Summary

Cocaine Air: Episode 10 - Flying with Princes

Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 10 of Cocaine Air, titled "Flying with Princes," host Jonathan Walton delves deeper into the extraordinary life of TJ Dominguez. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain an intimate look into TJ's dual existence as a successful Lamborghini dealership owner by day and a prominent cocaine smuggler by night, affiliated with the infamous Pablo Escobar. This episode offers a blend of high-stakes smuggling tales, personal reflections, and the complexities of balancing a life of crime with family responsibilities.

TJ’s Introduction to Podcasts and Listener Demographics

The episode begins with a light-hearted exchange about TJ's unfamiliarity with podcasts:

[00:03] Host 1: "Before I came to you about a podcast, did you, did you know what a podcast was?"
[00:07] TJ Dominguez: "No, I had no idea what a podcast was."

TJ reflects humorously on the unexpected demographics of his podcast's audience:

[00:12] TJ Dominguez: "You know, one thing I noticed that a lot of women are the ones that are writing in... you would think that it'd be a whole bunch of guys, you know, it's a guy thing really... smuggling, getting shot at airplanes, Lamborghinis..."

Family Life and Personal Struggles

Jonathan Walton sets the stage for TJ's personal life, highlighting the significant impact of TJ's incarceration on his family:

[01:18] Jonathan Walton: "TJ's two sons are now strapping, handsome, successful men in their 30s. But TJ was serving time behind bars for a lot of their childhood."

TJ opens up about his relationship with his sons and the support from his wife, Veronique:

[02:00] TJ Dominguez: "When you got arrested?... She said, I don't need all that space, I'm going to move in with your mom... She never went to a party. She would always say, I got nothing to celebrate until my husband comes home."

He emphasizes the unwavering support from his wife:

[02:49] TJ Dominguez: "My wife supported me. Everybody supported me. They didn't condone it. They didn't agree... The hardest thing I've ever done in life is when we had to say goodbye, he grabbed me around the neck and wouldn't want to go. Really, really tough."

Life Flying the Concorde and Notable Encounters

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to TJ's experiences flying the Concorde, the supersonic passenger jet, and his unexpected encounters with royalty and celebrities.

Flying the Concorde

TJ shares detailed anecdotes about his frequent flights on the Concorde, highlighting the exclusivity and luxury:

[08:06] Host 1: "Air France had one. British Airways had one."
[08:27] Host 1: "Because you could get from New York to London in three and a half hours."

He describes the technical marvels of the plane:

[09:07] Narrator: "Mach 1, the speed of sound at about 30,000ft."
[09:20] TJ Dominguez: "And the windows are really small... the airplane grows and expands in flight... it's pretty crazy."

Encounter with the Emperor of Japan's Son

One of the most captivating stories involves TJ unknowingly sitting next to the son of the Emperor of Japan:

[15:40] Host 1: "So now he's the Emperor of Japan, my buddy."
[15:42] TJ Dominguez: "That's the guy that I punch in the nose."

TJ recounts the humorous and surreal moment:

[16:00] TJ Dominguez: "His name is Hirito and I'm Tito. So it's kind of like, oh, that's pretty funny... I learned karate, you know... I threw a punch... It was very good. I said, yeah, control."

Flight with Prince (The Rock Singer)

In another remarkable encounter, TJ unknowingly shares a flight with the iconic musician Prince:

[16:31] TJ Dominguez: "He's got this purple boa around him... he's dressed in a mechanic outfit with a zipper... platform shoes that are probably eight inches."

Despite his discomfort, TJ chooses not to disrupt the situation:

[19:14] Host 1: "You can't say that."
[19:20] TJ Dominguez: "He was putting on a show. With a boa."

Impact of Reagan's War on Drugs

The episode transitions into a critical analysis of the Reagan administration's war on drugs and its unintended consequences on TJ's cocaine smuggling operations:

[19:30] Narrator: "37 federal agencies are working together in a vigorous national effort... over 10,000 drug criminals were convicted and nearly $250 million of their assets were seized by the DEA."
[19:53] Host 1: "Paradox of paradoxes. Ronald Reagan's war on drugs helped you sell more cocaine."

TJ explains how increased law enforcement actually benefited his operations by eliminating competition:

[20:10] TJ Dominguez: "We were very, very good at what we did. I created a division for intelligence... Reagan was fighting the war on drugs... Weed out the amateurs."

He elucidates the market dynamics:

[21:08] Host 1: "So you started, you started not doing as many trips, you started finding him other pilots to smuggle."
[21:18] TJ Dominguez: "Instead of having 10 people doing it, now we maybe have four or five. We're controlling more of the market."

Decision to Exit the Cocaine Smuggling Business

As the pressures mount, TJ decides it's time to leave the dangerous life of smuggling:

[24:07] Host 1: "When they arrested you in April of 1988, you were getting out of the business."
[24:12] TJ Dominguez: "I had wound down my business and I had made arrangements."

He shares his motivations for leaving:

[27:35] TJ Dominguez: "Because I met Veronique and I wanted to do what my dad told me, what it was all about. Having a family and having children."

TJ outlines his plans for a legitimate life, emphasizing his existing wealth and business acumen:

[28:14] TJ Dominguez: "I own 12 businesses. I own the biggest dealership in the world... I have the biggest cell phone company in South Florida."

Arrest and Its Aftermath

Despite his efforts to exit, TJ's past catches up, leading to his arrest:

[30:30] Host 1: "So you started not doing as many trips, you started finding him other pilots to smuggle."

At the time of his arrest, TJ reveals he left a substantial amount of cocaine in the Bahamas, which leads to significant losses:

[30:44] Jonathan Walton: "And at the time of his arrest, TJ has some unfinished business in the Bahamas."
[31:08] Host 1: "You had 5 million, like buried in the ground?"
[32:23] TJ Dominguez: "I have $5 million and a house buried over there."

Post-Prison Life and Hidden Fortunes

Post-incarceration, TJ navigates a new life, attempting to legitimize his wealth while safeguarding his remaining assets:

[31:07] Jonathan Walton: "TJ's tons of coke was worth hundreds of millions of dollars."
[32:18] Host 1: "But you're getting that energy like you're playing, but the person you're playing is yourself."

TJ discusses his efforts to transition into legitimate businesses and the challenges therein:

[32:23] TJ Dominguez: "I have $5 million and a house buried over there."
[32:37] Host 1: "And just where is all that money today? Find out on the next episode of Cocaine Air."

Notable Quotes

[02:37] Host 1: "And this was April 1988. You got busted."
[12:33] TJ Dominguez: "I'm the kind of guy that you pay money to go to the movies to see because you can't live my life."
[20:00] Host 1: "How could that be true? They're marshaling billions of dollars, dozens of agencies, to go after cocaine."

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

The episode concludes with a suspenseful note about the whereabouts of the buried money, setting the stage for future revelations:

[32:55] Jonathan Walton: "To see some incredible photographs documenting TJ's life, go to cocainair.com..."
[32:44] TJ Dominguez: "That was just for an emergency case that something drastic happened. I needed to get my hands on a couple of million dollars."

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next episode, which promises to uncover the fate of TJ's hidden fortune.

Final Thoughts

Episode 10 of Cocaine Air masterfully intertwines high-octane smuggling adventures with deeply personal narratives, painting a vivid portrait of TJ Dominguez's tumultuous life. From luxurious Concorde flights and unexpected royal encounters to the gritty realities of the drug trade and the pursuit of legitimacy, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of a life lived on both sides of the law.

For more insights and untold stories, subscribe to Cocaine Air and visit cocainair.com.

Summary

Cocaine Air: Episode 10 - Flying with Princes

Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

TJ’s Introduction to Podcasts and Listener Demographics

The episode begins with a light-hearted exchange about TJ's unfamiliarity with podcasts:

[00:03] Host 1: "Before I came to you about a podcast, did you, did you know what a podcast was?"
[00:07] TJ Dominguez: "No, I had no idea what a podcast was."

TJ reflects humorously on the unexpected demographics of his podcast's audience:

[00:12] TJ Dominguez: "You know, one thing I noticed that a lot of women are the ones that are writing in... you would think that it'd be a whole bunch of guys, you know, it's a guy thing really... smuggling, getting shot at airplanes, Lamborghinis..."

Family Life and Personal Struggles

Jonathan Walton sets the stage for TJ's personal life, highlighting the significant impact of TJ's incarceration on his family:

[01:18] Jonathan Walton: "TJ's two sons are now strapping, handsome, successful men in their 30s. But TJ was serving time behind bars for a lot of their childhood."

TJ opens up about his relationship with his sons and the support from his wife, Veronique:

[02:00] TJ Dominguez: "When you got arrested?... She said, I don't need all that space, I'm going to move in with your mom... She never went to a party. She would always say, I got nothing to celebrate until my husband comes home."

He emphasizes the unwavering support from his wife:

[02:49] TJ Dominguez: "My wife supported me. Everybody supported me. They didn't condone it. They didn't agree... The hardest thing I've ever done in life is when we had to say goodbye, he grabbed me around the neck and wouldn't want to go. Really, really tough."

Life Flying the Concorde and Notable Encounters

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to TJ's experiences flying the Concorde, the supersonic passenger jet, and his unexpected encounters with royalty and celebrities.

Flying the Concorde

TJ shares detailed anecdotes about his frequent flights on the Concorde, highlighting the exclusivity and luxury:

[08:06] Host 1: "Air France had one. British Airways had one."
[08:27] Host 1: "Because you could get from New York to London in three and a half hours."

He describes the technical marvels of the plane:

[09:07] Narrator: "Mach 1, the speed of sound at about 30,000ft."
[09:20] TJ Dominguez: "And the windows are really small... the airplane grows and expands in flight... it's pretty crazy."

Encounter with the Emperor of Japan's Son

One of the most captivating stories involves TJ unknowingly sitting next to the son of the Emperor of Japan:

[15:40] Host 1: "So now he's the Emperor of Japan, my buddy."
[15:42] TJ Dominguez: "That's the guy that I punch in the nose."

TJ recounts the humorous and surreal moment:

[16:00] TJ Dominguez: "His name is Hirito and I'm Tito. So it's kind of like, oh, that's pretty funny... I learned karate, you know... I threw a punch... It was very good. I said, yeah, control."

Flight with Prince (The Rock Singer)

In another remarkable encounter, TJ unknowingly shares a flight with the iconic musician Prince:

[16:31] TJ Dominguez: "He's got this purple boa around him... he's dressed in a mechanic outfit with a zipper... platform shoes that are probably eight inches."

Despite his discomfort, TJ chooses not to disrupt the situation:

[19:14] Host 1: "You can't say that."
[19:20] TJ Dominguez: "He was putting on a show. With a boa."

Impact of Reagan's War on Drugs

The episode transitions into a critical analysis of the Reagan administration's war on drugs and its unintended consequences on TJ's cocaine smuggling operations:

[19:30] Narrator: "37 federal agencies are working together in a vigorous national effort... over 10,000 drug criminals were convicted and nearly $250 million of their assets were seized by the DEA."
[19:53] Host 1: "Paradox of paradoxes. Ronald Reagan's war on drugs helped you sell more cocaine."

TJ explains how increased law enforcement actually benefited his operations by eliminating competition:

[20:10] TJ Dominguez: "We were very, very good at what we did. I created a division for intelligence... Reagan was fighting the war on drugs... Weed out the amateurs."

He elucidates the market dynamics:

[21:08] Host 1: "So you started, you started not doing as many trips, you started finding him other pilots to smuggle."
[21:18] TJ Dominguez: "Instead of having 10 people doing it, now we maybe have four or five. We're controlling more of the market."

Decision to Exit the Cocaine Smuggling Business

As the pressures mount, TJ decides it's time to leave the dangerous life of smuggling:

[24:07] Host 1: "When they arrested you in April of 1988, you were getting out of the business."
[24:12] TJ Dominguez: "I had wound down my business and I had made arrangements."

He shares his motivations for leaving:

[27:35] TJ Dominguez: "Because I met Veronique and I wanted to do what my dad told me, what it was all about. Having a family and having children."

TJ outlines his plans for a legitimate life, emphasizing his existing wealth and business acumen:

[28:14] TJ Dominguez: "I own 12 businesses. I own the biggest dealership in the world... I have the biggest cell phone company in South Florida."

Arrest and Its Aftermath

Despite his efforts to exit, TJ's past catches up, leading to his arrest:

[30:30] Host 1: "So you started not doing as many trips, you started finding him other pilots to smuggle."

At the time of his arrest, TJ reveals he left a substantial amount of cocaine in the Bahamas, which leads to significant losses:

[30:44] Jonathan Walton: "And at the time of his arrest, TJ has some unfinished business in the Bahamas."
[31:08] Host 1: "You had 5 million, like buried in the ground?"
[32:23] TJ Dominguez: "I have $5 million and a house buried over there."

Post-Prison Life and Hidden Fortunes

Post-incarceration, TJ navigates a new life, attempting to legitimize his wealth while safeguarding his remaining assets:

[31:07] Jonathan Walton: "TJ's tons of coke was worth hundreds of millions of dollars."
[32:18] Host 1: "But you're getting that energy like you're playing, but the person you're playing is yourself."

TJ discusses his efforts to transition into legitimate businesses and the challenges therein:

[32:23] TJ Dominguez: "I have $5 million and a house buried over there."
[32:37] Host 1: "And just where is all that money today? Find out on the next episode of Cocaine Air."

Notable Quotes

[02:37] Host 1: "And this was April 1988. You got busted."
[12:33] TJ Dominguez: "I'm the kind of guy that you pay money to go to the movies to see because you can't live my life."
[20:00] Host 1: "How could that be true? They're marshaling billions of dollars, dozens of agencies, to go after cocaine."

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

The episode concludes with a suspenseful note about the whereabouts of the buried money, setting the stage for future revelations:

[32:55] Jonathan Walton: "To see some incredible photographs documenting TJ's life, go to cocainair.com..."
[32:44] TJ Dominguez: "That was just for an emergency case that something drastic happened. I needed to get my hands on a couple of million dollars."

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next episode, which promises to uncover the fate of TJ's hidden fortune.

Final Thoughts

For more insights and untold stories, subscribe to Cocaine Air and visit cocainair.com.

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Summary

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