Stepping into the garden with Joe Lamp'l (better known as Joe the Gardener) feels like walking alongside a trusted friend who's been tending the soil for decades. The Emmy award-winning host of PBS's "Growing a Greener World" brings warmth, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm to our conversation about finding joy in nature and living more intentionally.

Joe's journey began with a magical childhood moment—at eight years old, he accidentally broke a branch from a hedge, stuck it in the ground to hide his mistake, and returned months later to discover it had taken root and sprouted new leaves. That single moment of wonder sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led him from corporate accounting to becoming one of America's most beloved gardening educators.

What strikes you immediately about Joe is his authentic connection to the natural world. Despite decades in the field, his curiosity remains insatiable. "I love gardening more today than yesterday, and tomorrow I'll love it more than today," he shares, explaining how each discovery adds another layer to his appreciation rather than replacing what came before. This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to our culture of constant consumption and disposable experiences.

Throughout our conversation, Joe weaves practical gardening wisdom with profound insights about slowing down and rewilding both our landscapes and ourselves. He describes his morning ritual of sitting outside with coffee at dawn, listening to birdsong before checking emails—a simple practice that grounds him in nature's rhythms before the day's demands begin. This intentional approach to living carries through to his gardening practices, where he's recently embraced incorporating more native plants and creating habitat spaces that support wildlife.

One of the most thought-provoking moments comes when Joe articulates a concept many of us intuitively feel but struggle to name: "It's the losses we notice, it's the diminishment we don't see." Using the example of monarch butterflies, he illustrates how gradual decline often escapes our attention until species are critically endangered. His gentle reminder that "every bit counts" empowers listeners to take action in whatever space they have available—from extensive acreage to apartment balconies.

Ready to reconnect with nature and discover the joy of growing? Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations with people who are living differently and creating positive change in their communities. Share your own gardening journey with us on social media—we'd love to see how you're living slow and re-wilding your corner of the world.

Joe's Webiste: https://joegardener.com/

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

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