I'm joined by Robin Singh, a former tech entrepreneur turned animal rescuer and author, to explore what it really means to live a purposeful life. Our conversation weaves through gardening, homesteading and sustainability, but quickly digs deeper into ideas of happiness, existential crisis and the search for meaning. Drawing on Robin's journey from corporate success to running an animal rescue and growing his own food, the episode reflects on reducing suffering, finding purpose over pleasure, and how small, thoughtful choices can help us live more intentionally—especially at the start of a new year.

Robin's book "Happiness Happens"

Peepal Farm — official site for the animal rescue and farm founded by Robin Singh

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If you liked this week's episode with Robin Singh you might also enjoy these ones from the archives:

Episode 364: Permaculture Planting
In this episode Sarah is joined by permaculture designer and author Pippa Chapman as they explore how beauty, productivity and wildlife-friendly principles can all thrive together in the garden. They talk about designing resilient, edible ecosystems and how small, thoughtful changes to our spaces can transform the way we live with nature—echoing Robin's ideas about living intentionally and purposefully with the land.

Episode 340: The Nature of Resilience
Author Nic Wilson discusses how her deep relationship with the natural world has helped her navigate chronic illness, and how our surroundings shape and reflect our inner resilience. This conversation complements Robin's reflection on suffering, meaning and transformation by highlighting how nature supports us through life's challenges.

This time, I'm the one in the hot seat.

In this reflective end-of-year episode, Kelly Baldry takes over as host to ask searching questions about the podcast, changing minds, climate contradictions, and the limits of horticulture as a mental-health cure, alongside a deeper look at my work with Veterans' Growth and what it really means to create safe, supportive spaces in and beyond the garden.

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

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Sandra Schwarz talks about her new book Restore, and shares how her research led her to identify six universal qualities that make landscapes restorative. We talk about the complexities of "owning" nature, who restorative gardens are really for, and how designers can create spaces that meet people where they are. It's a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about greening with intention.

Links

Restore: How Green Spaces Support Human Restoration

Official Restore Book Page (Humanaturescapes)

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you liked this week's episode with Sandra Schwarz you might also enjoy these ones from the archives:

Episode 348: A Forest Fix
Sarah speaks with Olga Evans, co‑founder of the Forest Bathing Institute, about what forest bathing really means, the science behind nature's healing effects, and practical ways to bring its benefits into everyday life, even if you don't have a forest nearby.

Episode 314: Nurturing Growth, Inside and Out
Sarah talks to Pete Welsh, an RAF Warrant Officer whose journey from military life through mental health challenges highlights the therapeutic power of gardening and community connection, and the parallels between cultivating plants and healing ourselves.