JRE #455 – Joey “CoCo” Diaz

This podcast features comedian and actor Joey “CoCo” Diaz as the guest, covering a wide range of topics from Diaz’s personal life and comedy career to his thoughts on addiction, prison life, and the world of combat sports. The episode dives into controversial subjects like drug use, mental health, and the realities of the criminal justice system. A prominent theme revolves around the transformative power of personal experiences, highlighting how challenging situations can ultimately shape character and drive individuals to become better versions of themselves.

Major Topics in the Podcast

1. Joey Diaz’s Background:
   1. Diaz shares his childhood experiences in New Jersey, including the impact of his father’s death and his early struggles with addiction.
   2. He describes his journey into stand-up comedy, starting in Denver and eventually moving to Los Angeles.
   3. Diaz details his time in prison, emphasizing the harsh realities of the system and the importance of mental toughness.
   4. He recounts the influential role of a comedy mentor, Matt Woods, who challenged Diaz to take his career seriously.
2. Addiction and Recovery:
   1. Diaz opens up about his long-term struggle with cocaine addiction and the physical and mental toll it took.
   2. He discusses his eventual recovery process, highlighting the importance of finding a supportive community and making a conscious decision to change.
   3. Diaz emphasizes that recovery isn’t always easy and that he still faces challenges related to his past addiction.
   4. He also discusses the prevalence of prescription drug abuse in Hollywood, drawing parallels between various forms of addiction.
3. Prison Life and the Criminal Justice System:
   1. Diaz shares his experiences in prison, highlighting the brutality of the environment and the impact of dehumanization on inmates.
   2. He advocates for the rights of inmates, particularly concerning access to medical care and mental health treatment.
   3. Diaz critiques the lack of rehabilitation programs in the prison system, arguing that it contributes to recidivism.
   4. He discusses the importance of understanding the individual stories of those who end up in prison, challenging viewers to move beyond simplistic judgments.
4. Stand-up Comedy and the Importance of Mentorship:
   1. Diaz talks about the evolution of his stand-up comedy style, emphasizing how his experiences in prison and recovery have shaped his material.
   2. He highlights the significance of mentorship in the comedy world, describing how constructive criticism from fellow comedians helped him grow.
   3. Diaz stresses the importance of finding a supportive community, particularly during difficult times, and how this can be crucial for success.
   4. He emphasizes the value of staying connected to the craft and not giving up on pursuing one’s passion.
5. The World of Combat Sports:
   1. Diaz discusses the use of performance-enhancing drugs in combat sports, expressing his concern about the ethical implications of such practices.
   2. He analyzes the impact of PEDs on the integrity of competition and argues that they undermine the true spirit of sportsmanship.
   3. Diaz explores the different arguments for and against PED use, including the potential for recovery from injuries and the argument that everyone is using.
   4. He examines the pressure on athletes to use PEDs, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry and the potential for financial gain.
6. The Legacy of Bruce Lee:
   1. Diaz shares his deep admiration for Bruce Lee, describing the profound impact Lee had on his childhood and the martial arts world.
   2. He praises Lee’s groundbreaking contribution to cinema and how he challenged racial stereotypes.
   3. Diaz discusses Lee’s innovative fighting style and how it influenced generations of martial artists.
   4. He explores the conspiracy theories surrounding Lee’s death, highlighting the mystique surrounding the martial arts legend.
7. The “Gummy Bear” PED Scandal:
   1. Diaz discusses the controversial case of a Major League Baseball player who allegedly used testosterone-infused gummy bears to gain an advantage.
   2. He critiques the use of PEDs in professional sports, highlighting the ethical implications of manipulating performance and the unfair advantage it creates.
   3. Diaz analyzes the pressure on athletes to achieve at high levels, acknowledging the potential for money and fame as driving factors.
   4. He discusses the evolving nature of PEDs and the ongoing challenge of detection, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations in sports.
8. Mental Health and Trauma:
   1. Diaz talks about his own experiences with PTSD, particularly stemming from his early life traumas and his time in prison.
   2. He discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages open conversations about these issues.
   3. Diaz shares personal anecdotes about how PTSD manifests in his life, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and seeking support when necessary.
   4. He emphasizes the long-lasting effects of trauma and how it can impact relationships and daily life.
9. The Importance of Camaraderie and Support:
   1. Diaz emphasizes the crucial role of friendship and community in his life, highlighting how his close connections have helped him through difficult times.
   2. He shares anecdotes about his relationships with fellow comedians and martial artists, expressing his gratitude for their support.
   3. Diaz argues that strong bonds are essential for navigating the challenges of life and that they can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
   4. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing these connections and being there for one another through thick and thin.

Memorable Quotes

• “People can tell you things that wake you up, that change you.” – Diaz reflects on the impact of insightful criticism, acknowledging the power of honest feedback.
• “You crush the power of it because you have overused it.” – Diaz discusses the importance of using language effectively, emphasizing that overuse can diminish its impact.
• “Sometimes you get mad, but you’re like, the motherfucker’s right.” – Diaz candidly describes the experience of accepting uncomfortable truths, even when they come from someone you might not like.
• “It’s not somebody fucking in the ass. It’s your manhood.” – Diaz passionately argues that the most demoralizing aspect of prison is the constant loss of autonomy and control.
• “He’s got one arm. He’s choking people. Oh my god. He’s got one arm. He’s choking people. Oh my god.” – Diaz expresses his admiration for Nick Newell, a one-armed MMA fighter, highlighting the potential for human strength and determination to overcome challenges.