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