On this episode of Plants & Beats, Rob Bell (@byrobbell) sits down with his brother, Mike Patterson, a gun-violence-prevention and disability advocate, founder of the Rochester nonprofit MPP 360, and voice for community change.

Together, they explore the complex relationship between Black Americans and Juneteenth, reflecting on what the holiday means today. The conversation also dives into fatherhood, the influence of rap music, and Mike's commitment to serving the Rochester community through advocacy, mentorship, and lived experience.

This week's featured plant is hemp—one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants. Known for its remarkable versatility, hemp has been used for thousands of years to create clothing, rope, paper, food, and countless other essentials.

As always, the episode is woven together with a lo-fi soundtrack produced and mixed by Aloefi (@al0efi).

Featured Guest

Mike Patterson

Founder, MPP 360

Gun Violence & Disability Advocate

Plant of the Week

Hemp (Cannabis sativa)

Featured Plant Care Guide

https://linkly.link/2lICT

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Listen to More Aloefi

Best of Aloefi (Apple Music):

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/best-of-aloefi/pl.u-vxy68aYC8X3dpR

Best of Aloefi (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2IlQUrBY5eqcYkZQzRw7Mo?si=T0v930l5Ts6rSz-OqYnkyg

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

No matter how difficult the season, keep growing.

Peace and blessings.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Coffee that lifts everyone. joebeanroasters.com