Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry
Episodes
Lineage of Passion with Harold Sasaki
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kindness. Humility. Generosity. These are words anyone discussing Harold Sasaki would use to describe this gentle giant of a man. But those of us who ...
Stephen Voss
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Speaking with creative people about their medium and process is one of the greatest aspects of Asymmetry. To know how other artists view the world and...
Joshua Stewart - Educational Psychologist, Evidence in the Wild Podcast
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From youth education in bonsai to elite alpine instruction where people’s lives are on the line, Joshua Stewart is an educational psychologist who i...
Andrew Robson
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On a recent cold rainy morning prior to the start of the 100th Kokufu exhibition fellow bonsai professional Andrew Robson joined us to discuss the pot...
Cultural Revelations with Aarin Packard
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It might be an American thing to try and define how culture impacts bonsai, or it might just be a reality of this very deep artform we all love. Aarin...
Exotic Plants, Art, and the Hustle with The Plant Daddies
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From slangin’ exotic plants out of the back of a Lexus to architecting a budding plant-centered design movement taking southern California by storm,...
Nitrogen and Trees with Meghan Midgley
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when trees are confronted with rapidly changing conditions in their environment? Do some trees suffer? Do others thrive? What causes this...
A tint of Vermilion with Irene Taylor
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Irene Taylor is an award-winning documentary film director known for her intense pursuit of human stories that often push her films and their viewers ...
Hornbeam Hysteria with Brandon Roberts and Brock Arvesen
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years Hornbeams have grown in appreciation within the bonsai realm. Yet, the more we love them, the fewer we see of them. This, like many to...
Bonsai Time with Kevin Faris and Ryan Houston
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s getting to know someone for the first time and the unveiling of personal stories and background that come with introductions; call it a fami...
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...