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 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.
The video version is coming soon.
Show notes, relevant pictures, and links are here.
See you in the next episode!
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.
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:
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.
Podcast Info:
The Bonsai Time Podcast is hosted, edited, & produced by Kevin Faris, Ryan Huston, & Kelly Lui. We expect to post new interviews and reflections monthly! Find us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, our website, and our email BonsaiTimePodcast@gmail.com.
Submit questions or pictures for future Bonsai Brainstorm episodes to our email, social media DMs, or here.
Music by MIDICANCER. Find more music by them on SoundCloud and BandCamp.
Host info:
Ryan is a former bonsai apprentice of Elandan Gardens and current operator of In Vivo Bonsai nursery and educational operation in Columbus, OH. Kevin is a bonsai practitioner/teacher now Living in Massachusetts. Kelly is a newer bonsai artist volunteering and studying especially in the Los Angeles area.
More Bonsai Projects by Ryan:
Read more about bonsai on his blog and learn more about his educational services here.
Find Ryan's online-available bonsai products, seeds, tools, etc. here. Each seed kit sold comes with my full 10-year bonsai-from-seed guide.
Find Ryan on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok as well if you need more bonsai in your feed.
Also, check out some of my video editing work for the Puget Sound Bonsai Association and Columbus Bonsai Society's demonstration archives.