The Black Pondo Podcast

Lee Bonsai
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An informal Podcast hosted by Jeremiah Lee, with the goal of satisfying an endless curiosity about all things Bonsai through chatting with and interviewing some incredible members of the Bonsai community.

  1. 5D AGO

    #38 Seth Nelson

    Episode #38 – Seth Nelson is a Nippon Bonsai Association Certified bonsai professional currently located in Birmingham, Alabama USA.  In Episode 38 of the Black Pondo Podcast, Jeremiah Lee and Seth Nelson take a deep dive into the layered world of bonsai—exploring everything from the subtle politics of exhibitions to the transformative power of photography in presenting trees at their highest level. They unpack the many subcategories within bonsai and how shows shape artistic standards, while also discussing the growing role of AI in refining technique, documentation, and creative process. Seth shares insights into his current work with a patron supporting his bonsai career, opening up about the realities of selling trees, building a sustainable practice, and navigating family dynamics alongside professional ambition. The conversation expands into innovation and tradition—examining experimental techniques, alternative materials, and the critical influence of soil mixes on tree health and development. Seth reflects on the meaning of “oyakata” and the cultural differences between bonsai in Japan and the United States, drawing from his apprenticeship experience and the personal growth it demanded. They also explore the emotional connection between artist and tree, and the story behind a massive trident maple with multi generational history currently being offered for sale at the Kokufu 100. This episode is an honest, thoughtful look at craft, culture, mentorship, and the evolving future of bonsai. Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo: Austin Heitzman Bonsai Stand(00:02:48) - Tree Decorating With a Black Background(00:04:03) - Trees need backdrops(00:08:45) - Bonsai Expo 2017: Color and Lighting(00:11:50) - Bonsai: Key Categories and Subcategories(00:19:40) - How To Apply Fungicide To Tender Growth Trees(00:27:40) - Forbid.com on ChatGPT(00:28:51) - Japanese bonsai grower loses weight(00:33:04) - Do You Have To Spray Your Fruits?(00:38:40) - Seth on His Current Situation(00:46:29) - In the Elevator With Oprah(00:46:47) - The story of my patron's bonsai(00:52:47) - This Alabama Bonsai Guy Grows Massive Trees(00:55:42) - How To Work a Full Time Job(00:57:03) - The Art of Gardening(00:59:48) - How to Get Your Wife Her Residency(01:04:02) - Seth Nelson Bonsai: Selling Trees(01:09:58) - Tree Farming in the Future(01:10:19) - How to Put Together a Bonsai Auction(01:19:38) - Bonsai in the US(01:24:01) - Joint A(01:29:59) - Stainless Steel Wire For Trees(01:33:26) - What did the term oyakata mean to you?(01:40:23) - Was Mr. Tanaka Trying to Make You A Good Man?(01:44:38) - The Zen of Bonsai(01:50:44) - The Secret Life of Aichan Apprentices(01:54:54) - Is My Oikata A Real Japanese Person?(02:00:22) - What Is The Best Garden Hose?(02:04:34) - "I hate my nail polish"(02:04:50) - Q&A With Lil' Wayne(02:05:16) - The World's Coolest People(02:05:39) - Soil Mix(02:15:02) - Regarding akadama, for anybody that's really serious about b(02:16:06) - Tree growth in the US vs. Japan(02:18:20) - Do Arakawa Maples Need More Care?(02:21:16) - Does Culture Influeness Bonsai?(02:28:53) - Bonsai and Emotion(02:29:43) - Talking to myself(02:30:09) - Can Copper Wire Dust Be Harmful?(02:31:58) - Bonsai Teaching 101: Copper Wire(02:37:43) - Ichi Stood Next To A Giant Trident Maple(02:40:34) - Kokufu height limit(02:46:11) - In the Woods: Healing the Trunk(02:46:47) - Derek on Chatting About Bonsai

    2h 53m

  2. JAN 21

    #37 Peter Tea- Part 2 - Deciduous Bonsai

    The legendary César Ordóñez of Cen Cal Bonsai once shared a simple but powerful truth: “It sucks to buy a tree and cut off all the branches, but it also sucks to have a s****y tree.” In this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast, we dive deep into all things deciduous bonsai. I got to pick Peter’s brain about César’s quote—discussing when it makes sense to completely restart a deciduous bonsai and when it’s better to continue refining the existing design. We explore what truly makes a great deciduous bonsai, common pitfalls seen in the U.S., Japanese aesthetics, and much more. I really appreciate you tuning in, and I hope you enjoy the conversation. Chapters (00:00:00) - Bonsai 101(00:00:11) - Deciduous Bonsai(00:03:51) - Bonsai is like putting money in your 401k(00:07:00) - What is a Good Deciduous Bonsai?(00:07:55) - The secret to good Bonsai(00:14:54) - Tree Decorating: Is it worth chopping off an old branch(00:19:08) - Bonsai Trees: Age Is Very Important(00:19:48) - What other things are you looking for in a deciduous tree(00:25:17) - Tree trunks change color(00:25:45) - What does good taper look like throughout the tree?(00:31:43) - Bonsai Basics: Taper and Reverse Taper(00:35:01) - Not dense enough(00:40:17) - Deciduous Trees(00:43:42) - Taper in trees--(00:45:14) - What's happening in the US with taper?(00:53:52) - Is it faster to grow a tree than to wire a bons(00:55:05) - Growing trees in the ground(00:55:29) - How to grow Umay Bonsai(00:58:41) - Developers' trees(00:59:58) - Bonsai 101: Density and Branch Length(01:06:05) - Open mind in the world of bonsai(01:10:03) - Bonsai Is Not Cookie Cutter(01:15:45) - Experiencing Japanese Bonsai(01:20:45) - Can a Japanese Maple Ever Look as Old as a Black Pine?(01:24:15) - How to grow a 1000 year old Japanese maple

    1h 26m

  3. JAN 20

    #36 Peter Tea - Part 1

    I just got back from four days of working on trees up at Peter Tea’s place, PTBonsai.com. While I was there, after some long but really fun days working on a bunch of trees, we sat down one evening, grabbed a drink, and just talked. I got to pick Peter’s brain about what really goes into building a high-level bonsai collection—how to think about ranking your trees, the ideal number of trees to own, and his plans for attending Kokufu 100. We also talked about some of the questions he’s planning to ask his teacher, Mr. Tanaka, and a whole lot more. This is part one of a two-part conversation, so keep an eye out for part two coming soon. Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo Podcast(00:01:50) - What is Cognac?(00:02:43) - Bonsai shows in Japan(00:04:12) - Bonsai Tour of Japan(00:07:09) - Bonsai instructor talks orchids(00:08:50) - Peter's Way of Learning(00:11:57) - Bonsai Professional: Open Minds(00:16:28) - Bonsai Master Tanaka(00:20:25) - Double Cheers in Japan(00:20:35) - Interview with Bonsai Legend Tanaka(00:24:21) - What is it that Japanese Bonsai Like?(00:30:24) - Bonsai Expert: Mr. Tanaka's Perspective(00:33:25) - How to Rank Your Bonsai Trees(00:37:35) - Have You Got Too Many Bonsai Trees?(00:40:57) - The Best Bonsai Trees(00:45:52) - Bigger Trees(00:50:03) - Tree Gardener: Do Trees Grow Well?(00:51:25) - How to Choose Good Water for Bonsai(00:54:49) - Choosing the right Korean hornbeam or Chinese elm(00:57:33) - Gardening 101: Deciduous Trees(01:01:00) - The Secret to Building a Bonsai Collection(01:04:49) - How Do You Grade a Tree?(01:08:01) - Louis XIII Drinking Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royale

    1h 11m

  4. 12/26/2025

    #35 Randy Knight

    In this engaging episode, Jeremiah Lee interviews Randy Knight, a renowned bonsai collector, about his journey into the world of bonsai, the evolution of his customer base, and the intricacies of collecting diverse tree species. Randy shares valuable insights into the differences between Rocky Mountain Junipers and Sierra Junipers, the challenges of collecting Utah Junipers, and the importance of building strong relationships with customers. Randy also dives into the challenges of growing various tree species, the critical role of proper aftercare, and highlights from his personal collection. He emphasizes the importance of community within the bonsai world and reflects on his future aspirations, including mentorship and refining his techniques. The conversation rounds out with discussions on his interests outside of bonsai, fitness tips for outdoor work, and the joy of exploring and connecting with nature. Randy Knight's email address: Oregonbonsai@gmail.com  Chapters (00:00:00) - Peter T. Bonsai(00:02:19) - Bonsai Collecting in the Rocky Mountains(00:08:23) - John Eads on Bonsai(00:11:34) - What kind of trees are you selling?(00:19:24) - How to Buy a Bonsai Tree From Me(00:27:59) - Meet the Bonsai People(00:28:21) - How to care for an ancient juniper tree(00:32:08) - Rocky Mountain Junipers vs Sierra Junipers(00:38:03) - How to find yamadori trees in the Rocky Mountains(00:42:11) - Do Pines Have Corkscrew Trees?(00:46:09) - Sierra Junipers vs Utah Junipers(00:48:27) - Rocky Mountain, Utah junipers in bonsai(00:55:11) - Trees grow in sandstone and basalt(00:55:46) - Do You Know Every Tree in Oregon?(00:59:24) - Bonsai 101: Collecting Trees(01:05:04) - Mountain Mahogany and Manzanita Trees(01:10:55) - Bob Marai's Bonsai Trees(01:15:49) - Do You Have A Tree Collection?(01:17:33) - Keep a Tree or Sell It?(01:22:21) - Bonsai at the(01:24:20) - Bigger than a caribou(01:25:35) - Randy Hayworth on His Hobby Hunting(01:29:55) - Honoring the dead(01:34:50) - Sen. Rand Paul on His Dog(01:35:01) - Lodge Poles in the Sierras(01:38:55) - How to Get Prepared for the Mountains(01:43:06) - How long do you travel on a bonsai trip?(01:49:05) - Rocky Mountains Tree Recuperation(01:54:45) - How to screen pumice from trees(01:57:47) - Bob Yamadori on Leaving a Legacy(02:04:28) - Randy Knight on Tree Collection

    2h 9m
  5. #34 Michael McTeague & Seth Nelson

    12/14/2025

    #34 Michael McTeague & Seth Nelson

    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 Chapters (00:00:00) - Peter T. Bonsai(00:01:56) - Bonsai in my Garage(00:04:20) - Canada's first week in Alabama(00:07:37) - Back to American Food in Japan(00:11:20) - Michael and I Both Graduate Our Apprenticeships(00:12:45) - Jeremiah's Traveling To St. Louis(00:13:51) - Interviewing a Bonsai Guy(00:15:15) - Japanese tree trimmers talk(00:16:27) - Podcast Star Seth on His Life in Japan(00:20:24) - Bonsai Champion Jeremiah and His Family(00:23:41) - Seth and Michael: The Japanese Friendship(00:27:32) - How To Rest Your Back(00:31:33) - Alabama Bonsai Artist Seth on His Journey(00:36:26) - Birmingham Bonsai Nursery(00:42:54) - Looking for a house to buy in Japan(00:44:09) - Looking for an Abandoned Home in Japan(00:48:58) - Tree Wires in the US(00:52:25) - Japan is where everything's happening(00:53:45) - The Real Life of Bonsai(00:56:45) - Getting Better at Bonsai With A Professional Experience(01:01:58) - R.I.P. To ""(01:02:11) - Did Ien and Fujikawa Koka interact with their bons(01:06:18) - Bonsai community is small(01:09:33) - Japanese bonsai:(01:10:59) - Bonsai: The Science of Bonsai(01:15:50) - Meet Avram, the Niwaki Guy(01:16:43) - Bonsai: The Art of Horticulture(01:21:23) - "Shuhari" in Bonsai(01:24:50) - Box vs ceramic pot(01:30:06) - Do You Need To Repot Your Bonsai?(01:34:16) - Tommy Lee on Working With Seth Seth(01:36:04) - Leaf Size and Bonsai Trees(01:41:16) - Chinese Quints and Twigging Quality(01:49:03) - Michael Jackson meets Bjorn Oakley

    1h 51m

  6. 10/31/2025

    #33 PBE Companion w/ Peter Tea, Eric Schrader and Cesar Ordonez

    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 & @bonsaifyonline Cesar Ordonez — @cencalbonsai Jeremiah Lee — @jlee_bonsai  Follow the Black Pondo Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.      Chapters (00:00:00) - Henka Bonsai(00:01:01) - Henka Bonsai(00:02:19) - An informal chat about politics(00:03:08) - PBE: A Year in the Life(00:05:26) - Meet Eric Schroeder(00:06:28) - Jonah and Cesar(00:07:53) - Intro to Bonsai Pottery(00:08:57) - Adam Levine At The Pot Competition(00:10:23) - Peter Bonsai's New Project Potting(00:12:24) - Eric and Cesar at the Rendezvous(00:14:08) - How was the event overall(00:15:16) - The New Talent Competition(00:18:21) - Back to the Trees(00:20:04) - where can people buy your bonsai trees?(00:24:53) - How To Ship a Giant Bonsai Tree(00:28:51) - PBE vs Bonsai(00:31:39) - PBE Bonsai Show(00:37:09) - Do You Think Competition is Good in Bonsai?(00:40:20) - Does Anyone Really Want to Win the Bonsai Expo(00:47:24) - Pacific Bonsai Book Review(00:52:15) - Favorite Action Shots in The Book(00:55:12) - PBE 2021: Moving the Fall Show to Pleasanton(00:59:48) - Deciduous Trees In Leaf(01:05:14) - PBE: Is It For Hardcore People?(01:10:45) - Bonsai Expo and More Workshops(01:13:25) - Have You Ever Talked About Combining the Expo With the Rend(01:16:29) - Tree Trees of Washington(01:16:48) - The Best Shohin Awards(01:17:26) - Trees in the Collection(01:18:26) - Shohin Display: Five Trees in a Box(01:25:20) - The Shohin Tree Contest(01:26:08) - How To Display Trees in a Traditional Box(01:28:56) - Medium T-Shirt(01:29:16) - Best Medium Bonsai Tree(01:29:47) - This Kishu Juniper Was Originally Classified as a Sh(01:33:44) - Kishu Juniper Wins(01:39:07) - Bonsai Progression(01:43:07) - The Elm and Juniper Bonsai(01:47:18) - Cork Album Display(01:49:16) - Baby Trees in the Garden(01:49:37) - Kishu Juniper(01:54:29) - Tree tips for showing off a California tree(01:57:40) - Bonsai: Full Trees(02:03:44) - Best Large Deciduous Tree(02:04:37) - Have Sizes Become More Important in Bonsai?(02:09:31) - Bonsai Size Categories(02:14:13) - Korean Hornbeam, 22 inches(02:19:56) - A Very Nice Hornbeam Tree(02:26:50) - This hornbeam is just a joke(02:29:53) - David Niddall's Tree(02:34:43) - Best in Show(02:35:58) - This Cryptomeria Is Unrecognizably Beautiful(02:41:37) - The Best in Show Tree(02:45:14) - Bonsai Display: Eric's Tree(02:49:12) - He Made A Bonsai Trident(02:51:54) - Kishu Juniper Grafted From One Graft(02:56:05) - Is Kishu Harder to Grow in San Francisco?(02:58:28) - Black Pines 101(03:02:02) - Jonas's Tree Wins Maple Competition(03:05:57) - 70 on 70... The Stand(03:07:37) - "Three Legged" Oak Stand(03:10:58) - Oak vs. Coast Live Oak(03:14:53) - Unglazed and Glazed Oaks Pot(03:18:34) - Michael Hagedorn's Pine on a Metal Table(03:22:43) - Bonsai 101: Journey of the Artist(03:26:30) - "That's rad!"(03:26:41) - Todd Schlafer's Ponderosa Tree(03:30:19) - Potter Todd Benda's(03:33:34) - Oh, Monkey Dreams(03:33:56) - Tree Displaying A Star Wars Elephant(03:38:50) - A Bonsai Expo 2017(03:40:42) - 24 Expo Books Almost Sold Out(03:41:19) - NFL Players on Sleep

    3h 42m

  7. 09/25/2025

    #32 Austin Heitzman

    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   Chapters (00:00:00) - The National Bonsai Show(00:03:32) - How Did You Get To the National(00:04:24) - Bonsai Lessons in the Fossils(00:09:02) - Woodworking and Bonsai: Which Came First?(00:15:36) - Brazilian Rosewood Made a Guitar(00:19:38) - Do You Bonsai With Brazilian Rosewood?(00:23:13) - Walnut, Cherry and More(00:25:31) - Does Figure Matter in Bonsai Tables?(00:31:09) - Portland artist and carpenter ants(00:35:25) - In the Elevator With Woodworkers(00:39:14) - Michael Hagedorn on Bonsai(00:46:02) - Austin's Bonsai(00:50:26) - Bonsai Artist Describes His Style(00:52:29) - What Is Traditional Woodwork?(00:56:47) - Black Pondo Bonsai Podcast(00:59:59) - Would You Make a Traditional Japanese Stand?(01:00:41) - PBE Furniture: The Kokufu Stand(01:05:08) - Bonsai Studio: Being a Patron(01:08:55) - Working With a Single Vision(01:11:09) - What is Manzanita Lumber?(01:15:50) - Manzanita(01:21:33) - Wood Kiln Dry: Manzanita, Red Bud(01:28:48) - The Manita in Person(01:29:10) - How To Match Up A Bonsai Stand(01:34:03) - How To Build a Deciduous Bonsai Stand(01:38:19) - Tree Stand Height in the US vs Japan(01:45:03) - Isaiah's Tree at the National(01:46:59) - Do Darker Tones Work Better For Bonsai Stands(01:52:23) - Walnut, Mahogany(01:59:44) - Darkwoods for Bonsai(02:04:42) - Future of Bonsai(02:09:49) - Austin the Playwright Gets a Speech

    2h 11m
  8. #31 Julian Tsai, Cesar Ordoñez and Adam Toth

    09/01/2025

    #31 Julian Tsai, Cesar Ordoñez and Adam Toth

    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!   Chapters (00:00:00) - Adam Koh(00:01:47) - Bonsai Lessons by Julian Covid(00:03:14) - Adam and Julian on Bonsai(00:07:50) - Cesar on His New California Presence(00:09:23) - Bonsai Update!(00:14:39) - Representation of California on the EWTN(00:14:59) - Cesar On His Dad Digging Up Olives For Him(00:16:49) - RO system up and running(00:17:58) - Adam's Bonsai Update(00:20:50) - How to Edit a YouTube Video(00:29:02) - Adam on Bonsai(00:35:03) - Does Becoming a Bonsai Professional Take the Passion Out of(00:44:25) - Bonsai: Client expectations(00:47:50) - Bonsai Aesthetic Issues(00:54:45) - Julian on Jiu Jitsu(00:56:47) - My Three Favorite Species for Bonsai(00:57:25) - What Is The Goal Of Bonsai?(01:02:42) - Does Mochikomi Mean Anything In Bonsai?(01:10:03) - Is the Cultivated Age More Important Than The Real Age in B(01:14:45) - How Old Can You Make a Bonsai Tree?(01:18:32) - My 3 Favorite Species For Bonsai(01:24:21) - A tree with a single branch(01:24:58) - What Makes A Good Chinese Quince?(01:33:00) - Chinese Quinces(01:38:23) - Tree in Your Palm(01:38:57) - 5 Tips For Better Bonsai Skills(01:44:48) - on Peter's Bonsai(01:47:58) - How to Get Better at Bonsai (Julian)(01:52:48) - PODCAST: Naka Memorial Episode 3(01:54:04) - TALKING TO MY FANS

    1h 55m
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5
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About

An informal Podcast hosted by Jeremiah Lee, with the goal of satisfying an endless curiosity about all things Bonsai through chatting with and interviewing some incredible members of the Bonsai community.

Information

  • Creator
    Lee Bonsai
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Lee Bonsai
  • Show Website
    The Black Pondo Podcast

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