Coconut Justice

Carlos Gomez (Coconut Justice)

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. 3d ago

    CJP #82: Vice

    The conversation delves into the power of music, its influence on society, the responsibility of artists, the evolution of hip hop, and the diverse musical influences that shape the art form. The conversation delves into Vice's early musical influences, his discovery of hip-hop, and his high school and college years. It then explores his serious pursuit of music, learning to be an MC, and the impact of open mic culture on the hip-hop community and gang violence. The discussion highlights the significance of open mics in fostering a positive outlet for artists and the impact of hip-hop in bringing together diverse communities. The conversation covers Vice's journey in the Chicago rap scene, from finding opportunities to freestyle on the air to creating a controversial list of influential artists. It also delves into the concept of manifesting success and the importance of surrounding oneself with honest feedback and helping up-and-coming artists. The conversation delves into the rich history and influence of the Chicago hip-hop scene, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of local artists. It also explores the impact of Chicago radio and the city's role as a trendsetter in the music industry. Additionally, it discusses the significance of the Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Museum and the seasoned talent that characterizes the city's music culture. The conversation delves into the essence of Chicago, the impact of the hip hop museum, the influence of AI in music, the challenges of streaming and contracts, the art of songwriting and breath control, and the importance of staying true to one's artistry. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Music03:11 Influence of Music on Society07:00 Responsibility of Artists09:00 Evolution of Hip Hop19:01 Diverse Musical Influences20:32 Early Musical Influences21:05 Discovering Hip-Hop21:33 High School Beginnings22:01 College Years and Pursuing Music23:31 Serious Pursuit of Music24:00 Learning to Be an MC25:28 Open Mic Culture and Hip-Hop Community39:39 Impact of Open Mics on Gang Violence43:53 The Open Door44:21 Freestyling on the Air45:04 The Chicago Rap Scene46:21 The Controversial List48:16 Manifesting Success52:33 Working with Slum Village01:00:04 Surrounding Oneself with Honest Feedback01:05:24 Helping Up-and-Coming Artists01:08:56 The Chicago Hip-Hop Scene01:09:36 The Influence of Chicago Artists01:15:21 The Impact of Chicago Radio01:19:46 Chicago as a Trendsetter01:24:09 The Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Museum01:27:53 Chicago's Seasoned Talent01:28:31 The Essence of Chicago01:29:30 The Impact of Hip Hop Museum01:32:24 The Influence of AI in Music01:35:08 The Challenges of Streaming and Contracts01:37:09 The Art of Songwriting and Breath Control01:45:31 Staying True to Your Artistry

  2. Jul 27

    CJP 81: Brit Robinson (FL-4)

    The conversation covers a range of topics, including military service, political candidates, corporate influence, social safety nets, and government surveillance. It delves into the experiences of military families, the impact of political decisions on the public, and the need for accountability within the Democratic Party. The discussion also addresses the role of social programs, the challenges faced by individuals without access to healthcare, and the use of predictive modeling for surveillance. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including healthcare, veterans' issues, government accountability, tech billionaires, and societal impact. It delves into the influence of tech oligarchs, the manipulation of social media, and the impact of COVID-19 on communities. The themes of disability, privilege, and the erosion of societal safety nets are also explored. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of fascism, the role of art education in understanding human behavior, the distinction between progressive and democratic socialist ideologies, the importance of public media, and the need for an educated electorate. The discussion also delves into the challenges of running for office, the impact of corporate interests on politics, and the importance of transparency in campaign funding. Takeaways Military families deserve more recognition and supportCorporate influence in politics needs to be addressedSocial safety nets are essential for providing stability and securityGovernment surveillance and predictive modeling raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties Healthcare disparitiesTech oligarchs and societal influence Rise of fascism and the need for people to stand up against itThe importance of an educated electorate and the impact of corporate interests on politics Chapters 00:00 Social Safety Nets and Government Surveillance40:40 Veterans' Healthcare and Dignity43:31 Impact of Military Service on Mental Health46:08 Influence of Tech Oligarchs on Government53:13 Social Media Manipulation and Disinformation01:00:30 Privilege, Disability, and Societal Impact01:14:09 Rise of Fascism and the Need for Resistance01:17:02 The Role of Art Education and Understanding Human Behavior01:22:35 Progressive vs. Democratic Socialist Ideologies01:31:33 Challenges of Running for Office and the Impact of Corporate Interests

  3. Jul 20 ·  Bonus

    CJP #80: Deadman Rashaun Podcast Part 3

    Deadman Rashaun is an artist and a writer.  He writes rap songs and audio books.  His music has gotten him nominated for so many Grammys that he is a voting member.   He’s the host of On My Block on FDN, the network he co-created that is on Roku. Recently he became the world record holder for longest Coconut Justice podcast episode coming in at a whopping 6 hours and 13 minutes. This is just the first we met.  Imagine when we start collaborating. You’re going to need a calendar to time our talks.  Takeaways Music ProductionAlbum Creation ValidationOpportunities Impact of music on cultureResponsibility of artists in shaping societal behavior Diverse musical influencesNavigating the music industryPersistence and resilience Music industry challengesAI and music creation Independent filmmakers and artists can benefit from FDN Network's revenue-sharing model.Deadman Rashaun emphasizes the importance of owning up to mistakes and taking responsibility.The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, and entertainment. Building a demand for the supplyThe impact of showing love and generosity Content CurationMonetization Strategies Engaging the audience with a compelling narrativeThe importance of engaging the audience through music and storytelling The importance of soul in musicThe evolution of the music industry and its impact on artists NASCAR is a diverse and inclusive communityThe history and impact of Granddaddy IU in the music industry Music industry dynamicsWest Coast music influence Diverse Conversational TopicsInsightful Perspectives Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Music Production01:42 Album Creation and Collaboration29:11 The Journey to Validation53:26 The Decision to Sign58:07 Influence of Music on Society01:26:02 Artistic Responsibility and Impact01:26:38 Navigating the Music Industry01:36:11 Diverse Musical Influences01:48:19 Persistence and Resilience01:55:29 Music Industry Challenges02:16:10 AI and Music Creation02:39:08 The FDN Network and Revenue-Sharing02:31:08 Owning Up to Mistakes and Taking Responsibility02:26:29 A Wide Range of Topics: Politics, Business, and Entertainment02:49:30 Expanding Content Distribution02:50:08 The Power of Generosity02:51:12 Real Life Conversations02:52:00 The Impact of Independent Filmmaking03:09:30 Addressing Homelessness and Social Issues03:14:41 Content Curation and Distribution03:19:07 Monetization Strategies03:36:37 Media Representation and Politics03:42:44 Engaging the Audience04:10:08 The Writing Process04:18:58 The Soul in Music04:31:17 The Evolution of the Music Industry00:06 NASCAR: A Community of Inclusivity04:49:55 The Influence of Granddaddy IU05:18:51 Music Industry Dynamics05:38:59 West Coast Music Influence05:46:00 Political Commentary and Social Issues05:52:56 Music Industry and Artistic Endeavors

  4. Jul 20 ·  Bonus

    CJP #80: Deadman Rashaun Podcast Part 2

    Deadman Rashaun is an artist and a writer.  He writes rap songs and audio books.  His music has gotten him nominated for so many Grammys that he is a voting member.   He’s the host of On My Block on FDN, the network he co-created that is on Roku. Recently he became the world record holder for longest Coconut Justice podcast episode coming in at a whopping 6 hours and 13 minutes. This is just the first we met.  Imagine when we start collaborating. You’re going to need a calendar to time our talks.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Music Production01:20 Album Creation and Collaborations02:12 The Nightlife Album and Collaborations08:37 The Malevolent Album and Audio Books17:57 Creating a Good Chorus for a Rap Song27:00 Predictive Platinum Project and Tupac Story29:11 The Journey to Validation32:04 The Decision and the Opportunity54:55 The Impact of Choices58:07 The Evolution of Music Distribution59:08 The Influence of Artists on Society01:05:12 The Impact of Content on Social Behavior01:23:49 The Role of Artists in Shaping Culture01:26:38 Navigating the Music Industry01:36:11 Diverse Musical Influences01:48:19 Persistence and Resilience01:55:29 Music Industry Challenges02:16:10 Impact of AI on Music Creation02:39:15 The FDN Network and Revenue-Sharing02:24:05 Owning Up and Taking Responsibility02:22:25 A Wide Range of Topics02:49:30 Entertainment and Technology02:50:08 Generosity and Trust02:51:12 Real-Life Conversations02:54:09 Life and Budgeting02:55:12 Real-Life Impact03:07:08 Religion and Politics03:09:30 Homelessness and Social Support03:12:59 Independent Filmmaking and Distribution03:14:41 Content Curation and Distribution03:15:22 Diversity in Media Representation03:42:44 Engaging the Audience04:10:08 The Writing Process04:18:58 The Soul in Music04:31:18 The Evolution of the Music Industry04:50:31 NASCAR: More Than a Race05:16:00 The Legacy of Granddaddy IU05:18:51 Music Industry Dynamics05:38:59 West Coast Music Influence05:46:00 Political Commentary and Social Issues05:52:56 Music Production and Industry Insights06:00:04 Personal Anecdotes and Life Experiences

  5. Jul 20

    CJP #80: Deadman Rashaun Podcast Part 1

    Deadman Rashaun is an artist and a writer.  He writes rap songs and audio books.  His music has gotten him nominated for so many Grammys that he is a voting member.   He’s the host of On My Block on FDN, the network he co-created that is on Roku. Recently he became the world record holder for longest Coconut Justice podcast episode coming in at a whopping 6 hours and 13 minutes. This is just the first we met.  Imagine when we start collaborating. You’re going to need a calendar to time our talks.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Music Production01:20 Album Creation and Collaborations02:12 The Nightlife Album and Interludes08:37 The Malevolent Album and Audio Books17:57 Building a Good Chorus for a Rap Song27:00 Predictive Platinum Project and Tupac Story29:11 The Journey to Validation53:26 The Decision to Sign58:07 Evolution of Music Distribution59:08 Impact of Content on Audience01:26:02 Responsibility of Artists01:26:38 Navigating the Music Industry01:36:11 Diverse Musical Influences01:50:21 Persistence and Resilience01:55:29 Music Industry Challenges02:16:10 AI and Music Creation02:39:15 The FDN Network: Empowering Artists and Filmmakers02:46:37 The Business Model of FDN Network02:49:30 Building a Demand for the Supply02:50:08 The Impact of Showing Love and Generosity03:14:41 Content Curation and Distribution03:36:37 Election Fraud and Political Commentary03:42:44 Engaging the Audience04:10:08 The Writing Process04:18:58 The Soul in Music04:31:17 The Evolution of the Music Industry04:50:31 NASCAR: More Than a Race04:54:29 The Culture of NASCAR05:16:00 Music Industry Insights05:18:51 Music Industry Dynamics05:38:59 West Coast Music Influence05:46:00 Political Attitudes05:47:03 MAGA Men and Political Engagement05:50:00 Music and Politics06:00:04 Life Struggles and Work Ethic

  6. Jul 16

    CJP #79: Karishma Manzur ( US Senate NH )

    The conversation with Karishma Manzur covers a range of topics, including the influence of billionaires in politics, the need for term limits, challenges faced by New Hampshire residents, the impact of establishment Democrats and Republicans, wealth transfer to the ultra-rich, livable wages, universal healthcare, the importance of travel and experience in politics, and the issue of career politicians and political dynasties. The conversation delves into the importance of compassion and care for others, the need for affordable housing and mental health support, investing in education and community support, addressing corruption and foreign policy, empowering grassroots movements and campaign support, and advocating for progressive change and grassroots support. The key takeaways emphasize the significance of compassion and care in addressing societal issues, as well as the critical need to invest in education, healthcare, and affordable housing for the well-being of the next generation. Takeaways Billionaire Influence in PoliticsNeed for Term Limits Compassion and care for others are essential in addressing societal issues.Investing in education, healthcare, and affordable housing is crucial for the well-being of the next generation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Karishma Manzur01:29 Personal Background and Motivation for Senate Run03:01 Challenges Faced by New Hampshire Residents04:26 Influence of Money in Politics06:01 Impact of Establishment Democrats and Republicans11:18 Wealth Transfer to the Ultra-Rich21:28 Livable Wages and Universal Healthcare25:53 Importance of Travel and Experience in Politics33:08 Career Politicians and Political Dynasties35:32 The Importance of Compassion and Care36:17 The Need for Affordable Housing and Mental Health Support37:00 Investing in Education and Community Support37:57 Addressing Corruption and Foreign Policy48:44 Empowering Grassroots Movements and Campaign Support58:52 Advocating for Progressive Change and Grassroots Support

  7. Jul 13

    CJP #78: Tennessee Contingency

    The conversation delves into the impact of redistricting in Tennessee, the importance of voter turnout, and the discussion around universal healthcare and its economic impact. Key takeaways include the crucial need for voter education and the impact of progressivism on society. The conversation delves into the power of questioning, the impact of political decisions, the influence of money in politics, the role of grassroots movements, the impact of gerrymandering, the need for accountability in politics, the role of AI and technology in politics, and the importance of activism and community engagement. The key takeaways emphasize the pervasive nature of politics and the importance of activism as a driving force for change. The conversation delves into the power of grassroots campaigning and community engagement as essential elements of political activism. It highlights the impact of personal connections, community involvement, and the dedication of candidates to bring about meaningful change. The discussion emphasizes the importance of engaging with constituents and prioritizing their needs over corporate interests. Takeaways Voter education is crucialProgressivism and its impact on society Politics is everythingActivism is a muscle Grassroots CampaigningCommunity Engagement Chapters 00:00 Impact of Redistricting in Tennessee03:04 The Importance of Voter Turnout05:57 Universal Healthcare and Economic Impact37:56 The Power of Questioning39:19 The Impact of Political Decisions40:45 The Influence of Money in Politics41:40 The Role of Grassroots Movements42:21 The Impact of Gerrymandering44:26 The Need for Accountability in Politics57:19 The Role of AI and Technology in Politics01:06:53 The Importance of Activism and Community Engagement00:01 The Power of Grassroots Campaigning01:11:22 Community Engagement and Activism

  8. Jul 9

    CJP #77: Adam Dunigan ( VA-8 )

    Adam Dunigan, a Marine veteran and former CIA officer, discusses the state of American politics, the need for change, and his own political platform. He emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, transparency, and moral standards in public service. The conversation covers topics related to patriotism, political representation, and the transition from military service to civilian life. It also delves into the challenges of government inefficiency and the impact of childhood experiences on personal development. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including government inefficiencies, the impact of DEI initiatives, historical context and perspective, the need for political change, the role of the CIA, and the national security implications of outsourcing jobs. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including international relations, AI regulation, economic disruption, UBI, political ideologies, and the future of American society. The dialogue emphasizes the need for proactive regulation of AI, the potential impact of UBI, and the importance of reimagining American society and politics. Takeaways Political Ethics PledgeSacrifice in Public Service Patriotism and the perception of America: The conversation explores the complexities of patriotism, the impact of political ideologies, and the role of immigrant Americans in shaping national pride.Political representation and government inefficiency: The discussion highlights the challenges of political representation, the role of veterans in politics, and the inefficiencies within government agencies.Transition from military service to civilian life: The transition from military service to civilian life is discussed, including the impact of childhood experiences and the challenges of reintegration into society. Government inefficiencies and the need for a more agile and quick-moving mindsetThe national security implications of outsourcing jobs and the need for strategic focus AI regulation is crucialUBI can prevent economic disruption Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adam Dunigan00:28 Observations of D.C. Shenanigans01:08 Political Avocado Toast02:27 Personal Background and Presidential Run03:30 The Problem with Incumbency05:00 Moral Failings in Politics08:16 The Decline of American Culture10:14 The Role of Politicians and Public Trust15:04 The Need for Change in Politics26:10 Disruption and Political Strategy28:02 The Importance of Preparation and Action31:14 Patriotism and National Identity32:02 Political Representation and Patriotism33:49 Challenges of Government Inefficiency36:35 Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life59:35 Government Inefficiencies and Agile Mindset01:00:32 Impact of DEI Initiatives and Historical Context01:02:30 The Role of the CIA and National Security Implications01:04:32 Political Change and National Security Concerns01:26:18 Outsourcing Jobs and Economic Advantage01:27:21 International Relations and AI Regulation01:28:12 Economic Disruption and UBI01:29:25 Political Ideologies and American Society

See All (86)

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
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Carlos Gomez (Coconut Justice)