
Hosted by H.K. Domino · EN

In this episode, we sit down with one of my first childhood friends, Leonard Best, for a powerful conversation about survival, redemption, grief, faith, and the long road back to self.Leonard went into prison as a teenager and spent 19 years incarcerated, forced to grow up behind walls most people could never imagine. But his story did not begin or end there. From being adopted as a youth, to navigating the pain of a mother struggling with addiction, Leonard’s life has been shaped by hardship, loss, and lessons that came far too early.After coming home, life continued to test him. He would go on to lose his brother, Dyshan Best, in a shooting involving police, along with his adoptive parents and biological mother. Through it all, Leonard has continued to lean on God, faith, church, and the belief that a person can survive their past without being permanently defined by it.We talk about what it means to lose time, rebuild after prison, process grief as a man, find purpose after pain, and hold onto faith when life keeps asking you to prove your strength.This conversation is not just about incarceration. It is about accountability, transformation, family, forgiveness, healing, and what it means to still believe in second chances after everything. This one is personal to me and i thank you for taking the time to listen! ⛩️Follow on IG: @x.man27_🎥 YouTube.com/dominoeffectpodcast🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts📧 Any comments, questions, concerns or to have your questions answered in The What?! segment dominoeffectpodcast@gmail.comFor behind-the-scenes content, early access, bonus material, and to help support future interviews, events, equipment, and creative projects, consider supporting:✨ Patreon.com/HKDominoEffect

In this episode, we sit down with Eastside Lenny, formerly known as Say Kuro, to talk about the evolution of an artist learning to balance energy, emotion, identity, and purpose.Born in The Bronx and raised in Stratford, Connecticut, ESL’s story moves through church pews, studio sessions, family influence, Caribbean roots, and creative reinvention. From playing piano, violin, drums, and recorder in church to finding his own sound as an R&B artist, producer, and songwriter, his musical foundation runs deep.We talk about the difference between Say Kuro, the rager-type persona, and Eastside Lenny, the “soft gangsta” side of his artistry. We get into his influences, from Brian McKnight, Prince, Ne-Yo, Usher, Kanye, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, and more, while also discussing his work ethic, being in the studio every day, writing from personal experience, and what productivity really looks like behind the scenes.We also touch on his family background, his parents as educators, his Caribbean roots from St. Thomas and Antigua, his brother’s musical and athletic path, his interest in DJing, and what it meant to receive a co-sign from R&B legend Tank.This conversation is about growth, sound, identity, discipline, vulnerability, and what happens when an artist stops trying to fit into one version of himself.Follow on IG: @eastsidelenny🎥 YouTube.com/dominoeffectpodcast🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts📧 Any comments, questions, concerns or to have your questions answered in The What?! segment dominoeffectpodcast@gmail.comFor behind-the-scenes content, early access, bonus material, and to help support future interviews, events, equipment, and creative projects, consider supporting:✨ Patreon.com/HKDominoEffect

Yexandra Diaz is Chicago-bred, New Haven-raised, and deeply rooted in community. I first became aware of Yex through her spoken word poetry, but the more I learned, the more I realized that calling her just a poet doesn’t come close to capturing who she is.Doula, activist, poet, creative, caretaker, grandmother, and community leader — Yex has lived and served through many roles, each one connected by purpose, compassion, and truth. In this episode, we sit down with Yex to discuss what it truly means to be a doula, her journey as a creative and caretaker, her evolution through spoken word and poetry, and the experience of recently taking home a major competition title with her team.We also discuss her powerful TEDx talk, “Death Decolonized: How Black and Brown Communities Face Loss,” and explore deeper conversations around grief, death, legacy, becoming a grandmother, and the responsibility that comes with showing up for others.This is a conversation about art, service, womanhood, community, healing, and the many ways one person can become a pillar for those around them.IG: @yass_yexYex - Man vs BearCheck out her Spoken-word expression titled "Man vs Bear"Death Decolonized: How Black and Brown Communities Face Loss | Yexandra Diaz | TEDxNewHavenCheck out her recent TedX talk🎥 YouTube.com/dominoeffectpodcast🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts📧 Any comments, questions, concerns or to have your questions answered in The What?! segment dominoeffectpodcast@gmail.comFor behind-the-scenes content, early access, bonus material, and to help support future interviews, events, equipment, and creative projects, consider supporting:✨ Patreon.com/HKDominoEffect

When I first met Ryan, he was chasing a career in stand-up comedy. But the more I got to know him, the more I realized the jokes were only scratching the surface. Behind the humor is a remarkable story filled with reinvention, resilience, and experiences that defy expectation.We talk about Ryan's near-death experience, his time as a priest, his journey into hypnosis, and the many other paths he's traveled along the way. Nothing is off-limits, and Ryan doesn't shy away from the moments that shaped him into who he is today.If you enjoy conversations that are equal parts funny, thought-provoking, and deeply human, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Follow Ryan Dejonghe on FacebookIG: @trancewell🎥 YouTube.com/dominoeffectpodcast🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts📧 Any comments, questions, concerns or to have your questions answered in The What?! segment dominoeffectpodcast@gmail.comFor behind-the-scenes content, early access, bonus material, and to help support future interviews, events, equipment, and creative projects, consider supporting:✨ Patreon.com/HKDominoEffect

With over 16 years of captivating audiences, Rob Santos transitioned from the vibrant comedy scene of New York City back to Connecticut to redefine his life. Rob’s comedy career soared in NYC’s most iconic clubs, including Caroline’s, New York Comedy Club, and The Comic Strip. After moving to Connecticut, he earned the title of finalist for Funniest Comedian in New England and performed at prestigious venues such as Comix at Foxwoods and The Hartford Funny Bone.In 2020, Rob’s ingenuity shone through with his special, "860: America's Bedtime Story," which he streamed live during the pandemic lockdown. Driven by his creative vision, Rob then launched "Beige," a revival of his earlier project, "Beige on Both Sides." With over $40,000 raised—much of it during the pandemic—Rob and his team brought this ambitious project to life. "Beige" premiered at Theater Works in Hartford in April 2024 and has since achieved notable acclaim, being selected for the Los Angeles Comedy Film Festival and the Bridgeport Film Fest in 2024. On this episode, Rob stops by the dojo to discuss his battles with mental health, struggles with comedy, beef within the CT comedy scene, outgrowing his surroundings and much more!Follow Rob Santos on FacebookIG: @raggedyrob🎥 YouTube.com/dominoeffectpodcast🎧Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Available everywhere you listen to podcasts📧 Any comments, questions, concerns or to have your questions answered in The What?! segment dominoeffectpodcast@gmail.comFor behind-the-scenes content, early access, bonus material, and to help support future interviews, events, equipment, and creative projects, consider supporting:✨ Patreon.com/HKDominoEffect

Back again for the first time...again.The greatest battle in hip-hop history as brought me back out to give my 2 cents. The first hour is getting reaclamated to podding alone. A lot of ranting with random incoherent thoughts but cut me some slack! I'm doing my best! 🥲 but the second hour is a discussion with my Canadian comrade waving his hometown flag ever so high to ride for the boy. Very interesting convo to say the least. Comment your thoughts on the IG post at @domino_effect_podcast!Watch my live reaction to "Family Matters" & "meet the grahams" https://youtu.be/4VFUmKb6Xg4?si=ch8-Ec_o7hfBITJWhttps://www.youtube.com/live/wKZpcjn40hk?si=us_lSFLegcvt67LSFollow my guest Rory Mitchell @officially.roryhttps://www.instagram.com/officially.rory?igsh=eWN1cjkyYW14aDJkFollow his podcast on IG Mitchell Report Unleashed https://www.instagram.com/mitchellreportunleashedpod?igsh=N2xqMnYxM2dhamQ2

I know its been awhile, shut up. ill explain (again)later. On this episode, we have podcast host, author, and professional shit talker, Pat Oates. Dom & Pat discuss his start in comedy, family issues, aspirations, how he winded up on TV lying about his mother's death, comedy classes, and much more.

(This episode was filmed on 3/27/2022) After the first meeting didnt go so well, Domino sits with "University of Dope" co-founder Marian "Skinni Bee" Andoh-Clarke. Domino and Skinni discuss her hip-hop origin story, how this card game came about, trials and tribulations, and much more. Check out UniversityofDope.com to purchase your game. Follow on IG @skinnibee @universityofdope Youtube: @University of Dope Twitter: https://twitter.com/udopehottakes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universityofdope/

Domino sits with Bridgeport's own Harry Bell to discuss how he turned a coloring book to help his son, into a thriving business helping all inner city youth. Harry talks candidly about growing up in one of the most dangerous Connecticut projects, initially starting his book series "Color A Positive Thought, depression, his relationship with his son, appearing on a show with Taraji P. Henson and more. Follow Harry on IG @mr.colorapositivethough

Hometown Heroes feat. The Skinny Boys Ep.127 by H.K. Domino