Episodes

  • The Pothos Doesn’t Need You, You Need You
    May 1 2026

    In Episode 17 of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell and Chris Lindstrom talk about something we often forget: you can’t pour from an empty cup. They explore self-care as a responsibility, not just a luxury or trend.

    A pothos plant can survive even if you forget about it. It keeps growing and doesn’t need much. People are different.

    Featuring a lo-fi mix from Aloefi.

    🎧 New episodes every Friday

    🎙 Hosted by Rob Bell (@byrobbell) & Chris Lindstrom (@foodabouttown)

    🎼 Music produced and mixed by Aloefi (@al0efi)

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Joe Bean Roasters

    Coffee that lifts everyone. joebeanroasters.com

    Connections with Evan Dawson

    Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

    Connections

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    56 mins
  • Chris Widmaier: Ecology, Education & the Roots of Resilience
    Dec 22 2025

    In Episode 16 of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell and Chris Lindstrom from the Lunchador Podcast Network sits down with Chris Widmaier, former RCSD science teacher and Executive Director of Rochester Ecology Partners, for a powerful conversation about community, sustainability, and the connection between nature and equity. From classroom to canopy, Chris shares how his journey led to building programs that connect young people to the natural world, and why a resilient city must include green spaces for all. As always, the conversation is grounded in an original lo-fi mix by Aloefi.

    🎙 Hosted by Rob Bell (IG: @byrobbell)

    🎼 Music by Aloefi (IG: @al0efi, TikTok: @aloefianime)

    Lunchador Podcast Network (IG: @lunchadorpodcasts)

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    49 mins
  • A Lo-fi Christmas
    Dec 12 2025

    This week on Plants & Beats, we bring you “A Lo-fi Christmas” — a special uninterrupted mix of nostalgic, soulful holiday beats by Aloefi, recorded live with analog warmth and a room full of love. Just cozy textures, crackling ambiance, and that deep December stillness meant to elevate your sense of connection and belonging.

    🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (IG: @byrobbell)

    🎼 Music by Aloefi (IG: @al0efi, Tiktok: @aloefianime)

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    46 mins
  • Kerynn Laraby and Stem, a planty gift shop
    Dec 8 2025

    In this special episode of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell and guest host Chris Lindstrom from the Lunchadoor Podcast Network go live from the re-grand opening of Stem, a gift and plant shop at 806 Monroe Avenue in Rochester NY, to sit down with owner Kerynn Laraby. Together, they explore the power of houseplants to transform space and spirit, Kerynn’s journey as a small business owner, and what it takes to grow roots in a community. Backed by a lo-fi soundtrack from Aloefi, this episode is a celebration of local life and green beginnings.

    Interview starts at around 10:00

    🪴 Live from Stem’s re-grand opening

    💬 Guest: Kerynn Laraby, owner of Stem (IG:@stem_rochester)

    🎙 Hosted by Rob Bell (@byrobbell) & Chris Lindstrom (@foodabouttown)

    🎼 Music by Aloefi (@al0efi)

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    49 mins
  • Strawberry Secrets
    Nov 21 2025

    In Episode 13 of Plants & Beats, we dig into the wisdom of strawberries—how to know when it’s time to pull, replant, and start fresh. We explore the science behind natural crop defenses and how modern gene editing is helping bring resilience back to the plants we rely on. Paired with another lo-fi mix by Aloefi and reflection from Rob Bell on the importance of changing environments to unlock growth.

    🎧 New episodes every Friday

    🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (IG: @byrobbell)

    🎼 Music by Aloefi (IG: @al0efi, TikTok: @aloefianime)

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Designs of the Desert Sage
    Oct 24 2025

    In Episode 12 of Plants & Beats, we turn our attention to the quiet geometry of desert life. From satellite images of hyperuniform plant patterns to the deep-rooted resilience of Desert Sage, we explore how spacing, stillness, and balance shape survival in harsh environments. Fall may feel like an ending, but it’s also a call to prepare—and to listen. With lo-fi textures from Aloefi and reflections from Rob Bell, this episode is a gentle reminder: needing space isn’t retreat—it’s rhythm.

    🎧 New episodes every Friday

    🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (IG: @byrobbell)

    🎼 Music by Aloefi (IG:@al0efi, Tiktok: @aloefianime)

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    58 mins
  • Wild Tobacco
    Oct 17 2025

    In Episode 11 of Plants & Beats, we journey from the wildfire-scarred hills of Altadena to the greenhouses of England, where plants are doing more than growing—they’re healing. We explore how native species like sage and buckwheat are restoring the land through bioremediation, and how wild tobacco is being used to produce future medicines. With lo-fi rhythms by Aloefi and a soulful reflection from Rob Bell, this episode is a call to listen to what the earth is telling us: your healing might already be growing nearby.

    🎧 New episodes every Friday

    🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (IG: @byrobbell)

    🎼 Music by Aloefi (IG: @al0efi, Tik Tok: @aloefianime)

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    51 mins
  • What belongs will always bloom again
    Oct 10 2025

    In Episode 10 of Plants & Beats, we unravel the bittersweet story of the butterfly bush—a stunning import turned ecological invader. We offer five pollinator-friendly plants that nourish without harm for late-season flight and deep-rooted balance. With reflection from Rob Bell and a lo-fi mix by Aloefi, this episode reminds us: not everything beautiful is good for the soil—or the soul.

    🎧 New episodes every Friday

    🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

    🎼 Music by Aloefi (IG: @al0efi, tiktok: @aloefianime, Youtube: @plantsxbeats)

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    1 hr