EPISODE · Mar 30, 2026 · 56 MIN
#003 - Todd Schlafer
from Bonsaigers' Conversations · host lorisdiotti
In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I sit down with Todd Schlafer, an American bonsai artist based in Lakewood, Colorado, and the founder of First Branch Bonsai. After previously participating in the Bonsaigers’ X 2025, Todd returns this year in a new role—as a judge.We take a deep dive into the event from the other side of the table, exploring what it truly means to evaluate bonsai at an international level. Todd shares his experience stepping into the role of judge, the responsibility it carries, and how his perspective shifted from creator to critic.Together, we walk through some of the standout trees from the competition, breaking down the details behind his decisions—the subtle design choices, technical execution, and artistic intent that set certain works apart.This episode is about discernment, about learning to see beyond the surface, and about the evolving dialogue between artist and judge in the world of bonsai.
What this episode covers
In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I sit down with Todd Schlafer, an American bonsai artist based in Lakewood, Colorado, and the founder of First Branch Bonsai. After previously participating in the Bonsaigers’ X 2025, Todd returns this year in a new role—as a judge.We take a deep dive into the event from the other side of the table, exploring what it truly means to evaluate bonsai at an international level. Todd shares his experience stepping into the role of judge, the responsibility it carries, and how his perspective shifted from creator to critic.Together, we walk through some of the standout trees from the competition, breaking down the details behind his decisions—the subtle design choices, technical execution, and artistic intent that set certain works apart.This episode is about discernment, about learning to see beyond the surface, and about the evolving dialogue between artist and judge in the world of bonsai.
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#003 - Todd Schlafer
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