Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

99:12

Nitrogen and Trees with Meghan Midgley

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2026/02/04

What happens when trees are confronted with rapidly changing conditions in their environment? Do some trees suffer? Do others thrive? What causes this to occur, and can we use this information to create a more sustainable future for our forests and the trees we love? These, and other questions, are at the root of Meghan Midgley’s research her and a select group of colleagues are doing at the Morton Arboretum in Michigan. Meghan walks Ryan through her recent research on Nitrogen adaptability and

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126:32

A tint of Vermilion with Irene Taylor

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2026/01/28

Irene Taylor is an award-winning documentary film director known for her intense pursuit of human stories that often push her films and their viewers to the edge of beauty and emotion. Irene’s film Leave No Trace broke open the landmark Oregon court ruling which availed the Boy Scouts’ Perversion Files to victims of abuse creating accountability for decades of misconduct. The film earned the Dupont Award, journalisms’ highest level of achievement. Last year Vermilion Films, Irene’s production

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170:17

Hornbeam Hysteria with Brandon Roberts and Brock Arvesen

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2026/01/21

In recent years Hornbeams have grown in appreciation within the bonsai realm. Yet, the more we love them, the fewer we see of them. This, like many topics, has been bouncing around the workshop at Mirai lately. So, on a recent calm afternoon, Brandon, Brock, and Ryan seized the moment to commemorate their thoughts and explore the topic. What came from their conversation was a breakdown of Hornbeam evolution and prevalence in the Kokufu. From discussing the merits, the levels, and the aesthetics of

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128:26

Bonsai Time with Kevin Faris and Ryan Houston

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2026/01/07

There’s getting to know someone for the first time and the unveiling of personal stories and background that come with introductions; call it a familiarization of sorts. And then there are discussions with old friends and familiar faces where you pick up where you left off and continue to evolve the conversation. We recently had the opportunity to be a guest on one of our favorite bonsai podcasts, Bonsai Time, hosted by Kevin Faris and Ryan Houston. Kevin goes back a long way with Mirai and has

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84:34

Shanti Bithi: The Path of Peace

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/12/24

On a recent trip to the East Coast to retrieve the last of the original Kingsville Boxwoods grown for bonsai in the fields of Shanti Bithi, one of the most iconic bonsai operations in North America, we sat down with Jerome and Durdam Rocherolle. Built from the ground up by Jerome and his wife Carol, Shanti Bithi blended beauty, hardwork, and passion into a spiritual existence that opened the door for generations of people to find bonsai through the Rocherolle family’s heartfelt pursuit. Guided by

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61:18

Bonsai Builders: Mastery and Perfection with Addison...

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/12/17

There 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

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139:17

A Deep Dive with Jonas Dupuich

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/11/19

Jonas Dupuich, co-founder of the Pacific Bonsai Expo, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of bonsai judging in the Western world.Our discussion began with reflections on recent exhibitions, critiques from the National Show, and updates on the next Pacific Bonsai Expo—but quickly unfolded into a far-reaching exploration of how judging standards are developing and the thoughtful lengths Jonas, Eric, and Andrew are going to refine the process. The transparency and

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71:55

3rd Wheel Potters: Preston Tolbert

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/11/05

Some conversations are 15 years in the making. Ryan reconnects with Preston Tolbert, whose innovative approach to ceramics first caught his attention after a trip to Japan. As part of the 3rd Wheel Potters collective residency at Mirai, Preston, along with Eli Akins and Rob Wallace, created a remarkable body of work blending tradition, experimentation, and artistry. In this episode, we dive deep into Preston’s journey, his influences, and the creative mind behind the vessels recently released on

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59:28

3rd Wheel Potters: Eli Akins

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/10/29

Step inside the world of Eli Akins of Waldo Street Ceramics, a rising name in North American bonsai ceramics, as he reflects on the 3rd Wheel Potters artist residency at Mirai. Alongside Preston Tolbert and Rob Wallace, Eli spent two transformative weeks pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and crafting a stunning body of work. In this episode, we explore the friendships, good vibes, and artistic breakthroughs that emerged, highlighting both conceptual innovations and

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58:30

3rd Wheel Potters: Rob Wallace

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/10/22

Join us as we sit down with Rob Wallace of Wallace Woods Ceramics, a member of the 3rd Wheel Potters collective alongside Eli Akins and Preston Tolbert. This past summer, the trio completed an artist residency at Mirai, navigating the challenges of Mount Rainier and exploring new ways to merge ceramics with the art of bonsai. In this episode, Rob shares insights from their collaborative journey, the R&D behind his creative process, and the seeds of inspiration blossoming into our fall launch of

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33:57

From Summer Survival to Live Streaming Revival

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/10/15

This summer at Mirai was one for the books—long, hot days, intense sun, and plenty of lessons in resilience and proactive care. From keeping trees thriving under extreme heat to experimenting with new techniques and species, we’ve seen what it takes to grow, adapt, and evolve in the garden. Now, as we step into fall, the season brings fresh opportunities and inspiration.And we’re kicking it off in style—get an exclusive first look at the return of streaming on Mirai Live! Join us October 28th at 4

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01:44:34

Art, Science, and Bonsai with Brock Arvesen

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/08/27

We introduce Brock Arvesen, one of the new faces at Mirai. Splitting his time between Mirai and the Pacific Bonsai Museum, Brock brings a perspective shaped by both worlds. In this episode, he joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on art, nature, and bonsai. Together we dive into the aesthetics of the craft as well as the science that grounds it—a thoughtful dialogue bridging creativity and biology you won’t want to miss.Start your 7-day free trial of Mirai Mobile and explore all it has to

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01:31:22

Design in Collaboration with Thomas Nevar

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/08/13

We sat down with artist, designer, and creative director Thomas Nevar—a long-time creative and collaborator with Mirai. Together, we explore the intersection of art and bonsai, unpacking the motivations, inspirations, and ideas that shape their work. From the shared language of design to the pursuit of meaning in creative practice, this conversation offers an intimate look at how collaboration fuels both vision and craft.Explore Thomas Nevar’s Sculptural Kusamono collection, now available on Mirai

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01:33:10

Meet Brandon Roberts: Mirai’s New Apprentice

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/08/06

Brandon Roberts joins us at the very beginning of his apprenticeship—already having demonstrated exceptional commitment with a six-hour round trip, twice a week, for three months, just to study bonsai at Mirai. In this open and thoughtful conversation, we explore the meaning of apprenticeship: its gravity, its rewards, and the vulnerability of sharing it publicly. Brandon brings a contagious energy that reignites the passion behind the practice, reminding us of the purpose that drives this path

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01:13:29

The Art and Elegance of Kusamono with Young Choe

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/07/16

We reconnect with the incomparable Young Choe—artist, pioneer, and one of the hardest working creatives in the world of kusamono. Reflecting on our first-ever Kusamono Intensive at Mirai, Young shares insights from the three-day workshop that brought five dedicated students into the world of contextual planting like never before. Together, we explore her visionary approach to kusamono as a refined, accessible art form, one she’s shaping into a creative discipline and even a profession. This

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01:04:24

Beyond Form: Architecture, Bonsai, and the Creative...

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/06/25

In this long-anticipated conversation, we welcome architect Gus Lynch of the renowned firm Olson Kundig to Asymmetry. What begins as a dialogue about architecture unfolds into something far more expansive—an exploration of creativity, design, and the unexpected intersections between built environments and the living art of bonsai. As a student at Mirai and a professional in one of the world’s most visionary architectural practices, Gus brings a rare perspective shaped by both precision and organic

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01:22:29

The Impact of Change with Dominic Maze

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/04/30

We sat down with Dominic Maze, Environmental Regulatory Coordinator for the City of Portland, for a conversation that took us places we never expected. What began as an introduction turned into a deep dive into the evolving environmental challenges we’re all facing. From Portland-specific issues to the broader implications of pests, diseases, and environmental pressures, Dominic sheds light on how these forces are reshaping ecosystems and impacting our daily lives. It’s a thought-provoking

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58:56

Celebrating 15 Years of Mirai

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/04/10

The 15th anniversary of Mirai marks a milestone in an ongoing journey of growth, creativity, and transformation. What began as a vision has become a dynamic ecosystem—shaped by a dedicated team, an ever-evolving facility, and a community that continues to expand the boundaries of bonsai.This episode honors the shared effort and collective spirit that have brought Mirai to this point. As the 16th year begins, it’s a moment to celebrate the progress and look forward to what’s still to come. Start

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01:40:05

Bristlecone Pines: A Deep Dive with Brian Smithers

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/03/12

For those who care about ancient trees, this episode is a must-listen. Brian Smithers, research professor at Montana State University, shares deep insights into the Bristlecone Pines—the oldest living singular organism on Earth. Facing increasing environmental pressures, these trees reveal critical lessons about resilience and change.Brian’s open-minded approach and deep expertise make for an eye-opening conversation, packed with scientific insight and fresh perspectives. Buckle up—this one is

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01:23:09

Inside the World of Me and Raimondi

Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry ·

2025/02/26

Today's episode has been a long time in the making, featuring the evolution, precision, and artistry of ceramist duo Nastia and Matjaž—the creative force behind Me and Raimondi. Their work pushes the boundaries of bonsai ceramics, solidifying their place among the best in the field. Beyond their mastery, their kindness shines through, making this conversation a rare glimpse into their creative process, dedication, and the passion that drives them.Shop their ceramic creations on Mirai Goods

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