Bonsai Builders Podcast

Addison Galambos

This podcast is for when a hobby becomes an obsession. It chronicles the path of a dedicated hobbyist, focusing not just on shaping trees, but on shaping the mindset and discipline of a master artist.

Episodes focus on gleaning insights from experts on topics related to optimizing the bonsai learning journey and discussing interesting questions that arise along the way.

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20 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 21 min
English

Episodes 20

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S1 · E53
Wednesday · 1 hr 22 min
Objective Design and Why It's the Key to Improving Quickly w/ Kyle Hansen - Ep 53
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.
S1 · E52
August 19 · 1 hr 7 min
Can You Learn Bonsai Without Owning Any Trees? w/ Nicole Yabut - Ep 52
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.
S1 · E51
August 12 · 1 hr 23 min
How to Build a World-Class Bonsai Curriculum w/ Hugh Grant - Ep 51
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.
S1 · E50
August 5 · 1 hr 14 min
Collecting Rare Japanese Maple & Ume Cultivars w/ Derek Delisi - Ep 50
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.
S1 · E49
July 29 · 1 hr 27 min
What's the Best Way to Build a Digital Community in Bonsai? w/ Dillon Clark - Ep 49
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.
S1 · E48
July 22 · 57 min
What Actually Makes Water "Good" or "Bad" for Bonsai? w/ Eric Schrader and Jonas Dupuich - Ep 48 Part 2
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.
S1 · E47
July 15 · 58 min
Inside Out, Outside In, and What It Means for Buildin' Bonsai w/ Eric Schrader and Jonas Dupuich - Ep 47 Part 1
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.
S1 · E46
July 8 · 1 hr 19 min
How to Make it w/ Josheramics - Ep 46
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!
S1 · E45
July 1 · 1 hr 11 min
The Hardcore Hobbyist's Path w/ Joel Jenkins - Ep 45
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.
S1 · E44
June 24 · 1 hr
Rare Books, Shohin, and US Bonsai History w/ John Romano - Ep 44
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.
S1 · E43
June 17 · 1 hr 38 min
Midnights at Mirai - Workshop Session w/ Brock Arvesen - Ep 43
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!
S1 · E42
June 10 · 55 min
The New Zealand & Bay Area Connection w/ Scott Jania - Ep 42
In this episode, Addison catches up with friend and fellow bonsai practitioner Scott Jania, who joins the show all the way from New Zealand! They discuss Scott's unique career as a body piercer and the surprising ways it relates to working with trees. Scott also shares the fascinating history of the New Zealand bonsai scene, and the two explore the uncanny crossover between the tree species thriving in both New Zealand and the San Francisco Bay Area.
S1 · E41
June 3 · 51 min
The Bay Area Boom - Ep 41 w/ Adam Toth
There has been a change in the winds at shows in the Bay Area in the last few years and a big part of that has been through the work and tutelage of Adam Toth. His impact on the community and the quality of trees in the area is definitely being felt. In this episode, Adam explains how he developed his skills and how he got the rare experience to apprentice at Taisho-en with Taiga Urushibata.
S1 · E40
May 27 · 1 hr 25 min
The Pursuit of Perfect Deadwood - Ep. 40 w/ Drew Binkley
In this episode, Addison chats with up-and-coming artist Drew Binkley. Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Drew has been hooked on bonsai for close to eight years. You may have seen him before on Bonsai-U giving a lecture on deadwood carving! They chat about Drew's start in the art form and his future goals, then delve deeper into his philosophy for deadwood carving and how he got so dang good so quickly.
S1 · E39
May 20 · 1 hr 25 min
What Makes Water "Good" or "Bad"? w/ Eric Forrester - Ep 39
Addison and Eric are diving into the deep end for this one. Following up on their introduction to water chemistry for bonsai, they’ve hit the books and academic papers to answer one critical question: What actually makes water 'good' or 'bad' for your bonsai trees? In this episode, they break down the specific parameters they analyzed, compare real-world municipal water reports, and share the open questions still puzzling them. Plus, stick around until the end for practical, recommended setups to optimize your water treatment at home.
S1 · E38
May 6 · 1 hr 22 min
The Intersection of Japanese Garden Design and Bonsai w/ Matthew Gelacio - Ep 38
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.
S1 · E37
April 29 · 1 hr 29 min
Teamwork in Bonsai w/ The Bonsai Smiths - Ep 37
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’ve consistently honed their skills, and their vision for integrating bonsai into their long-term future.
S1 · E36
April 22 · 2 hr 21 min
The Black Pondo Podcast Crossover w/Jeremiah Lee - Ep 36
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 platform you're using to listen today!
S1 · E35
April 15 · 1 hr 18 min
Improve your Design Thinking w/ Mark Britton - Ep 35
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.
S1 · E34
April 8 · 2 hr 18 min
The Builder Mindset w/ Peter Tea - Ep 34
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. We also explore his core inspirations in bonsai and how they continue to fuel his drive to create masterpiece trees.

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