#34 Michael McTeague & Seth Nelson

#34 Michael McTeague & Seth Nelson

From The Black Pondo Podcast by Lee Bonsai

December 14, 2025 · 1h 51m · Season 3 · Episode 34

About this episode

Seth and Michael discuss their bonsai journeys, cultural adjustments, and insights into the bonsai business.

Seth and Michael chat with Jeremiah about their paths in the bonsai world and what life’s been like since finishing their apprenticeships. They talk about cultural differences—especially food and daily life—as Seth adjusts to living in Alabama after spending time in Japan. Along the way, they get into what it takes to start and grow a bonsai business. They also share some personal thoughts about family, future goals, and where they hope to take their bonsai work, showing just how committed they are to learning, growing, and teaching others. The conversation also dives into the hands-on side of bonsai. They talk about why passion and real experience matter, how community shapes the craft, and some of the technical details like leaf size, quality, and overall tree health. They touch on current trends in the bonsai world too, including globalization and how regulations affect the market. Overall, it’s a mix of practical advice, personal stories, and a shared belief that strong horticulture skills, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment are key to creating great bonsai. Seth Nelson- Instagram: seth.nelson.bonsai Michael McTeague Instagram: bonsaiharmony

People in this episode

Guests: Seth Nelson, Michael McTeague

Topics covered

  • bonsai
  • apprenticeship
  • cultural differences
  • business growth
  • horticulture
  • community
  • globalization

Keywords

  • bonsai
  • apprenticeship
  • cultural differences
  • business
  • horticulture
  • community
  • globalization
  • tree health
  • passion
  • experience

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Alabama, Japan

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