Plants & Beats

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 Honor Of Black Lives in the Bronx. Locally, he was a featured artist in the Seasons of Warhol exhibition at the Memorial Art Gallery.

As always, the conversation is backed by a lo-fi mix from Aloefi.

📸 Featuring photographer Narada John Riley (@nrad257)

🏈 Photography work with the Buffalo Bills

💰 Conversations on hustle culture, creativity & purpose

🪴 Plant of the Week: The Money Tree

🎧 Hosted by Rob Bell (@byrobbell)

🎼 Music by Aloefi (@al0efi)

🎙 Produced with the Lunchador Podcast Network (@lunchadorpodcasts)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Coffee that lifts everyone.

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.

Connections with Evan Dawson

Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

Connections

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)

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

🪴 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)

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:@al0efi, Tiktok: @aloefianime)

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)

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)