
Show overview
Native Plants, Healthy Planet has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 315 episodes. That works out to roughly 450 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run an hour to ninety minutes — most land between 1h 15m and 1h 35m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language Science show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 19 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Bleav + Pinelands Nursery.
From the publisher
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick interview some of the top minds in ecology, restoration, conservation, and of course, native plants. Join them on their journey towards knowledge and understanding of some of the larger problems that our ecosystems face.
Latest Episodes
View all 315 episodesLand Stewardship Planning with Charlotte Lorick
The Buzz - The Trees Have Eyes
Collaboration in Ecology with Douglas Tallamy, Michael Curran, and Timothy, J Robisnon
The Buzz - Native Plant Month
Education and Community with Beth Ginter of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council

Ep 310The Buzz - A Ribbiting Experience
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Did you hear? The Buzz is HOT! Welcome to National Frog Month. “That’s Hot” highlights emerging color. “This or That” tackles theft and highlights a former guest. Tom and Fran get stuck with a Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email [email protected] Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 309NJ Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference Part 2 with Joshua Moody
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Joshua Moody (Research Scientist at NJDEP), to discuss Coastal Resilience. Topics include Coastal Resilience, the NJCCRC Conference and the importance of collaboration, the wonders of Atlantic White Cedar habitat, Josh's journey through ecology, and the promise of a better future. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow NJ DEP Division of Science and Research Here. Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 308The Buzz - If You Think Native Plants are Boring, You're in Luck!
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. It’s still conference season! Tom shares his experience at his latest speaking engagement. “That’s Hot” is sticky in more ways than one. “This or That” tackles biodiversity, or lack thereof. Tom and Fran sink into a new Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email [email protected] Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 307NJ Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference with Terry Doss and Amanda Archer
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Terry Doss (Co-Director and Chief Restoration Scientist) of the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute, and Amanda Archer (Coastal Training & Engagement Coordinator) of Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, to discuss Coastal Resilience. Topics include Coastal Resilience, the NJCCRC Conference and the importance of collaboration, educating about climate change, the RISING workshop, and the promise of a better future. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute Here. Follow Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve Here. Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 306The Buzz - Can You Smell That Smell?
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. It's conference season! We have a Canada Goose update. “That’s Hot” is touring the Southern United States. “This or That” tackles Climate Change and Urban Endangered Plants. Tom and Fran have a new Mt. Rushmore. Can you smell what Tom and Fran are cooking? Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email [email protected] Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 305Harmful Algal Blooms with Dr. Fred Lubnow and Jenn Rogers
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Dr. Fred Lubnow (Senior Technical Director) of Princeton Hydro, and Jenn Rogers (Executive Director) of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, to discuss Harmful Algal Blooms. Topics include What is a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and what does it mean for you, how and why do HAB's occur, what technology is used to monitor and prevent them from occurring, and how you can make a difference in your every day life. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Princeton Hydro Here. Follow Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space Here. Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 304The Buzz - Caaryaaa!
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Tom and Fran spill the tea. “That’s Hot” pits Northeast vs Southwest. “This or That” travels abroad so make sure you check travel times. Tom and Fran have a new Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our musical secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email [email protected] Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 303Roots So Deep with Mike McGraw and Santino Lauricella
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Mike McGraw (Senior Project Manager. Regulatory Compliance and Wildlife Surveys; Senior Wildlife Biologist) of Princeton Hydro, and Santino Lauricella (Education Manager) of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, to discuss the Roots So Deep Documentary. Topics include how Mike became involved with the project, generational shifts in family owned agricultural businesses, and the live Q&A with Mike, Santino, and Fran from the Newtown Theater in PA on January, 21st, 2026. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Rent the Roots So Deep Documentary Here. Follow Princeton Hydro Here. Follow Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Here. Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 302The Buzz - Film at 11
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. The Roots So Deep screening was a success! Could there be video in the future? “That’s Hot” pits East Coast vs West Coast. “This or That” offers hope and answers. Tom and Fran have plenty of shout outs this episode. We have a caller! Are you listening to the end for a secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email [email protected] Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 301Meet Bill Jones of Carolina Native Nursery
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Bill Jones (Founder and President) of Carolina Native Nursery to discuss resilience in native plants and mankind. Topics include starting a nursery, choosing to grow native plants, devastation at the hands of a hurricane, resurgence after the storm, and the importance of community. It wouldn’t be a show without talking about our favorite native plants. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Carolina Native Nursery Here. Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 300The Buzz - Well Hello Polly
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Between a Reddit AMA, a Roots So Deep screening, MANTS, and NDAL there is a ton of follow up! “That’s Hot” is gold and green. “This or That” offers hope and information. Tom and Fran have plenty of shout outs this episode. Are you listening to the end for a secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email [email protected] Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 299Mt. Cuba Center Solidago Trials with Sam Hoadley
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome back Sam Hoadley (Horticultural Research Manager) from the Mt. Cuba Center about the results of their soon to be published Solidago trials. It’s time to get excited about Solidago! They discuss which Solidago performed well and which ones performed better, surprise value of many of the Solidago species, How species rated in the trials as well as the buzz generated by this timely research. Find out what trials are next! Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Mt. Cuba Center – Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / Solidago Trials Attend the Roots So Deep screening here. Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 298The Buzz - Top 10 of 2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. There are winners for the Roots So Deep Screening! “That’s Hot” strings together chewing gum and milk. “This or That” deals with Hope and Change. We talk about our Top 10 Episodes of 2025 and the Top 10 Episodes of All Time. Tom has a secret. Make sure you listen to the end. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email [email protected] Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 297Replaying the Hits with Heather Holm
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes from the Native Plants Healthy Planet Archives. In this episode, Tom and Fran talk with author Heather Holm to celebrate our native bees and wasps. Topics include debunking popular myths about native bees and wasps, diving deep into specialist bees and parasitoid wasps, exploring soft landings and native plants, and how you can do your part helping native bees. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Heather Holm here. Learn more about American Beauties Native Plants here. Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit Here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 296Replaying the Hits with Camille Dungy
EHosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes from the Native Plants Healthy Planet Archives. In this episode, Tom and Fran talk with Camille Dungy (Author and Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University) to discuss her new book Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden. Topics include the inspiration for Soil, the progress of "The Prairie Project", finding one's relationship with nature, different voices in the environmental world, and improving equity in nature. Listen to find out how to win a signed copy of Soil. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Camille Dungy - Website Buy Soil - Amazon Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit Here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.