What's Up Buttercup?

Robbie Blackhall-Miles

Ever been called a pansy? Ever been asked 'What's up Buttercup?' Join host, Robbie, as they talk with guests from across the LGBTQIA2S+ community to explore queer space in nature - the green bit of the rainbow flag. Listen to our experiences of queer joy in nature, how nature heals, and hear about how nature itself doesn't conform to binary gender identities or hetero-normative sexuality.

Episodes

  1. 03/15/2025

    'What's Up Buttercup?' - The John McCallen Edition

    Nature, Gardening, LGBT, Podcast, John McCallen, MentalHealth, Content Creation, Identity, Ecosystems, Community Summary In this episode of 'What's Up Buttercup', host RobbieBlackhall-Miles engages in a heartfelt conversation with gardener, online content creator and naturalist John McCallen. They explore John's journey from a technology careerto becoming a prominent figure in the gardening community, discussing the intersection of nature and identity, the importance of engaging audiencesthrough content creation, and the therapeutic role of nature in managing stress. The conversation also touches on societal perceptions of gardening, the balance between adult entertainment and nature, and the beauty of ecosystems.John shares his insights on how to connect people with the natural world, emphasizing the need for love and protection of our environment. Takeaways John's journey into gardening began in childhood.Nature plays a crucial role in mental health and stressrelief.The importance of engaging content to connect withaudiences.Gardening is often perceived differently in society,especially for men.John's work in adult entertainment intersects with hispassion for nature.Morning rituals in the garden help manage stress.The beauty of ecosystems can inspire love and protection fornature.Community and identity are intertwined with natureexperiences.The shift in perception of hybridized plants versus wildtypes.Content creation requires balancing personal passion withaudience engagement. Chapters 00:00 What's Up , John McCallen? 00:15 Introducing John McCallen 04:23 Balancing Passion and Career 11:20 Overcoming Stereotypes in Gardening 14:06 Coming Out as a Nature Enthusiast 17:11 Maintaining Passion Amidst Work 20:21 The Nature Boy Experience 23:14 Reactions from the Adult Entertainment Industry 33:42 The Challenge of Building a Following 35:14 The Importance of Nature in Stress Management 38:06 Morning Rituals and Connection to Nature 41:53 Navigating Social Media and Content Creation 45:14 Adapting to Change in Creative Careers 48:28 Rediscovering Childhood Passions 50:31 Engaging Audiences Through Personal Connection 54:44 The Beauty of Local Ecosystems 59:26 The Joy of Nature and Community 01:02:08 Reflections on Nature and Human Influence 01:06:40 And the internet cut out! Links John's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mccallen/?hl=en

    1h 8m

About

Ever been called a pansy? Ever been asked 'What's up Buttercup?' Join host, Robbie, as they talk with guests from across the LGBTQIA2S+ community to explore queer space in nature - the green bit of the rainbow flag. Listen to our experiences of queer joy in nature, how nature heals, and hear about how nature itself doesn't conform to binary gender identities or hetero-normative sexuality.