The Black Pondo Podcast

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a professional bonsai artist—and what that client/professional relationship actually looks like? For Episode 46 of The Black Pondo Podcast, I sat down with bonsai professional Julian Tsai his client, Geoff Martin, a high-level bonsai collector and enthusiast from Southern California. We talked about the benefits of working with a professional, things to consider, favorite trees in our collections, and plenty more. An interesting conversation about bonsai, collecting, and the relationships that help us grow as artists and enthusiasts. Episode 46 — now available! Julian Tsai- Instagram: bontsai_ Geoff Martin- Instagram: geoff_martin_

Episode #44 & upcoming #45 is a two-part conversation with Peter Tea of PTBonsai.com. In Part 1, we dig into one of the biggest challenges in deciduous bonsai: building fine ramification when internode length isn't cooperating, with a particular focus on Japanese maples. Peter shares the techniques, thought process, and long-term strategies that have helped him become one of the country's most accomplished deciduous bonsai artists. We recorded this one over a pour of scotch and a slice of what we both agreed might be the nation's best pie, so the conversation is relaxed, wide-ranging, and full of practical takeaways. In Part 2, Peter returns to answer listener-submitted questions in a dedicated Q&A.

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 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

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 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 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