When You Realize Your Homeboy Was Never Your Homeboy

Season 9, Episode 13 of PSA: The Mental Health Podcast marks Izzy Baker’s return to the mic solo for the first time since the premiere, diving headfirst into a conversation most people are too afraid to have: what happens when you realize your homeboy ain’t your homeboy? Blending personal reflection, social media trends, and biblical truth, Izzy explores the emotional and spiritual toll of betrayal between friends, especially among men. 

Using the story of Jonathan and David from 1 Samuel 19–20, he breaks down what true loyalty looks like and how covenant friendship can’t be confused with trauma bonding. Drawing on insights from resources like Psychology Today, Mental Health America, Calm, and Headway, the episode outlines clear signs of toxic friendships: emotional exhaustion, manipulation, subtle competition, and spiritual misalignment. Izzy makes it clear—just because you’ve known someone for years doesn’t mean they’re assigned to your future. He challenges listeners to stop calling jealousy loyalty and to stop mistaking gossip for concern. Throughout the episode, he reflects on times when he ignored the signs, offers perspective on taking accountability, and provides a blueprint for knowing when to make amends—and when to walk away.

Whether you’ve outgrown someone, been disrespected too many times, or are struggling to hear God through the noise of familiar voices, this episode is for you. You weren’t built to maintain friendships that drain you. You were built to discern, to grow, and to protect your peace. Izzy invites listeners to be honest with themselves and ask: is this really my homeboy—or just someone who’s comfortable with my dysfunction?

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