Philosophy of Bonsai with Ryan Neil - Ep 53

 I. Episode Summary & Links

            Today’s episode is a special one! Your hosts Ryan Huston and Kevin Faris sat down with Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai, just outside Portland, Oregon. We dive into bonsai, life, apprenticeships, family, purpose through the art — and so much more. Enjoy and Bonsai on!

YouTube version is here!

 The podcast version of Episode 53 is here!⁠

Guest Info:

            Ryan Neil is already known by many in the bonsai world for his accomplishments, including serving a 6-year apprenticeship in Japan under the world-famous artist Masahiko Kimura. He then went on to found his garden and educational operation Bonsai Mirai which for years has done both in-person and live-streamed advanced bonsai education. He is one of the first and biggest players in the bonsai educational subscription content/community scene which has now evolved into an app most recently.

• Bonsai Mirai Website
• Bonsai Mirai YouTube
• Mirai Mobile App on Android and Apple

Sponsor Info:

            This episode is sponsored by Chris Meade of the Columbus Bonsai Society and by our co-host via the Kevin Faris moving sale of bonsai pottery, tools, and trees. View these items at In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio, USA in-person, or online (shipping available) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠ and navigate to the consignment ⁠pottery⁠ and ⁠tree⁠ pages.

Mailbag submissions/Community:

• NEW BT DISCORD Chat
• BT Facebook Group

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

From School Teacher to Bald Cypress Guru: John Geanangel's Story - Ep52

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In today's episode, you’ll find Ryan and Kevin catching up on life and then jumping into the interview with a multi-talented former school teacher, master of rock slabs, forest plantings, and South Carolina yamadori collector - John Geanangel. John shared with us his bonsai origin story, how it led to becoming a headliner artist for the Bonsai in the Blue Ridge convention in 2026, and what you can expect when attending his 3(!) Bald cypress workshops there. We also discussed his methods for bald cypress yamadori collecting and growing from seed.

YouTube version of Episode 52 is here

 The podcast version of Episode 52 is here!⁠

Guest Info:

            John Geanangel is a bonsai enthusiast passionate about his local scenery and the natives in the South Carolina area. Find more of his work on his Facebook page and YouTube channel, which have lots of great content from previous years of educational efforts and recent tree projects.

• John Geanangel's Facebook
• John's YouTube
• John's Bald Cypress Workshops for Bonsai in the Blue Ridge 2026
• Storm-damaged flat top bald cypress
• Bald cypress care and refinement
• American Bonsai Society's Bonsai in the Blue Ridge 2026 Convention Info

Sponsor Info:

            This episode is sponsored by our co-host via the Kevin Faris moving sale of bonsai pottery, tools, and trees. View these items at In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio, USA in-person, or online (shipping available) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠ and navigate to the consignment ⁠pottery⁠ and ⁠tree⁠ pages.

Mailbag submissions/Community:

• NEW BT DISCORD Chat
• BT Facebook Group

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Robert Baran: Inside Bonsai’s Past & Present History - Ep51

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Kevin and Ryan sit down with Robert Baran, one of the world’s most respected bonsai historians and researchers. Robert shares the stories behind decades of archived bonsai knowledge and how he built Magiminiland.com into a global resource for miniature tree history. The conversation explores how bonsai traveled across cultures, how early masters shaped the art, and why preserving bonsai history is more important than ever. You’ll hear Robert reflect on his personal journey, his passion for research, and the untold stories that shaped the bonsai world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves bonsai, history, and the deeper meaning behind miniature trees.

YouTube version is here!

 The podcast version of Episode 51 is here!⁠

Guest Info:

            Robert Baran is the bonsai historian and researcher behind the most comprehensive publicly available bonsai archive linked below, which he is continually adding to. He has also written several articles and contributed to books on this subject.⁠

• ⁠MagiMiniland.org⁠
• Robert also has a ⁠YouTube channel⁠ with a few interviews.
• Robert's various books and book contributions can be found ⁠here⁠.

Sponsor Info:

            This episode is sponsored by our co-host via the Kevin Faris moving sale of bonsai pottery, tools, and trees. View these items at In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio, USA in-person, or online (shipping available) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠ and navigate to the consignment ⁠pottery⁠ and ⁠tree⁠ pages.

For Etsy sales, there is currently a 10% off Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal with the code CYBER25.

Mailbag submissions/Community:

• NEW BT DISCORD Chat
• BT Facebook Group

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Recapping and Tips For Attending the US National Bonsai Exhibition - Ep50

 I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan share their recent experiences attending the 2025 US National Bonsai Exhibition and share their tips that will help you navigate and get the most out of attending this or other similar bonsai conventions.

The YouTube version of Episode 50 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 50 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor Info:

            This episode is sponsored by (me!) In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio, USA. Find me in person, online offerings at ⁠⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠, or go to ⁠⁠www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠ 
⁠to see upcoming events, educational materials, and more.

*Note: We have a variety of pots for sale through In Vivo Bonsai on behalf of our own Kevin Faris. See here and contact Ryan directly for shipping or local pickup in Columbus, OH. They are also on ⁠⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com, but contacting directly will get you the cheapest price.

Mailbag submissions/Community:

• NEW BT DISCORD Chat
• BT Facebook Group

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Growing and Displaying With Moss for Bonsai by Kevin Faris (CBS Lecture) - Ep49

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode, catch up on what's new with Ryan, Kevin, and Kelly with our new intro segments "What's Growing On" and "Bonsai Bulletin."             Then ~4:01, dive into a talk on how and why to grow or display moss with your bonsai, including its beneficial effects on horticulture and aesthetics. Kevin Faris was the presenting artist for this recorded Columbus Bonsai Society meeting. We hope you learn something new and can share this with those you know who are planning to display their first show tree sometime.

The YouTube version of Episode 49 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 49 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest Info:

            Kevin Faris is a born-and-raised Oregon boy turned bonsai artist. He was one of the founding members of the Bonsai Time Podcast in addition to his work at Faris Landscape and Design and his occasional bonsai teaching gigs. He is now based in Western MA, USA.

• Kevin NHK Japanese Television segment
• Kevin's Bonsai Pots for Sale through In Vivo Bonsai

Sponsor Info:

            This episode is sponsored by (me!) In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio, USA. Find me in person, online offerings at ⁠⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠, or go to ⁠⁠www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠ 
⁠to see upcoming events, educational materials, and more.

Mailbag submissions/Community:

• NEW BT DISCORD Chat
• BT Facebook Group

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Hows and Whys of Wiring Bonsai with Rob Hoffman (CBS Lecture) - Ep48

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode, catch up on what's new with Ryan, Kevin, and Kelly before diving into a talk on how to wire branches for bonsai styling. Rob Hoffman was the presenting artist for this recorded Columbus Bonsai Society meeting. We hope you learn something new and can share this with those you know who are learning how to wire bonsai.

The YouTube version of Episode 48 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 48 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest Info:

Rob Hoffman of ⁠Yume-en Bonsai⁠ in Marysville, OH. You can also find him traveling to regional bonsai shows, such as the upcoming US National Bonsai Exhibit.

https://yume-enbonsai.com/

Sponsor Info:

This episode is sponsored by the Columbus Bonsai Society 53rd Annual Bonsai Show, July 19-20, 2025 in Columbus, OH, USA. Details at ⁠ColumbusBonsai.org⁠. We have 7 different bonsai workshops there - including from Rob and Ryan - as well as great raffle trees, exhibit trees, and tons of vendors.

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

From Trash to Treasure: Origin of the Waterfront Botanical Garden - Ep46-47

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan sat down with Megan Bibelhauser of the Waterfront Botanical Garden and Russel Stevens of Twisted Nature Bonsai in Louisville, Kentucky. Among other things, in Part 1 we discussed how the Waterfront Botanical Garden was founded only 5 years ago and their major events. Then in Part 2, we focused on their new bonsai training program, bonsai collection, and Japanese garden that is under construction.

The YouTube version of Episode 46 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 46 is here!⁠

The YouTube version of Episode 47 (Part 2) is here!

The podcast version of Episode 47 (Part 2) is here!⁠

⁠⁠⁠

Guest Info:

Megan Bibelhauser can be found at the ⁠⁠Waterfront Botanical Gardens⁠⁠ in Louisville, KY, USA.

Russel Stevens can be found at⁠⁠ Twisted Nature Bonsai⁠⁠ and at the ⁠⁠Greater Louisville Bonsai Society⁠⁠.

Sponsor Info:

This episode is sponsored by the Waterfront Botanical Gardens 3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. Details at BonsaiWeekend.com. Come visit Kentucky's newest botanic garden and see what's growing with the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. The show will feature guest judge Owen Reich, bonsai workshops, demonstrations, cultural activities, food and drink, koi fish on display from the Louisville Koi Society, and an expanded selection of vendors for all your bonsai needs. I'll be there too, and I hope to see you there May 30th-June 1st. Tickets are on sale now at ⁠BonsaiWeekend.com⁠.

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

The Bonsai That Survived Hiroshima — and What It Teaches Us, Ep 45

I. Episode Summary & Links

In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan discuss how we can better preserve history through our bonsai and elevate them into an ambassador role between cultures and places. Kevin was specifically thinking about the famous Yamaki White Pine Bonsai that survived an atomic bomb and was later gifted by Japan to the US National Bonsai Museum. This tree has a powerful presence for all those who visit it. Likewise, Kevin compared it to his recent visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan and the powerful impression that place leaves on visitors as well.

The YouTube version of Episode 45 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 45 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor Info: 

This episode is sponsored by the Waterfront Botanical Gardens 3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. Details at BonsaiWeekend.com. Come visit Kentucky's newest botanic garden and see what's growing with the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. The show will feature guest judge Owen Reich, bonsai workshops, demonstrations, cultural activities, food and drink, koi fish on display from the Louisville Koi Society, and an expanded selection of vendors for all your bonsai needs. I'll be there too, and I hope to see you there May 30th-June 1st. Tickets are on sale now at ⁠BonsaiWeekend.com⁠.

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Growing Forward: Bonsai and Podcast Goals for 2025 - Ep 40

I. Episode Summary & Links

Kevin, Ryan, and Kelly sat down to look forward to another new year of doing bonsai and podcasting. We discussed potential new resolutions and directions for our bonsai lives and the podcast although not our plans all can be made public yet. Kevin also posited some potential trends from other forms of art that he hopes may one day be adopted in bonsai. Enjoy the episode and let us know, what is your bonsai resolution for the year?

The YouTube version of Episode 40 is here!⁠

The podcast version of Episode 40 is here!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor Info: 

This episode is sponsored by (me!) In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio. Find me in person, at ⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠, or go to ⁠⁠https://www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠/ ⁠to see upcoming events, expanding online offerings, educational materials, and more.

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Branches of Insight: Bonsai Milestones and Lessons of 2024 - Ep 39

I. Episode Summary & Links

Ryan, Kelly, and Kevin sat down to reflect on our past year in bonsai. What goals have we set out in our bonsai lives and where do we stand on meeting them? We also unpacked other milestones from our last year in bonsai such as taking and leading new workshops, caring for public collection bonsai, attending bonsai shows, and new trees and folks we’ve enjoyed meeting along the way!

The YouTube version of Episode 39 is here!⁠

The podcast version of Episode 39 is here!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor Info: 

This episode is sponsored by (me!) In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio. Find me in person, at ⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠, or go to ⁠⁠https://www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠/ ⁠to see upcoming events, expanding online offerings, educational materials, and more.

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Behind the Scenes at the Green Witch Gardens - Ep 38

I. Episode Summary & Links

In this episode, Ryan sat down with Ellen Veselenak and Mellissa Marguerite of the Green Witch Gardens (formerly known as The Flower Market) in Monroe, Michigan. In the interview, the gang discussed Melissa's and Ellen's personal history with plants, how they came to purchase The Flower Market, their approach to caring for Michigan's largest bonsai nursery, and their long term goals for their nursery and for the local bonsai society. This was an in person interview that was recorded while Ryan was in town for a program with the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society. Please excuse any extraneous background noises from a working nursery.

The YouTube version of Episode 38 is here!⁠

The podcast version of Episode 38 is here!

Guest Info:

This episode features Melissa and Ellen of the Green Witch Gardens in Monroe, MI. Check them out for their fall sale at their nursery or find them at the upcoming Winter Silhouette Show in Kannapolis, NC December 7-8 2024. 

• Nursery website
• GWG Instagram
• GWG Facebook
• GWG TikTok
• GWG Patreon

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor Info: 

This episode is sponsored by (me!) In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio. Find me in person, at ⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠, or go to ⁠⁠https://www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠/ ⁠to see upcoming events, expanding online offerings, educational materials, and more. Currently I am running a Cyber Monday sale through 12/4/2024 for in person and Etsy sales - 25% off any purchase of $40 or more.

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us through Spotify or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc. Even $1/month would be a great help!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonsaitimepodcast/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

When to Tear and When to Dremel? Tips on Deadwood with Will Baddeley - Ep 37

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this minisode, international bonsai deadwood carver extraordinaire Will Baddeley, bonsai nursery owner Rob Hoffman, and your host Ryan discussed the merits and situations to use various bonsai deadwood carving techniques. They also share other tips to help you create convincing deadwood that adds to the sense of age and ruggedness of your bonsai.

The YouTube version of Episode 37 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 37 is here!

Guest Info:

This episode featured Will Baddeley, a UK-based bonsai artist who specializes in deadwood carving.

• ⁠Wildwood Bonsai Blog⁠
• ⁠Wildwood Bonsai Facebook⁠
• ⁠Wildwood Bonsai Instagram⁠

It was recorded at the nursery of Rob Hoffman / Yume-En Bonsai in Marysville, OH, USA who was hosting Will at the time.

• ⁠Yume-en Bonsai Facebook⁠
• ⁠Yume-en Bonsai Website

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor Info: 

This episode is sponsored by (me!) In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio. Find me at the Cincinatti Bonsai Show, October 5-6, 2024 or go to ⁠www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠ to see upcoming events, expanding online offerings, educational materials, and more.

Support the Pod:

            Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us through Spotify or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc. Even $1/month would be a great help!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonsaitimepodcast/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.