The Black Pondo Podcast

This episode is a little different from our usual bonsai conversations—but I think many of the ideas we explore will resonate far beyond bonsai. I sat down with Avram Dalton, an American garden craftsman who studied the Japanese language and spent years training in Japan. Today, he designs and builds authentic Japanese gardens throughout the United States. Based in the San Diego area, Avram has de...

Episode 42 of the Black Pondo Podcast features a deep and engaging conversation with bonsai professional Peter Tea . Following his recent trip to Japan, Peter shares his experience attending the historic  Koku Fu 100 exhibition and visiting the renowned  Aichi-en nursery . From there, the discussion dives into the technical side of bonsai design , with a detailed exploration of  apex creation  and...

I sat down with Todd Schlafer of First Branch Bonsai at his studio and home in Lakewood, Colorado, for a conversation that explores both the technical and philosophical sides of bonsai in America. We discussed the influence of Jerry Morris and his contributions to dwarf conifers, along with how natural forces—like rock fissures, elevation, and microclimates—shape the growth of compact, character-r...

I recently sat down with the incredibly talented bonsai stand and furniture maker Austin Heitzman for a conversation that I’ve been looking forward to for a while. We got into some of the exciting projects he has in the works, explored his approach to crafting those signature bonsai stands, and talked through his perspective on pairing stands with trees in a way that really elevates the compositio...

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 t...

Episode #38 – Seth Nelson is a Nippon Bonsai Association Certified bonsai professional currently located in Birmingham, Alabama USA.  In Episode 38 of the Black Pondo Podcast, Jeremiah Lee and Seth Nelson take a deep dive into the layered world of bonsai—exploring everything from the subtle politics of exhibitions to the transformative power of photography in presenting trees at their highest leve...

The legendary César Ordóñez of Cen Cal Bonsai once shared a simple but powerful truth: “It sucks to buy a tree and cut off all the branches, but it also sucks to have a shitty tree.” In this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast , we dive deep into all things deciduous bonsai . I got to pick Peter’s brain about César’s quote—discussing when it makes sense to completely restart a deciduous bonsai and...

I just got back from four days of working on trees up at Peter Tea’s place, PTBonsai.com. While I was there, after some long but really fun days working on a bunch of trees, we sat down one evening, grabbed a drink, and just talked. I got to pick Peter’s brain about what really goes into building a high-level bonsai collection—how to think about ranking your trees, the ideal number of trees to own...

In this engaging episode, Jeremiah Lee interviews Randy Knight , a renowned bonsai collector, about his journey into the world of bonsai, the evolution of his customer base, and the intricacies of collecting diverse tree species. Randy shares valuable insights into the differences between Rocky Mountain Junipers and Sierra Junipers, the challenges of collecting Utah Junipers, and the importance of...

Seth and Michael chat with Jeremiah about their paths in the bonsai world and what life’s been like since finishing their apprenticeships. They talk about cultural differences—especially food and daily life—as Seth adjusts to living in Alabama after spending time in Japan. Along the way, they get into what it takes to start and grow a bonsai business. They also share some personal thoughts about f...

Pacific Bonsai Expo Companion  Follow along in your 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo book with Peter Tea , Eric Schrader , Cesar Ordonez , and Jeremiah Lee as they recap and revisit the historic event that was the 2024   Pacific Bonsai Expo . This episode is a deep dive for the hardcore bonsai enthusiasts. Together, we discuss the size categories , the future of the PBE , and how the Expo has influenced a...

In this episode of The Black Pondo Podcast , I sit down with Austin Heitzman —bonsai table and furniture maker based in Portland, OR. I consider Austin one of the true national treasures of American bonsai, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the world of bonsai display tables. We explore how he got started, how his unique style has evolved over time, and where he sees his work heading in...

In this episode, I hang out with: Julian Tsai – @bontsai Cesar Ordoñez – @cencalbonsai Adam Toth – @adam.jp.bon We catch up on what’s new in their lives and dive into a wide-ranging discussion on bonsai, with a strong focus on aesthetics and appreciation. It’s always a blast connecting with these guys—hope you enjoy the conversation!   Chapters (00:00:00) - Adam Koh (00:01:47) - Bonsai Lessons by...

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Bob Ricker and Julian Tsai at the John Naka Memorial Exhibit in Southern California—a truly inspiring gathering for bonsai enthusiasts. Bob Ricker is a dedicated student of Peter Tea and currently serves as Vice President of the American Bonsai Association in Sacramento. His passion and craftsmanship are evident in every tree he touches. Y...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Pistello of MVP Bonsai-a longtime practioner, Joshua Roth talent contest winner and PBE award recipient.  We cover a wide array of bonsai topics, from technique and design philosophy to the state of the art today.   You can see Mike's work on his Instagram at mvpbonsai  Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo Podcast (00:01:15) - Bob Boone on Bonsai and His Trainin...

In late May of this year I spent three days working on trees at Peter Tea's studio and workshop.  On one of those days, I got to sit down and chat with Peter's full time apprentice Travis Hendrix.  We covered a wide range of topics including what his apprenticship has been like so far, why Travis picked Peter Tea, his future goals, CA natives, Japanese gardening, collecting, growing trunks and a l...

In this episode I got to sit down and chat with my teacher, friend and mentor Peter Tea after a long but very fun day of working on trees.  Peter is currently a top tier Bonsai professional based in Auburn California who previously apprenticed at Aichi-En Bonsai nursery in Nagoya Japan.  Our conversation was primarily on the subject of Juniper Bonsai, but we explored a few other interesting rabit...

On the last day of 2024, I got to chat with Jacob Michaels, an East Coast Bonsai and Ju Jitsu practioner.  While we've messaged back and forth a few times, it was my first time actually talking to him.  I really enjoyed getting to know Jacob and hear about his Bonsai journey which most recently led him to becoming a full time Bonsai apprentice under NC based Bonsai Professional Tyler Sherrod of Do...

In this episode I got the chance to chat it up with the talented Sam Tan.  Sam is a Bonsai practioner based in the Bay area of CA who developed a high level of technical Bonsai skill relatively quickly.  We talked about his love for CA natives, designing his newer Bonsai garden, displaying natives, his trip to Bob Shimon's and a whole lot more.  I really enjoyed sitting down w/ Sam and thank you f...

In this episode I caught up with Nao Tokutake, a Bonsai practitioner and container maker based in Portland, OR.  Nao has been one of my favorite Bonsai pot makers in the US for a while now.  However, after getting the opportunity to pick his brain about his Bonsai pot making process and philosophy I'm even more of a fan of his work!  His dedication and passion to improve his craft seem second to n...

In this episode, I caught up with the one and only Andrew Robson, a Bonsai pro and organizer of the Pacific Bonsai Expo based in the Portland Oregon area who specializes in D eciduous Bonsai. We dive into topics, like when deadwood is appropriate, container colors, and the magic of native deciduous species. We talk about collecting versus container growing trunks and Andrew shares some expert tips...

In this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast, we’re taking you on a journey to the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, Washington! I had the amazing opportunity to tour this gem with the one and only Aarin Packard, the museum’s powerhouse curator. From the breathtaking bonsai trees to the rich history that surrounds them, the museum completely blew me away. Aarin shared incredible insights about h...

Interviews from the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo Part 2 Adam Toth Timestamp: 0:30 sec  Instagram: adam.jp.bon Adam Toth is a Bonsai professional located in the Bay Area of CA.  He was an apprentice under Taiga Urushibata at Taisho-En where he obtained his professional certificate in Shohin Bonsai.  Adam worked on several of the Bonsai in the PBE this year.       Richard Kearney  Timestamp: 10:15 Insta...

Jeff Stern Time Stamp, interview starts at: 0:40 secs Find out more about Jeff at Star Bonsai on Facebook Winner of 3 awards at the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo and 3 awards at the 2022 Pacific Bonsai expo.  In this episode I catch up with Jeff about his history in Bonsai, thoughts on his trees, his recent move from California to Utah, the history of his collection, working with Peter Tea and more.   ...

Last Wednesday I went into the forest to a secret location to meet a wise Monk and check out his Yamadori collection.  He taught me about finding happiness and filfilment, we ate pizza and recorded a podcast. It was a great day!  Episode #19 Vince Lee - Satoyama Bonsai Instagram: Satoyama81