Plants by Wade Lee Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 22 w/ @farmernick Nick Cutsumpas

In this episode, Wade Lee interviews Nick Cutsumpas, also known as Farmer Nick, about his journey into the world of plants and environmentalism. Nick shares how he discovered his love for plants after college and started a garden at his parents' house. He then moved to New York City and became a houseplant enthusiast, which led to his involvement in the plant shop world. Nick also discusses his passion for environmentalism and his work with Earthjustice. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing nature and nurturing plants as a way to connect with the environment.

Episode 21 w/ @strange_substrates Ashley Strange

In this episode, Wade Lee interviews Ashley Strange of Strange Substrates, who is an expert in soil mix. They discuss the importance of substrate for different plant species and the role of additives like dried molasses, rice hulls, and silica. Ashley emphasizes the need for consistent airflow and moisture in substrates, especially for plants that require high humidity. She also shares tips on pH testing water, nutrient supplementation, and preventing salt buildup. Ashley's passion for plants and her extensive knowledge of soil amending make this episode informative and engaging. The conversation focuses on the importance of soil aeration and the role of substrates in plant growth. Ashley explains that overwatering is not the main problem for plants, but rather the lack of air in the presence of water. She emphasizes the need for substrates with different particulate sizes to ensure airflow and consistent moisture. Ashley also discusses the benefits of using crushed oyster shell as a slow-release source of calcium and magnesium, as well as the use of tree fern fiber and specialty orchid bark in her substrates. She shares the inspiration behind the catchy names of her substrates and the importance of good branding. Lastly, Ashley talks about her prop it like it's hot substrate for propagation and the inclusion of dried molasses to support the growth of myco fungi.

Episode 12 w/ @cyrilcybernated Cyril Sontillano

In this podcast episode, Wade Lee interviews Cyril from Cyril Cybernated, an Instagram account known for its plant decor and AI-generated plant content. Cyril shares his love for plants, his journey into plant collecting, and his passion for using AI as a creative tool. They also discuss Cyril's background in art and interior design, his favorite plants in his collection, and his experiences with importing plants. Cyril emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between buying plants locally and importing, as well as the challenges and rewards of rescuing and reviving plants. In this conversation, Cyril and Wade discuss their experiences with plant parenting and share tips for successful plant care. Cyril emphasizes the importance of choosing plants that can tolerate neglect and adapting to the environment they are in. They also discuss their favorite plant content creators and the challenges of creating plant-related content. Cyril shares his approach to plant family photos and the evolution of his content. They also touch on topics like humidity, fertilizing, and the recent Met Gala.

In this episode, Wade Lee interviews Kamili Bell Hill, also known as @PlantBlerd, about her journey as a plant enthusiast and the joy of connecting with other plant people. They discuss the therapeutic benefits of plants, the importance of creating a peaceful space, and the role of plants in self-care and mindfulness. They also touch on the intersection of plants and social justice, highlighting the resilience and pride of Black plant enthusiasts reclaiming their ancestral connection to farming and gardening. In this part of the conversation, Kamili and Wade discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of people of color in horticulture and botany. They highlight the need to amplify the voices of black horticulturalists and botanists who often don't receive the recognition they deserve. They also discuss the misconception of over-caring for plants and emphasize the importance of providing plants with adequate light, water, and space without unnecessary disturbance to their roots. They touch on the trend of mini plants and the joy of sharing plant-related content on social media. Finally, they talk about their love for Beyoncé and the PlantCon conference. In this conversation, Kamili aka PlantBlerd and Wade Lee discuss the accessibility and availability of plants in today's market. They talk about how rare plants are becoming more common and affordable, thanks to big growers like Costa Farms. They also touch on the importance of quarantine and pest management when bringing new plants into the home. Kamili shares her experience with heirloom plants and the sentimental value they hold. They discuss the impact of plants on self-care and mental well-being. Kamili also mentions her book, 'Happy Plants, Happy You,' and her future projects.

Summary

In this conversation, Derek Haynes and Wade Lee discuss various topics related to plants and gardening. They touch on composting, debunking plant myths, using biocontrol bugs, and introducing new plants into a collection. Derek shares his experiences with composting, including using bokashi and drying out food waste. He also explains the importance of properly composting certain materials to avoid attracting pests. Wade asks about the practice of throwing orange peels on plants as a pesticide, and Derek explains the nuances of using citrus oils for pest control. They also briefly discuss quarantining new plants to prevent the spread of pests. In this part of the conversation, Wade and Derek discuss their emotional connection to plants and their experiences with plant pests. They also talk about their love for propagating plants and sharing them with others. Derek shares his passion for fermenting drinks and explains the process behind it. In this conversation, Derek Haynes discusses the legacy of George Washington Carver and the challenges faced by black scientists throughout history. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of black scientists and breaking stereotypes in the field. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions around using menstrual blood as a plant fertilizer.

Episode 9 w/ @blossomeffect_ Paige Tailyn

Summary

In this episode, Wade Lee interviews Paige from The Blossom Effect. They discuss Paige's journey with plants, her experience at Clark Atlanta University, and the importance of building a community. Paige shares how she started the Blossom Effect and created a garden on campus as a symbol of growth and remembrance. They also talk about embracing queerness and owning one's sexiness. Paige emphasizes the power of positive verbal manifestations and the growth of her brand, Blossom Effect. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Paige's love for plants and her ever-growing collection. Paige Tailyn started her journey as a plant influencer on social media with the goal of being an educator and resource for plant enthusiasts. She found joy in educating and connecting with her audience, and her following grew rapidly. Paige also works for the Creative Collective, an organization that supports creatives of color and hosts the annual CultureCon event. She values the sense of community and support that the Creative Collective provides. Paige's greatest joy as a content creator is seeing the conversations and connections that happen among her followers. She has plans to open a plant store in the future and hopes to expand her outdoor gardening when she has a backyard.

Episode 8 with @pothosiblyaboutplants Felicia Keck

In this conversation, Felicia, a successful content creator in the plant community, shares her advice for up and coming content creators. She emphasizes the importance of posting consistently and creating content that is educational or entertaining. Felicia also discusses the need to provide value to viewers by teaching them something new or sharing something they would want to share with others. She talks about her experience of being recognized in public and her decision to keep her personal and plant-related social media accounts separate. Felicia also shares her journey of becoming a plant collector and how plants have helped her cope with grief and find a sense of purpose.

Episode 7 with @Plantschoolpodcast Rachel Tenney

Summary

In this conversation, Wade Lee and Rachel discuss their experiences with podcasting and their love for plants. They talk about the challenges of using technology, their favorite podcast episodes, and their plans for the future. They also touch on topics like composting, caring for houseplants, and gardening. The conversation is filled with humor and authenticity, making it an enjoyable listen for plant enthusiasts.

Episode 6 with @plantparenthood.collc Lindsay Meagan Rafnson

In this conversation, Lindsay Rafnson, a plant content creator and entrepreneur, shares her journey into the world of plants and how it has become a passion for her. She talks about how plants have played a role in her healing and mental health, and how taking care of plants parallels taking care of ourselves. Lindsay also discusses her experience with selling plants and her plant merch. She shares her favorite plants in her collection and the challenges she faces with certain plants, like Calatheas. Lindsay also talks about her upcoming plant sale on Palm Street and her love for the plant community.

Episode 5 with @growingjoywithmaria Maria Failla

Summary

In this conversation, Wade Lee interviews Maria from Growing Joy with Maria. They discuss various topics including their meaningful friendships, Broadway (NYC), and their journeys with plants.

Maria shares her transformation from a plant killer to a happy plant lady. They also touch on the importance of mental health and the positive impact of plants on well-being. The conversation explores the emotional connection between plants and humans, the role of plants in meditation, and the spiritual and metaphorical lessons that plants can teach us. It also touches on the importance of community and the impact of plants on mental health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the rebranding of Maria's Plant Personality quiz and her upcoming projects.

growingjoywithmaria.com