#39 Addison Galambos

Join Addison Galambos, host of the Bonsai Builders Podcast, for a special collaboration episode of The Black Pondo Podcast as he shares his journey into bonsai, from early inspiration to deep involvement in the global community. Alongside Jeremiah Lee, he reflects on lessons from bonsai experts, highlights from a transformative trip to Japan, and the artistry behind age, design, and movement in trees. The conversation dives into technical skills, experimental approaches to soil and water, and the lasting influence of master potter Gyozon, while also exploring how strong clubs and shared knowledge help the bonsai community thrive. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspective on cultivating both trees and connection. Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Ponda: To Baby Trees Podcast(00:00:59) - Bonsai Builders Podcast Intro(00:07:53) - Television Interview(00:09:28) - What is a Professional Bonsai Artist?(00:12:23) - Podcasters on Their Recent Guests(00:13:08) - Bonsai Podcast: Exploring the Trees(00:19:44) - Peter Bonsai's(00:21:22) - Bob Bonsai Just Got Back From... Japan(00:24:09) - Taste the Bonsai(00:26:33) - Bonsai and Koi Pond(00:28:54) - What separates high level Japanese Bonsai from U.S.(00:31:21) - Is Age the most important thing for high-level bonsai(00:38:30) - Grafting Yamadori Junipers(00:42:32) - How to Grow Unique Trunks(00:44:46) - A Famous Bonsai Potter Has Passed Away(00:51:04) - David Tennant's Pot Designs(00:52:09) - Gyozan Potting Dead(00:53:50) - Have You Been Thinking About Bonsai?(00:57:12) - How to Identify a Bonsai Pot Chop(01:00:38) - How Do You Get Feedback From Your Teachers on Your Junipers?(01:06:11) - Working with Peter Bonsai(01:08:05) - Peter's Tree Training(01:09:32) - Peter Glass on His Goals vs. Mine(01:17:53) - Bonsai Level 7 Goals(01:20:49) - Submit a Tree for the PBE(01:23:56) - The Science of Bonsai(01:27:47) - Lava to pumice: Does akadama hold water(01:33:39) - Bonsai Test Quality(01:37:18) - How to Tell Which Water Is Good or Bad?(01:41:43) - Water Quality in Bonsai(01:42:47) - Do RO Systems Make Better Water For Trees?(01:47:45) - Have You Tested Any of Your Trees With APical?(01:49:20) - What Would You Do If You Had Unlimited Funding?(01:52:52) - Shohin Bonsai: Twisted Junipers(02:00:08) - How to make junipers by hand(02:01:18) - How To Twist Junipers(02:07:47) - How to Cull Down Your Bonsai Trunks(02:10:48) - Bonsai Clubs(02:13:07) - Jiu-itsu Clubs and Bonsai(02:20:38) - Ideas for a Good Bonsai Club(02:26:57) - What Keeps You in the Bonsai Club?(02:31:47) - PODCAST: Jeremiah on Friendship