Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: "Plant Therapy: Turning Nature Into Your Personal Playlist"

Date: April 1, 2026

Guest: Joe Patitucci (Founder of Plant Wave and CEO of Data Garden)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the intersection of plant consciousness, sound, and mindfulness. Host Tom Schwartz explores the powerful, often overlooked relationships we have with our houseplants—emotionally, energetically, and now musically. Joined by Joe Patitucci of Plant Wave, the two embark on a digital detox, talking to Tom’s plants and listening to their bio-generated music in real time. The result is an experiential journey into plant "communication," the science behind plant music, and how tuning into nature can harmonize our busy, tech-drowned lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Intention: Why Talk to Plants?

• Tom opens with musings on the internet drama of the week (Valley season 3, canceled shows) and advocates for a "drama detox" by connecting to nature—specifically, houseplants.
• He wonders if plants are aware when we talk to them and references science indicating they respond to sound vibrations, not language, reinforcing the value of positive vibes for both people and plants.
• Tom Schwartz:

  “Can you imagine if all the houseplants from all of our favorite Bravo shows got together and started a podcast? My God, that shit would be juicy.” (02:18)

• He segues into “interviewing” his plants with the help of Joe and tech from Plant Wave.
• [03:34-04:33] Tom frames plants as "chlorophyll confidants," essential yet often neglected members of our lives, and hints at deeper awareness and vitality than we commonly recognize.

The Science Behind Plant Music (with Joe Patitucci)

• Introduction to Joe, Plant Wave, and Data Garden.
• What is Plant Wave?
  • Joe Patitucci:

    “Plantwave is this little device… it reads these slight electrical changes that are happening in plants and it translates that into sound. So it’s a way of monitoring real living data in plants and giving us the ability to have an experience of it.” (06:41-07:11)

  • Two sensors are attached to a plant’s leaves, measuring electrical conductivity influenced by water movement during photosynthesis. These readings are converted to musical notes, which play through digital instruments.
  • The tech is derived from polygraph circuits originally used to measure changes in moisture—the same principle behind lie detectors. (09:10-10:48)
• Joe shares his background as a musician and fascination with the creative force of nature, ultimately leading him to Plant Wave.
• Tom Schwartz:

  “It’s a measurable sound frequency you can hear from the plant.” (08:45)

• [11:05-13:11] Discussion of the “Wood Wide Web” (mycorrhizal network) and plant communication, with a nod to researcher Suzanne Simard.

Plant Energy, Mindfulness, and “Woo”

• Delving into “plant consciousness” and energy work:
  • Joe admits he doesn't "talk" to plants, but rather "vibes" with them—communicating through feelings, not words.
  • There’s discussion of forest bathing (shinrin yoku), phytoncides, and the calming effect of nature’s chemistry.
  • Joe Patitucci:

    “Woo is just real experiences that people can have that aren’t understood by science yet… I’m just exploring it and thinking, what if I live my life like that?” (14:09-14:53)

• The pair laugh about consulting crystals and plants for guidance, but Joe notes that Plant Wave originated partly from such experimental, open-minded approaches to nature.
• Plant "responses" to energy, presence, and mood are discussed, with anecdotal and some scientific backing.

Live Plant Wave Session: Listening to Tom’s Plants

[18:04–47:57]

Mr. Monstera

• Connecting sensors leads to real-time music from Tom's Monstera plant.
• The music shifts after Tom and the group do a deep breathing exercise together.
• Joe Patitucci:

  “Notice how the music changed a little bit after we breathed… it was a little more active in the beginning. Now it’s a little bit…” (19:46–19:56)

• Discusses how plants feed off exhaled CO₂, completing a cycle of mutual benefit.

Mrs. Aloe Vera

• The Aloe plant's sound is “juicy” and soothing, transporting Tom imaginatively to forests or Bora Bora.
• Tom Schwartz:

  “I feel like I’m astral projecting to, like, a beautiful forest in Japan, maybe. Bora Bora.” (24:59)

The Corn Plant

• Corn plant is “shy” and less musically active, likely due to dryness.
• Joe:

  “Way less active. I mean, you can see this guy wants a little water, right?” (30:04–30:08)

• Tom playfully apologizes and reflects on the need to care for his plants more attentively.

The Orchid

• The orchid’s music is described as “kind of Stranger Things esque, Cynthia.”
• Joe recalls his "eureka" moment with Plant Wave when he first heard a plant’s unique musical expression.
• Joe Patitucci:

  “It was like my whole body lit up… the plant just completely changed the signal it was giving and just like, shot up in activity.” (30:51–31:40)

• Emphasizes the purist approach: Plant Wave music is always real-time, never pre-recorded or looped.

The ZZ Plant

• Highly melodic and active, evoking nostalgia and childhood wonder for Tom.
• Tom Schwartz:

  “It reminds me of being a kid in the 90s.” (37:49–38:09)

• The plant's music notably changes in response to Tom’s voice, as if “pausing” to listen—creating a playful conversational dynamic.

The Pothos

• The Pothos plant’s music is flowing, mellow, and aligns with Tom’s emotional expectations for the plant.
• Joe discusses how Plant Wave users can select from many "sound sets" to match different plants, moods, or personal preferences.
• Tom Schwartz:

  “I just like the way it gently kind of washes over you. It kind of feels exactly how I thought my pothos would sound.” (46:55–47:10)

Reflection, Philosophy, and Consciousness

• [41:32–44:18] Deep dive into whether plants are conscious:
  • Joe posits that consciousness could be “all pervasive,” with every being as a unique “node” or antenna for that field. Plants have a distinct type of intelligence suited to their needs.
  • Joe Patitucci:

    “Every being is intelligent to the extent that it needs to be for its own survival and thrival…they’re conscious, but…in their own dimension.” (41:32–43:51)

• Tom laments his digital screen time and underscores the importance of real connection—with people, with plants, and with the present moment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Go touch grass. Go hug a tree. Right. Go smell the roses.” – Tom Schwartz (12:41)
• “Maybe it works like intermittent fasting, you know, like, you’re just, like, getting the growth hormone going or something.” – Joe Patitucci (32:57–33:03)
• “Woo is just real experiences that people can have that aren’t understood by science yet.” – Joe Patitucci (14:09)
• “We’re jazzing. This is cool. …This has never before heard music.” – Tom Schwartz (38:29–38:41)
• “Connecting to the unknown, right… It’s important for humans to experience wonder.” – Joe Patitucci (34:30–34:38)
• “For me, like, plants are here to teach us to listen.” – Joe Patitucci (48:56)
• “I feel closer… I feel like I’m in, like, couples therapy with my plants. We’re bonding and I hear you guys. I see you guys.” – Tom Schwartz (48:15)
• “Like, what’s this world like right now?…This is like being in a fort as a kid…Your houseplant all of a sudden becomes this imaginary world.” – Joe Patitucci (37:08–37:37)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:34–04:33] – Tom’s intro, digital detox set-up, musings on plant awareness
• [06:41–10:48] – Joe explains Plant Wave's technology and history
• [11:05–13:11] – Discussion of forest “internet” (Wood Wide Web) and plant chemistry
• [14:09–16:19] – Energy work, “woo,” and using plants for divination
• [18:04–47:57] – Live sessions with Monstera, Aloe, Corn Plant, Orchid, ZZ Plant, and Pothos (musical performances and commentary)
• [41:32–44:18] – Philosophical exploration of plant intelligence/consciousness
• [47:57–49:11] – Final reflections, where to find Joe and Plant Wave online, closing gratitude

Tone & Takeaways

Tom maintains a laid-back, humorous, and slightly irreverent but earnest approach. He’s curious, self-deprecating, and genuinely enchanted by the live plant music and Joe’s insights. Joe brings grounded expertise, poetic reflections, and enthusiasm for intersecting art, science, and spirituality.

Key Lessons:

• Plants are remarkably dynamic, interactive beings whose biological signals can be translated into real-time music.
• Science and “woo” are not always at odds; openness to wonder can enrich our lives.
• There is value in slowing down, connecting deeply with the world around us, and tuning into subtle forms of communication—whether with plants or with ourselves.

Further Info

• Find Joe/Plant Wave: plantwave.com + @natureofnow on Instagram
• Episode message:
  “Show yourself a little love. Hug that tree. Smell that rose. Touch that grass…Don’t forget to breathe. And listen.” (48:43–49:11, closing thoughts)