Bonsai Builders Podcast

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.

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.

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 a comment or reach out to me @TeenyTrees on Instagram. If you haven't yet, please go check out Ryan...

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 influences our ecosystem. If you have any feedback, please drop a comment or reach out to me @TeenyTree...

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.