Bonsaigers' Conversations

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, we talk with bonsai professional and Pacific Bonsai Expo founder Jonas Dupuich.

We dive into how bonsai are evaluated in exhibitions, what truly defines a great tree, and the key differences between showcasing bonsai in a garden versus those in a display. Jonas also shares his journey from his family nursery to becoming one of the most respected voices in the bonsai world.

A thoughtful conversation on craft, growth, and turning passion into a profession.

New episodes every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I’m joined by Jeremiah Lee, an award-winning bonsai artist and the host of the Black Pondo Podcast—one of the absolute best listens out there for anyone passionate about the art of bonsai.

Jeremiah opens up about our shared passion for these miniature trees and takes us behind the scenes of his creative process. We dive deep into the philosophy and unique challenges of yamadori (collecting stunted trees from the wild), explore some of his exciting new projects, and look ahead at his targets for the future of his craft. Whether you are fascinated by the rugged beauty of collected trees or looking for fresh inspiration for your own benches, this conversation is packed with insight, artistry, and pure passion for bonsai.

Follow Bonsaigers’ Conversations for new episodes every Monday.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and don't forget to share this episode with fellow bonsai lovers.

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I’m joined by Peter Chan, founder of Herons Bonsai, the largest bonsai nursery in the UK, and the creator behind the internationally renowned YouTube channel Herons Bonsai.

Peter shares his remarkable journey into the world of bonsai, the philosophy and artistry behind the practice, and the lessons he has learned from building one of the most respected bonsai businesses in the world. We discuss what makes bonsai such a unique art form, how it can enrich our lives, and why it continues to inspire people across generations and cultures.

Whether you're new to bonsai or a lifelong enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the craft, the business, and the passion that drives it all.

Follow Bonsaigers’ Conversations for new episodes every Monday.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and don't forget to share this episode with fellow bonsai lovers.

In this episode of Bonsaier’s Conversations, I sit down with Aarin Packard, curator of the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Washington, USA—one of the most important bonsai institutions in North America, known for its world-class collection and thought-provoking exhibitions.

We explore Aarin’s journey as an artist and how his creative background continues to shape his curatorial vision. From rethinking how bonsai is presented to connecting the art form with broader cultural and social themes, Aarin shares what it means to lead a museum that is not just about display, but about education, dialogue, and innovation. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is recognized for pushing boundaries through experimental and narrative-driven exhibitions that expand how we understand bonsai today.

A key focus of our conversation is “United Bonsai”, his current project inspired by the World Cup. Through this initiative, Aarin investigates how bonsai is practiced across different countries, exploring the subtle (and not so subtle) ways culture influences form, aesthetics, and artistic intention. It’s a fascinating look at bonsai as a truly global language—shaped by place, identity, and tradition.

🎧 New episodes drop every Monday and are available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

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In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations, we sit down with Jake Hobson—founder of Niwaki, entrepreneur, author, and a leading voice in Japanese garden culture outside Japan.

Jake’s path is far from conventional. From his early experiences living in Japan to building Niwaki into a globally recognized brand, his work has been a major source of inspiration for our own approach to bonsai, tools, and aesthetics.

We talk about his upbringing, how he first discovered Japanese gardening, the philosophy behind Niwaki, and what it means to reinterpret tradition in a modern, international context. This conversation goes beyond trees and tools—it’s about craft, observation, and building something meaningful over time.

If you’re into bonsai, Japanese gardens, or creative entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations, we sit down with geologist, storyteller, and author Dr. Anjana Khatwa, whose work bridges science, nature, and spirituality.

Author of Whispers of Rock, Anjana shares her journey into geology and how landscapes can hold deeper stories of time, identity, and belonging. Together, we explore the connection between science and spirituality, and how these perspectives can coexist rather than conflict.

Through personal experiences and stories from her book, Anjana invites us to see nature not just as something to study, but something to listen to.

A conversation about curiosity, identity, and the quiet voice of the natural world.

New episodes of Bonsaigers Conversations every Monday.

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations, we sit down with Russian bonsai artist Andrei “DAO” Darusenkov, whose work sits at the intersection of art, architecture, and spirituality.

A longtime collaborator with Bonsaigers, Andrei has been a key figure in the Bonsaigers’ X exhibition — winning it twice before returning as a judge in 2024. His approach to bonsai goes beyond technique, rooted in symbolism, discipline, and a deeply personal artistic philosophy.

We talk about his upbringing in Moscow, the thinking behind his course Architect of Trees, and the role religion and spiritual thought play in shaping both his creative process and exhibition work. For Andrei, bonsai becomes more than an art form — it’s a way to explore structure, meaning, and the human experience.

A conversation about identity, faith, and finding purpose through bonsai.

New episodes every Monday.

In this episode of Bonsaigers' Conversations, we sit down with the couple behind Brightside Bonsai, ceramic artists based in Atlanta, Georgia who have built a shared life around creating bonsai pottery together. Their work blends craftsmanship, intention, and a deep connection not only to the trees their pots will hold, but to each other.They open up about what it means to pursue art as a couple, navigating both the creative process and daily life side by side. From their early influences to how their individual paths came together, their story is one of collaboration, balance, and growth.We explore how their environment in Atlanta shapes their aesthetic, and how working together in the studio brings both challenges and rewards. Every piece they create reflects a dialogue, between form and function, tradition and personal expression.They also share insights into building a creative business as partners, including their journey working with platforms like Bonsaigers and connecting with a wider bonsai community.This conversation is about partnership: in art, in life, and in the quiet commitment it takes to create something meaningful together.New episodes of Bonsaigers Conversations drop every Monday.

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations, we sit down with Quebec-based artist Steve Ulrich, whose work is deeply shaped by the raw beauty of his natural surroundings. Each tree he creates carries the spirit of the wild landscapes he explores.

Steve shares stories from his long collecting trips in the mountains, where patience, endurance, and intuition guide the search for material. For him, these journeys go beyond finding trees—they’re about understanding the land and its rhythm.

We also explore the challenges of working through Quebec’s harsh winters, and how extreme conditions influence both his creative process and perspective. From protecting his trees to adapting his techniques, resilience becomes an essential part of his art.

Finally, Steve offers a glimpse into his garden and studio—spaces where discipline meets creativity, and nature blends seamlessly with design.

This episode is about connection: to place, to process, and to the quiet strength behind meaningful creation.

New episodes of Bonsaigers Conversations drop every Monday.

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations, we sit down with Jennifer Price, a traveling bonsai artist with a truly unique path. Originally from Chicago, Jennifer has studied under some of the most respected bonsai masters in the world, including Ryan Neil, Walter Pall, and currently Michael Hagedorn.Before dedicating her life to bonsai, Jennifer was a professional dancer, a journey that demanded discipline, resilience, and years of refinement. In many ways, that same spirit lives on in her bonsai practice: shaping, patience, repetition, and the quiet pursuit of balance. From the stage to the studio, her story is one of transformation and dedication.We talk about her experience as one of the few women in the bonsai world, her travels across international conventions, and how learning from different masters has shaped her artistic voice. This conversation explores what it means to commit to a craft, evolve through challenges, and find your place in a deeply traditional art form.