Bonsai Time Podcast

In this episode of Bonsai Time, Kevin sits down with Mike Chapman and Zack Wheeler from Nature's Way Nursery in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Together, we explore their journeys into horticulture, what it's like balancing bonsai with the demands of working at a professional nursery, and how their experiences have shaped their perspectives on both plants and life. We discuss the day-to-day real...

Welcome back to Bonsai Time. I'm your host, Kevin, and today I’m excited to bring you a conversation with ceramic artist and bonsai potter Gayle Fiato. Gayle has spent decades developing her own artistic voice, creating pottery that is both functional and deeply expressive. In this episode, we discuss her journey into ceramics, her approach to designing bonsai containers, and how her life expe...

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Bill Valavanis joins us to talk about the continued growth of the American Bonsai Society New Talent Contest and its role in shaping the future of American bonsai. We discuss the importance of education, demonstrations, and outreach, and how bringing bonsai into colleges and public spaces can help inspire the next generation of artists. The video version...

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, John Kim joins us to share his perspective on the American Bonsai Society New Talent Contest and the future of bonsai in America. We talk about creativity, personal growth through bonsai, and the importance of supporting and encouraging emerging artists within the community. The video version is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠coming soon. Show notes, relevant pictures, and link...

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Jack Sustic joins us to discuss the impact and evolution of the American Bonsai Society New Talent Contest. We talk about the next generation of bonsai artists, the importance of education and community, and how the contest continues to inspire new voices in American bonsai. The video version is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠coming soon. Show notes, relevant pictures, and link...

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Jack Douthitt joins us to talk about the exciting history of the American Bonsai Society New Talent Contest. We discuss the next generation of bonsai artists, the importance of creating opportunities for newcomers, and how events like this continue to shape and strengthen the American bonsai community. The video version is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠coming soon. Show notes,...

Hey ya'll, In this episode of Bonsai Time, Kevin shares a major life update that has been quietly taking shape behind the scenes for quite some time — and now, it’s finally becoming reality. This next chapter brings new experiences, fresh inspiration, and an entirely new rhythm to daily life for Kevin, Kumi, and Juniper. Kevin opens up about the journey leading to this moment, what sparked the...

Aged to perfection, this episode features Michael Ryan Bell, a professional chef and one of the leading bonsai pot appraisers in America and beyond. We take a deep dive into bonsai pottery—from identifying quality and understanding value to breaking down essential Japanese terminology. Along the way, Michael shares stories from life on the road as a bonsai appraiser and in the kitchen, along with...

In Episode 57 of BonsaiTime, guest host Angelica Ramirez takes the reins for a lively conversation with bonsai pottery artist Nick Hopes. They dive into Nick’s path into ceramics, the evolution of his work, and the ideas that keep his creativity moving. It’s a fun, easygoing episode packed with insight, personality, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re into bonsai pottery or just enjoy h...

In Episode 56 of BonsaiTime , hosts Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan sit down for an honest and insightful 2025 Year in Review. From the biggest wins and proudest moments to the unexpected challenges and lessons learned, they reflect on everything that shaped the past year — both behind the mic and within the bonsai community. The conversation doesn’t stop there. The trio also looks ahead to 2026, sharing e...

Today’s episode is Part Two of Kevin's two-part conversation with iconic stand maker Austin Heitzman. If you haven’t listened to Part One yet, we recommend starting there for the full context of our discussion. In this episode, we dive deeper into the artistry and craftsmanship behind root stands, exploring how experience, experimentation, and perspective shape new ideas. We talk about the relatio...

Today’s episode is part one of a two-part conversation. Join Kevin as he sits down with iconic stand maker Austin Heitzman for a deep dive into all things woodworking and stand building, the cultural connections between America and Japan, and how tables and stands function as an artistic medium in their own right. We also explore Austin’s philosophies on art, life, and much more. The video version...

Today’s episode is a special one! Your hosts Ryan Huston and Kevin Faris sat down with Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai, just outside Portland, Oregon. We dive into bonsai, life, apprenticeships, family, purpose through the art — and so much more. Enjoy and Bonsai on! The video version is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠ . Show notes, relevant pictures, and links are ⁠⁠ here⁠⁠ . See you in the next episode! Guest Info:     ...

In today's episode, you’ll find Ryan and Kevin catching up on life and then jumping into the interview with a multi-talented former school teacher, master of rock slabs, forest plantings, and South Carolina yamadori collector - John Geanangel. John shared with us his bonsai origin story, how it led to becoming a headliner artist for the Bonsai in the Blue Ridge convention in 2026, and what you...

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Kevin and Ryan sit down with Robert Baran, one of the world’s most respected bonsai historians and researchers. Robert shares the stories behind decades of archived bonsai knowledge and how he built MagiMiniland into a global resource for miniature tree history. The conversation explores how bonsai traveled across cultures, how early masters shaped the a...

In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan share their recent experiences attending the 2025 US National Bonsai Exhibition and share their tips that will help you navigate and get the most out of attending this or other similar bonsai conventions. The video version is ⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠ . Show notes, relevant pictures, and links are here . See you in the next episode! Sponsor Info: This episode is sponsored...

In this episode, catch up on what's new with Ryan, Kevin, and Kelly with our new intro segments "What's Growing On" and "Bonsai Bulletin." Then ~4:01, dive into a talk on how and why to grow or display moss with your bonsai, including its beneficial effects on horticulture and aesthetics. Kevin Faris was the presenting artist for this recorded Columbus Bonsai Society me...

In this episode, catch up on what's new with Ryan, Kevin, and Kelly before diving into a talk on how to wire branches for bonsai styling. Rob Hoffman was the presenting artist for this recorded Columbus Bonsai Society meeting. We hope you learn something new and can share this with those you know who are learning how to wire bonsai. The video version (with whiteboard drawings) is ⁠⁠ here . Sho...

In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan sat down with Megan Bibelhauser of the Waterfront Botanical Garden and Russel Stevens of Twisted Nature Bonsai in Louisville, Kentucky. Among other things, in Part 1 we discussed how the Waterfront Botanical Garden was founded only 5 years ago and their major events. Then in Part 2, we focused on their new bonsai training program, bonsai collection, and Japa...

In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan sat down with Megan Bibelhauser of the Waterfront Botanical Garden and Russel Stevens of Twisted Nature Bonsai in Louisville, Kentucky. Among other things, in Part 1 we discussed how the Waterfront Botanical Garden was founded only 5 years ago and their major events. Then in Part 2, we focused on their new bonsai training program, bonsai collection, and Japa...

In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan discuss how we can better preserve history through our bonsai and elevate them into an ambassador role between cultures and places. Kevin was specifically thinking about the famous Yamaki White Pine Bonsai that survived an atomic bomb and was later gifted by Japan to the US National Bonsai Museum. This tree has a powerful presence for all those who visit it....

In this episode, Kelly sat down with Cheryl Manning in California for a wide-ranging interview spanning from her time as a student of the California bonsai greats like John Naka and Harry Hirao to her time as a bonsai apprentice in Japan. See last week's episode for Part 1 which focused on Cheryl's time in bonsai as an apprentice in Japan and how she got started in the professional scene. The vide...

In this episode, Kelly sat down with Cheryl Manning in California for a wide-ranging interview spanning from her time as a student of the California bonsai greats like John Naka and Harry Hirao to her time as a bonsai apprentice in Japan. Stay tuned for next week's Part 2 which focuses on how she has seen the California bonsai scene evolve over her professional career. The video version is ⁠⁠...

This episode is the second of a two-part series. In this episode, Kamo-sensei narrates and demonstrates, composing 6 Ohara Ikebana, a prominent form of Japanese flower arrangements. Members of Central Ohio Ohara Ikebana hosted this event at the Yosoko Center in Columbus, Ohio to share the art of Ikebana with the public. In the prior episode, COOI president Joe Rotella presented on the history of O...

This episode is the first of a two-part series. In this first video, Joe Rotella explains the history of Ohara Ikebana which is one of the more prominent forms of Japanese flower arrangements. Joe and other members of Central Ohio Ohara Ikebana hosted this event at the Yosoko Center in Columbus, Ohio to share the art of Ikebana with the public and to host a Japanese master named Kamo-sensei who de...