Pacific Bonsai Expo Companion  Follow along in your 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo book with Peter Tea, Eric Schrader, Cesar Ordonez, and Jeremiah Lee as they recap and revisit the historic event that was the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo. This episode is a deep dive for the hardcore bonsai enthusiasts. Together, we discuss the size categories, the future of the PBE, and how the Expo has influenced and changed the landscape of American bonsai. We also explore the idea of competition in bonsai, and each guest shares their unique perspectives on many of the incredible trees that were on display and a whole lot more. Grab your copy of the PBE book, follow along, and enjoy an in-depth conversation that celebrates the artistry, community, and evolution of bonsai in America. Tree-specific discussion starts at 1:16:00. Guests on Instagram:Peter Tea — @peterteabonsai Eric Schrader — @ericschraderbonsai & @bonsaifyonlineCesar Ordonez — @cencalbonsaiJeremiah Lee — @jlee_bonsai  Follow the Black Pondo Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.     

In this episode of The Black Pondo Podcast, I sit down with Austin Heitzman—bonsai table and furniture maker based in Portland, OR. I consider Austin one of the true national treasures of American bonsai, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the world of bonsai display tables. We explore how he got started, how his unique style has evolved over time, and where he sees his work heading in the future. Austin shares his insights on pairing stands with trees, his preferences between total creative freedom and guided commissions, and his thoughtful, innovative approach to wood selection. We also talk about where he finds inspiration, the balance between classic and modern design, and what makes a great patron when commissioning a custom stand. It's a fun and thoughtful conversation for anyone who appreciates the finer details that elevate bonsai display to an art form. Check out Austin’s incredible work at: www.austinheitzmanfurniture.com Instagram: @austinheitzmanfurniture  

In this episode, I hang out with: Julian Tsai – @bontsai Cesar Ordoñez – @cencalbonsai Adam Toth – @adam.jp.bon We catch up on what’s new in their lives and dive into a wide-ranging discussion on bonsai, with a strong focus on aesthetics and appreciation. It’s always a blast connecting with these guys—hope you enjoy the conversation!  

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Bob Ricker and Julian Tsai at the John Naka Memorial Exhibit in Southern California—a truly inspiring gathering for bonsai enthusiasts. Bob Ricker is a dedicated student of Peter Tea and currently serves as Vice President of the American Bonsai Association in Sacramento. His passion and craftsmanship are evident in every tree he touches. You can follow his journey on Instagram: @bonsai_bob_ Julian Tsai is a Los Angeles-based bonsai professional whose vision and leadership brought the Naka Memorial Exhibit to life. His work continues to elevate the art form and build community around it. Find him on Instagram: @bontsai_   Episode Picture-Hinoki on display at the Naka Memorial Exhibit, from the Jeff Stern collection, brought by Peter Tea. 

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Pistello of MVP Bonsai-a longtime practioner, Joshua Roth talent contest winner and PBE award recipient.  We cover a wide array of bonsai topics, from technique and design philosophy to the state of the art today.   You can see Mike's work on his Instagram at mvpbonsai 

In late May of this year I spent three days working on trees at Peter Tea's studio and workshop.  On one of those days, I got to sit down and chat with Peter's full time apprentice Travis Hendrix.  We covered a wide range of topics including what his apprenticship has been like so far, why Travis picked Peter Tea, his future goals, CA natives, Japanese gardening, collecting, growing trunks and a lot more.  I always enjoy getting to hang out with Travis and am excited to see big things from him in the future.    You can follow along with Travis's Bonsai Journey here- Instagram: californiabonsaiapprentice 

In this episode I got to sit down and chat with my teacher, friend and mentor Peter Tea after a long but very fun day of working on trees.  Peter is currently a top tier Bonsai professional based in Auburn California who previously apprenticed at Aichi-En Bonsai nursery in Nagoya Japan.  Our conversation was primarily on the subject of Juniper Bonsai, but we explored a few other interesting rabit holes as well.  Peter's knowlege and insight regarding Juniper Bonsai is truly exceptional and he drops some absolute gems during this chat.  This is one of my personal favorite episodes  and I really hope you enjoy hearing from Peter as much as I did.  Thanks for listening!     More from Peter Tea Bonsai: www.ptbonsai.com  Instagram: peterteabonsai 

On the last day of 2024, I got to chat with Jacob Michaels, an East Coast Bonsai and Ju Jitsu practioner.  While we've messaged back and forth a few times, it was my first time actually talking to him.  I really enjoyed getting to know Jacob and hear about his Bonsai journey which most recently led him to becoming a full time Bonsai apprentice under NC based Bonsai Professional Tyler Sherrod of Dogwood Studios.  In addition to studying with Tyler, I also got to hear about Jacobs previous stay in Japan learning under Koji Hiramatsu and many of his thoughts on a myriad of Bonsai topics.  I really loved chatting with Jacob and hope you will enjoy it too.    Instagram:  dogwoodapprentice  Bonsai of Jacob Michaels  

In this episode I got the chance to chat it up with the talented Sam Tan.  Sam is a Bonsai practioner based in the Bay area of CA who developed a high level of technical Bonsai skill relatively quickly.  We talked about his love for CA natives, designing his newer Bonsai garden, displaying natives, his trip to Bob Shimon's and a whole lot more.  I really enjoyed sitting down w/ Sam and thank you for listening!    Sam Tan Bonsai:  Instagram: samtanbonsai

In this episode I caught up with Nao Tokutake, a Bonsai practitioner and container maker based in Portland, OR.  Nao has been one of my favorite Bonsai pot makers in the US for a while now.  However, after getting the opportunity to pick his brain about his Bonsai pot making process and philosophy I'm even more of a fan of his work!  His dedication and passion to improve his craft seem second to none.  I really enjoyed hearing how he is studying the classic Chinese and Japanese potters while adapting and innovating in his own studio here in the States.   Instagram: Tokutakebonsai  ebsite: www.tokutakebonsai.com 

In this episode, I caught up with the one and only Andrew Robson, a Bonsai pro and organizer of the Pacific Bonsai Expo based in the Portland Oregon area who specializes in Deciduous Bonsai. We dive into topics, like when deadwood is appropriate, container colors, and the magic of native deciduous species. We talk about collecting versus container growing trunks and Andrew shares some expert tips on and his love for Beeches. I ask Andrew who he thinks is the Deciduous GOAT, what’s on the horizon for his Bonsai plans in 2025 and a whole lot more.    Instagram: @rakuyo_bonsai Website: rakuyobonsai.com Youtube: www.youtube.com/rakuyobonsai    

In this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast, we’re taking you on a journey to the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, Washington! I had the amazing opportunity to tour this gem with the one and only Aarin Packard, the museum’s powerhouse curator. From the breathtaking bonsai trees to the rich history that surrounds them, the museum completely blew me away. Aarin shared incredible insights about his life as a curator, what fuels his passion for bonsai, and the kind of things he daydreams about while surrounded by centuries-old trees. After soaking in all the bonsai wisdom, we capped off the day by absolutely demolishing sushi at a local all-you-can-eat spot. It was a sushi feast for the ages. Tune in to hear all about this unforgettable experience on this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast!   Aarin Packard's Instagram: pacificbonsai 

Interviews from the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo Part 2 Adam Toth Timestamp: 0:30 sec  Instagram: adam.jp.bon Adam Toth is a Bonsai professional located in the Bay Area of CA.  He was an apprentice under Taiga Urushibata at Taisho-En where he obtained his professional certificate in Shohin Bonsai.  Adam worked on several of the Bonsai in the PBE this year.       Richard Kearney  Timestamp: 10:15 Instagram: richardkearney.nz Richard Kearney is a Bonsai pot maker based in New Zealand with a unique 3D printing inspired approach.  His design strategy and mold making techniques are fascinating, creating some absolutely stunning results.     Robert Pressler  Timestamp: 32:10 Instagram: Kimurabonsai  Website: www.kimurabonsai.com  Robert Pressler is the owner of Kimura Bonsai nursery a staple Bonsai nursery in Southern California.  He has showed trees at both of the Pacific Bonsai Expo events and is also the president of California Bonsai Society.    Matthew Walker Timestamp: 55:18  Instagram:  bonchibonsai  Website: www.bonchibonsai.com  Matthew is a long time student of Boon and the owner of Bonchi Bonsai located in Northern CA.  He is a Bonsai artist, collector and grower.  He has vended and shown at the PBE, known for his impressive Sierra Junipers and ultra soft annealed copper wire. Also, a long time personal friend and collecting buddy.       Will Kerns Timestamp: 1:17:00 Instagram: willkernsbonsai Will Kerns displayed an epic XL Rocky Mountain Juniper at this year's PBE which he drove out from Colorado with Todd Schlafer.  Previously he has studied with Harold Sasaki, Jerry Morris, Todd Schlafer and Ryan Neil.    Jose Gonzalez  Timestamp: 1:32:06 Instagram: jmgarcia451b Jose currently lives in Chicago and studies under Boon.  He is a long time friend of Matthew Walker and displayed a powerful XL pomegranate at this year's PBE.    

Jeff Stern Time Stamp, interview starts at: 0:40 secs Find out more about Jeff at Star Bonsai on Facebook Winner of 3 awards at the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo and 3 awards at the 2022 Pacific Bonsai expo.  In this episode I catch up with Jeff about his history in Bonsai, thoughts on his trees, his recent move from California to Utah, the history of his collection, working with Peter Tea and more.    Sam Tan Time Stamp: 42:20 minutes  Instagram: Samtanbonsai  Sam Tan is a California Bay Area Bonsai Enthusiast who was a presenter and exhibitor at this year's Pacific Bonsai Expo.  In this episode Sam and I chatted about his Sierra Juniper entry in this year's show. Sam gave me his background in Bonsai, we chat about what classifies something as the Bunjin style and he filled me in on his new Bonsai garden.    Mike-o Siquig Macasio  Time Stamp: 52:57 minutes  Instagram: alohabonsai   Mike is the president of the Utah Bonsai club.  I caught up with Mike to get his thoughts on this year's Expo, spoke about the Utah club, some concepts he's learned from Peter Tea and more.     John Kim owner of Joshua Roth Bonsai Tools Time Stamp: 1:04:55  Website: Joshuaroth.com  John is the owner of Joshua Roth Tools and one of the awards sponsors for this years PBE.  I got to dig in about Joshua Roth tools and get John's opinions on the Expo  

Last Wednesday I went into the forest to a secret location to meet a wise Monk and check out his Yamadori collection.  He taught me about finding happiness and filfilment, we ate pizza and recorded a podcast. It was a great day!  Episode #19 Vince Lee - Satoyama Bonsai Instagram: Satoyama81  

In this episode I got to catch up with Jonas Dupuich, a friend I originally met through the Bay Island Bonsai club around 2010. Jonas is a Bonsai teacher, author, blogger, professional and organizer of the Pacific Bonsai Expo.  The majority of the episode I was able to pick his brain about the upcoming  Pacific Bonsai Expo Oct. 26-27, 2024.  https://pacificbonsaiexpo.org The PBE is the one Bonsai thing I look forward to most and occurs only every other year.  It's easily the best Bonsai show on the West Coast and this year's event will be something truly special.  You don't want to miss it!  Other topics discussed include the band weezer, shade cloth, native oaks for bonsai, redwoods, Bonsai appreciation over assasination, judging, 3d printing ceramic molds, auctions, watering, grafting, airlayering with cement and a whole lot more. Hope you enjoy, thanks for listening!  You can find out more about Jonas on his website at www.bonsaitonight.com  

Journal session on Sierra Juniper- Juniperus Grandis 

In this episode, it's just me-Jeremiah Lee.  I thought i'd take a stab at something a bit differnt and experiment with recording a couple Bonsai journal entries.  I picked a few topics and talked about my thoughts and opinions.   Would love to hear your feedback, please let me know what you think?    The episode picture was one I took in 2009 with an poor quality camera in the Valley of the Elders.    Topics Include Larry White and the Valley of the Elders Why I named this podcast The Black Pondo Podcast and a whole lot more. 

In this episode, I spoke with Isaiah Gray of Akagitsune Bonsai who has quickly put together a truly phenomenal collection of North American Native Conifers.  We chatted about the path he's taken up to this point and how he came to put together such an inspiring collection.  We talk about a wide range of topics including the Bonsai Pro's he works with, aesthetic and artistic preferences, garden construction, grafting US Natives, the Bonsai shuffle, Bonsai nutritient, Sap analysis and many more fun topics.  You can find Isaiah on Instagram @AkagitsuneBonsai The hydraulic table cart discussed actually goes up to 1,500 pounds and is called the Vestil PN-1500.  The company referenced for Sap Analysis and testing is Apical Crop Science which can be found at https://apical-ag-home.com    Episode picture is Isaiah Gray next to a Sierra Juniper Bonsai.  

In this episode I got to sit down with and Interview my Bonsai teacher Peter Tea.  Peter studied with Boon Manakativipart, before leaving for a full time apprenticship at Aichi-En Bonsai Nursery in Nagoya Prefecture Japan.  Peter returned to the States after completing his apprentiship in 2013 and is now a full time Bonsai Professional operating his buisness in Northern Calfornia.  Peter is an extremely high-level Bonsai professional and his time is highly sought after by many American bonsai enthusiasts.  It was an honor to have him on the podcast, to hear his thoughts and learn more about his work.    You can learn more about Peter Tea at www.PTbonsai.com or on Instagram at PeterTeaBonsai.