Shows
Bonsai Builders PodcastTeamwork in Bonsai w/ The Bonsai Smiths - Ep 37In 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’ve consistently honed their skills, and their vision for integrating bonsai into their long-term future.
2026-04-291h 29Bonsai Builders PodcastThe Black Pondo Podcast Crossover w/Jeremiah Lee - Ep 36In 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 platform you're using to listen today!
2026-04-222h 21
The Black Pondo Podcast#39 Addison GalambosJoin 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 trees. The conversation dives into technical skills, experimental approaches to soil and water, and the lasting influence of master potter Gyozon, while also exploring how strong clubs and shared knowledge help the bonsai community thrive. Whether you're...
2026-04-172h 34Bonsai Builders PodcastImprove your Design Thinking w/ Mark Britton - Ep 35In 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.
2026-04-151h 18Bonsai Builders PodcastThe Builder Mindset w/ Peter Tea - Ep 34In 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. We also explore his core inspirations in bonsai and how they continue to fuel his drive to create masterpiece trees.
2026-04-082h 18Bonsai Builders PodcastPhilosophy and Science of Bonsai w/ Julian Tsai - Ep 33In 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 as a professional and discuss the impact he's making on the Southern California bonsai scene.
2026-04-011h 50Bonsai Builders PodcastCypress Knees and Swamp Talk w/ Randy Bennett - Ep 32In 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.
2026-03-251h 10Bonsai Builders PodcastThe Hobbyist's Path w/ Mike Pistello - Ep 31Mike 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.
2026-03-181h 03Bonsai Builders PodcastThe Return to the Source w/ Bjorn Bjorholm - Ep 30In 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.
2026-03-111h 01Bonsai Builders PodcastWater Engineering w/ Eric Forrester - Ep 29Water 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 bonsai.
2026-03-041h 06
In The GardenBob Tanem In The Garden with Edie Tanem, March 1 2026, 9:00 amOur first guest this morning was Suzanne Muller, a woman of many hats at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt -- a non-profit all-volunteer run garden nurturing an amazing collection of miniaturized trees in the Japanese Bonsai tradition. Top of mind is the Gardens' annual fundraiser event -- the Mammoth Auction and Sale is this coming Saturday and Sunday March 7 and 8. Our second guest was Bonsai enthusiast and podcaster Addison Galambos. Addison is a board member at the Garden and a Bonsai "Builder" himself -- in fact he runs a podcast called the "Bonsai Builders Podcast" that is...
2026-03-0142 minBonsai Builders PodcastKokufu 100 Onsite Interviews w/ Matt, Kyle, Adam, Michael, and Jacob - Ep 28In 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 top of mind for them while they're in that exciting atmosphere.
2026-02-2545 minBonsai Builders PodcastPre-Show Excitement for Kokufu-ten 2026 w/ Sam Tan - Ep 27In 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.
2026-02-1126 minBonsai Builders PodcastFostering a Community and Yamadori Collection w/ Jon White - Ep 26For 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 collection. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your first juniper, Jon’s insights on community and collection are not to be missed.
2026-02-041h 14Bonsai Builders PodcastEstablishing as a Professional and the Colorado Bonsai Scene w/ Todd Schlafer - Ep 25In 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.
2026-01-281h 12Bonsai Builders PodcastCultivating Grit and Constantly Improving w/ Dennis Rodinger - Ep 24What 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 wondered how to bridge the gap between 'hobbyist' and 'professional,' this conversation on discipline and nursery management is a must-listen.
2026-01-211h 03Bonsai Builders PodcastDesigning a Purpose Built Space w/ Walker Schlott - Ep 23In 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!
2026-01-1451 minBonsai Builders PodcastBonsai Down Under w/ Hugh Grant - Ep 22In 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.
2026-01-071h 52Bonsai Builders PodcastAddison's 2025 Bonsai Practice Review w/ Jeff Ammons - Ep 21In 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.
2025-12-241h 02Bonsai Builders PodcastMastery and Perfection in Bonsai w/ Ryan Neil - Ep 20 - Part 2In 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's podcast, Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry - it inspired a lot of the conversations you hear on my own podcast and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
2025-12-1755 min
Bonsai Mirai: AsymmetryBonsai Builders: Mastery and Perfection with Addison Galambos pt. 1There are many podcasts popping up in bonsai but recently Mirai became aware of one in particular whose host brought a different level to the game of bonsai discussion. The Bonsai Builders Podcast is the brainchild of bonsai addict and passionate practitioner Addison Galambos. Through Addison’s innate curiosity, contemplative wit, and thorough preparation, we found Bonsai Builders to be something new, something different, and something more in depth. Naturally, when Addison approached Mirai to do a deep dive on bonsai culture, aesthetics, judging, and other tasty subject matter, it was tough to turn down.
Mirai x Bons...
2025-12-171h 01Bonsai Builders PodcastMastery and Perfection in Bonsai w/ Ryan Neil - Ep 19 - Part 1In 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 @TeenyTrees on Instagram.This episode is jointly published with Ryan's Podcast, Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry. If you haven't checked it out, please go listen to some of the amazing m...
2025-12-1757 minBonsai Builders PodcastPots w/ Potts and Dupuich - Ep 18In 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.
2025-12-101h 33Bonsai Builders PodcastThe Value of a Japanese Education w/ Kaya Mooney - Ep 17In 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.
2025-12-031h 01Bonsai Builders PodcastStyling Competition Reflections w/ Daniel, Ryan, Ian, and Julius - Ep 16In 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!
2025-11-261h 08Bonsai Builders PodcastBonsaify Your Life w/ Eric Schrader - Ep 15In 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.
2025-11-191h 17Bonsai Builders PodcastInside Joshua Roth Tools w/ John Kim - Ep 14In 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.
2025-11-051h 11Bonsai Builders PodcastLearning Art and Design w/ Dave DeGroot - Ep 13In 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 finish with a discussion on whether bonsai is an art or a craft that you won't want to miss!
2025-10-291h 07Bonsai Builders Podcast25 Years of Bay Area Bonsai w/ Jerry Carpenter - Ep 12In 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.
2025-10-2255 minBonsai Builders PodcastCreating your Opportunities w/ Brock Arvesen - Ep 11In this episode, Addison talks to Brock Arvesen who balances an apprenticeship at Mirai with a second job at the Pacific Bonsai Museum. They dive into how these unique roles came into being and where they both want to see bonsai go in the future!
2025-10-151h 12Bonsai Builders PodcastGetting a Fast Start w/ Nick Vila - Ep 10In this episode, Addison speaks with a friend, Nick Vila, who has gotten a blisteringly fast start to learning bonsai in his first 1.5 years of the hobby. They examine Nick's path so far as well as dive into a number of nuanced conversations around display, collection size, and learning frameworks.
2025-10-081h 09Bonsai Builders PodcastJoshua Roth Rising Stars Roundtable - Ep 9In this Episode, Addison brings together the competitors in the 2025 GSBF Rendezvous Joshua Roth Rising Stars Competition for a meet and greet and some pre competition banter. They discuss their bonsai stories, their goals for the competition and advice for each other. The competitors are Daniel Martinez, Julius Clado, Ian Baker, Matthew Gelacio, Ryan Pitts, and Addison himself!
2025-10-011h 01Bonsai Builders PodcastAichi-en Apprentice Life w/ Andrej Dojcinovic - Ep 8In this episode, Addison talks with fourth year Aichi-en bonsai apprentice, Andrej Dojcinovic. They talk about how Andrej went from Slovakia to Japan, and dive into what makes Aichie-en special as well as Andrej's plans for after his apprenticeship.
2025-09-2447 minBonsai Builders PodcastLivin' the Dream w/ Jeremiah Lee - Ep 7In this episode Addison catches up with a dedicated bonsai hobbyist and host of the Black Pondo Podcast, Jeremiah Lee. They chat about Jeremiah's recent garden build, his journey towards the peak of the hobby, and what podcasts are even good for in bonsai.
2025-09-171h 08Bonsai Builders PodcastFrom Kitchen's End to Bonsai's Beginning w/ Mark Walker - Ep 6In this episode Addison chats with Mark Walker who recently retired and set his sights on having an amazing bonsai collection! They chat about Mark's transition into retirement and the successes and failures he's had in his first year of bonsai.
2025-09-1049 minBonsai Builders PodcastThe All American Apprentice w/ Andrew Robson - Ep 5In this episode, we discuss Andrew's experience doing an American apprenticeship. Andrew shares some great tips on how to learn bonsai based on his time teaching across the US and we discuss the sacrifices you make to do bonsai at a high level.
2025-09-0354 minBonsai Builders PodcastHow to Choose a Teacher w/ Sam Tan - Ep 4In this episode, Addison and Sam talk about how to keep pushing yourself as a hobbyist and what the "getting good" journey looks like in the later stages. They also discuss criteria for how to make the most important decision in bonsai... Who should be your teacher?
2025-08-2759 minBonsai Builders PodcastThe Bonsai Ecosystem w/ Jonas Dupuich - Ep 3In this episode of the Bonsai Builders podcast, Addison and Jonas discuss Jonas's journey from his horticultural roots to his tight connections with Japan. They delve into strategies for mastering bonsai techniques and discuss the US bonsai community as well as the finances of bonsai.
2025-08-201h 12Bonsai Builders PodcastThe Bonsai Body w/ Dr. Justin Ho - Ep 2Disclaimer: There is a slight audio issue with the guest's mic that shows up when wearing headphones, but I hope the information is helpful for folks.In this episode, we sit down with physical therapist and bonsai practitioner, Dr. Justin Ho to discuss the "Bonsai Body". Just shares his professional framework for preventing injury, demonstrates practical exercizes for common pain points, and explains how to build a sustainable practice so you can enjoy your trees for a lifetime.
2025-08-111h 09Bonsai Builders PodcastThe Learning Journey w/ Jeff Ammons - Ep 1Join host Addison Galambos and guest Jeff Ammons as they explore the complexities of learning bonsai, from keeping your trees alive to developing your artistic eye. They discuss the unique challenges of the art form, like it long time scales and share their personal tips for learning horticulture, technique, and design.
2025-08-1156 minBonsai Builders PodcastIntroduction to the Bonsai Builders Podcast - Ep 0In this introductory episode, host Addison Galambos shares his shift from hobbyist to bonsai builder. He outlines the main goal of the podcast and introduces the topics for the initial episodes.
2025-08-1103 min
Bonsai WireAndrew and Jonas talk with Sam Tan and Addison GalambosAt long last - we're back! Our publishing schedule isn't fully back to normal yet but we'd like to share a few episodes we recorded last fall while we gear up for what's next.In this episode, Sam and Addison talk tell us how they progressed so rapidly in bonsai both in their studies and in the organizations that they help run, respectively, the Bonsai Society of San Francisco and East Bay Bonsai Society.(Photo: Coast redwood by Sam Tan as exhibited at the Pacific Bonsai Expo; image by Aki Yamakawa)
2023-06-0239 min