It's the Season 2 finale of Plants & Beats, and the timing couldn't be more fitting.

It’s Rob Bell's birthday and National Tequila Day; this special episode brings back friend of the show Chris Lindstrom—food and drink writer, podcast host, and spirits expert—for a conversation centered around one of the world's most fascinating plants: the agave.

Together, Rob and Chris unpack the history and craftsmanship behind tequila, the cultural traditions surrounding birthday celebrations and raising a glass with friends, and the remarkable agave plant itself.

The episode also marks the end of another season, as Rob looks back on 27 episodes of Plants & Beats. From conversations with artists, photographers, advocates, musicians, and entrepreneurs to lessons inspired by the natural world, Season 2 has been a celebration of community, creativity, wellness, and the quiet wisdom plants have to offer.

This week's featured plant is agave. Known for taking years—even decades—to mature before reaching its full potential, agave reminds us that meaningful things can't be rushed. Patience, intention, and time are often the ingredients behind life's greatest rewards.

As always, the conversation is accompanied by a warm, reflective lo-fi soundtrack produced and mixed by Aloefi.

Chris Lindstrom

Food & Drink Writer • Spirits Expert • Podcast Host

Agave (Agave spp.)

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Plants & Beats is hosted by Rob Bell, produced in partnership with the Lunchador Podcast Network, and features original music produced and mixed by Aloefi.

Thank you for joining us throughout Season 2. Whether you've listened from the very beginning or discovered the show along the way, we appreciate you spending time with us each week. Here's to another season of thoughtful conversations, remarkable plants, and beats that help us slow down and reconnect.

Until next season—peace, blessings, and keep growing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Coffee that lifts everyone. joebeanroasters.com

Rochester Contemporary Art Center's 6x6 art show is back, and it's a celebration of creativity like no other! This year's event features an incredible collection of over 6,000 pieces, all created by artists from all walks of life, proving that art truly knows no boundaries. We're diving into the heart of this vibrant community gathering, speaking to artists, enthusiasts, and those who simply appreciate the beauty in creativity. From hilarious personal stories to the joy of seeing their work on the wall, our guests share why this event is so special and how it supports not only the arts but also local initiatives. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just curious about the creative process, this episode is your ticket to understanding why 6x6 is more than just an art show; it’s a testament to the power of community, connection, and expression. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the colorful world of 6x6 and the magic it brings to Rochester!

Appearances by:

Julie Boswell (Fucking_Artist)

Courtney Hill (Courtney Lee Designs)

Jeanette Marino

Frank Argento

Sandy Frankel (sandrafrankelphotography.com)

Derek Derisio (BeBraveBeyond, Dezarec)

Nitza Nader

Shae Carrey

Carl Webeck

Gianna Stewart

Nate Miller

Paul Brandwine (Moveable Feast - WAYO)

William Dean (semiwild.art)

See Ragland (my_checations)

Scott (scottevansrochester)

Dan Banazek

Avi Bodek (quizerno)

Bleu Cease - Director of RoCo

Mentioned in this episode:

It’s A Lot

Check out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/

Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business

Check out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/

Joe Bean Roasters

Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

Get ready to shake your groove thing because we’re diving into the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival with our pals from the Crossing Paths Movement Collective! On March 27th and 28th, at 7 PM sharp, they’ll be taking over the Attack Theatre Studios, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this. This year’s lineup is all about dance and physical theatre, showcasing some seriously talented local artists and their diverse perspectives. Not only are they bringing together incredible performances, but they’re also premiering new work that’s headed for Japan—how cool is that? So, grab your tickets for just 20 bucks at pittsburghfringe.org, and let’s support those local artists while we soak up an unforgettable night of movement, emotion, and maybe a few tears (or laughs!).

Company: Crossing Paths Movement Collective

Date(s): March 27, 2026 - March 28, 2026

Time(s): 7:00 pm

Genre: Dance & Physical Theatre

Venue: Attack Theatre Studios - Main Studio

https://pittsburghfringe.org/events/pittsburgh-fringe-dana-movement-ensemble-presentscrossing-paths-movement-collective/

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

We're diving deep into the world of puppetry and horror with our lchat with Jessica Jade Jacob about Jawsica, the one-woman puppet show that's making waves at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival! We're super stoked to introduce you to Jessica, the mastermind behind this quirky twist on the classic film *Jaws*, where she brings the iconic shark and all its characters to life using puppets. You'll hear how Jessica's passion for horror flicks and her background in special effects makeup collide in this unique performance set for March 26th at the Attack Theater Studios. We’ll also dish on the challenges of condensing a beloved story into a 30-minute show, the joys of puppetry, and the thrill of performing live. So grab your tickets, settle in, and let’s get ready to swim into the depths of creativity and laughter!

Jawsica

Company: Jessica Jade Jacob

Date(s): March 26, 2026

Time(s): 7:00 pm

Genre: Performance Art

Venue: Attack Theatre Studios - Creative Learning Lab

https://pittsburghfringe.org/events/jawsica/

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

It’s A Lot

Check out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/

We're diving into the vibrant world of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival, which is about to kick off for its 13th year from March 19th to 28th! I’m Chris Lindstrom, and today I’m chatting with the fabulous Alexandra Marar, who's bringing her storytelling show, "Guardian Stranger," to life at the Attack Theater Studios. She’s got some wild tales about how ignoring the whole "don't talk to strangers" advice actually led to some life-saving adventures while exploring the globe. Picture this: a small-town girl from Ohio, navigating through cultural landscapes and meeting some of the most colorful characters along the way. We’ll explore how being open to experiences and connecting with the locals can turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable journey. So, grab your tickets, because this festival is a treasure trove of creativity and connection!

Guardian Stranger

Company: She's So Ohio/Alexandra Morar

Date(s): March 26, 2026 - March 28, 2026

Time(s): 8:15 pm

Genre: Comedy

Venue: Attack Theatre Studios - Creative Learning Lab

https://pittsburghfringe.org/events/guardian-stranger-how-talking-to-strangers-saved-me-from-danger/

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

It’s A Lot

Check out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

Get ready to dive into the wonderfully weird world of "Krampus Gets Cramped," a puppet show that’s anything but ordinary! This playful piece, created by the talented Jim Julian, is part of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival happening from March 25th to March 28th at the Mr. Roboto Project. Picture this: Krampus, the Christmas demon, finds himself in the bustling streets of 1970s New York, mingling with the likes of the iconic punk band, the Cramps. We’re talking cranky boxes, shadow puppets, and a wild mix of storytelling that’s sure to tickle your funny bone while making you question your holiday spirit. Grab your tickets for just 15 bucks and come experience the delightful chaos that ensues when naughty meets nice! You won’t want to miss out on this quirky fusion of art and hilarity that’s bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear!

Krampus Gets Cramped

Company: JIm Julien

Date(s): March 25, 2026 - March 28, 2026

Time(s): Various Times

Genre: Theatre

Venue: Mr. Roboto Project

https://pittsburghfringe.org/events/krampus-gets-cramped/

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Get ready, folks, because we’re diving into the world of theater with a special spotlight on a show that’s sure to haunt your heart—it's called "Ghosted," and it's hitting the stage at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival! This gem is brought to us by the talented Celeste Walker, who’s here to spill the tea on her mostly true tale of love, loss, and a sprinkle of Catholic guilt, all set in a hotel that might just have some ghostly guests. We chat about how this deeply personal story unfolded through a whirlwind of characters—yes, even a wall gets a voice in this wild performance! So, if you're in the mood for a show that’ll make you laugh, cry, and ponder life’s spooky twists, mark your calendars for March 25th and 26th at Attack Theatre Studios. Trust me, you don’t want to ghost this one!

GHOSTED

Company: Celeste Walker

Date(s): March 25, 2026 - March 26, 2026

Time(s): Various Times

Genre: Theatre

Venue: Attack Theatre Studios - Main Studio

https://pittsburghfringe.org/events/ghosted/

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

We're diving into the delightful chaos of "An American (not) in Paris," a hilarious solo show by Liv Rocklin, hitting the stage at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival from March 24th to March 28th. This isn't just any comedy; it's a vibrant mix of stand-up storytelling and musical comedy, all wrapped up in a package that’s equal parts relatable and riotous. Liv shares her journey through the ups and downs of life, sprinkled with a dash of ADHD and OCD humor, which we all know can be a wild ride! With Taylor Swift references and a hint of Lizzie McGuire nostalgia, Liv's show promises to tug at your heartstrings while also making you laugh until you snort. So, whether you’re a Pittsburgh local or just passing through, grab your tickets and prepare for a night of laughter at the Mr. Roboto Project!

An American (not) in Paris

Company: Liv Rocklin

Date(s): March 24, 2026 - March 28, 2026

Time(s): 6:35 pm, 1:00 pm

Genre: Comedy

Venue: Mr. Roboto Project

https://pittsburghfringe.org/events/an-american-not-in-paris/

Mentioned in this episode:

It’s A Lot

Check out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/

Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business

Check out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com