From The Lighthouse Field, in the heart of the community, a project is making waves in Philadelphia. The Domino Dialogues Podcast was created to preserve history and highlight the greatness of the Puerto Rican and Latino community through meaningful conversations around a domino table.

“I am Edwin Desamour, host of The Domino Dialogues Podcast, an extension of Somos Society. It is an honor to represent not only Puerto Rican culture in Philadelphia, but also Latino culture and how it has evolved over the years. We have been capturing those stories, so it has been very impactful,” Desamour expressed.

The concept stems from the Puerto Rican tradition of gathering around the domino table as a space for storytelling and collective memory. “I remember… you would always hear certain sayings… How can we continue telling stories while also doing something different? Everyone has a podcast. So, how can we do something distinct”? he explained.

He added that as a child, he listened to stories and anecdotes around the domino table, which inspired the show’s format: three people at the table—two guests and the host—and a symbolic fourth presence, the audience. “This way, they can feel like they’re playing a game of dominoes, but at the same time participating in a conversation about the history of Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia,” he said.

Each guest represents a key part of local history

“When people sit at the table, for us, they are giants. They are legends. We cannot let their stories go unnoticed, people who paved the way for Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia”, Desamour stated.

Guest selection follows a clear vision. “We meet as a team and choose a theme: art, media, activism, motherhood, fatherhood, resilience. There is so much beauty in our community, people who have sacrificed their time, even time with their families, to pave the way for today’s Puerto Ricans.”

The Domino Dialogues Podcast is produced by Somos Society, an organization founded by Eric Meléndez and Abigail Torres Meléndez. “I am co-creator and co-founder of Somos Society, and we produce, direct, edit, record, and do all the fun parts,” explained Torres Meléndez.

Eric Meléndez detailed his role: “I am co-founder of Somos Society. I am the program director, show editor, and producer; I handle the editing and all the entertaining aspects.”

The public response has exceeded expectations

 “We’ve been surprised by the feedback and how people encourage us to continue. They say, ‘We need this.’ The response has been phenomenal,” Desamour shared.

For the host, the mission is clear: to change narratives and reaffirm collective identity. “Our goal is to preserve history. To know who we are and not lose that. We are good people. Puerto Ricans migrated here to provide, to serve, to make sure their children were successful and educated. They worked hard in factories and did many things. We want to change that narrative and say: No. You come from greatness. You come from good people.”

In one word, he defines the project as “history.” “If we don’t know who we are or where we come from, we will be lost. Sometimes we must go back to find ourselves.”

His message to those who have not yet tuned in is a direct invitation: “Tune in, listen, pull up a chair. Be part of the conversation and keep it alive. We want to start the conversation, but we also want people to research on their own. I can say something, but I want you to question me. Question the show. Look up the people we mention. It’s about starting conversations.”

Finally, the team calls on sponsors and organizations. “If you are a sponsor, a business, or an organization looking to get involved and promote something, please connect with Somos Society, sponsor The Domino Dialogues Podcast, and help push this initiative forward. This is about education. Become a sponsor and donate,” urged Torres Meléndez.

For more information about The Domino Dialogues Podcast, the docuseries, and the interactive map, visit somossociety.com, where visitors can also suggest stories, request interviews, or coordinate community screenings.

The Domino Dialogues Podcast not only preserves historical memory, but it also opens the door for new generations to learn their roots and continue the conversation at home.