Bonsai Builders Podcast

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 Bonsai hobbyists, Josh is the one to hear from!

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 styling capabilities from 0, and also his frank take on what it takes to get good at bonsai...

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 conversation about rare books.

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 alert, it's more bonsai!

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 New Zealand bonsai scene, and the two explore the uncanny crossover between the tree species th...

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 developed his skills and how he got the rare experience to apprentice at Taisho-en with Taiga Urushibata.

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 future goals, then delve deeper into his philosophy for deadwood carving and how he got so dang good...

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 down the specific parameters they analyzed, compare real-world municipal water reports, an...

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 instilled him from Japanese roots.

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! Sylvia and Howard reflect on their early days taking intensives with Boon over 20 years ago, how they’v...

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 listen and a follow. He creates amazing content, and you can find it right here on whichever plat...

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 experience as a Vice President of the Santa Barbara club and what the club means to him.

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 his daily practice and help him cultivate award-winning Pacific Bonsai Expo trees alongside his clients...

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 wabi-sabi and its significance to bonsai culture in Japan. Finally, we look back at Julian's early years...

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 Cypress Bonsai and doesn't disappoint in this invigorating episode.

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.

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 targeted trip to Japan can help a hobbyist level up.

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 to draw from. Their interdisciplinary discuss seeks to reveal more behind the intricacies of watering bo...

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 experience, so I wanted to interview a number of folks from hobbyists to pros and get to hear about what's t...

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.

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 evolution of his nursery and shares his expert "field notes" on the delicate art of tree col...

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 Mountain region.

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 bareroot stock, and why many hobbyists plateau due to a lack of intentional practice. If you’ve ever wonder...

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!

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 role it plays in today's bonsai world.