Behind the Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole
Join J Schwanke and RJ Pole as they dig deeper into J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom—the beloved PBS and Create TV show all about flowers.
J, a 4th-generation florist (literally born at a flower convention!), is a natural storyteller who shares his lifelong passion for flowers. Together, he and longtime fan RJ take you behind the scenes of each Life in Bloom episode—exploring flowers, farms, guests, recipes, cocktails, crafts, and more.
Along the way, you’ll hear J’s personal flower stories plus his favorite tips, tricks, and techniques for arranging flowers, making them last longer, and adding wellness and joy to your life.
Get ready to go behind the bloom and enjoy the flower power with J and RJ on Behind the Bloom Podcast!
Why Listen?
- Perfect for anyone who loves flowers
- Learn J’s secrets for longer-lasting blooms
- Hear fun, true stories from J’s flower-filled life
- Go behind every Life in Bloom episode
- Pick up expert arranging tips and techniques
Hit Subscribe- and let’s Start Growing Your very own LIFE IN BLOOM- with J & RJ!
Watch Every Episode of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” anytime at the following:
Streaming on the FREE PBS App- or www.PBS.org
J’s Website- uBloom.com/LifeInBloom
Find local PBS/Create TV Schedules- uBloom.com/Find
Episodes
33 episodes
Episode 32 - The Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Today on Behind the Bloom, we’re diving into the beautiful world of orchids! 🌿 RJ shares highlights from his recent visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show, one of the most stunning floral events of the year. Then...
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Episode 32
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40:03
Episode 31- Companion to Episode #206- The Garden Contained- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #206 – The Garden Contained! 🌿🌸 We visit Jonker’s Garden in Holland, Michigan, where we chat with Dirk Jonker about plants, gardening tips, and creating be...
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Episode 31
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36:26
Episode 30 - Companion Episode #205 - Traditional Japanese Flower Arts
This week’s Behind the Bloom Podcast- is a companion to Episode #205 Traditional Japanese Flower Arts… we’ll talk about Bonsai Trees, I’ll make a Rose out of Sashimi Tuna, I’ve got a Flower cock...
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Episode 30
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37:31
Episode 29 - Companion to Episode #204 - The Gift of the Forest
Today’s Podcast is a companion to Life in Bloom Episode 204: The Gift of the Forest… RJ and I will talk about Forest Bathing. I’ll make an Arrangement foraged from the forest- that includes a Wasp Nest- I share how to create a faux Moss look on...
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Episode 29
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40:12
Episode 28 - Happy Birthday J!!! + Flower Family History
Well it’s been almost 66 years since my Mom and Dad attended a Flower Convention in the Middle of a Snowstorm in Nebraska… where I was Born… right in the hotel that was hosting a Growers School… So Today I’ll be sharing more stories- about my b...
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Episode 28
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35:34
Episode 27 - Companion to Episode #203: Beauty from the Flower Farm - Flowers in Season
This week’s Episode is a Companion Podcast to Episode #230 Beauty from the Flower Farm where we visit an Amazing Local Flower Farmer- Hope Dahlias! I’ll use their flowers in some arrangements cr...
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Episode 27
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37:33
Episode 26 - Interview with Lane DeVries- President of CalFlowers- Author of 'The Pursuit of Purpose'
We’re welcoming our first guest - a long time Flower Friend… an Expert on Growing Tulips, Iris, and Ilex…who has been featured on “Life in Bloom” Episode #106- Tulips Year Round Spring… a long t...
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Episode 26
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38:30
Episode 25 - Companion Podcast to Episode #202 Farm to Plate & Vase
Today on Behind the Bloom we're following flowers from the farm to the plate and to the vase - in our Companion Podcast for Life in Bloom Episode #202. We’ll visit a Rose Seller at the Farmers M...
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Episode 25
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43:03
Episode 24 - Flower Advice for Valentine's Day from J
Flowers for Valentines Day- Hints, Tips and Advice for this Big Flower Day!Valentines is right around the corner… and today I want to offer some expert advice for flower purchases, giving and gifting, and even FLOWER and COLOR Suggestions -...
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Episode 24
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28:12
Episode 23 - Companion to Episode #201: Arrangements from the Garden - Life In Bloom
This week on Behind the Bloom- we’ve got our First Companion Podcast to Season 2 of Life in Bloom- Episode #201 Arrangements from the Garden… We’ll talk about creating a flower arrangement from ...
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Episode 23
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37:42
Episode 22 - Flower Rituals
Today I want to talk about Rituals… specifically Flower Rituals…Rituals are important as they provide a sense of stability, connection, and meaning in both personal and communal life by giving structure to daily routines, marking life's t...
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Episode 22
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33:13
Episode 21 - Companion to Life in Bloom #113 - De-Mystifying Orchids
This week’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a Companion to Life in Bloom Episode #113- Demystifying Orchids… We’ll talk about one of my Favorite Projects… the composite-Orchid- a Giant Orchid made o...
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Episode 21
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34:52
Episode 20 - Companion to Episode #112 Terrariums Life Under Glass- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
This companion Episode to Life in Bloom #112 - Terrariums - Life under Glass… is all about Terrariums… RJ and I will talk about taking my Crew back to my Family Greenhouse in Nebraska and filmin...
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Episode 20
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32:49
Episode 19 - Companion to Episode #111 - The Art of Flowers
This Behind the Bloom is a companion to Episode #111 The Art of Flowers- we’ll visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum for their Art in Bloom Flower event… I visited with Flower Artists that interpret...
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Episode 19
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33:58
Episode 18 - The Origins of Flower Cocktail Hour
The New Year is the Perfect time to raise a glass and toast the future! What better way to do so than with a Flower Cocktail… and that’s what RJ and I are talking about today! The Origins of Flower Cocktail Hour- how it came about… and why we d...
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Episode 18
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36:47
Episode 17 - Companion Episode #110 - A Flower Arrangers Best Friend
In this companion Episode to Life in Bloom Episode 110- A Flower Arrangers Best Friend- RJ and I will be talking about one of my Favorite Collectibles- the Flower Frog- I have hundreds of them. Flower Frogs were a perfect topic for Life in Bloo...
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Episode 17
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42:19
Episode 16 - Christmas Flower Traditions with J and RJ!
It’s time to get into the Holiday Spirit- with Flowers of course… today on Behind the Bloom RJ and I are talking Christmas Flower Traditions- I’ve got some great Flower Ideas to share- and some great Stories that center around the Holidays… let...
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Episode 16
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41:37
Episode 15 - Companion to Episode #109 All Foliage - Living Green- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Teaser: I’ve got a real affinity for Foliage and Plants… I learned to improve my Green Thumb when it comes to Plants… and I’ll share how to install a Green Wall Planter… With this Companion podcast to Episode
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Episode 15
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35:13
Episode 14 - Companion to J Schwanke's Life in Bloom #108 Flower Power
Today on Behind the Bloom, RJ and I dive into the vibrant world of Flower Power—our companion podcast to Episode #108, “Flower Power!” If you’re looking for more joy, positivity, and inspiration in your life, this episode is b...
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Episode 14
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38:19
Episode 13 - Companion 107 - Out on a Limb with Flowers and Fruit
Join J Schwanke and RJ Pole as we go “Out on a Limb” with flowers and fruit in this companion podcast to Episode #107 of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom—“Out on a Limb with Flowers and Fruit.” In this episode, we explor...
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Episode 13
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34:10
Episode 12 - Companion 106- Tulips- Year Round Spring
Today on Behind the Bloom- we’re Talking Tulips and Episode 106 - Tulips- year round spring… I’ll share about my Friend, and tulip expert - Lane DeVries - and we’ll learn about Tulips from both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Of course I ...
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Episode 12
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46:27
Episode 11 - Celebrate Autumn with Flowers - Behind the Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole
Fall is my favorite time of the year… and I love celebrating Autumn with Flowers… We’ve dedicated a Life in Bloom Episode to Autumn decorating- as well as many more Video projects on uBloom.com. Fall is a perfect time to decorate with flo...
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Episode 11
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30:04
Episode 10 - Companion 105 - Succulents - The “Not Quite” Flowers
Today on Behind the Bloom- RJ and I will be digging into the World of Succulents…The “not quite” flowers- and the subject of Episode 105 of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” - We visit Succulents Gardens… an incredible resource in Mid-coast Californ...
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Episode 10
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32:29
Episode 9 - Boo-quets for Halloween - with J Schwanke and RJ Pole
In this Halloween-themed episode of Behind the Bloom, J Schwanke and RJ Pole dive into the spooky side of flowers! 🌸👻 Discover creative ways to celebrate Halloween with floral design, hauntingly beautiful “Boo-quets,” and festive flower ...
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Episode 9
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33:56
Episode 8 - Companion Podcast to Episode 104: Carnations, Family & Flowers
Welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast! I’m J Schwanke, and this week RJ and I are bringing you another companion episode — this time revisiting Season One, Episode 104: Carnations, Family & Flowers. This one is especial...
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Episode 8
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43:48
