Palms of the Diaspora

In Loving Memory of Ananda Lewis. We are deeply saddened that Ananda Lewis—television icon, mother, truth-teller, and fierce health advocate—has passed away. We were proud to have her join us on Black in the Garden as the Black media legend that she was, sharing her powerful story with grace, candor, and urgency. In her honor, we are re-releasing this episode in her memory. Ananda spoke openly about her breast cancer diagnosis and the challenges of navigating healthcare as a Black woman. This conversation is not only a tribute—it is a call to action. She used her voice to urge others, especially Black women, to take charge of their health through early detection, self-awareness, and advocacy. Let this episode serve as a reminder to make the appointment, ask the questions, and get the mammogram. Rest in power, Ananda. Your courage and brilliance continue to bloom in every listener you’ve touched. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soil Cousins, we made it to the Spring season finale! This wrap-up episode is a heartfelt celebration of our year in collaboration with WABE. After four years of independently producing Black in the Garden, this chapter brought new depth to our storytelling—with a full production team, a custom set, and the debut of our cohost, Plant Zaddy! Join Colah B Tawkin and Plant Zaddy as they reflect on some of the most powerful moments, brilliant guests, and unforgettable stories that made this season so impactful—from exploring the cultural roots of collard greens to highlighting the work of educators, farmers, and botanical changemakers. We also take time to honor the production team and broadcasting legends whose contributions made this milestone possible. Whether you’ve been here from day one or just discovered the show, this episode is for you. We’re wrapping up the Spring Season with gratitude for growth and closing this season out the way we started it—together. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of Black in the Garden, Colah B and co-host Joshua Hite (aka Plant Zaddy) dig into the revolutionary legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer and the Freedom Farm Cooperative. They explore how Hamer’s vision of food sovereignty, land ownership, and cooperative economics empowered Black communities—and why that vision still matters today. From the impact of celebrity allies to modern ways we can continue Hamer’s work, this episode is full of history, inspiration, and actionable steps for reclaiming self-sufficiency. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Black in the Garden, host Colah B. Tawkin sits down with world-renowned topiary artist Mike Gibson for a vibrant conversation about creativity, legacy, and the art of shaping living sculpture. From his early days growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, to working alongside the legendary Pearl Fryar, Mike shares how he turned his passion for plants into a powerful form of cultural expression. Mike reflects on his experience as a contestant on HGTV’s Clipped with Martha Stewart, breaks down the Gibson Method of creative pruning, and talks about the therapeutic and artistic power of topiary. Colah and Mike explore how topiary connects to Black identity, public art, and the future of green spaces. This long-awaited conversation is full of insight, inspiration and gems of wisdom. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Black in the Garden, Colah B and co-host Plant Zaddy dig into the concept of farmwashing—how big brands use the imagery of small, sustainable farms to sell products without truly supporting the farmers who make ethical food production possible. The conversation explores misleading marketing, the exploitation of migrant farm workers, and the erasure of Black farmers from the narrative. Plus, practical tips for intentionally supporting Black-owned farms and resources like the Black Farmers Index to help you do just that. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Black in the Garden, Colah shares her lifelong love for palm trees, rooted in her Florida upbringing and travels across the country. Together with Plant Zaddy, they explore the fascinating ways palms show up across the African Diaspora — from food and textiles to traditional medicine. You’ll hear incredible facts about the resilience, history, and cultural power of palms, including how they survive hurricanes and how ancient date palm seeds sprouted after thousands of years. It’s a breezy, informative, and culture-rich conversation about one of the world’s most iconic plants. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bold and necessary episode of Black in the Garden, host Colah B. returns to a viral conversation that had Soil Cousins everywhere buzzing—how do we truly reclaim our economic power in a system designed to exploit it? Joined by journalist, cultural critic, and WABE reporter Julien Virgin, Colah digs deep into the tension between Black buying power and the realities of economic justice. As DEI initiatives are rolled back and corporations continue to commodify Black culture without meaningful reinvestment, it’s time to ask: What comes after the boycott? Together, Colah and Julien unpack the influence of hip-hop on consumerism, the seductive pull of materialism, and how the illusion of success has often been sold to us through luxury branding. But this isn’t just a critique—it’s a call to action. From mutual aid to gardening and sustainable living, they explore real, community-centered solutions that can shift us from consumers to creators. With insight, humor, and unflinching honesty, this episode urges Soil Cousins to challenge capitalist narratives, celebrate Black culture without excess, and reconnect with the land as an act of liberation. Because resistance isn’t just about what we stop doing—it’s about what we choose to grow in its place. Tap in. Reflect. Reclaim. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soil Cousins! It’s time to get your houseplants spring-ready with none other than Joshua Hite, aka Plant Zaddy! You already know he’s family—from designing our set when Black in the Garden transitioned from audio to video (catch us on YouTube!) to becoming a beloved cohost, Joshua has been dropping gems on botanical Black history, plant-based perspectives, and the language of flowers. But today? It’s all about him. In this episode, we’re digging into how Plant Zaddy turned his passion for plants into a thriving business—styling spaces for high-profile clients and sharing essential spring plant care tips to help your greenery thrive. So whether you’re dreaming of a plant-filled career or just trying to keep your houseplants happy this season, we’ve got you covered! For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back with another plant-powered game that blends knowledge, culture, and plenty of laughs—Don’t Moss With Me! Inspired by the fast-paced fun of game of  IKYFL from The Terrell Show. This Black botanical trivia challenge puts a fresh spin on exploring the vibrant intersections of Black culture and horticulture.  Today, Colah B. Tawkin, co-host Plant Zaddy, and resident botanist The Chocolate Botanist put their plant knowledge to the test with questions rooted in horticulture lifestyle. Think you know your spices? Can you name multiple trees in just 8 seconds? You might be surprised! Get ready to laugh, learn, and flex your own botanical brilliance. We ain’t new to this—we TRUE to this. Let’s get into it!  For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Black in the Garden, we explore the intersection of storytelling, environmental justice, and Black history with award-winning filmmaker and activist Dana Michelle Maule. Dana’s latest project, Moncrief Springs, is a powerful travel documentary showcasing how urban tourism can protect Black neighborhoods and preserve their rich cultural legacy. Beyond filmmaking, Dana is a dedicated environmental advocate and a member of the Sierra Club’s Northeast Florida Executive Committee, working to amplify Black voices in the environmental movement. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of greenspaces in historically Black communities, the role of media in driving social change, and how we can all take action to protect our environment and heritage. Join us for an inspiring discussion on using creativity as a tool for activism and the future of Black-led environmental justice. Tune in now! For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.