Plants & Beats

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 C...

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...

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...

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 fam...

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 ever...

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 throu...

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, ca...

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...

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 m...

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 🎙 Hoste...

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 program...

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: @al...

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 i...

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...

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 refle...

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...

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...

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...

In Episode 8 of Plants & Beats , we settle into the chill of autumn and explore the fine line between growth and survival. From first frost to molecular defenses, this episode dives into how plants—like people—shift gears when conditions change. As always, Aloefi lays the soundtrack—steady, grounded, and made to weather the change. 🎧 New episodes every Friday 🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbel...

In Episode 7 of Plants & Beats , we let houseplants take the lead. From air-purifying classics like the Snake Plant and Aloe Vera to peppermint’s pest-repelling power, we explore how greenery doesn’t just clean your space—it clears your head. As spiders sneak in and autumn settles down, let nature reset your vibe with scent, stillness, and style. Featuring reflections on mindful living and a l...

In Episode 6 of Plants & Beats , we explore how resilience takes root—from shoreline restoration with native Spartina grass to the quiet power of the Snake Plant, a masterclass in strength through stillness. Fall brings change, and with it, a perfect season to plant fruit trees for future harvests. Featuring insights on nature’s quiet revolutions and lo-fi soundscapes by Aloefi to steady your...

In Episode 5 of Plants & Beats , we explore the hidden warning signs in your garden—such as grubs chewing at the roots—and discover how nature’s own diversity offers a cure. We explore the latest sci-fi-turned-science, and we spotlight the hardy chrysanthemum, a fall flower with built-in defenses. As always, Aloefi brings the vibe with a fresh lo-fi mix to keep your mind grounded and your spir...

In Episode 4 of Plants & Beats , we delve into late-season planting tips and the surprising intelligence of plants, as well as the underground fungal networks that keep forests in tune. This week’s spotlight is on the resilient aster: a flower that blooms as others fade, drawing in butterflies and reminding us that endings are just the start of something new. And as always, Aloefi delivers a f...

In the third episode of Plants & Beats , we dig into the quiet wisdom of companion planting—why certain plants, like lavender, thrive with the right neighbors. We also share tips for summer-to-fall transitions. All the while, Aloefi delivers another meditative lo-fi mix, perfect for reflecting, planting, or just breathing deep. 🌱 New episodes drop every Friday. 🎧 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrob...

In Episode 2 of Plants & Beats , we explore the quiet signals plants give when they’re in distress—starting with a game-changing tool to help you water smarter, not harder. Then, we examine the effects of wildfire smoke on plants. This week’s Plant of the Week is Coffea arabica —the slow-growing source of your morning brew, and a lesson in patience. All set to a fresh lo-fi mix by Aloefi, made...