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PODCAST

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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All Episodes

02:18:49

The Builder Mindset w/ Peter Tea - Ep 34

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/04/08

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

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01:50:16

Philosophy and Science of Bonsai w/ Julian Tsai - Ep 33

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/04/01

In 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.

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01:10:10

Cypress Knees and Swamp Talk w/ Randy Bennett - Ep 32

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/03/25

In 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.

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01:03:15

The Hobbyist's Path w/ Mike Pistello - Ep 30

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/03/18

Mike 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.

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01:01:13

The Return to the Source w/ Bjorn Bjorholm - Ep 29

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/03/11

In 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.

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01:06:37

Water Engineering w/ Eric Forrester - Ep 28

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/03/04

Water 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.

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00:45:34

Kokufu 100 Onsite Interviews w/ Matt, Kyle, Adam,...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/02/25

In 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.

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00:26:53

Pre-Show Excitement for Kokufu-ten 2026 w/ Sam Tan -...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/02/11

In 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.

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01:14:54

Fostering a Community and Yamadori Collection w/ Jon...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/02/04

For 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

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01:12:57

Establishing as a Professional and the Colorado...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/01/28

In 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.

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01:03:08

Cultivating Grit and Constantly Improving w/ Dennis...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/01/21

What 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

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00:51:18

Designing a Purpose Built Space w/ Walker Schlott -...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/01/14

In 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!

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01:52:53

Bonsai Down Under w/ Hugh Grant - Ep 22

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2026/01/07

In 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.

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01:02:02

Addison's 2025 Bonsai Practice Review w/ Jeff Ammons...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2025/12/24

In 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.

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00:55:09

Mastery and Perfection in Bonsai w/ Ryan Neil - Ep 20...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2025/12/17

In 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

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00:57:01

Mastery and Perfection in Bonsai w/ Ryan Neil - Ep 19...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2025/12/17

In 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

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01:33:03

Pots w/ Potts and Dupuich - Ep 18

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2025/12/10

In 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.

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01:01:20

The Value of a Japanese Education w/ Kaya Mooney - Ep 17

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2025/12/03

In 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.

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01:08:24

Styling Competition Reflections w/ Daniel, Ryan, Ian,...

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2025/11/26

In 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!

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01:17:09

Bonsaify Your Life w/ Eric Schrader - Ep 15

Bonsai Builders Podcast ·

2025/11/19

In 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.

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31 results

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