Plants by Wade Lee Podcast

Episode 61 w/ @hilatheearth Hila

Hila the Earth shares her journey from urban upbringing to becoming a sustainability advocate and Earth persona, exploring practical zero waste tips, systemic change, and the spiritual connection with Mother Earth.

Episode 60 w/ @homegrown.florida Petrina Steacy

In this episode, Petrina from Homegrown Florida shares her journey from IT to gardening, her unique approach to Florida gardening, and practical tips on planting, pest management, and seed saving. Discover how to adapt gardening strategies to Florida's climate and enjoy a thriving garden year-round.

Episode 59 w/ @solsoils Travis Thein

In this episode, Travis Thein shares the story behind Sol Soils, their sustainable soil mixes, and innovative product development. Discover how a passion for plants led to a thriving business focused on quality, sustainability, and community impact.

Episode 58 w/ @jonathanhiebert Jonathan Hiebert

What happens when a real-bearded Santa trades corporate burnout for flower crowns, TikTok, and a life built around joy? Jonathan Hiebert reveals how choosing authenticity changed everything—from his mental health to a social following that grew at lightning speed.

What looks like whimsical content is actually a radical practice in self-trust. Jonathan shares the story behind becoming “Spring Santa,” why kindness and unconditional love are central to his Santa identity, and how sobriety, radical self-awareness, and hard-won boundaries helped him stop shrinking himself to fit other people’s boxes.

You’ll discover:

- How Jonathan went from a corporate sales job that made him miserable to a creative life that feels like home

- Why a flower crown made from a coat hanger sparked a whole new artistic path

- The difference between living from a place of performance and living from a place of authenticity

- How he uses vulnerability, editing, and daily reflection to turn raw feelings into short videos that resonate

- Why he believes some of the most powerful things we create are the ones infused with intention

Episode 57 w/ @thelecaqueen Dr. Nora Mutalima

Nora the Leca Queen shares her journey into semi-hydroponics, the benefits of using Leca clay balls, and practical tips for plant care enthusiasts. Discover how she transitioned from traditional potting to semi-hydro and the innovative methods she employs to keep her plants thriving.

Episode 56 w/ @woodlucker Ann Wood

She doesn’t just make paper flowers - she makes whole little worlds. Ann Wood told me she starts with one plant, studies every color, then hand-paints the paper before building it into something so real it makes you do a double take.

That’s the part I love most - it’s not just botanical art. It’s observation, patience, and a deep respect for the tiny details most people walk right past. From zinnias to mushrooms to roots and insects, every piece feels like a record of what grows.

Get ready to entire the creative and whimsical world of Woodlucker.

Episode 55 w/ @trashtalk_nyc David Clarke

In this episode, David from Trash Talk NYC shares how a passion for cleaning and greening the streets of New York has organically evolved into a community-driven movement. Discover the innovative approaches, community engagement, and grassroots strategies that are transforming urban spaces block by block.

Episode 55 w/ @theg0thgarden Chloe Hurst

I always believed that gardening was about bright, cheerful spaces. Then I met Chloe, the Gothic Gardener, who changed my perspective entirely.For her, darkness has been a part of her identity since birth—jet black eyes, love for gothic architecture, and a fascination with the macabre. But her journey into goth gardening? Pure serendipity. It started with moonflowers and moon gardens, then blossomed into a mission to collect every dark plant she could find.

Her garden is surprisingly small, yet it exudes a mystical aura—proof that even limited space can hold infinite dark beauty when curated thoughtfully.

Chloe's approach is about contrast—pairing black plants with greens and silvers to highlight their eerie elegance, and sprinkling decor for that Victorian mystery.What struck me most? Her vulnerability.

Chloe openly shares her mental health struggles, emphasizing how her garden is a sanctuary—a therapy that grounds her amidst life's chaos. Her story reminds us that plants aren't just aesthetic; they're healing.

Now, with her debut book Darkness in Bloom, she offers a guide that makes gothic gardening accessible to all—whether you live in a cold climate or tiny apartment. It's a testament that dark beauty isn't just for the few—it's for everyone willing to embrace it. Maybe that's the point.

Sometimes, the most rebellious act is simply being authentically yourself—plants, dark or bright, included.

Episode 53 w/ @cheesyplants Sam Fitzgerald

Ever wonder how plant lovers turn a passion into a full-time hustle?
When Sam started sharing her plant journey, she never imagined it would become a career. From curating aesthetic plant setups to collaborating with brands, she realized early on: this is more than just a hobby—it's a business.
Content creation is a powerful tool. Reusing videos, staying authentic, and asking for your worth—these are the secrets that helped Sam grow financially while doing what she loves. Knowing your value and being brave enough to ask for it changed everything for her.

Episode 52 w/ @concreteboutiqu.co Aly

Join Wade Lee as he chats with Aly from Concrete Boutique about her journey from a plant enthusiast to a concrete planter maker, her creative process, and her plans to expand into workshops and online sales. Discover how her family history, innovative techniques, and community collaborations shape her unique brand.

Most plant lovers have a special moment that sets it all off—like discovering a cactus named Walter or falling for a stinky corpse flower. In this whirlwind episode, Wade Lee dives into a vibrant mosaic of stories from passionate plant enthusiasts at the Southeast Plant Show, revealing how a single plant can spark a lifelong obsession and transform your world.

You'll discover the surprising origin of the nickname "beef" for cacti after a trip to Mexico, and why Sansevieria has skyrocketed in popularity right now—plus practical tips on caring for these resilient green friends. We break down how plant community events turn strangers into friends, sharing insights from workshops in Dallas to hybrid tomato breeding.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned collector, this episode offers practical advice, fresh perspectives, and a behind-the-scenes look at the thriving plant community. Perfect for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or just wanted to learn more about plants—this episode will ignite your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the green world.

• Author and creator Krystal Duran @_plantswithkrystal_
• Grower Leslie, Owner of Not Your Average Sansevieria. @notyouraveragesansevieria
• Horticulturist Vee of Nocturnal Oasis @nocturnal.oasis
• Educator , Certified Plant Papi, Semi Hydro Geek Fidel @thepondon
• Shannon Marie Troisi owner Royal Roots Florida-based plant nursery . @royalrootsplantco
• Biochemist turned exotic plant breeder Nick Rust owner of Rusty Exotics @rustyexotics

For more information about the Southeast Plant Show visit

southeastplantshow.com

In Episode 51, Host Wade Lee Richards and Colah B. Tawkin explore the multifaceted world of gardening, community, and education. Colah shares her journey from a childhood appreciation of plants to becoming a passionate gardener and educator. They discuss the importance of representation in the gardening community, particularly for Black individuals, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in education. The conversation also touches on Colah's podcasting journey and the influence of various media on her work. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of gardening, community building, and the sharing of knowledge.

Episode 50 w/ @leafydiva Dana Washington

In this engaging conversation, Wade Lee and Dana, also known as Leafy Diva, explore Dana's recent travels to Ecuador, her experiences with plant collecting, and the cultural insights she gained from the trip. They discuss the importance of plant care, the role of social media in building community, and the challenges of content creation. Dana shares her future travel plans, including a potential trip to Borneo, and emphasizes the significance of education in the plant community. The conversation highlights the beauty of nature, the joy of discovering new plants, and the connections formed through shared interests.

Healing Through Gardening: A Journey with Stephanie RoseIn this episode of the Plants by Wade Lee podcast, host Wade Lee speaks with Stephanie Rose, an award-winning author and garden expert, about her transformative journey through gardening. Stephanie shares her personal story of how gardening became a source of healing during her debilitating illness, leading to the creation of her book 'Garden Alchemy.' The conversation explores the importance of pollinator gardens, natural pest control, and the impact of climate change on gardening practices. They discuss the significance of engaging younger generations in gardening and the community connections that arise from shared gardening experiences. Stephanie also shares insights into her upcoming projects and the joy of cultivating beauty through nature.Gardening can be a transformative experience for health and well-being.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Garden Therapy

03:17 The Alchemy of Gardening

06:03 Creating Pollinator-Friendly Spaces

08:57 Transforming Urban Spaces

11:36 The Importance of Community in Gardening

14:10 Cutting Gardens and Seasonal Blooms

16:50 Gardening as a Healing Practice

19:13 Adapting to Climate Change in Gardening

21:32 Engaging the Next Generation of Gardeners

24:01 Personal Transformations Through Gardening

29:39 The Joy of Gardening and Houseplants

32:09 Writing the 13th Book: A Journey of Creativity

35:11 Photography in Gardening: Capturing Moments

37:59 Herbs and Their Multifaceted Benefits

40:48 Making Gardening Accessible to All

42:34 Building Community Through Gardening

44:06 creative portfolio (2).mp4

Episode 48 w/ @rosysoil Chad Massura

In this episode of the Plants by Wade Lee podcast, host Wade Lee interviews Chad Massura, CEO and founder of Rosy Soil. They discuss Chad's journey from a food industry background to becoming a soil expert, focusing on the benefits of biochar as a sustainable alternative to peat. The conversation covers the environmental impacts of peat harvesting, the importance of building a knowledgeable team, and the development of innovative soil products. Chad shares insights on urban gardening, customer feedback, and future product launches, emphasizing the mission of providing high-quality, sustainable soil solutions.

Episode 47 w/ @mossify Lucas Picciolo

In this episode of the Plants by Wade Lee podcast, host Wade Lee interviews Lucas, the owner of Mossify, a brand dedicated to plant care and sustainability. Lucas shares his journey from growing up in a hardworking family to launching Mossify, which plants a tree for every purchase. The conversation explores the inspiration behind the brand, the importance of community engagement, and the innovative products Mossify is developing, including a new moss farm. Lucas emphasizes the need for obsession in entrepreneurship and the significance of storytelling in building a brand.

Episode 46 w/ @therootedpetal Christy

Summary

In this episode of the Plants by Wade Lee podcast, host Wade Lee speaks with Christy Gilvear from The Rooted Petal about her journey with plants, healing, and community building. Christy shares her experiences with yoga, personal growth, and how plants have played a significant role in her life. They discuss the importance of nurturing relationships, the subtle communication of plants, and the joy of creating a healing space. Christy also talks about her aspirations for the future, including teaching and fostering a supportive community around plant care and wellness.

Episode 45 w/ @lordfierce Richard Pham

In this engaging conversation, Richard Pham, known as Lord Fierce and Plant Daddy MD, shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by plants in California to becoming a prominent plant care expert in New York City. He discusses the evolution of his business, the services he offers, and the essential tools he uses for plant care. Richard also reflects on the impact of the pandemic on his career, his experiences at the Root In Peace event, and the importance of pride and identity in his life. With a focus on community and creativity, Richard's story is a testament to the beauty of embracing one's passions and the joy of connecting with others through plants.

Episode 44 w/ @pvplantguy David

In this episode of the Plants by Wade Lee podcast, host Wade Lee interviews David, known as PV Plant Guy, about his journey into plant care, the impact of social media on his life, and how he copes with grief through his love for plants. David shares his experiences with plant shopping, viral moments, and the importance of balancing content creation with personal life. The conversation also touches on community engagement, self-care, and future projects related to plants.

Episode 43 w/ @plantsinafarmhouse Kaila Little

In this engaging conversation, Kaila from Plants in a Farmhouse shares her journey from a plant enthusiast to a successful business owner. She discusses her early influences, the transition to running a plant shop, and the importance of social media in growing her brand. Kaila also offers insights into plant care, customer trends, and the challenges of online sales. The discussion highlights the vibrant plant community and the joy of sharing knowledge and experiences with fellow plant lovers.