As we close out the year, we’re excited to share a special conversation between *Black in the Garden* host Colah B. Tawkin and WABE’s City Lights* with Lois Reitzes. In this inspiring interview, Colah reflects on her personal journey, her deep love for plants, and the importance of always striving and growing—both in life and in the garden. 

While the cultivation and care of plants are universal, the discourse around horticulture often amplifies privileged voices while overlooking others. That’s where *Black in the Garden* stands out. Hosted by Colah B. Tawkin—gardener, researcher, and “plantrepreneur”—this podcast uplifts the experiences and expertise of Black gardeners, farmers, and plantkeepers, sharing underrepresented stories of resilience, growth, and achievement. 

Tune in to hear Colah’s reflections and insights as she continues to amplify fresh perspectives within the plant world. 

To support Black in the Garden and other public media programing this Giving Season, visit wabe.org/give

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soil Cousins, it’s cuffing and holiday season—a time for matching pajamas or cozy solo nights, depending on where life finds you. Whether you’re snuggled up with a partner or embracing the solo journey, this episode of Black in the Garden is for all the single Plant Parents nurturing their greens—and themselves.

Join Colah B. and guest cohost, Plant Zaddy, as they dive into the art of plant companionship and explore how our leafy friends can help us connect with others and ourselves. Drawing inspiration from NPR's The Art of Being Single, this conversation unpacks the joys and challenges of single life through the lens of plant care.

Discover how plants can help combat loneliness, reflect our relationship patterns, and guide us through post-breakup growth. From personal stories of relationships, single parenthood, marriage, and falling in love with plants, we’re getting real about the patience, resilience, and nurturing connections that plant care teaches us.

Whether you’re flying solo, coupled up, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that you’re never truly alone with your green companions by your side.

Grab your favorite plant, get cozy, and let’s dig in!

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soil Cousins, get ready to be inspired! The dynamic Lelo Jones is back! Lelo is a passionate advocate for sustainable living, urban farming, and community empowerment. Fresh off his awe-inspiring 100-mile walk from Columbus to Atlanta, Lelo shares the powerful story behind “Heal the World, 100 Miles to Change,” an initiative designed to raise awareness about sustainable living and preserving the planet for future generations.

From his roots in hosting Atlanta’s Soil Festival to founding Outdoor Fresh Farm and the Outdoor Universal network, Lelo is on a mission to reconnect people to the soil and inspire eco-friendly lifestyles. He’s not just a farmer—he’s a movement, blending education, activism, and hands-on farming to empower communities and amplify the voices of Black farmers.

Tune in for an energizing conversation packed with practical tips for integrating sustainable practices into your life, whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a passion for greener living. Join us as we explore how Lelo’s journey is changing the game and healing the world—one step and one seed at a time.

To support Black in the Garden and other public media programing amplifying Atlanta this Giving Tuesday, visit wabe.org/give

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soil Cousins! Welcome to the first-ever Thanksgiving episode of Black in the Garden! As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we’re soaking in the spirit of gratitude and pulling up to the Black Thanksgiving table for a flavorful discussion.

This year, we’re serving up some hot takes on clashing Black cultural perspectives around holiday favorites—everything from garden-fresh dishes to the must-have staples and even the infamous ‘sweet potato pie bias.’ Joining Colah B. Tawkin at the table are the vibrant voices of Plant Zaddy and Lelo Jones.

Grab a plate, pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage, and settle in for this lively conversation about all things Thanksgiving.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

·       From Soul to Plant Soul: How is plant-based eating finding its place in the Black community? Is Auntie Tab leading the charge, or is it just the evolution of veggie-centric Southern cuisine?

·       Holiday Classics, Remixed: Are plant-based substitutes replacing traditional holiday staples? Or are new dishes simply finding a seat at the table alongside the classics?

·       Plant-Based Skepticism: Who’s giving Auntie Tab’s mac and cheese the side-eye? Are uncles across the table ready to swap ham hocks for mushrooms and cashews?

·       Controversial Pie: The Pumpkin Pie Taboo vs. Sweet Potato Pie Bias.

Whether you’re team “collards and cornbread” or team “casserole and cauliflower,” this episode is sure to spark laughs, insights, and maybe even a little debate at your family’s holiday gathering.

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's always a celebration when we link up!

In this special anniversary episode, the tables are turned as Plant Zaddy, aka Josh Hite, interviews Colah B Tawkin—the voice and heart behind Black in the Garden. Together, they delve into the journey, lessons, and passion for plants that have made the podcast a beloved space for growth, resilience, and community.

Stay tuned for Colah’s hot takes and rapid-fire reflections in the 5th Anniversary Hot Seat! From digging deep into her story to sharing unique plant encounters (including which plant she considers the "Beyoncé" of the botanical world), this episode celebrates five incredible years of nurturing Black joy, pride, and healing through gardening.

Join us as we honor Colah’s journey—from soil to spotlight—and toast to many more years of breaking ground and planting seeds of knowledge.

Colah’s TedEx

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In uncertain times, what better way to find inspiration than through a great story? On this episode of Black In The Garden, we spotlight incredible Black individuals who have made a significant impact in the world of horticulture. Today, we shine a light on Pearl Fryar, a man whose passion for plants goes beyond mere gardening. He’s made a real difference through his unique and artistic approach to horticulture.  

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of topiary—the art of sculpting plants into stunning shapes. Pearl Fryar’s name stands out like a perfectly pruned masterpiece. With just a pair of shears and a lot of heart, Fryar transformed a small corner of South Carolina into a breathtaking living canvas that continues to inspire people around the globe. 

Adding to the conversation is Plant Zaddy, ready to share more insights about Fryar's journey and legacy. Tune in and get ready to see your hedges in a whole new light! 

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden

Documentary: A Man Named Pearl 

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the world of magical plants! In this episode of Black in the Garden, we’re thrilled to welcome Keyoncé Dillon, a New Orleans-based spiritual practitioner, life coach, and host of the Millennial Soul Food podcast. Keyoncé brings a rich perspective rooted in Black, Queer, and Southern experiences, offering deep insights into Hoodoo, plant magic, and the powerful role of plants in spiritual traditions. With a background that spans Christianity, Hermetic Kabbalah, Hoodoo, and Buddhism, they guide clients to overcome spiritual and emotional blocks, promoting personal and professional growth.  

Keyoncé takes us on a journey through the historical ties between Black people and plants, diving into the transformative power of plant magic in Hoodoo, how these practices evolved during the transatlantic slave trade, and the significance of plants like the burning bush in Biblical traditions. They also share practical advice for those interested in incorporating plant magic into modern spirituality, as well as their personal experiences working with plants and moon phases. Get ready to explore the dynamic interplay between nature, culture, and spiritual resilience. 

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Black In The Garden, we explore the incredible journey of Tropical Express ATL, a business that sprouted from a backyard greenhouse and blossomed into one of Atlanta’s most beloved plant destinations. From serving plant lovers, photographers, and filmmakers, to being a go-to spot for creatives, Tropical Express has become more than just a plant shop—it's a community hub.

We'll discuss how Tropical Express embraced the shift in how people viewed plants and indoor spaces during the pandemic, and how its founder embarked on bold “plant hunts” to curate a standout collection.

Whether you're passionate about plants, business, or community, this episode offers fresh insights on growing not just plants, but dreams. Tune in for a captivating conversation about nurturing both nature and ambition.

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another enriching episode of Black in the Garden with host Colah B. Tawkin and co-host Plant Zaddy.

Indulge in a flavorful and historical exploration of collard greens (AKA Black Pant Fave), a symbol deeply rooted in Black culture. From their African origins to their modern-day presence in soul food and contemporary cuisine, collard greens carry a story of resilience, survival, and tradition.

We’ll uncover the African origins of collard greens and explore how enslaved Africans used their agricultural knowledge to cultivate them. We also dive into the collards’ journey after emancipation, touching on New Year’s celebrations and everyday meals. Collard greens are rich in symbolism, representing prosperity, community, and a deep connection to ancestry.

Join us as we honor the history, culture, and continued relevance of collard greens in the Black community.

Special shoutout to food historian KJ Kearney and Tassili's Raw Reality Café!

For more information, visit wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, we’re tapping into a conversation that blends beer, Black culture, and agriculture in a way that’s both innovative and meaningful. Ale Sharpton, the pioneering force behind BrewGether, joins us to explore how craft beer can be more than just a beverage—it can be a bridge to community empowerment, sustainability, and economic equity. We’ll dive into how BrewGether is making waves by supporting BIPOC farmers, connecting urban agriculture with the craft beer industry, and building opportunities for those traditionally underrepresented in this space. Ale’s mission is about more than brewing great beer—it’s about crafting a better future for our communities.

How does hip-hop and beer intertwine?! Ale tackles fun rapid-fire questions, from pairing hip-hop albums with brews to imagining which legends of the genre would make the best brewmasters. Grab a drink (responsibly, of course), and join us for an inspiring discussion on how culture, craft beer, and change are brewing together.

Disclaimer: At Black in the Garden and WABE, we celebrate the craft of beer responsibly. Please enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation, and always prioritize your safety and well-being. Cheers to great conversations!

For more information on Ale Sharpton visit: https://www.brewgether.org.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soil Cousins! As the seasons change and we gear up for fall, it’s time to help you grow smarter, not harder. Today’s episode is all about “fall planting”—we're here to guide you through what to plant this season based on your “hardiness zones.”

But first, what exactly are “hardiness zones”? These zones help gardeners and farmers determine which plants are most likely to thrive in specific climates. For many of us, fall is that perfect time to sip on pumpkin spice lattes while planting cool-weather crops. Today, we’re breaking down the zones and how they impact your region and horticulture. Spoiler alert: if you’re trying to grow pineapples in Alaska, this map will kindly suggest otherwise.

We’ll go region by region to help you figure out where you fall on the map and what to plant.

Joining us again for this episode is the phenomenal Joshua Hite, aka Plant Zaddy, to share his insights and tips.

For more information, visit wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.