PODCAST · leisure
Bonsai Builders Podcast
by Addison Galambos
This podcast is for when a hobby becomes an obsession. It chronicles the path of a dedicated hobbyist, focusing not just on shaping trees, but on shaping the mindset and discipline of a master artist.Episodes focus on gleaning insights from experts on topics related to optimizing the bonsai learning journey and discussing interesting questions that arise along the way.
Episodes
-
What Does the Drainage Layer Actually Do? w/ Dr. Scott Barboza - Ep 61
How do geology and fluid mechanics dictate the health of your bonsai bench? In this episode, host Addison Galambos sits down with Dr. Scott Barboza, professional geologist and leader in the American Bonsai Society. They deconstruct the physics of bonsai soil and talk through Scott's research into...
-
What Counts as Bonsai in a Global Online Exhibition? w/ Bonsaigers - Ep 60
How is a design-driven Italian bonsai brand building a global marketplace, podcast, and online exhibition? In this episode, host Addison Galambos talks with Loris Diotti, co-founder of Bonsaigers (@bonsaigers, bonsaigers.com), to unpack the story behind the brand and Bonsaigers' X—their signature...
-
A Focus on the Fundamentals to Fuel Growth w/ Mike Lane - Ep 59
Can learning traditional rules actually set your creativity free? Where does the English learning framework for traditional bonsai design come from? Mike Lane (@kistunebonsaibymikelane on Instagram) joins host Addison Galambos to break down why foundational trunk styles and rigid technique can...
-
How Do You Apply Design Principles to Bonsai? w/ Ryan Neil - Ep 58
What’s the difference between growing bonsai material and styling a tree and when is raw stock truly ready for its initial design? Addison Galambos and Ryan Neil dig into the core frameworks behind bonsai design, structural development, and artistic maturation. Brock and Brandon also jump in on…
more -
Stop Buying, Start Curating and PBE Updates w/ Andrew Robson - Ep 57
In this episode, host Addison Galambos sits down with bonsai artist and Pacific Bonsai Expo organizer Andrew Robson to break down the mindset shift that separates average trees from expo-level material—and why the most important skill in bonsai might be saying no. In additional to collection...
-
Unpacking the Pacific Bonsai Expo’s Major Changes - Ep 56
The Pacific Bonsai Expo just announced sweeping updates for its next show, so I've assembled a panel of interested folks to break down every single point. From relocation to the new Pleasanton venue and a shift to winter silhouette timing, to a powerhouse jury, a revamped awards system, Suiseki,...
-
What Is a Bonsai Apprenticeship Really Like? w/ Travis Hendrix - Ep 55
What changes when you move from hobbyist to full-time bonsai apprentice? In this episode we dive deep into Auburn, California to hear from Travis Hendrix who is currently studying under Peter Tea! What is the reality of an American apprenticeship, including the expectations, pace and mindset...
-
Balancing Family, Time, and Trees w/ Danny Hart - Ep 54
Most bonsai advice assumes endless time, space, and perfect weather. Danny Hart is proving you can build a serious practice while raising a family and keeping trees alive in Albuquerque's brutal high-desert climate. Host Addison Galambos chats with Danny about managing extreme temperature swings,...
-
Objective Design and Why It's the Key to Improving Quickly w/ Kyle Hansen - Ep 53
Can you go from a bonsai beginner to creating professional looking, refined bonsai designs in under three years? Kyle Hansen—the artist behind Refined Roots—is proving you don't need decades in the craft to produce striking yamadori styling and cinematic tree photography. Host Addison Galambos…
more -
Can You Learn Bonsai Without Owning Any Trees? w/ Nicole Yabut - Ep 52
Do you need a yard full of trees to get good at bonsai? Nicole Yabut spent years leveling up her skills with zero trees of her own. In this episode, host Addison Galambos chats with Nicole about the hidden power of the "no-tree" path in which she built real expertise through volunteering…
more -
How to Build a World-Class Bonsai Curriculum w/ Hugh Grant - Ep 51
How do you adapt traditional Japanese bonsai principles to unique local climates and native species? In this episode, Hugh Grant, owner of Tree Makers Bonsai Studio in Australia, joins the show to break down how he's revolutionizing bonsai education in the Southern Hemisphere. Hugh shares the...
-
Collecting Rare Japanese Maple & Ume Cultivars w/ Derek Delisi - Ep 50
What does it take to run a 12-acre bonsai nursery with tens of thousands of cuttings? In this episode, we sit down with Derek Delisi, the powerhouse behind Canada Bonsai. Derek shares his wild obsession with 'collecting 'em all' when it comes to Japanese maple and ume cultivars—a dream for any...
-
What's the Best Way to Build a Digital Community in Bonsai? w/ Dillon Clark - Ep 49
In this episode, four-year bonsai hobbyist Dillon Clark joins the podcast to discuss the fascinating crossover between his day job as a video game community manager and community building in the bonsai world. How can hobbyists, clubs, and professionals elevate their digital presence—and is a…
more -
What Actually Makes Water "Good" or "Bad" for Bonsai? w/ Eric Schrader and Jonas Dupuich - Ep 48 Part 2
Continuing the conversation with Jonas and Eric, we move on to discussing Water and Fertilizer from the lens of two veteran bonsai growers. We discuss what we got right and what we got wrong in previous water episodes of the Bonsai Builders Podcast and give a simple prescription for how to…
more -
Inside Out, Outside In, and What It Means for Buildin' Bonsai w/ Eric Schrader and Jonas Dupuich - Ep 47 Part 1
In this episode, Addison, Eric Schrader, and Jonas Dupuich team up to discuss the recent Black Pondo episode that covered two new terms, "inside out" and "outside in" in the context of bonsai development approaches. What do these terms mean and are they useful for explaining how to make bonsai?…
more -
How to Make it w/ Josheramics - Ep 46
In this episode, Josh Renaud comes on the podcast to talk about getting started making bonsai pottery in the US. We discuss his practice in Bonsai and Ceramics, as well as our responsibility to safeguard the future of US bonsai. If you ever were wondering about the cross section of Ceramics and...
-
The Hardcore Hobbyist's Path w/ Joel Jenkins - Ep 45
In this episode, we get back to the roots of the show, getting the hardcore hobbyists perspective on bonsai. Joel Jenkins joins us from Louisiana where he's caught the bonsai bug so hard he is even starting the city's first public bonsai collection! Hear about his journey, how he's developed his...
-
Rare Books, Shohin, and US Bonsai History w/ John Romano - Ep 44
In this Episode, I speak with John Romano, an esteemed teacher and certified Shohin instructor based in the Northeastern US. In this refreshing conversation, we cover a wide array of topics including the history of bonsai in the US, John's time at Taisho-en in the early 2000's, and even a...
-
Midnights at Mirai - Workshop Session w/ Brock Arvesen - Ep 43
In this episode, Brock and Addison record a casual catch up conversation while working late at the workshop after a day of class at Bonsai Mirai. It was great to hear how Brock's work has been progressing now that he is full time there and learn more about what occupies his spare time. Spoiler...
-
The New Zealand & Bay Area Connection w/ Scott Jania - Ep 42
In this episode, Addison catches up with friend and fellow bonsai practitioner Scott Jania, who joins the show all the way from New Zealand! They discuss Scott's unique career as a body piercer and the surprising ways it relates to working with trees. Scott also shares the fascinating history of...
-
The Bay Area Boom - Ep 41 w/ Adam Toth
There has been a change in the winds at shows in the Bay Area in the last few years and a big part of that has been through the work and tutelage of Adam Toth. His impact on the community and the quality of trees in the area is definitely being felt. In this episode, Adam explains how he…
more -
The Pursuit of Perfect Deadwood - Ep. 40 w/ Drew Binkley
In this episode, Addison chats with up-and-coming artist Drew Binkley. Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Drew has been hooked on bonsai for close to eight years. You may have seen him before on Bonsai-U giving a lecture on deadwood carving! They chat about Drew's start in the art form and his...
-
What Makes Water "Good" or "Bad"? w/ Eric Forrester - Ep 39
Addison and Eric are diving into the deep end for this one. Following up on their introduction to water chemistry for bonsai, they’ve hit the books and academic papers to answer one critical question: What actually makes water 'good' or 'bad' for your bonsai trees? In this episode, they break…
more -
The Intersection of Japanese Garden Design and Bonsai w/ Matthew Gelacio - Ep 38
Matthew Gelacio is an up and coming star artist based out of San Diego who balances a full time job in Japanese garden design with amazing development as a bonsai artist. In this episode, we get to hear more about his journey, the unique skillset he is building, and the teachings that have been...
-
Teamwork in Bonsai w/ The Bonsai Smiths - Ep 37
In this episode, we sit down with Sylvia and Howard Smith—the dynamic duo known as The Bonsai Smiths—who are setting the standard for bonsai excellence in the Dallas area. We discuss the incredible balancing act of managing medical careers, parenthood, and a deep dedication to the art of bonsai!...
-
The Black Pondo Podcast Crossover w/Jeremiah Lee - Ep 36
In this episode, the tables turn as Jeremiah Lee from The Black Pondo Podcast interviews me! We dive into my daily practice, what's keeping me busy in the bonsai world right now, and his exciting dream of starting his very own club. If you haven't checked out his show yet, be sure to give it a...
-
Improve your Design Thinking w/ Mark Britton - Ep 35
In this episode, Addison is joined by Mark Britton, a world class footwear designer who has worked with some of your favorite brands. Mark breaks down his design process in his career and how he brings that same intensity to his burgeoning bonsai practice. They close out talking about Mark's...
-
The Builder Mindset w/ Peter Tea - Ep 34
In this episode, we peek into the mind of a true bonsai builder, Peter Tea. After studying in Japan under Mr. Tanaka at Aichien Nursery, Peter now runs one of the premier bonsai practices in the U.S. out of Auburn, California. During our interview, he breaks down the thought processes that drive...
-
Philosophy and Science of Bonsai w/ Julian Tsai - Ep 33
In this episode, SoCal-based bonsai professional Julian Tsai dives into the deeper philosophy behind the bonsai ecosystem. We explore the main pillars of the art form, discussing why technique and cultivation are so deeply interconnected. Julian also shares his perspective on the concept of...
-
Cypress Knees and Swamp Talk w/ Randy Bennett - Ep 32
In this episode, Randy takes us back 5+ decades to the start of his Bonsai journey and gives some illuminating advice for how to develop a niche and push the science of bonsai forward. He also lays out the ins and outs of collecting in the swamp was super fun to discuss. Randy wrote THE book on...
-
The Hobbyist's Path w/ Mike Pistello - Ep 31
Mike Pistello comes on the show to talk about his path to a Pacific Bonsai Expo winning hobbyist and what his definition of true mastery is in bonsai.
-
The Return to the Source w/ Bjorn Bjorholm - Ep 30
In this episode, Bjorn and Addison dive into what the move back to Japan means for Bjorn's bonsai practice. They chat about how this change impacts his tree design as well as the structure of his business. It wouldn't be a bonsai builders episode if they didn't also talk about learning and how a...
-
Water Engineering w/ Eric Forrester - Ep 29
Water is the foundation of bonsai and is the most common way we interact with our plants. In this episode, Addison dives deep into municipal water treatment practices with Eric Forrester of Calgon Carbon. He has worked as a Chemical Engineer for the past 10+ years and has a wealth of experience…
more -
Kokufu 100 Onsite Interviews w/ Matt, Kyle, Adam, Michael, and Jacob - Ep 28
In this episode I try to capture the attitude in the room from the 100th Kokufu Show in Japan! This exhibit is one of the most famous in the world of Bonsai and the Nippon Bonsai Association did not pull any punches for this special 100th anniversary event. It was truly an unforgettable…
more -
Pre-Show Excitement for Kokufu-ten 2026 w/ Sam Tan - Ep 27
In this episode, Sam Tan and I chat about our plans for the upcoming 100th anniversary Kokufu-ten, one of the world's most prestigious Bonsai exhibitions. Where are we going, what are our learning goals, and what do we hope to buy!? We also sprinkle in some helpful tips for traveling to Japan.
-
Fostering a Community and Yamadori Collection w/ Jon White - Ep 26
For Jon White, bonsai is about more than just wiring branches—it’s about the people who grow alongside them. As the owner of High Desert Bonsai, Jon has spent years stitching together the Boise bonsai community through a shared love for the craft. In this episode, Jon joins Addison to discuss the...
-
Establishing as a Professional and the Colorado Bonsai Scene w/ Todd Schlafer - Ep 25
In this episode, Todd Schlafer of First Branch Bonsai joins us to look back on his professional journey to date. We discuss the highs and the lows, and then get into the Colorado bonsai scene, how clubs can steward their local professionals, and then talk about the unique designs of the Rocky...
-
Cultivating Grit and Constantly Improving w/ Dennis Rodinger - Ep 24
What does it take to build a bonsai nursery from the ground up? Addison joins Dennis Rodinger of Happy Bonsai to explore the logistics and labor behind high-level horticulture. They dive into the reality of the European exhibition circuit, the technical advantages of growing from seed versus...
-
Designing a Purpose Built Space w/ Walker Schlott - Ep 23
In this episode, Addison and Walker review 2025 progress and discuss goals for the 2026 bonsai season. A core pursuit for Walker this year is to build a purpose built space for bonsai at his property so they discuss why that's important and what it will look like!
-
Bonsai Down Under w/ Hugh Grant - Ep 22
In this episode, Addison and Hugh discuss what life is like when a bonsai obsession takes root young. They then get into the allure of native species and discuss what species are up and coming in Australian bonsai. They round out the discussion talking about the "photo finish" in bonsai and what...
-
Addison's 2025 Bonsai Practice Review w/ Jeff Ammons - Ep 21
In this episode, we flip the script and Jeff runs an informal performance review with me to review my practice for this year. We celebrate some of the successes and surprises of the podcast, and then dive into tracking hours, expenses and accountability in my bonsai practice.
-
Mastery and Perfection in Bonsai w/ Ryan Neil - Ep 20 - Part 2
In part 2 of this defining episode for the podcast, I sit down with Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai to talk about a myriad of topics, including the shokunin mentality in Japan, a continuation of our discussion on judging, and a blueprint for success as a hobbyist. If you have any feedback, please drop…
more -
Mastery and Perfection in Bonsai w/ Ryan Neil - Ep 19 - Part 1
In part 1 of this defining episode for the podcast, I sit down with Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai to talk about a myriad of topics, including how bonsai is a tool for self development, how Japanese and US culture should combine to influence our design decisions, and how bonsai exhibition and judging...
-
Pots w/ Potts and Dupuich - Ep 18
In this special, dual-hosted episode, Jonas Dupuich and I interview Bob Potts of Rough Cut Pottery on his journey through life and bonsai. We then all discuss the North American Bonsai Pottery Competition and Jonas's experience judging it as well as the direction of bonsai pottery in the US.
-
The Value of a Japanese Education w/ Kaya Mooney - Ep 17
In this episode, Addison catches up with certified bonsai professional, Kaya Mooney, who recently graduated from Kouka-en in Osaka, Japan. They talk about his decision to stay in Japan and what the true differentiation of a Japanese education is.
-
Styling Competition Reflections w/ Daniel, Ryan, Ian, and Julius - Ep 16
In this episode, the 2025 Joshua Roth Styling Competition contestants get back together to discuss what was going through their heads during this unique event. They dive into each person's perspective, share advice for future competitors, and talk about what's next for each of them!
-
Bonsaify Your Life w/ Eric Schrader - Ep 15
In this episode, Addison and Eric walk through what it takes to grow bonsai at scale and what it has taken to turn bonsaify.com into a successful business. They also discuss Eric's dreams for the Pacific Bonsai Expo and the ecosystem that needs to exist in the US to allow bonsai to thrive.
-
Inside Joshua Roth Tools w/ John Kim - Ep 14
In this episode, Addison sits down with the owner of Joshua Roth Limited, John Kim. They discuss John's purchase of the company 3 years ago, why he is so passionate about supporting American bonsai's most important events, and of course get into the nitty gritty of what makes a quality tool.
-
Learning Art and Design w/ Dave DeGroot - Ep 13
In this episode, Dave and Addison talk about how art and design principles apply to bonsai and what the fundamental components are for building trees and displays that evoke emotion. They also delve into Dave's time spent in Japan and at the Weyerhaeuser collection honing his abilities. They…
more -
25 Years of Bay Area Bonsai w/ Jerry Carpenter - Ep 12
In this episode, Addison dives into the bonsai journey of his first teacher, Jerry Carpenter. They reminisce about bonsai in the Bay Area and chat about how to put together curriculums for beginners.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast is for when a hobby becomes an obsession. It chronicles the path of a dedicated hobbyist, focusing not just on shaping trees, but on shaping the mindset and discipline of a master artist.Episodes focus on gleaning insights from experts on topics related to optimizing the bonsai learning journey and discussing interesting questions that arise along the way.
HOSTED BY
Addison Galambos
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Bonsai Builders Podcast have?
Bonsai Builders Podcast currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Bonsai Builders Podcast about?
This podcast is for when a hobby becomes an obsession. It chronicles the path of a dedicated hobbyist, focusing not just on shaping trees, but on shaping the mindset and discipline of a master artist.Episodes focus on gleaning insights from experts on topics related to optimizing the bonsai...
How often does Bonsai Builders Podcast release new episodes?
Bonsai Builders Podcast has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Bonsai Builders Podcast?
You can listen to Bonsai Builders Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Bonsai Builders Podcast?
Bonsai Builders Podcast is created and hosted by Addison Galambos.
URL copied to clipboard!