struggling to adjust to life outside. Then he called Homeboy Industries looking for a job. His past could have closed the door, but instead, it opened one. Even after setbacks, the Homeboy community continued to welcome him back. Today, Jose is the organization's Vice President of Operations and an entrepreneur.
In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo and co-host Jose Arellano sits down with legendary boxer Mike Tyson and his son Miguel Tyson to talk about the mentors who shaped them, the communities that helped them survive and grow, and the responsibility to give others the opportunities they were given. From boxing and incarceration to service, entrepreneurship, and the new Homeboy gym, their stories come together around a powerful idea: sometimes transformation begins when someone sees possibility in you before you can see it in yourself.
Key Takeaways
Homeboy becomes a place to rebuild.
After six years in prison, Jose returned carrying trauma and struggling to adjust, eventually finding his way to Homeboy Industries.
Second chances require persistence.
Homeboy welcomes people back even after setbacks and relapse, creating a community where people society has written off are given another opportunity.
Survival can shape what feels normal.
Mike and Jose reflect on growing up surrounded by crime, poverty, violence, and environments where survival became the norm.
A mentor can change a life.
For Mike, boxing and the mentorship of Bobby Stewart created a path beyond the world he knew.
Giving creates purpose.
Mike explains that he started the Tyson Foundation because he wanted to use his reach and resources to do meaningful work and help people.
Belief can unlock potential.
Mike argues that helping people believe in themselves, while understanding the value of work, struggle, and sacrifice, can change how they see what is possible.
In This Episode:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:24] Jose's story: three generations of gang life to incarceration
[03:11] The phone call that got Jose hired at Homeboy
[04:23] Jose's path from client to VP of Operations
[04:47] Mike Tyson on his upbringing and the Tyson Foundation
[07:45] Mike’s "awakening" moment through boxing
[08:20] Miguel on discovering Homeboy and starting the gym project
[11:36] Homeboy's reliance on donor generosity
[12:19] Mike on poverty as a "frame of mind"
[13:07] Why even a bad mentor beats no mentor
[14:55] Miguel on his mother's activism and his global mission work
[16:56] Giving as self-love
[18:20] Jose's business, Tepito Coffee, and its meaning
[19:09] Homeboy's mission: healing, community, and job skills
[20:04] Closing thanks and reflections on family
Notable Quotes
"You only keep what you have by giving it away." — Jose [17:09]
"Even a bad mentor is better than having no mentor." — Mike Tyson [13:12]
"Poor is a frame of mind... it's all about believing in yourself." — Mike Tyson [12:41]
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
The Homeboy Way. Innehållet i podden är skapat av The Homeboy Way och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
