Bonsai Builders Podcast

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.

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.

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!

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.

In this episode, Addison sits down with the owner of Joshua Roth Limited, John Kim. They discuss John's purchase of the company 3 years ago, why he is so passionate about supporting American bonsai's most important events, and of course get into the nitty gritty of what makes a quality tool.

In this episode, Dave and Addison talk about how art and design principles apply to bonsai and what the fundamental components are for building trees and displays that evoke emotion. They also delve into Dave's time spent in Japan and at the Weyerhaeuser collection honing his abilities. They finish with a discussion on whether bonsai is an art or a craft that you won't want to miss!

In this episode, Addison dives into the bonsai journey of his first teacher, Jerry Carpenter. They reminisce about bonsai in the Bay Area and chat about how to put together curriculums for beginners.

In this episode, Addison talks to Brock Arvesen who balances an apprenticeship at Mirai with a second job at the Pacific Bonsai Museum. They dive into how these unique roles came into being and where they both want to see bonsai go in the future!

In this episode, Addison speaks with a friend, Nick Vila, who has gotten a blisteringly fast start to learning bonsai in his first 1.5 years of the hobby. They examine Nick's path so far as well as dive into a number of nuanced conversations around display, collection size, and learning frameworks.

In this Episode, Addison brings together the competitors in the 2025 GSBF Rendezvous Joshua Roth Rising Stars Competition for a meet and greet and some pre competition banter. They discuss their bonsai stories, their goals for the competition and advice for each other. The competitors are Daniel Martinez, Julius Clado, Ian Baker, Matthew Gelacio, Ryan Pitts, and Addison himself!

In this episode, Addison talks with fourth year Aichi-en bonsai apprentice, Andrej Dojcinovic. They talk about how Andrej went from Slovakia to Japan, and dive into what makes Aichie-en special as well as Andrej's plans for after his apprenticeship.

In this episode Addison catches up with a dedicated bonsai hobbyist and host of the Black Pondo Podcast, Jeremiah Lee. They chat about Jeremiah's recent garden build, his journey towards the peak of the hobby, and what podcasts are even good for in bonsai.

In this episode Addison chats with Mark Walker who recently retired and set his sights on having an amazing bonsai collection! They chat about Mark's transition into retirement and the successes and failures he's had in his first year of bonsai.

In this episode, we discuss Andrew's experience doing an American apprenticeship. Andrew shares some great tips on how to learn bonsai based on his time teaching across the US and we discuss the sacrifices you make to do bonsai at a high level.

In this episode, Addison and Sam talk about how to keep pushing yourself as a hobbyist and what the "getting good" journey looks like in the later stages. They also discuss criteria for how to make the most important decision in bonsai... Who should be your teacher?

In this episode of the Bonsai Builders podcast, Addison and Jonas discuss Jonas's journey from his horticultural roots to his tight connections with Japan. They delve into strategies for mastering bonsai techniques and discuss the US bonsai community as well as the finances of bonsai.

Join host Addison Galambos and guest Jeff Ammons as they explore the complexities of learning bonsai, from keeping your trees alive to developing your artistic eye. They discuss the unique challenges of the art form, like it long time scales and share their personal tips for learning horticulture, technique, and design.