Empowerment Series: From Kindness to Connection – Director Tracie Laymon on the Heart Behind Bob Treviño Likes It
In a time where loneliness is louder than ever and kindness feels like a radical act, filmmaker Tracie Laymon dares to remind us of the healing power of human connection.
In our recent conversation, Tracie opened up about the emotional journey behind her deeply moving film, Bob Treviño Likes It — a story inspired by a real moment of unexpected kindness from a stranger online. That single act became a ripple, awakening something inside her she couldn’t ignore. “I didn’t know what to do with that gratitude,” she shared. “So I made the movie.”
What unfolds onscreen is a portrait of loneliness and hope that feels achingly personal. Tracie credits that truth to her refusal to judge the characters she creates. “I try to see their hearts, inner children,” she says. But telling the truth came at a cost, especially in scenes that echoed her relationship with her father. “Directing those moments felt like a weight being lifted. It was cathartic. After we got it right, I slept for 14 hours. I’ve been lighter ever since.”
Making the film was a leap of faith. Tracie walked away from industry shortcuts and started her own company to protect the vision. She interviewed 34 producers before assembling the right team and leaned into support from stars John Leguizamo and Barbie Ferreira, who also served as executive producers. “It took a village,” she said, “but it had to be this village.”
When asked what she hopes viewers walk away with, she offered this:
“If someone isn’t seeing you, spend less time with them. Find the people who do. They may not look how you expected — but those are your people.”
Bob Treviño Likes It isn’t just a film. It’s a reminder that we are never as alone as we think. All it takes is one act of kindness, one leap of faith, one moment of truth — to find your people and come home to yourself.
Stream Tracie’s interview on the AW Confidential Podcast to watch this powerful and timely conversation.
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