Episodes

  • Episode 5: Breaking Down Barriers: From Inglewood to Redemption: The Journey of Carlos Iraheta

    Episode 5: Breaking Down Barriers: From Inglewood to Redemption: The Journey of Carlos Iraheta
    Jun 7 2024
    Welcome to the Homeboy Podcast, hosted by Dr. Homeboy, Marco Antonio Romero. In this captivating episode, Dr. Homeboy delves into a profound conversation with Carlos Iraheta (a friend of his), a distinctive voice and former homeboy, who shares his extraordinary journey from the streets of Inglewood to incarceration and, ultimately, to redemption. With raw honesty, Carlos discusses his upbringing in a multicultural neighborhood, his early involvement with gangs, and the life-altering events that led to his imprisonment. He recounts his experiences in the prison system, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that sparked his transformation. As Carlos contemplates his past and imparts wisdom to his younger self and today’s youth, listeners are enlightened with valuable insights into the harsh realities of gang life and the significance of education, critical thinking, and personal growth. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of second chances. Please tune in to hear Carlos’s compelling story and learn how he navigates his reintegration into society while striving to influence his family and community positively. Annotated Outline Episode Introduction The episode begins with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and set the ambiance for the podcast.Greet and introduce the podcast's title and host's name.Call to action: Audience engagement.Provide disclosure.Talking Point 1 Introduce the title of the episode and what will be covered.The episode covers the issue of teenage Mexican American males and gang involvement while utilizing the use of self with a real-life story.Provide the guest’s story utilizing the “Use of Self.”Provide the guest’s positionality.Provide the guest’s social location.Provide the guest’s story (life story).Provide the guest’s self-reflection.Provide the guest’s reintegration process progress.Have the guest provide the intended audience with advice.Thank the guest. Marco Antonio Romero introduces the episode’s title, “From Inglewood to Redemption: The Journey of Carlos Iraheta.” He provides the story of a once-teenager Mexican American male who was in a gang, killed a rival gang member in self-defense, was incarcerated for 22 years, and is now reintegrating back into society. He then introduces the elements of the podcast, which are the guest’ story utilizing the use of self, the guest’s positionality, social location, life story, self-reflection, reintegration process and progress, and advice to the audience. Talking Point 2 Provide the guest’s story utilizing the “Use of Self.”Provide the guest’s positionality.Provide the guest’s social location.Provide the guest’s story (life story).Provide the guest’s self-reflection.Provide the guest’s reintegration process and progress.Have the guest provide the intended audience with advice.Thank the guest.Marco Antonio Romero invites and engages with Carlos Iraheta, a guest speaker on his podcast. He utilizes the “use of self” (Kaushik, 2017) by providing the guest’s story. To further understand all of the intersecting identities of the guest speaker, Marco Antonio Romero provides them; as such, he provides the guest’s positionality (Curran & Randal, 2020). Additionally, Marco Antonio Romero provides the guest’s social location (Fraser, 2021). He then provides the guest’s life story. Moreover, he has the guest engage in self-reflection (Dishon et al., 2017). Furthermore, he provides the guest’s reintegration process and progress (GCSW, 2024). Lastly, he provides the guest’s advice to the audience (Dishon et al., 2017) and thanks the guest for participating. Talking Point 3 Recap of the episode and key takeaways.Call to action.Final words.Exit the episode with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and exit the podcast, leaving them wanting to tune back in next time. References Dishon, N., Oldmeadow, J. A., Critchley, C., & Kaufman, J. (2017). The effect of trait self-awareness, self-reflection, and perceptions of choice meaningfulness on indicators of social identity within a decision-making context. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 2034. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02034 Curran, M. & Randall, A. K. (2020). Positionality statements. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/assets/14756811/Positionality-Statements-16213545 17813.pdf Fraser, S. (2021, May 3). Understanding your social location as a facilitator. Active Bystander Intervention Training and Facilitation Guide. https://opentextbc.ca/svmbystander/chapter/understanding-your-social-location-as-a-facilitator GCSW. Grand Challenges for Social Work. (2024, February 2). GCSW. https://grandchallengesforsocialwork.org/ Holmes, A. G. D. (2020). Researcher Positionality: A consideration of its influence and place in qualitative research:...
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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • Episode 4: Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing Educational Disparities Among Mexican American Teens: Addressing Specificity

    Episode 4: Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing Educational Disparities Among Mexican American Teens: Addressing Specificity
    Jun 7 2024
    Welcome to the Homeboy Podcast! Join Dr. Homeboy, Marco Antonio Romero, as he delves into the critical issue of educational disparities among Mexican American teenagers and their correlation to gang involvement. In this episode, Dr. Homeboy provides a detailed analysis of how these disparities ignite a cycle of adverse outcomes, including substance abuse, violence, and incarceration. He emphasizes the importance of specificity in research to understand and address the unique challenges faced by this population. Dr. Homeboy shares his journey as a Mexican American who navigated these same challenges, offering hope and alternative paths for the youth. He also highlights the role of intersectionality and the need for targeted, culturally competent interventions and research. Take advantage of this insightful episode that aims to educate and inspire change. Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated and contribute to the conversation. Annotated Outline Episode Introduction The episode begins with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and set the ambiance for the podcast.Greet and introduce the podcast's title and host's name.Call to action: Audience engagement.Provide disclosure.Talking Point 1 Introduce the title of the episode and what will be covered.The issue at hand is addressing specificity, as Mexican Americans are clustered with Hispanics and Latinos.Research articles that help sustain the significance of specificity will be provided and discussed.Research articles that highlight current research trends addressing specificity will be provided and discussed.The significant challenges found in the literature that address specificity will be provided and discussed.An overview of the literature that addresses this specific population and their issues will be provided and discussed.The research of seminal studies found that address specificity will be provided and discussed.The research on similar works that address specificity that were found will be provided and discussed.The research gaps (gap analysis) that were found in the literature regarding addressing specificity will be provided and discussed. Marco Antonio Romero begins by introducing the episode’s title, “Addressing Educational Disparities Amongst Teenage Mexican American Males: Addressing Specificity.” There are two components to the title. Both components are critical and important as they address the specific issue and specific population at hand. However, this episode focuses on addressing specificity, which means targeting a specific population. Lastly, he introduces the topics of the literature that he will be providing and discussing throughout the episode: research articles that help sustain the significance of specificity, research articles that highlight current research trends addressing specificity, the significant challenges found in the literature that address specificity, an overview of the literature that addresses this specific population and their issues, research of seminal studies found that address specificity, research on similar works that address specificity, and research gaps (gap analysis) that were found in the literature regarding addressing specificity. Talking Point 2 Provide and discuss research articles to sustain the significance of specificity.Provide and discuss research articles to discuss current research trends addressing specificity.Provide and discuss the significant challenges found in the literature to address specificity.Provide and discuss an overview of the literature.Provide and discuss the research of seminal studies to address specificity.Provide and discuss the research on similar works that address specificity.Provide and discuss the research on the gaps (gap analysis) in the literature regarding addressing specificity. Marco Antonio Romero shares and discusses the literature he has researched to address the specific issue and the specific population. As such, he provides and discusses the relevant research supporting sustaining specificity’s significance (Allen et al., 2011). He also provides and discusses research articles that discuss current research trends addressing specificity, such as the clustering of Mexican Americans with Hispanics and Latinos (Kim & White, 2010; Martinez et al., 2020) and delves further into the research trends. Additionally, Marco Antonio Romero provides and discusses the significant challenges found in the literature to address specificity, such as the lack of expansion of research on Latino youth and the serious risks they face with issues that are amongst gang involvement (Grigsby et al., 2014). Moreover, he ties in all of the literature, as he provides an overview of the literature to shed light on how they all support the issue of addressing specificity (Grigsby et al., 2014; 2016; Cherpitel et al., 2020; Joseph, 2023; Kirmizielmaoazlu, 2023; Donato & ...
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    47 mins
  • Episode 3: Breaking Down Barriers: The Use of Self: A Journey from the Barrio to Social Work

    Episode 3: Breaking Down Barriers: The Use of Self: A Journey from the Barrio to Social Work
    May 31 2024

    Welcome to the Dr. Homeboy podcast, hosted by Marco Antonio Romero. In this engaging episode, Dr. Homeboy delves into the concept of "The Use of Self" in social work. With a combination of academic insights and personal anecdotes, Marco provides an in-depth understanding of how self-awareness and personal history can be powerful tools in social work interventions.

    Marco shares his own compelling life story, from growing up in a gang-infested barrio to serving in the United States Army and finally to his journey into social work. His positionality statement offers a transparent look at the intersecting identities that shape his perspective and mission.

    This episode serves as an educational resource aimed at helping male Mexican American teenagers disengage from gang activity and reintegrate into society. It also offers valuable insights for educators, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders.

    Tune in to explore the profound impact of personal experience in social work and discover the resources available to support at-risk youth. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring content!

    Annotated Outline

    Episode Introduction

    1. The episode begins with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and set the ambiance for the podcast.
    2. Greet and introduce the podcast's title and host's name.
    3. Provide disclosure.
    4. Call to action: Audience engagement.

    Talking Point 1

    1. Introduce the title of the episode and what will be covered.
    2. Define the “Use of Self.”
    3. Provide the author’s positionality statement.
    4. Provide the author’s story (life story).

    Talking Point 2

    1. Introduce and provide an article on the use of self.
    2. Provide the author’s positionality statement.
    3. Provide the author’s story (life story).

    Marco Antonio begins by introducing the episode’s title, “The Use of Self: A Journey from the Barrio to Social Work.” It is centered on the use of self (Kaushik, 2017), which is the first and main component of the title. Additionally, Marco Antonio Romero incorporates his life story, which is pertinent to the teenage Mexican American male population, as he was once a teenage Mexican American male who experienced educational disparities and found himself in gang involvement. As such, the episode discusses the use of self (Kaushik, 2017), Marco Antonio Romero’s positionality statement, as it influences the researcher and shapes the research outcomes Curran & Randal, 2020; Holmes, 2020) and his life story that ties into the importance of addressing educational disparities amongst teenage Mexican American males and gang involvement.

    Talking Point 3

    1. Recap of the episode and key takeaways.
    2. Call to action.
    3. Final words.
    4. Exit the episode with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and exit the podcast, leaving them wanting to tune back in next time.

    References

    Curran, M. and Randall, A. K. (2020). Positionality statements. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/assets/14756811/Positionality-Statements-16213545 17813.pdf

    Holmes, A. G. D. (2020). Researcher Positionality: A consideration of its influence and place in qualitative research: A new research guide. International Journal of Education, 8(4), p1-10. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1268044.pdf

    Kaushik, A. (2017). Use of Self in Social Work: Rhetoric or Reality. International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 14(1), 21–29. https://www.jswve.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/10-014-106-JSWVE-2017.pdf

    Romero, M.A. (2024). Capstone Proposal [Unpublished manuscript]. Simmons University.

    Romero, M.A. (2024). Comprehensive Exam [Unpublished manuscript]. Simmons University.

    Romero, M.A. (2024). Positionality Statement [Unpublished manuscript]. Simmons University.
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    47 mins
  • Episode 2: Breaking Down Barriers: The History and Education of Gang Involvement and Educational Disparities

    Episode 2: Breaking Down Barriers: The History and Education of Gang Involvement and Educational Disparities
    May 31 2024
    Welcome to the Dr. Homeboy Podcast, hosted by Marco Antonio Romero, also known as Dr. Homeboy. In this episode, we delve into the history and education surrounding gang involvement, with a focus on low-income Mexican American communities. This episode, titled "History and Education" or "Clecha," provides educational and historical content to offer hope and alternative paths for the youth. Dr. Homeboy discusses the systemic educational disparities that contribute to gang involvement, tracing back to the inception of the United States. The episode covers the historical background of these disparities, the impact of gangs on communities, and the theories that inform Dr. Homeboy's work. These theories, including humanistic theory, critical race theory, and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, have practical implications that can be applied to real-life situations. Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of educational inequalities, the formation and influence of gangs, and the importance of addressing these issues holistically. Tune in to learn more about the power of education, the systemic challenges marginalized communities face, and how we can work towards a brighter future. Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to the Dr. Homeboy Podcast for more educational content and to share your thoughts and stories. Your active participation is encouraged and valued. Join us for the next episode as Dr. Homeboy shares his personal journey and positionality statement. Annotated Outline Episode Introduction The episode begins with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and set the ambiance for the podcast.Greet and introduce the podcast's title and host's name.Provide disclosure.Call to action: Audience engagement.Talking Point 1 Introduce the title of the episode and what will be covered.The issue at hand is gang involvement, which will be explored in more depth.The historical background of educational disparities.The history of gangs and their impact on our youth and our communities.The detailed description of theories previously described in episode one is the humanistic theory, critical race theory (CRT), and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML). Marco Antonio Romero begins by introducing the episode’s title, “The History and Education of Gang Involvement and Educational Disparities.” He then discusses the issue at hand, gang involvement (Lochner & Moretti, 2004). He then delves into the topic in more depth, as these go hand in hand and a sequential and detrimental effect with the issues that affect the teenage Mexican American male population that leads them to gang involvement (Lochner & Moretti, 2004). Additionally, he discusses other components of the episode that will be covered. He will provide a historical background of educational disparities and gangs and their impact on our youth and our communities. Lastly, he will provide a detailed description of the theories previously introduced in episode one: humanistic theory, critical race theory (CRT), and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML). Talking Point 2 Provide a history of educational disparities.Provide the history of gangs and their impact on this population, their community, our country, and the world.Define, describe, and cover the history of the theories that this podcast is grounded on.Humanistic theory.Critical race theory (CRT).The cognitive theory of multimedia learning. Marco Antonio Romero provides a history of educational disparities, such as the 14th Amendment, which was signed into law in 1868 (Consitution Annotated, n.d.). Additionally, Plessy v. Ferguson was signed into law in 1896(National Archives, 2022). Lastly, Brown versus the Board of Education, which was signed into law in 1954 (National Archives, 2021). Additionally, Marco Antonio Romero provides a history of gangs and their impact on teenage Mexican American males, our communities as a whole, and throughout the world (Maguire, 1999; Sullivan & Logan, 2010; Weide, 2020). He does so by providing the beginning of gangs in the United States, which can be traced back to 1783 (Flores, 2016). Furthermore, the formation of gangs in California for protection dates back to the 1940s (Flores, 2016). Lastly, when gangs in California began to spread (Flores, 2016). Moreover, Marco Antonio Romero provides a detailed description of the theories that were previously introduced in episode one: humanistic theory, critical race theory (CRT), and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML). He chose humanistic theory because of it being holistic and how it addresses all the needs of an individual (Winston, 2016); as such, he delves into the theory. Additionally, he chose to utilize critical race theory (CRT) because it is a starting point for addressing specificity; it paved the way for intersectionality and created umbrellas ...
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    43 mins
  • Episode 1: Breaking Down Barriers: An Introduction to the Dr. Homeboy Podcast: The Why

    Episode 1: Breaking Down Barriers: An Introduction to the Dr. Homeboy Podcast: The Why
    May 31 2024
    Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Dr. Homeboy Podcast, hosted by Marco Antonio Romero, a doctoral candidate at Simmons University. This episode introduces the podcast and outlines its purpose and intended audience. Marco, affectionately known as Dr. Homeboy, addresses teenage male Mexican-Americans involved in gang activities. He explains the challenges they face, such as substance abuse, violence, and juvenile delinquency, and the difficulties in disengaging from such lifestyles. This podcast's mission is to provide valuable resources, personal stories, and educational content to help these young individuals reintegrate into society confidently and without retribution. Marco shares his journey and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing these issues. Through this podcast, you will gain insights into the historical context of the impact of educational disparities and, most importantly, the power of community support systems. We believe in the strength of involvement and the importance of your role in our community unity. Join us to explore how the Dr. Homeboy Podcast is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young Mexican Americans. We offer not just hope but practical solutions for a brighter future, inspiring you to believe in a life beyond gang activities. Annotated Outline Episode Introduction The episode begins with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and set the ambiance for the podcast.Greet and introduce the podcast's title and host's name.Call to action: Audience engagement.Provide disclosure.Talking Point 1 Introduce the title of the episode and what will be covered.Introduce and discuss the target audience for this podcast.Define gang involvement.A brief explanation of why this population was chosen.Provide the author’s mission statement.Provide the author’s vision statement.Reason for the title of the podcast.History and definition of the origins of the term homeboy. Marco Antonio Romero introduces the episode’s title, “An Introduction to the Dr. Homeboy Podcast: The Why.” This episode’s introduction includes the host’s name and the title of the podcast, and it is an introduction to the beginning of the first series of the podcast (The Doctor Homeboy Podcast). He addresses a critical topic (issue) and specific population, which is “Educational Disparities Amongst Low-income Teenage Mexican American males and gang involvement.” Furthermore, he fills in the gaps (gap analysis) found in the literature on which he conducted his research. This introductory episode is structured to be the guide of the podcast. Marco Antonio Romero introduces and discusses the target audience of this podcast, which is teenage Mexican American males from low-income communities seeking to disengage (Tonks & Stephenson, 2018) from gang involvement. He defines gang involvement (Lochner & Moretti, 2004). He then briefly explains why this population was chosen (Kim & White, 2010; Martinez et al., 2020; Romero, 2024, p. 64). Additionally, Marco Antonio Romero discusses his mission statement, vision statement, and the reason for choosing the title of his podcast (Garcia, 2022). The issue this podcast is addressing will be introduced. To further understand and support the issue and population at hand, Marco Antonio Romero provides the research, literature, and theoretical frameworks that support and guide his podcast, which will also be introduced. Lastly, Marco Antonio Romero introduces and discusses why his podcast is novel and how it will be done. Talking Point 2 Introduce the issue that the podcast is addressing.Introduce the theories on which the podcast is grounded.Humanistic theory.Critical race theory (CRT).The cognitive theory of multimedia learning.How this podcast is novel and how it will be done.Introduce the “use of self.”Define harnessing technology to decrease gang involvement.Define prisoner reintegration. Marco Antonio Romero introduces and discusses the issue this podcast is addressing: “Educational Disparities Amongst Teenage Mexican American Males in Low-income Communities and Gang Involvement.” He provides an introduction to how these issues are interconnected (Lochner & Moretti, 2004; Carson & Vecchio, 2015; California Department of Education, 2022; Peterson Foundation, 2022). He then provides an introduction to each component and how one leads to the other (Lochner & Moretti, 2004; Carson & Vecchio, 2015; California Department of Education, 2022; Peterson Foundation, 2022), as these are discussed and covered more in-depth in episode four. Marco Antonio Romero introduces the theories that helped shape his podcast. The three theories that guided, shaped, and formed this podcast (in order) are the humanistic theory (Winston, 2016), critical race theory (Delgado et al., 2023), and the cognitive ...
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    42 mins
  • Intro: Breaking Down Barriers: Uniting Individuals and Communities through History, Facts, Personal Stories, and Resources

    Intro: Breaking Down Barriers: Uniting Individuals and Communities through History, Facts, Personal Stories, and Resources
    May 15 2024

    Welcome everyone to the introduction episode of Dr. Homeboy Podcast. In this episode, the host and creator, Marco Antonio Romero, a doctoral candidate for the Doctor of Social Work at Simmons University, introduces himself to the audience. Marco shares his heart for thriving individuals and communities and reveals the mission behind this podcast.

    Through the Dr. Homeboy Podcast, Marco Antonio Romero intends to provide history, perspective, personal stories, and resources to those in need. By leveraging the podcast platform, he can deliver these resources in a confidential, accessible manner, ensuring that no one has to fear retribution and that everyone can use the resources when and as they need them.

    As we dive into this journey with Marco Antonio Romero, expect to gain insights, knowledge, and resources that will inspire and equip you to contribute to a thriving society. Thank you for tuning into the Dr. Homeboy Podcast.
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    1 min