Bonsai Builders Podcast

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.