The Black Pondo Podcast

Lee Bonsai
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Arts
  • Updated Daily

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. Jul 11

    #43 Avram Dalton - Dalton Landscape

    This episode is a little different from our usual bonsai conversations—but I think many of the ideas we explore will resonate far beyond bonsai. I sat down with Avram Dalton, an American garden craftsman who studied the Japanese language and spent years training in Japan. Today, he designs and builds authentic Japanese gardens throughout the United States. Based in the San Diego area, Avram has devoted his career to understanding the principles, aesthetics, and philosophy behind the Japanese approach to craftsmanship. Our conversation goes far beyond trees and stone. We discuss Avram’s approach to designing Japanese gardens, how the principles of Japanese landscape design translate from Japan to projects throughout the United States, and what distinguishes truly exceptional Japanese gardens. Along the way, we explore concepts like shokunin and several other uniquely Japanese ideas surrounding craftsmanship, beauty, discipline, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence. Whether your passion is bonsai, woodworking, gardening, martial arts, or any other craft, I think you’ll find something meaningful in this conversation. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the Japanese way of thinking about craftsmanship, and I think you will too. Instagram: @daltonlandscape Website: daltonlandscape.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo on Chatting With Seth Nelson(00:04:08) - Phil Dalton on Starting a Landscape Company(00:10:37) - San Diego Mayor on His Home Town(00:11:37) - Bonsai Artist on His Career(00:12:56) - Japanese bonsai apprenticeship(00:24:07) - How to Become a Buddhist Temple Apprentice(00:26:38) - Multiple Specialties in Japanese Gardens(00:28:47) - Do Japanese Gardeners Plan Their Projects?(00:38:07) - How To Build a Japanese Garden in America(00:42:55) - David Suzuki's work(00:49:04) - Bonsai Apprenticeships in Japan(00:55:16) - Ex-Japanese workers speak fluent Japanese(01:00:01) - How Japanese Garden Builders came to San Diego(01:08:22) - Do Japanese People Talk About Landscape Gardening?(01:14:15) - A Taste of the Quiz(01:14:43) - Japanese Landscaping(01:24:03) - What is a tea garden?(01:32:57) - Tea gardens: A mountain life within the city(01:36:50) - When You Design a Japanese Garden,(01:38:50) - Oak and Manzanita in California(01:44:06) - Japan's plant selection(01:46:49) - Taste Japanese Traditional Arts and Crafts(01:50:38) - Using American tools in the excavations(01:52:43) - Importing Japanese stones for your garden(01:58:44) - Bonsai in the Garden(02:02:11) - I Would Love to Consult with You on My Japanese Garden(02:06:56) - Workouts on the Bay(02:07:44) - Talks of Shuhari and Zen(02:12:32) - Experiencing Japanese Culture(02:17:55) - A Shokunin(02:26:26) - In the Elevator With a Master(02:27:29) - The Importance of Japan(02:38:27) - Talking to People With Metadata(02:38:57) - A Talk About Talking(02:39:31) - Philip Glass on Working with Dalton Landscape(02:42:23) - A message from the Divine(02:43:42) - Do You Think You're an Introvert or an Extrovert(02:50:10) - Amino On Japanese Gardening(02:52:24) - Honoring Hiro Aki eto

  2. May 26

    #42 Peter Tea

    Episode 42 of the Black Pondo Podcast features a deep and engaging conversation with bonsai professional Peter Tea. Following his recent trip to Japan, Peter shares his experience attending the historic Koku Fu 100 exhibition and visiting the renowned Aichi-en nursery. From there, the discussion dives into the technical side of bonsai design, with a detailed exploration of apex creation and how the apex influences the structure and development of an entire tree. The conversation also explores Peter’s growing study of Japanese aesthetics and why he personally feels it’s an important area of study for his own artistic development and understanding of bonsai. Along the way, we discuss oak bonsai, artistic philosophy, tree design, and much more. Whether you’re interested in advanced bonsai techniques or the broader artistic ideas behind the craft, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. You can find out more about Peter Tea at PTbonsai.com or on IG @peterteabonsai.

  3. Apr 30

    #41 Todd Schlafer - First Branch Bonsai

    I sat down with Todd Schlafer of First Branch Bonsai at his studio and home in Lakewood, Colorado, for a conversation that explores both the technical and philosophical sides of bonsai in America. We discussed the influence of Jerry Morris and his contributions to dwarf conifers, along with how natural forces—like rock fissures, elevation, and microclimates—shape the growth of compact, character-rich trees in the wild. Todd also shared insights from collecting and propagating native and rare species across the U.S., emphasizing both practical techniques and responsible practices. The conversation touched on strategies for building and maintaining bonsai in severe climates, as well as the importance of legacy planning—ensuring collections are preserved and passed on thoughtfully. Todd reflected on his own career through stories of apprenticeships and collaborations, offering a glimpse into the path of a professional grower. We also explored how bonsai aesthetics continue to evolve, requiring deeper levels of appreciation as trees mature, and the vital role that community, competition, and ongoing learning play in advancing American bonsai. You can find more about Todd: Instagram: todd_schlafer_bonsai www.firstbranchbonsai.com  Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo Podcast: Your New Garden(00:02:46) - Spruce and birch in Montana(00:04:44) - Exploring a microclimate in the woods(00:08:47) - Some locals use native plants as accent plants(00:09:21) - Colorado Bonsai Background(00:12:04) - Bonsai instructor on going into the mountains(00:12:52) - Bands in the 90's(00:16:42) - Bob Dylan on Bonsai(00:17:45) - When Did You Start Studying With Ryan?(00:18:20) - How Is Your Time Divided Up?(00:19:57) - Bonsai Professional travel the world(00:24:51) - Francesco's Apprentice Tree(00:28:04) - Bonsai Garden Plans(00:32:44) - Isaiah Akigitsuni Bonsai(00:34:01) - Imagine a $200,000 greenhouse for your garden(00:38:02) - American Bonsai Champion Ryan Smith on Colorado's climate(00:41:26) - The Harder the Trees(00:45:52) - Do You Need a Dingo to Move Trees?(00:49:30) - How to Build a Dingo Stand(00:50:10) - Jerry Morris(00:55:45) - Bob Hoskins in the documentary(00:57:23) - Dwarf Conifers For Bonsai(01:01:49) - Tree collections in the Ponderosa Mountains(01:05:42) - The First Branch Bonsai(01:06:58) - Are There Any Other Environments That Dwarf Trees?(01:12:37) - Bonsai instructor talks about selling trees(01:16:22) - Jerry Morris Tree for Sale(01:18:59) - Bonsai Producers Talk About Legacy Trees

  4. Apr 24

    #40 Austin Heitzman

    I recently sat down with the incredibly talented bonsai stand and furniture maker Austin Heitzman for a conversation that I’ve been looking forward to for a while. We got into some of the exciting projects he has in the works, explored his approach to crafting those signature bonsai stands, and talked through his perspective on pairing stands with trees in a way that really elevates the composition. I also brought in a few listener questions, which led to some great insights. It’s a conversation I genuinely enjoyed, and I think you will too. Chapters (00:00:00) - How To Dry Wood(00:04:41) - Does the thickness of a board affect its stability?(00:11:10) - How To Get A Hernia Fixed(00:18:52) - Bonsai Stand for Frank Lloyd Wright House(00:22:44) - Frank Lloyd Wright Made a Mahogany Planter(00:25:51) - Walnut and Manzanita Stand(00:29:10) - Have Your Tree Been Accepted Into the PBE?(00:30:54) - The PBE National(00:34:23) - How To Design a Bonsai Stand(00:41:34) - A Woodworker's Paint(00:42:53) - Green Felt Table Coverings(00:45:44) - How To Store Bonsai Stands(00:52:00) - Woodworker's Secret Lives(00:53:05) - Bonsai Wood Fits Well(01:01:14) - Blending OSMO and Osmo Wax(01:03:41) - ASMR: First Coat(01:06:52) - What is Joinery in Bonsai?(01:10:38) - What is a Miter Joint?(01:18:24) - Do you ever bounce ideas off of other Bonsai Stand M(01:24:41) - Tell the Bonsai Stand Story(01:29:20) - Bonsai: Less Liberal Than Some Other Arts(01:31:45) - Pacific Bonsai Entrance(01:35:27) - Frank Lord Reich on Root Stands(01:43:52) - The Secret to Trees(01:44:19) - There is one American who makes root stands(01:46:00) - Would You Take An Apprenticeship?(01:48:48) - Woodshop instructor private lessons and advanced classes(01:53:43) - Tree Stand(01:57:52) - Wood Stand(02:02:19) - Bonsai Artist's Top 10(02:07:33) - Ranking Bonsai Trees(02:10:29) - Tony Bonsai On His Surgery

  5. Apr 17

    #39 Addison Galambos

    Join Addison Galambos, host of the Bonsai Builders Podcast, for a special collaboration episode of The Black Pondo Podcast as he shares his journey into bonsai, from early inspiration to deep involvement in the global community. Alongside Jeremiah Lee, he reflects on lessons from bonsai experts, highlights from a transformative trip to Japan, and the artistry behind age, design, and movement in trees. The conversation dives into technical skills, experimental approaches to soil and water, and the lasting influence of master potter Gyozon, while also exploring how strong clubs and shared knowledge help the bonsai community thrive. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspective on cultivating both trees and connection. Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Ponda: To Baby Trees Podcast(00:00:59) - Bonsai Builders Podcast Intro(00:07:53) - Television Interview(00:09:28) - What is a Professional Bonsai Artist?(00:12:23) - Podcasters on Their Recent Guests(00:13:08) - Bonsai Podcast: Exploring the Trees(00:19:44) - Peter Bonsai's(00:21:22) - Bob Bonsai Just Got Back From... Japan(00:24:09) - Taste the Bonsai(00:26:33) - Bonsai and Koi Pond(00:28:54) - What separates high level Japanese Bonsai from U.S.(00:31:21) - Is Age the most important thing for high-level bonsai(00:38:30) - Grafting Yamadori Junipers(00:42:32) - How to Grow Unique Trunks(00:44:46) - A Famous Bonsai Potter Has Passed Away(00:51:04) - David Tennant's Pot Designs(00:52:09) - Gyozan Potting Dead(00:53:50) - Have You Been Thinking About Bonsai?(00:57:12) - How to Identify a Bonsai Pot Chop(01:00:38) - How Do You Get Feedback From Your Teachers on Your Junipers?(01:06:11) - Working with Peter Bonsai(01:08:05) - Peter's Tree Training(01:09:32) - Peter Glass on His Goals vs. Mine(01:17:53) - Bonsai Level 7 Goals(01:20:49) - Submit a Tree for the PBE(01:23:56) - The Science of Bonsai(01:27:47) - Lava to pumice: Does akadama hold water(01:33:39) - Bonsai Test Quality(01:37:18) - How to Tell Which Water Is Good or Bad?(01:41:43) - Water Quality in Bonsai(01:42:47) - Do RO Systems Make Better Water For Trees?(01:47:45) - Have You Tested Any of Your Trees With APical?(01:49:20) - What Would You Do If You Had Unlimited Funding?(01:52:52) - Shohin Bonsai: Twisted Junipers(02:00:08) - How to make junipers by hand(02:01:18) - How To Twist Junipers(02:07:47) - How to Cull Down Your Bonsai Trunks(02:10:48) - Bonsai Clubs(02:13:07) - Jiu-itsu Clubs and Bonsai(02:20:38) - Ideas for a Good Bonsai Club(02:26:57) - What Keeps You in the Bonsai Club?(02:31:47) - PODCAST: Jeremiah on Friendship

  6. Feb 14

    #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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Lee Bonsai
  • Show Website
    The Black Pondo Podcast

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