Bonsai Builders Podcast

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.

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.

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 community and collection are not to be missed.

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.

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 discipline and nursery management is a must-listen.

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!

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.

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.

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 podcast and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

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 you haven't checked it out, please go listen to some of the amazing material on his channel. It inspired a lot of the conversations I have on my own show and I know you'll enjoy it.