From Broadway to Botany: How Maria Failla Found Her Voice in the World of Houseplants

In this vibrant and soul-nourishing episode of What Are You Made Of? , Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Maria Failla, former Broadway star turned professional “plant lady” and host of the wildly popular podcast Growing Joy with Plants . Maria shares her remarkable journey from performing under bright stage lights to cultivating a life of growth—literally and figuratively—surrounded by greenery. Maria opens up about her transition from singing on Broadway to nurturing a thriving plant-based media empire. Once a self-described “plant killer,” she candidly recounts how her curiosity blossomed into a passion that now serves as a powerful force for wellness, connection, and joy. With over 300 podcast episodes, a book deal, speaking engagements, and an ever-growing community, Maria has turned her love for houseplants into a thriving, purpose-driven career. Maria and Mike "C-Roc" explore the wellness science behind our connection to nature, the evolution of podcasting as a personal and communal tool for growth, and the unexpected lessons plants teach us about resilience, healing, and transformation. Maria also discusses how faith, biophilic design, and her “plant parent personality test” are helping people reconnect with the natural world and themselves. If you’ve ever underestimated the power of a houseplant—or the calling of a new chapter—this episode is for you. Website-www.growingjoywithmaria.com https://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria/?hl=en