Bonsai Builders Podcast

Want to compete on the big stage at the 2027 Pacific Bonsai Expo? In this exclusive announcement episode, host Addison Galambos sits down with Nick Vila—organizer of the brand-new "Pruning Grounds" competition. Inspired by reality shows like Top Chef, this high-stakes, 16-person live event will test everything from horticulture and wiring to split-second design decisions. They break down the format, judging criteria, and exactly how ambitious hobbyists can apply before the December 1 deadline.

For more information, check out the @pacificbonsaiexpo Instagram and the submission website at https://pacificbonsaiexpo.org/pages/the-pruning-grounds

How do geology and fluid mechanics dictate the health of your bonsai bench? In this episode, host Addison Galambos sits down with Dr. Scott Barboza, professional geologist and leader in the American Bonsai Society. They deconstruct the physics of bonsai soil and talk through Scott's research into common bonsai soil components. They explore how solid particles, water, and air interact within shallow pots, why traditional "drainage layers" are misunderstood, and how to balance organic vs. inorganic mixes for vigorous growth versus fine refinement.

How is a design-driven Italian bonsai brand building a global marketplace, podcast, and online exhibition? In this episode, host Addison Galambos talks with Loris Diotti, co-founder of Bonsaigers (@bonsaigers, bonsaigers.com), to unpack the story behind the brand and Bonsaigers' X—their signature 32-tree global online competition. They explore the evolution from community voting to a diverse expert judging panel, the definition of bonsai across cultures, and why blending design, display artifacts, and original branding is paving the way for their success in bonsai business.

Can learning traditional rules actually set your creativity free? Where does the English learning framework for traditional bonsai design come from? Mike Lane (@kistunebonsaibymikelane on Instagram) joins host Addison Galambos to break down why foundational trunk styles and rigid technique can create a great starting off point to explore bonsai. They dive into Mike's POV on Shohin vs large tree development, the art and patina of bonsai pottery, balancing Japanese aesthetic traditions with modern evolution, and practical strategies for growing tropical species in cold climates.

What’s the difference between growing bonsai material and styling a tree and when is raw stock truly ready for its initial design? Addison Galambos and Ryan Neil dig into the core frameworks behind bonsai design, structural development, and artistic maturation. Brock and Brandon also jump in on the mic to ask some questions that have been top of mind for them around social media and its impacts on bonsai as well as understanding Ryan's artistic arc in bonsai.

In this episode, host Addison Galambos sits down with bonsai artist and Pacific Bonsai Expo organizer Andrew Robson to break down the mindset shift that separates average trees from expo-level material—and why the most important skill in bonsai might be saying no. In additional to collection curation mindset, they also dive into some more detail on highly anticipated new Expo events for 2027.

You can find Andrew Robson on Instagram @rakuyo_bonsai

The Pacific Bonsai Expo just announced sweeping updates for its next show, so I've assembled a panel of interested folks to break down every single point. From relocation to the new Pleasanton venue and a shift to winter silhouette timing, to a powerhouse jury, a revamped awards system, Suiseki, artist exhibits, and an intriguing 16-person competition, this episode tackles the moves shaping the future of American bonsai.

Host Addison Galambos is joined by a panel featuring Bay Area veteran Mike Pistello, enthusiast Mike Andrews, Southern California artist Kyle Hansen, and Expo insider Mark Walker. Together, they analyze what these structural shifts mean for exhibitors, judges, and the broader community.

What changes when you move from hobbyist to full-time bonsai apprentice? In this episode we dive deep into Auburn, California to hear from Travis Hendrix who is currently studying under Peter Tea! What is the reality of an American apprenticeship, including the expectations, pace and mindset required to build a career in bonsai. Addison and Travis cover how Peter teaches decision-making, the mechanics of developing coast redwoods, and Travis's journey from sound design to full-time tree work.

Most bonsai advice assumes endless time, space, and perfect weather. Danny Hart is proving you can build a serious practice while raising a family and keeping trees alive in Albuquerque's brutal high-desert climate. Host Addison Galambos chats with Danny about managing extreme temperature swings, narrowing his collection to thriving species like pinyon pine and sagebrush, and bringing a carpenter's eye to design. They also explore balancing parenthood, limited time, and intentionality.

Can you go from a bonsai beginner to creating professional looking, refined bonsai designs in under three years? Kyle Hansen—the artist behind Refined Roots—is proving you don't need decades in the craft to produce striking yamadori styling and cinematic tree photography. Host Addison Galambos sits down with Kyle to unpack his fast learning curve, how Mirai Live shaped his eye, and his objective rules for deciding branch angles and silhouettes. They also explore how he balances family, late-night practice, and building a bonsai business.

Do you need a yard full of trees to get good at bonsai? Nicole Yabut spent years leveling up her skills with zero trees of her own. In this episode, host Addison Galambos chats with Nicole about the hidden power of the "no-tree" path in which she built real expertise through volunteering, docenting at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, and working in seasoned collectors' gardens. They explore why learning on mature material beats owning a crowded collection, how to handle burnout, and the social barriers that shape who enters the hobby.

How do you adapt traditional Japanese bonsai principles to unique local climates and native species? In this episode, Hugh Grant, owner of Tree Makers Bonsai Studio in Australia, joins the show to break down how he's revolutionizing bonsai education in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hugh shares the framework behind his immersive four-day intensive courses, explaining how he designed and optimized them for teaching the Fundamentals of Bonsai in Australia. We dive into the myths surrounding Australian native species, how to adapt seasonal timing, and why prioritizing core techniques over species-specific 'rules' empowers students to grow faster. Whether you're an educator, a club leader, or a practitioner looking to refine your craft, this episode is packed with insights on building a thriving, high-standard bonsai community.

What does it take to run a 12-acre bonsai nursery with tens of thousands of cuttings? In this episode, we sit down with Derek Delisi, the powerhouse behind Canada Bonsai. Derek shares his wild obsession with 'collecting 'em all' when it comes to Japanese maple and ume cultivars—a dream for any plant nerd! Plus, we dive into the nitty-gritty of how he navigates the complex legal maze of importing bonsai trees across Canadian and U.S. borders.

In this episode, four-year bonsai hobbyist Dillon Clark joins the podcast to discuss the fascinating crossover between his day job as a video game community manager and community building in the bonsai world. How can hobbyists, clubs, and professionals elevate their digital presence—and is a strong online footprint even necessary? Plus, having recently made the leap to go 'all in' on bonsai himself, Dillon turns the tables to grill me about the early phases of my own journey.

Continuing the conversation with Jonas and Eric, we move on to discussing Water and Fertilizer from the lens of two veteran bonsai growers. We discuss what we got right and what we got wrong in previous water episodes of the Bonsai Builders Podcast and give a simple prescription for how to approach watering and fertilization.

In this episode, Addison, Eric Schrader, and Jonas Dupuich team up to discuss the recent Black Pondo episode that covered two new terms, "inside out" and "outside in" in the context of bonsai development approaches. What do these terms mean and are they useful for explaining how to make bonsai? We also take it a step further and investigate the origins of these practices in Japan.

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!