Coconut Justice

Carlos Gomez (Coconut Justice)
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Arts

What happens when a filmmaker decides to explore the world through conversation? Hosted by filmmaker, Army veteran, and award-winning screenwriter Carlos R. Gomez, this podcast goes beyond headlines and talking points to uncover the stories, experiences, and ideas shaping our communities. Through candid, long-form conversations with politicians, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, veterans, and everyday people, Carlos asks the questions others overlook. From public policy and current events to filmmaking, culture, history, and personal journeys, each episode is an opportunity to learn, challenge assumptions, and discover new perspectives. Whether you’re interested in civic engagement, storytelling, creativity, or simply understanding the world a little better, you’ll find thoughtful conversations that inform, inspire, and occasionally surprise. New episodes released regularly. Filmmaker. Veteran. Storyteller. Exploring the world one conversation at a time.

  1. 1d ago

    CJP :#99: Mark Pain

    The conversation explores Mark Pain's journey from the Bronx to Las Vegas, touching on his experiences with hip hop culture, community support, and the influence of his upbringing in the Virgin Islands. It highlights the importance of community in nurturing talent and the challenges faced in tough environments. The conversation explores the journey of Mark Pain in music production, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and the struggles faced by artists in the industry. It highlights the need for artists to stay true to themselves and not be swayed by external opinions or commercial pressures. The conversation explores themes of identity, cultural perception, and personal experiences shaped by upbringing and societal expectations. Mark Pain shares insights on how his background and struggles have influenced his music and creativity, while Carlos Gomez emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-discovery in pursuing one's passion. The conversation explores the dynamics of celebrity culture, grassroots movements, and the political landscape, emphasizing the need for independent voices and the potential for societal change. The speakers discuss the challenges of engaging with mainstream figures versus grassroots artists and the implications of current political actions on the future of society. The conversation explores the challenges and experiences of navigating the music industry, highlighting personal anecdotes and lessons learned about trust, manipulation, and the importance of self-advocacy. Mark Payne shares insights on dealing with industry figures and the necessity of understanding business aspects to avoid being taken advantage of. Takeaways Community nurtures talentCultural roots shape identity Mentorship shapes artistic growthAuthenticity over commercial success Identity shapes perceptionPerseverance leads to success Celebrity culture is relatableGrassroots movements can empower change Navigating the music industryImportance of self-advocacy Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Las Vegas Vibes02:59 Hip Hop Origins in the Bronx05:58 Community Support and Protection09:00 Life in the Virgin Islands11:59 Musical Beginnings and Cultural Influence15:01 The Journey into Music17:55 Family Dynamics and Upbringing20:59 Reflections on Identity and Community25:36 The Role of Mentorship in Music27:45 Finding Authenticity in Art29:46 The Illusion of Control in Music30:40 Embracing Individuality in Creativity32:14 The Business of Music and Ownership35:51 Navigating the Music Industry Landscape37:55 Community and Leadership in Art39:21 Survival and Resilience in Adversity41:17 Cultural Reflections on Complaining44:38 Hip-Hop as a Movement of Resilience46:06 The Origins of Hip-Hop and Community Expression49:32 The Impact of Segregation on Identity53:33 Navigating Identity and Perception56:52 The Drive for Excellence in Music01:00:00 The Role of Upbringing in Skill Development01:04:30 Creativity Born from Pain01:10:00 Cultural Differences in Life Experiences01:16:55 Connecting Through Shared Experiences01:17:44 The Relatability of Celebrities01:19:10 Empowering Grassroots Movements01:20:06 Building Our Own Industry01:21:14 Global Movements and Societal Change01:22:01 Critique of Political Systems01:23:28 Escape Plans and Power Dynamics01:25:03 The Role of Powerful Figures01:26:11 Awakening to Systemic Issues01:27:13 The Influence of Wealth and Power01:29:06 Personal Reflections on Trump01:31:13 The Dark Side of Power01:33:03 The Hidden World of Exploitation01:36:08 The Mask of Normalcy in Society01:39:12 Political Parallels and Cluelessness01:41:08 Egotism and Manipulation in the Industry01:42:47 Personal Anecdotes of Deception01:46:03 Learning the Hard Way01:47:58 Working with Industry Icons01:50:19 Standing Up for Yourself01:55:47 The Starstruck Mentality02:02:32 Understanding Industry Dynamics02:04:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

  2. 5d ago

    CJP #98: Benjamin Cerbai

    The conversation revolves around Benjamin Serbe's journey in animation, the development of the 2D animation software Calapeg, and the impact of AI on the creative process. They discuss the importance of traditional artistry, the integration of technology in animation, and the challenges faced by artists in the modern landscape. The conversation explores the journey of artists Benjamin and Carlos, discussing their early inspirations, the support from their families, and the challenges they face in the animation industry. They delve into the cultural and financial aspects of filmmaking in France, the impact of politics on the arts, and the importance of community support for artists. The conversation explores the dynamics of political trust, societal protests, and the creative storytelling process, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping narratives. It highlights the role of collaboration in storytelling and the challenges faced by creators in bringing their ideas to fruition. The conversation explores the features and advancements of the animation app Calapeg, highlighting its integration with Blender and the upcoming vector layer functionality. Benjamin discusses the app's accessibility, ease of use, and the importance of community feedback in its development. Takeaways AI's role in animationImportance of traditional artistry Artistic journeys shaped by chanceSupportive families foster creativity Political trust is decliningStorytelling reflects personal experiences Calapeg enhances 2D animationCommunity feedback drives development Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Calapeg04:15 AI in Animation Development06:07 The Role of Traditional Artistry12:12 Navigating the AI Landscape18:30 Creative Processes and Technology27:16 Benjamin's Animation Journey27:57 Inspiration and Early Beginnings31:48 The Role of Family Support34:13 Navigating the Art Industry40:41 The State of Animation in France48:34 Political Climate and Its Impact on Art50:21 Dystopian Reflections in Art54:49 Political Trust and Global Perspectives57:04 Protests and Societal Movements01:00:28 The Art of Storytelling01:04:45 Creative Processes and Collaboration01:25:27 Writing as a Form of Expression01:27:22 Innovations in Animation Tools01:30:35 The Future of Calapeg01:34:52 Community Engagement and Feedback01:40:49 Accessibility and Learning Animation01:46:56 The Evolution of Animation Software01:52:55 Connecting with the Animation Community

  3. Oct 26

    CJP #97: Rodgon the Artist and Youpie Toons

    Takeaways AI is reshaping artArtistic journey requires dedication Continuous learning is essentialAuthenticity drives artistic expression Self-worth in creative workImportance of collaboration and networking Value your worthBalance creativity with social life Knowledge sharing has evolvedPursue passion despite challenges Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Artistic Connections03:06 The Impact of AI on Traditional Art05:55 Generational Shifts in Animation Techniques10:00 The Evolution of Animation and Technology13:04 The Role of Social Media in Art17:03 The Importance of Artistic Fundamentals20:51 The Journey of an Artist24:59 Finding Joy in the Artistic Process29:55 The Journey of Artistic Growth32:01 Inspiration and the Role of Mentorship34:41 Navigating the Digital Art Landscape36:50 The Importance of Authenticity in Art39:37 Teaching as a Reflection of Self42:17 Learning Through Practice and Experimentation46:05 The Future of Art in an AI World51:15 The Complexity of Artistic Skills57:48 The Hidden Work Behind the Art59:00 The Blessing of Hard Work01:00:50 Navigating the Creative Industry01:03:00 The Value of Collaboration01:05:00 Building Your Own Path01:07:00 Marketing and Monetizing Creativity01:26:14 Navigating the Spotlight01:29:46 Creating Content and Overcoming Fear01:35:30 Balancing Art and Social Life01:41:15 The Struggles of Creative Pursuits01:48:25 Reevaluating Career Aspirations01:49:21 The Evolution of Knowledge Sharing01:50:02 Connecting with Industry Veterans01:51:35 Passion and Recognition in Art01:52:48 The Balance of Inspiration and Aspiration01:53:56 Navigating the Animation Industry01:54:53 The Importance of Personal Projects01:56:02 Redefining the Artist's Value01:58:45 Pursuing Passion Against Odds02:00:03 The Delusion of Pursuing Dreams02:02:07 The Journey of Continuous Improvement02:04:23 Building Connections in the Creative Community02:08:41 Support and Growth in the Industry

  4. Oct 19

    CJP #96: Nicole Locklin (FL-26)

    The conversation features Nicole Locklin, a candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida's 26th district, discussing her campaign, the political landscape in South Florida, and the challenges faced by the Cuban-American community. Key themes include the impact of wealth disparity on politics, the historical context of Cuban-American voting patterns, and the need for grassroots political engagement. The conversation delves into the disparities in healthcare and education funding between the U.S. and countries like Israel and Cuba, highlighting the impact of political decisions on American citizens. It also explores the influence of corporate interests in politics, the challenges of the tech industry, and personal anecdotes that illustrate the need for systemic change. The conversation delves into the implications of corporate greed, the need for regulation in AI, and the socio-economic challenges faced by communities, particularly in South Florida. It highlights the disparity in wealth distribution, the impact of corporate practices on small businesses, and the necessity for systemic change to address these issues. The conversation between Carlos Gomez and Nicole Locklin delves into political accountability, the need for systemic change, and the importance of grassroots movements in the face of corruption and misinformation. They discuss various issues including gun safety, healthcare, and the impact of wealth disparity on society. Takeaways Wealth disparity drives political issuesCuban-American voting patterns are complex Healthcare funding disparitiesCorporate influence in politics Corporate greed impacts economyNeed for AI regulation Political accountability is crucialGrassroots movements can drive change Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicole Locklin01:57 Understanding the Political Landscape04:40 Wealth Disparity and Its Impact06:46 Cuban-American Voting Dynamics11:31 Gerrymandering and Political Corruption15:34 Grassroots Campaigning and Corporate Influence20:39 Reflections on Political Accountability24:08 The Role of Wealth in Politics29:43 The Future of Political Engagement31:10 Healthcare and Education Funding Disparities32:56 Political Influence and Corporate Interests39:22 The Role of Political Representatives46:00 Corruption in Florida Politics52:24 Personal Stories and Motivations for Change58:14 The Tech Industry's Challenges and Responsibilities59:00 Corporate Greed and Economic Impact01:00:57 AI Regulation and Ethical Concerns01:03:04 Military and Political Accountability01:05:57 Socio-Economic Disparities in South Florida01:09:04 Education and Workforce Challenges01:11:54 Corporate Influence on Small Businesses01:14:57 Homelessness and Legal Issues01:18:00 Racism and Systemic Inequality01:21:03 Political Accountability and Activism01:28:29 Corruption and Accountability in Politics01:29:45 Reassessing Historical Events01:31:04 Gun Safety and Political Responsibility01:33:05 The Importance of Political Engagement01:34:22 Gerrymandering and Electoral Integrity01:35:11 The Consequences of Political Inaction01:36:52 Infrastructure and Public Services01:39:03 Violence and Political Discourse01:41:12 The Hypocrisy of Political Figures01:43:09 Vision for a Better Future01:46:42 Investing in Community and Infrastructure01:49:35 The American Dream and Economic Disparity01:52:23 The Role of Government in Public Welfare01:55:49 Grassroots Campaigning and Voter Engagement

  5. Oct 15

    CJP #95: Sherman Wellons

    Takeaways Representation matters in creativityCreative passion vs. corporate demands Fair exchange is essentialPlanning is crucial for success Collaboration enhances design qualityCultural awareness improves project outcomes Cognitive dissonance affects political viewsAI is reshaping the creative industry AI is a tool, not a replacementUnderstanding design fundamentals is crucial AI enhances creativityMastery in design is essential Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:02 Navigating the Creative Industry06:02 Experiences in Corporate Environments12:00 Challenges Faced by Creatives of Color18:02 The Impact of Project Management on Creativity23:58 The Essence of Art and Capitalism24:57 The Value of Fair Exchange25:56 Transitioning from Employee to Vendor27:09 Entrepreneurship and Respect in Work28:49 Challenges for New Designers30:24 The Reality of Job Expectations32:34 The Misconceptions of AI in Creative Work34:47 Understanding the Creative Process36:44 The Importance of Planning in Projects39:44 Navigating Client Expectations42:33 The Disconnect Between Money and Intelligence45:54 The Shift from Employee to Consultant49:45 Bridging the Gap Between Design and Development51:12 The Intersection of Design and Programming52:12 The Importance of Organization in Design53:38 Collaboration Between Designers and Developers55:29 The Value of Time in Design Work56:59 The Challenges of Project Management58:03 The Shift from Employee to Consultant01:01:03 The Impact of Outsourcing on Quality01:03:57 Cultural Differences in Project Execution01:05:59 The Need for Effective Communication01:10:28 Navigating the Creative Industry as a Person of Color01:15:56 The Importance of Community and Networking01:20:27 The Working Class Perspective01:20:36 The Cultural Divide in American Politics01:22:04 Cognitive Dissonance in Politics01:24:40 Cultural Shifts and Alliances01:26:58 The Importance of Diversity in Design01:29:33 Rebranding and Messaging in Politics01:32:57 The Value of Design and Marketing01:36:08 AI's Impact on the Creative Industry01:41:18 The Future of Work in Design01:45:52 The Propaganda of AI and Design01:51:17 The Importance of Design Fundamentals01:54:10 The Role of Design in Society02:00:18 AI as a Tool for Efficiency02:06:14 Redefining Value in the Design Industry02:12:48 The Art of Visual Effects and AI02:14:05 The Cost of Creativity02:14:53 The Value of Design in Marketing02:18:01 AI as a Tool for Brainstorming02:20:58 Mastering the Craft of Design02:24:05 The Importance of Continuous Learning02:27:02 Understanding the Business of Design02:30:06 The Role of Messaging in Marketing02:33:56 Cultural Awareness and Design

  6. Oct 12

    CJP #94: Danny Valdes

    The conversation between Carlos Gomez and Danny Valdes delves into the complexities of Cuban-American relations, the historical context of Cuba's political landscape, and the impact of U.S. policies on Cuba's economy and sovereignty. Valdes shares his personal experiences and insights on the misconceptions surrounding Cuba, the embargo, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the Cuban narrative. The conversation delves into the complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations, highlighting the historical context, the impact of sanctions, and the role of the Cuban American community in shaping perceptions and policies. It emphasizes the need for engagement and understanding rather than isolation and hostility, advocating for a more nuanced approach to Cuba's political and economic challenges. The conversation delves into the complexities of democracy, the historical context of U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba, and the personal experiences of Cuban Americans reconnecting with their roots. It highlights the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuba and the importance of understanding the realities of life on the island. The conversation explores the complex relationship between the United States and Cuba, focusing on the impact of U.S. policies on Cuba's political and economic landscape. It highlights the need for a shift in U.S. policy to foster a more prosperous and democratic Cuba, while addressing the historical context of Cuban-American relations. Takeaways Cuban narrative often misunderstoodU.S. policies heavily impact Cuba Engagement over isolationHistorical context matters Democracy's complexities in contextImpact of U.S. sanctions on Cuba U.S. policy limits Cuba's potentialCuban Americans seek normalized relations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cuban Perspectives01:00 The Formation of Cuban Americans for Cuba03:59 Understanding the U.S. Embargo07:56 The Economic Impact of Sanctions12:07 Historical Context of Cuba's Revolution16:02 Cuba's National Sovereignty and U.S. Relations19:53 The Role of Cuban Exiles24:12 The Current Political Climate in Cuba27:59 The Future of Cuban-American Relations32:56 Cuban American Voices Against Genocide35:58 The U.S. and Cuba: A Double Standard39:35 Sanctions and Their Impact on Cubans43:51 Cuban Americans for Cuba: A New Movement48:19 The Complexity of Cuban Identity54:52 Historical Context: The Bay of Pigs and Beyond01:00:09 Cuban Adjustment Act: Privilege and Politics01:03:09 The Sociopolitical Landscape of Latin America01:05:12 Rethinking Democracy and Infrastructure01:06:36 The Cost of American Comforts01:07:34 Cuba's Struggles and U.S. Policy01:08:43 Personal Connections to Cuba01:20:02 Reconnecting with Roots01:22:28 Cuban Identity and Family Ties01:23:54 The Role of U.S. Policy in Cuban Lives01:25:46 Cuba's Healthcare and Social Contributions01:30:00 Cuba's Global Role and Social Good01:37:54 The Stated Goals of U.S. Policy01:38:20 Historical Parallels: Cuba and the U.S.01:40:11 Defining Freedom: Cuba vs. U.S.01:41:36 The Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba01:44:10 Hope and Change: The Obama Era01:46:36 The Role of U.S. Policy in Cuban Politics01:48:54 Humanitarian Consequences of Sanctions01:50:40 Political Hypocrisy: Terrorism Lists01:53:30 Cuban Identity and Political Representation01:54:14 A Vision for Cuba's Future01:57:50 Cuba's Innovations and Potential02:00:14 The Moral Imperative for Change02:02:48 Engagement vs. Isolation: A New Approach02:07:50 Building a Supportive Community for Cuba

  7. Oct 5

    CJP #93: King Yohannes

    Takeaways Collaboration in hip hopRevival of classic music styles Racism and ignorance persistImportance of teaching self-defense Transitioning to PC gamingEmotional journey in music production Creative process is personalImportance of real-life experiences Networking enhances artistic opportunitiesValue of professional relationships Creative collaboration is keyPersistence leads to success Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Collaboration02:00 The Impact of Big Daddy Kane's Challenge05:03 The Evolution of Music Production07:03 The State of Modern Music08:54 The Role of Artists in Music Messaging10:58 Personal Journeys in Music17:59 Cultural Influences and Identity24:01 Controversies in Hip Hop Culture27:04 Confronting Racism and Ignorance28:02 Navigating Cultural Identity29:10 Teaching Resilience to Children30:46 The Role of Martial Arts in Child Development40:01 The Evolution of Music and Its Impact42:44 The Future of Music Production51:05 The Shift to PC Gaming53:03 Concert Experiences and Connections54:44 The Impact of Music Production59:24 Navigating Success and Recognition01:15:56 Health and Well-being in Creativity01:19:06 Creative Process and Inspiration01:22:25 The Creative Process: Personal Insights01:23:40 Life Experiences as Inspiration01:24:36 Unplugging for Creativity01:25:59 Navigating the Music Industry01:28:30 Building Relationships in Music01:30:01 The Journey of a Music Producer01:31:11 Sync Opportunities and Music Placement01:32:40 Overcoming Challenges in Music Production01:42:54 The Importance of Rest and Balance01:49:39 Building a Supportive Team01:50:27 Building Connections in Music01:51:50 Navigating Business Relationships01:52:32 The Importance of Professionalism01:53:01 Learning from Past Experiences01:54:12 Establishing Worth and Value01:55:57 Creating a Structured Workflow02:01:11 The Role of Teamwork in Success02:07:36 Future Aspirations and Projects02:10:46 Merchandising and Branding02:15:36 The Journey of a Music Producer02:18:43 Creating Unique Sounds and Genres02:21:50 Dream Collaborations and Inspirations02:27:30 The Evolution of Music and Artists02:37:25 Manifesting Success and Future Goals

  8. Oct 1

    CJP #92: Deborah Anderson

    Takeaways Language shapes cultural identitySocial media influences cultural perceptions Unique journey in animationCultural experiences in South Korea Cultural adaptation in workChallenges of being a foreigner Importance of clean modelingAI's evolving role in animation Startup culture's hidden costsRacial disparities in opportunities Representation matters in animationNetworking is crucial for success Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Language and Identity03:00 Cultural Heritage and Historical Context05:58 Innovation and Creativity in Adversity08:55 Fashion, Function, and Cultural Expression12:04 Personal Narratives and Upbringing15:00 Food, Culture, and Nostalgia23:39 Discovering the Passion for Animation28:04 Navigating College and Career Choices33:12 The Impact of Economic Challenges37:57 Teaching English Abroad41:51 Transitioning to the Animation Industry45:59 Cultural Insights and Experiences in Korea53:43 Cultural Differences in Food and Work56:53 Work Environment and Cultural Norms01:00:41 The Impact of Work Hours on Life01:01:57 Personal Challenges and Emotional Struggles01:05:44 Navigating Cultural Expectations01:10:10 Food Preferences and Cultural Adaptation01:16:40 Career Transition and New Opportunities01:21:04 The Art of Clean Modeling01:24:38 Navigating AI in Animation01:26:34 Personal Journeys in Animation01:36:27 Experiences in the Industry01:39:20 The Future of 2D Animation01:42:32 The Reality of Animation Work01:50:39 The Illusion of Perks in Startup Culture01:54:55 Racial Disparities in the Tech Industry02:06:21 Future Aspirations and Indie Content Creation02:20:45 Returning to Artistic Roots and Methodologies02:21:28 Navigating Education and Early Experiences02:24:38 The Role of Technology in Animation02:28:48 The Importance of Storytelling and Representation02:32:57 Networking and Building Community02:36:28 Reflections on Race and Culture in Animation

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About

What happens when a filmmaker decides to explore the world through conversation? Hosted by filmmaker, Army veteran, and award-winning screenwriter Carlos R. Gomez, this podcast goes beyond headlines and talking points to uncover the stories, experiences, and ideas shaping our communities. Through candid, long-form conversations with politicians, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, veterans, and everyday people, Carlos asks the questions others overlook. From public policy and current events to filmmaking, culture, history, and personal journeys, each episode is an opportunity to learn, challenge assumptions, and discover new perspectives. Whether you’re interested in civic engagement, storytelling, creativity, or simply understanding the world a little better, you’ll find thoughtful conversations that inform, inspire, and occasionally surprise. New episodes released regularly. Filmmaker. Veteran. Storyteller. Exploring the world one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Carlos Gomez (Coconut Justice)
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Carlos Gomez (Coconut Justice)
  • Show Website
    Coconut Justice