It's the Season 2 finale of Plants & Beats, and the timing couldn't be more fitting.

It’s Rob Bell's birthday and National Tequila Day; this special episode brings back friend of the show Chris Lindstrom—food and drink writer, podcast host, and spirits expert—for a conversation centered around one of the world's most fascinating plants: the agave.

Together, Rob and Chris unpack the history and craftsmanship behi...

This week on Plants & Beats, we're doing something a little different.

Rob (@byrobbell) sits down with German producer and DJ Cuezy. (@cuezy._) to celebrate the release of the six-track EP, Endless Summer by Aloefi (@al0efi) and Cuezy.

More than a collection of beats, Endless Summer is a concept album designed to capture the feeling of a perfect summer day.

Throughout the episode, Rob and Cuezy discuss their individual musical jo...

On this episode of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell (@byrobbell) sits down with photographer Nick Koch, better known as @rocstreetphoto.

Nick shares his journey from leaving high school early to building a career in the same industry for decades, where he became a Zamboni expert while continuing to pursue photography as a creative outlet. He also opens up about living with chronic pain caused by a medical condition and how cultivating c...

On this episode of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell (@byrobbell) sits down with his brother, Mike Patterson, a gun-violence-prevention and disability advocate, founder of the Rochester nonprofit MPP 360, and voice for community change.

Together, they explore the complex relationship between Black Americans and Juneteenth, reflecting on what the holiday means today. The conversation also dives into fatherhood, the influence of rap music,...

On this episode of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell (@byrobbell) reconnects with a longtime friend, Colin Fequa, better known as Figgadelli (@figgadel_gg), a Philadelphia-born rap artist now based in Atlanta.

The conversation travels through decades of friendship, from childhood memories and shared experiences growing up to Colin's evolution as an artist, father, and man. Colin reflects on his family's rich musical legacy, including his...

This week on Plants & Beats, Rob Bell (@byrobbell) sits down with Danielle Nunez, better known as @danni.hearts, a certified Reiki healer and the founder of The Adored Project.

What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a worldwide movement. Through The Adored Project, Danni hands out heart-shaped pieces of paper featuring handwritten affirmations to people she encounters in everyday life. To date, she has shared more...

Episode 21: The Sensitive Plant

On this episode of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell sits down with Rochester-based street photographer and curator Richard B. Colón, founder of Behind The Glass Gallery.

The conversation explores his passion for creating opportunities for emerging artists, the responsibility of curating community-centered exhibitions, and the importance of preserving local stories through imagery.

Richard also open...

In this episode of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell sits down with Teshelle Bumbry, a marketing mind, wellness curator, and creative connector known for crafting intentional spaces where people can recharge, collaborate, and move past creative blocks. Through her signature retreats and wellness-centered events, Teshelle has built a reputation for bringing like-minded people together with purpose, care, and authenticity.

Centered around ...

Recorded live at Stem (806 Monroe Avenue in Rochester NY), this episode of Plants & Beats brings together community voices, plant wisdom, and conversations about connection. Rob Bell sits down with Matthew Smitley and Quajay Donnell to talk about what makes the Rochester community feel rooted, resilient, and alive.

From support systems to creative collaboration, the conversation explores the parallels between caring for plants ...

On this episode of Plants & Beats, we spotlight the Money Tree and sit down with Rochester photographer Narada Riley for an honest conversation about hustle culture, ambition, and the emotional weight tied to chasing success. Together, Rob Bell and Narada unpack the highs and lows of the grind, the pressure to keep moving, and the search for balance in a world that constantly tells us to do more.

Known creatively as NRAD, Narada...

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)...

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 n...

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: @aloe...

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 commu...

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 e...

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, th...

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 epi...

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

🎙 ...

In Episode 9 of Plants & Beats, we delve into the subtle strength of sensitivity—how plants sense stress, adapt through sumoylation, and overcome adversity. From calcium balance to drought defense, we explore what it takes to remain rooted and thrive in challenging conditions. With a lo-fi mix by Aloefi and a reflection on emotional strength from this episode, it's all about tuning in to the signals—around us and wi...