Plants & Beats

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 and caring for people.

Set against another lo-fi mix by Aloefi, this episode is about growth in every sense of the word—personal, communal, and creative.

🪴 Recorded live at Stem on Monro...

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 has photographed for the Buffalo Bills and built a growing creative reputation through work featured in the Capture the Movement exhibition in Brooklyn and...

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:

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)

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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)

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

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)

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...

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: @byrob...

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)

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 within us.

🎧 New episodes every Friday

🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (IG: @byrobbell)

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

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 (@byrobbell)

🎼 Music by Aloefi (@al0efi)

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 lo-fi soundtrack by Aloefi to keep the energy grounded and clean.

🎧 New episodes every Friday

🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

🎼 Music by Aloefi (@al0efi)

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 soul and settle your soil.

🎧 New episodes every Friday

🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

🎼 Music by Aloefi (@al0efi)

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 spirit glowing.

Discover “7 Plants That Repel Grubs From Your Garden” now on plantsandbeats.com

🎧 New episodes drop every Friday

🎙 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

🎼 Music by Aloefi (@al0efi)

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 fresh mix of lo-fi beats to steady your breath and center your soul.

New episodes every Friday

🎧 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

🎼 All tracks by Aloefi (@al0efi)

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 (@byrobbell)

🎼 All tracks by Aloefi (@al0efi)

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 for running, resting, or repotting.

🌱 New episodes drop every Friday.

🎧 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

🎼 All tracks by Aloefi

In the very first episode of Plants & Beats, we share essential tips for keeping your garden thriving through the summer heat—plus a deep dive into the healing power and mythos of the aloe vera plant. All while, Aloefi spins a fresh mix of his signature lo-fi beats, crafted to soothe, slow down, and inspire.

🌱 New episodes drop every Friday.

🎧 Produced by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

🎼 All tracks by Aloefi (@al0efi)