Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Shanti Bithi: The Path of Peace

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On a recent trip to the East Coast to retrieve the last of the original Kingsville Boxwoods grown for bonsai in the fields of Shanti Bithi, one of the...

Bonsai Builders: Mastery and Perfection with Addison Galambos pt. 1

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are many podcasts popping up in bonsai but recently Mirai became aware of one in particular whose host brought a different level to the game of ...

A Deep Dive with Jonas Dupuich

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jonas Dupuich, co-founder of the Pacific Bonsai Expo, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of bonsai judging in the West...

3rd Wheel Potters: Preston Tolbert

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some conversations are 15 years in the making. Ryan reconnects with Preston Tolbert, whose innovative approach to ceramics first caught his attention ...

3rd Wheel Potters: Eli Akins

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Step inside the world of Eli Akins of Waldo Street Ceramics, a rising name in North American bonsai ceramics, as he reflects on the 3rd Wheel Potters ...

3rd Wheel Potters: Rob Wallace

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we sit down with Rob Wallace of Wallace Woods Ceramics, a member of the 3rd Wheel Potters collective alongside Eli Akins and Preston Tolber...

From Summer Survival to Live Streaming Revival

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This summer at Mirai was one for the books—long, hot days, intense sun, and plenty of lessons in resilience and proactive care. From keeping trees t...

Art, Science, and Bonsai with Brock Arvesen

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We introduce Brock Arvesen, one of the new faces at Mirai. Splitting his time between Mirai and the Pacific Bonsai Museum, Brock brings a perspective ...

Design in Collaboration with Thomas Nevar

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We sat down with artist, designer, and creative director Thomas Nevar—a long-time creative and collaborator with Mirai. Together, we explore the int...

Meet Brandon Roberts: Mirai’s New Apprentice

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Roberts joins us at the very beginning of his apprenticeship—already having demonstrated exceptional commitment with a six-hour round trip, ...

The Art and Elegance of Kusamono with Young Choe

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We reconnect with the incomparable Young Choe—artist, pioneer, and one of the hardest working creatives in the world of kusamono. Reflecting on our ...

Beyond Form: Architecture, Bonsai, and the Creative Mind with Gus Lynch

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this long-anticipated conversation, we welcome architect Gus Lynch of the renowned firm Olson Kundig to Asymmetry. What begins as a dialogue about ...

The Impact of Change with Dominic Maze

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We sat down with Dominic Maze, Environmental Regulatory Coordinator for the City of Portland, for a conversation that took us places we never expected...

Celebrating 15 Years of Mirai

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 15th anniversary of Mirai marks a milestone in an ongoing journey of growth, creativity, and transformation. What began as a vision has become a d...

Bristlecone Pines: A Deep Dive with Brian Smithers

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For those who care about ancient trees, this episode is a must-listen. Brian Smithers, research professor at Montana State University, shares deep ins...

Inside the World of Me and Raimondi

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode has been a long time in the making, featuring the evolution, precision, and artistry of ceramist duo Nastia and Matjaž—the creative...

Bonsai Beyond Boundaries with Andrew Robson: Part 2

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're back with the second part of our conversation with Andrew Robson. In this episode, we dive into a more unconventional approach to bonsai, explor...

Bonsai Beyond Boundaries with Andrew Robson: Part 1

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the first part of this unforgettable conversation, we sit down with Andrew Robson, the visionary behind RAKUYO Bonsai. Together, we dive deep into ...

Bonding with the Backcountry Boys: Part 2

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of our conversation with Dan and Steve—the Backcountry Boys, we delve into their ethical approach to working with native material. What ...

Bonding with the Backcountry Boys: Part 1

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We sit down with Dan and Steve, aka the Backcountry Boys, two incredible brothers and bonsai experts. We've been fortunate to build a relationship wit...

Branching Out: Sergio Cuan’s Bonsai Evolution

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this highly anticipated episode, we sit down with bonsai artist Sergio Cuan, whose work has become a major source of inspiration in the bonsai worl...

Winter Solstice & 2024 in Review

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We reflect on the whirlwind of 2024—a year of growth, challenges, and exciting milestones. Join us as we recap the highlights, share lessons from th...

Maple Mania with MrMaple

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unexpected encounters often lead to the most fascinating discussions, and today's episode is no exception. We sat down with Matt and Tim Nichols from ...

Battle of the Bonsai Clubs

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Catch our Fall 2024 recap as we reflect on travels, impactful bonsai projects, and community-driven initiatives. We dive into the 'Battle of the Bonsa...

Taxodium Uncovered: Exploring Bald and Pond Cypress in Bonsai

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We dive into a rich, insightful discussion on Taxodium species with five experts holding over 175 years of bonsai experience combined. Nate Murray bri...

Australian Bonsai: A Conversation with Hugh Grant and Jarryd Bailey

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We finally connect with Hugh Grant of TreeMakers Design and Jarryd Bailey of Montane Bonsai, two leading voices in the Australian bonsai scene. Togeth...

Reconnecting with Austin Heitzman and Ron Lang

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re excited to reunite with the exceptionally talented Austin Heitzman and Ron Lang for a heartfelt and insightful conversation. Join us as we exp...

Architectural Innovations with Jeff Kovel

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jeff Kovel, a pioneer of modern design and founder of Skylab Architecture. Known for his visionary work, in...

The World of Bonsai with Lindsay Farr: Part 2

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the second part of our conversation with bonsai legend Lindsay Farr—creator of the "World of Bonsai" series, we delve deeper into the hidden worl...

The World of Bonsai with Lindsay Farr: Part 1

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We bring you the first part of an ongoing discussion with the legendary Lindsay Farr—known for his groundbreaking "World of Bonsai" series. This epi...

Connecting Art and Nature with Cina Canada

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with Cina Canada—a revolutionary figure in teaching kids to utilize natural resources sustainably...

Spring Recap: Bonsai Nutrition

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this spring recap episode, we explore the critical role of tree nutrition in bonsai cultivation, discussing how to address nutrient imbalances, cus...

Crafting Resilience with Eli Akins

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eli Akins from Waldo Street Pottery returns to share his struggles and triumphs as an artist. He discusses overcoming self-doubt and creative blocks t...

Catching Up With David Cutchin

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coming to you all the way from the sunny state of Florida—we are delighted to welcome back David Cutchin. Join us as we delve into the deeply person...

Community Questions: Bonsai Repotting

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into bonsai cultivation with us as we tackle community questions head-on. Explore the intricacies of repotting as we delve into the "why" behind ...

Community Questions: Mirai Mobile

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode heralds the debut of our Mirai Community Questions segment, a much-anticipated addition straight from our forum. These questions, submitt...

Mirai's Winter Recap 2024

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're diving back in after a brief hiatus to catch our breath in the whirlwind of 2024. We're thrilled to discuss the Mirai Mobile launch, our new per...

The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum with Curator—Michael James

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

During our engaging conversation with Michael James, the curator of The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington, D.C., we delved into a myr...

Cosmic Bonsai with Laurent Darrieux

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for an extraordinary conversation as David Degroot introduces us to Laurent Darrieux—the mastermind behind the Cosmic Bonsai approach. Delvi...

Mirai’s Evolutionary Odyssey

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1993, Ryan's passion for bonsai ignited the Mirai journey, spanning from Japan to the U.S. This artistic venture included cultivating gardens, buil...

Preserving the Puglian Olives: With David Knaus Continued

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing our conversation with David Knaus of Apical Crop Science on preserving the Puglian olives, we delve into ancient tree conservation and expl...

Preserving the Puglian Olives: With David Knaus

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Back from our recent Puglia trip, joined by David Knaus of Apical Crop Science, we discuss Mirai's nutritional practices as we tackle the pressing iss...

Preserving the Puglian Olives: With Melissa Dotto

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We unveil a long-anticipated episode, taking you back to our January visit to the Puglian olives. Leading our journey is Melissa Dotto–an Italian pr...

Bonsai’s Boundless Potential with Chris Baker: Part 2

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of our conversation with Chris Baker, we delve deeper into the Chicago Botanic Gardens' innovative use of bonsai to amplify the voices of ...

Reconnecting with Mirai

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a catch-up session, where we dive deep into the latest happenings at Mirai. We share our insights, reflect on the lessons we've picked up ...

Bonsai’s Boundless Potential with Chris Baker: Part 1

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a captivating conversation with Chris Baker, the curator of the Chicago Botanical Gardens' bonsai collection—a true connoisseur of the b...

Unlocking the Superpowers of Ancient Trees With Lucy Kerhoulas

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Lucy Kerhoulas—a renowned canopy vascular researcher specializing in coastal redwoods. With a background in botany, a Master's in re...

Exploring North American Bonsai with Jack Sustic

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We had the privilege of sitting down with Jack Sustic—the former curator of the National Bonsai Collection in Washington, DC. Jack's impact on North...

Top 5 Transformative Bonsai Books

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Embark on a captivating journey as we delve into the five most outstanding books that shatter conventional viewpoints on bonsai. Discover their profou...

Summer Solstice Reflections

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We embrace the arrival of the summer solstice and reflect on the passing of the longest day of the year—recapping springtime in the garden and discu...

Highlights from Mountain Film Festival

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we recap our journey to Telluride, Colorado, for the renowned Mountain Film Festival to celebrate a documentary project's premiere featurin...

Art and Business Convergence with Joe Robinson

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Robinson—the owner of East Creek Art, joins us to delve into our recent collaboration on firing the Triskele Collective ceramics in their Anagam...

Creativity and Craftsmanship with Austin Heitzman

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with Austin Heitzman—a master craftsman and woodworker whose recent body of work we've had the luxury of experiencing and distributing a...

Celebrating 13 Years of Mirai

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We celebrate Mirai's 13th anniversary—by reflecting on our growth and the expansion of bonsai in North America and the Western world. It's been an i...

Winter Garden Recap 2023

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We take a moment to catch up on Mirai's busy winter season as we ascend into the spring of 2023—recapping the highlights of our bonsai repotting sea...

Ceramic Creation with Jan Rentenaar

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jan Rentenaar—a local ceramicist and art legend, joins us to celebrate the release of her latest collection of ceramics in collaboration with Mirai....

Iseli Nursery with Joe Harris: Part 2

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the second part of our discussion with bonsai practitioner and nursery professional—Joe Harris, we continue our conversation on his transition fr...

Bonsai Apprenticeship with Joe Harris: Part 1

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We traveled down to Iseli Nursery to chat with Joe Harris—one of the original North American bonsai practitioners who apprenticed under Mr. Hashimot...

Sequoias, Seeds, and Conservation with Steen Christensen

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are once again joined by co-founder of The Jonsteen Company—Steen Christensen, as we continue our deep dive into his insight on collecting seeds ...

2022: A Year in Review

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Deep dive with us into a 2022 recap as we unravel the layers of Mirai throughout this past year. Celebrating the highlights and carefully working thro...

Fungi and Bacteria with Karen O’Hanlon

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Founder of Probio Carbon—Dr. Karen O'Hanlon joins us from Ireland to share her rigorous knowledge about fungi, bacteria, nutrition, and bonsai biolo...

Ceramic Discussion with the Triskele Collective

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Triskele Collective includes Tom Benda, Andrew Pearson, and Thor Holvila—a trio of exceptionally talented ceramicists in the bonsai realm. Each ...

Pacific Bonsai Expo Recap with Hugh Grant and Randy Knight

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We gathered our good friends—Hugh Grant and Randy Knight, to delve deep into our Pacific Bonsai Expo takeaways and experiences. Enjoy a recap of our...

Ancient Forest Society

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Through research, outreach, and exploration, founders of the Ancient Forest Society—Anthony Ambrose and Wendy Baxter, discuss their efforts to conse...

Bonsai Nutrition with David Knaus

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Proprietor of Apical Solutions—David Knaus enlightens us on the benefits of modifying and enhancing nutrition in the bonsai container to provide the...

Catching Up With Aarin Packard

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration and preparation for the rapidly approaching Pacific Bonsai Expo, we circle back to talk with a pivotal figure in the public institution...

End of Summer Recap

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We sit down to catch you up on our adventure-filled summer–covering Ryan's trip to Sweden, climbing the giant sequoias and exploring Yosemite Nation...

Pacific Bonsai Expo with Jonas Dupuich & Eric Schrader

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Schrader and Jonas Dupuich join us to discuss their co-creation of the upcoming Pacific Bonsai Expo in Oakland, California. A juried exhibition f...

Bonsai Evolution with Todd Schlafer

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Todd Schlafer takes a break from his busy schedule to reconnect with us on all things bonsai. He updates us on his new garden build and his continued ...

Tropical Commentary with David Cutchin

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mirai's tropical instructor—David Cutchin, shares insight and perspective on some of the tropical content he's helped us create that we've released ...

Catching Up With Randy Knight

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Adventure seeker and bonsai provider—Randy Knight, joins us again to catch up on all things life and bonsai. The conversation takes off as we dive i...

David Crust

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The self-proclaimed punk rocker of bonsai–David Crust, sat down with us to share in a wonderful conversation that touched on life, art, bonsai, and ...

Dan Robinson: Part 2

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of our interview with Dan Robinson, we explore his personal history and approach to bonsai compared to traditional methods. Dan, who is the ...

Dan Robinson: Part 1

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Robinson owns and operates Elandan Gardens in Bremerton, Washington. His seminars and workshops on bonsai carving and sculptural processes present...

Steen Christensen

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching, growing, and cultivating trees for over 30 years–Steen Christensen walks us through one of the most cutting-edge landscaping projects in r...

Spring Garden Updates

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan and Ira recount the most recent bonsai shuffle caused by an unexpected (and unprecedented) April snowstorm, and take a trip down memory lane in h...

Eli Akins: Waldo Street Pottery

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, we sit down with Eli Akins—the proprietor of Waldo Street Pottery. Eli has a growing ceramic presence in the North Ame...

Jan Culek: The Quiet Rockstar

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jan Culek's lightweight stone slabs have unleashed the imagination at Mirai, bringing compositions to life that would otherwise not be possible. In a ...

Kate Brelje

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, we deviate away from our standard bonsai geekery to share in an engaging conversation with Kate Brelje, a doctoral candi...

Jonathan Cross - Return of the Soda Fire

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, we celebrate the release of a new soda fired ceramics collection from Jonathan Cross. Travel back in time, and into the ...

Adam Jones - Tree House Bonsai

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we get to sit down with Adam Jones of Tree House Bonsai. Adam not only broke the mold by apprenticing at the highly coveted Mansei-en ...

Looking forward to 2022

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Ryan sits down with long-time resident bonsai practitioner and newly minted Project Manager for Mirai, Ira Sisson, to talk through wha...

Kathy Shaner

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kathy Shaner was the first non-Japanese citizen to have completed a full bonsai apprenticeship under a master in Japan. As a woman, she defied the con...

Ted Matson

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ted Matson is curator of bonsai collections at The Huntington in Los Angeles, CA, and one of the most influential bonsai teachers and demonstrators in...

David Knittle

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry we talk with David Knittle about his profound and iconic bonsai stands.  Follow along and listen to his journey in woodw...

Rodney Clemons: Kingsville Boxwoods

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, a significant reference in the culture of North American Bonsai, Rodney Clemons has had a professional career for over 3...

Tim Kovar

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, professional tree climber and instructor, Tim Kovar, connects with Ryan Neil over their shared passion for the living or...

2021 Covered Wagon

16 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, tales from the Covered Wagon’s 2021 odyssey are revealed by dream team Ira Sisson and Ryan Clumpner, in conversation w...

James Agent Soil Science

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil has a remarkably hopeful conversation with savant agronomist James Agent of Eden Blue Gold Solutions about the...

Sergio Cuan: Deciduous Cultivation

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, bonsai professional extraordinaire Sergio Cuan rejoins us remotely for the second round of recording as we delve into hi...

Ron Lang: The Final Collection

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this long-awaited episode of Asymmetry, Ryan returns from battle with the recent heatwave to rejoice in the company of legendary bonsai ceramicist ...

The Rocky Mountains with Todd Schlafer

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, we are joined in the office by the familiar voice of Todd Schlafer, who is one of the most talented individuals travelin...

Young Choe

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, the Mirai garden is illuminated with joy and creativity as we are joined by our honored guest, Kusamono professional You...

New Mirai Live Educator: David Cutchin

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, we are elated to announce Mirai Live's new educator David Cutchin, a long-term student of Mirai with an extensive backgr...

Stone Monkey - Andrew Pearson

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, Andrew Pearson, the UK-based ceramic artist behind the Stone Monkey brand joins Ryan Neil remotely to discuss the evolut...

Nao Tokutake

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, ceramicist Nao Tokutake joins Ryan Neil for an in-depth conversation of ceramics, delving into the concept of the vessel...

Peter Warren: Pinching Japanese Maples

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, long-time friends and bonsai professionals Peter Warren and Ryan Neil catch up on the past year and discuss the highly d...

World War Bonsai: Remembrance and Resilience

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode of Asymmetry, the Mirai team visited the Pacific Bonsai Museum to shine a light on the current exhibit, World War Bonsai: remembrance...

Joshua Roth Tools

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is joined by Ken Carlson, the owner of Joshua Roth bonsai tools. As a testament to the quality, Joshua Roth to...

Gil Marriner

10 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is remotely joined by Gil Marriner, a retired international pilot as well as a dedicated bonsai practitioner. ...