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
54 episodes
Episode 53 - 1 Year Podcast Anniversary- Behind the Bloom with J and RJ
What is Life in Bloom - How it works- and what it does... Well- it’s been a entire YEAR of Weekly Podcasts- with RJ and Me… We’ve successfully created Behind the Bloom Podcast- FOR YOU- all about Flowers- and we’re ready to start o...
Episode 52 - Companion to Episode #310 - Water Nature’s Life Force
Water is the Most Essential Ingredient when it comes to Flowers- Without Water Flowers die… it’s that simple… today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #310- Water Nature’s Life...
Episode 51 - Companion to Episode #309 Mum's the Word - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
On Behind the Bloom Podcast - RJ and I are talking about one of my Favorite Flowers - the Chrysanthemum - and a legacy in my Flower Family! I make an arrangement inspired by a Painting my Great Grandfather commissioned for my Great Grandmother…...
Episode 50 - The Cold Chain for Flowers - Keep flowers fresher, longer—by understanding the Cold Chain.
Have you ever wondered why some fresh flowers last for weeks while others wilt after just a few days? The answer often comes down to one critical process: the flower cold chain.On this episode of Behind the Bloom, J Schwank...
Episode 49 - Companion to Episode #308 Coffee Tea or Flowers? J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
This Podcast is a Companion to Episode #308- Coffee, Tea or Flowers? It’s one of my favorite episodes- for many reasons… I Love COFFEE - and I also a cup of Tea Everyday… and you already k...
Episode 48 - CREATE TV Marathon - July 31-August 1-2, 2026!
Every Year the Create TV Network honors- J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom with a Marathon or two… and it’s always a pleasure to work with them- to pick the episodes that will be included- and even offer up ideas for a Theme- This Summer’s Marat...
Episode 47- Companion to Episode #307 - Flowers for Celebrating Life - of Life in Bloom!
Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #307… Flowers for Celebrating Life. I’ll share my Flower History with Memorial Day in Nebraska - and we’ll visit my hometown - and Arra...
Episode 46 - Companion to Episode #306 Purple Passion - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today on Behind the Bloom- RJ and I will talking about the Color Purple- and the Passion I have for this color… we’ll Talk to an Italian Violet Grower- Make a Violet Martini- Visit a Clematis Grower in Florida… and arrange Climatis as a cut flo...
Episode 45 - Companion to #305 - Lilies in Bloom- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
This Behind the Bloom Episode- is all about Lilies… and is a companion to Episode #305 of Life in Bloom- RJ and I talk about my Grandma Lil… and you’ll learn how to spread an entire bunch of Lil...
Episode 44 - Companion to #304 - Plants and Flowers for a Healthy Home - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom!
Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- we’re taking a look at Plants and Flowers for a Happy Home- with this companion to Episode #304 of Life in Bloom. We’ll talk about the best Plants for making y...
Episode 43 - Companion to #303 - Pollinators in Bloom - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom!
Teaser: Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- we’re all ABUZZ about Pollinators with our Companion to Episode #303- Pollinators in Bloom… We go Inside the Flowers to see how they work- and why poll...
Episode 42 - Companion to Episode #302 Hearts and Flowers - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #302- Hearts and Flowers- I’ll talk about Making a Heart out of Flowers-both Big and Small- I’ll Decorate Heart Shaped Ivy Topiar...
Episode 41 - Companion to Episode #301 Fields of Flowers - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast we’re getting started with Season 3 with this companion to Episode #301 - Fields of Flowers. We’ll tour the Famous Carlsbad Flower Fields with my Friend Michell...
Episode 40 - Welcome Fan Favorite - Ms Margo - the Bonereader
Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- RJ and I have a Very Special Guest- Ms Margo- the Bonereader. Ms Margo is one of our most popular Life in Bloom Guests- and she’s guested on my series many times… sharing her bonereader talents- with me…...
Episode 39 - Companion to Episode #213 Flowers and Vegetables- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- RJ and I will be talking about ways you incorporate Vegetables into your Flower Arrangements… We’ll visit my friends at Full Hollow Farm- and learn more about Community Supported Agriculture. I’ll make an arra...
Episode 38 - Companion to Episode #212 Flowers to Wear and Share - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Do you love wearing flowers as much as I do… Wearing Flowers makes us feel special- and it can tell others that we are celebrating - and enjoying a life in bloom. Today on Behind the Bloom RJ and I will be talking about Boutonnieres, Miniature ...
Episode 37 - Companion to Episode #211- Flowers Nature's Rainbow- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
I’m literally crazy about Color- and Flowers are truly Nature’s Rainbow… so today on Behind the Bloom Podcast with RJ and myself- it’s the Companion Podcast to Episode 211 of Life in Bloom. I’ll explain how our favorite colors tell us more abou...
Episode 36 - Companion to Episode #210 - Everything's Coming up Roses!
Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- Everything is Truly Coming up Roses… with our Companion Podcast to Life in Bloom Episode 210. Today RJ and I will discuss all the goings on-from this Episode all about Roses… Including a Visit to the World’s L...
Episode 35- Companion to Episode #209 - Pets and Flowers - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today’s Podcast is a companion to Episode #209 - Pets and Flowers - It features the First Appearance of my Friend Ms Margo- the Native American Bonereader- Ms Margo gives a bonereading to Ellie ...
Episode 34 - Companion to Episode #208 All About Lavender- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today’s Podcast is a companion to Episode #208 of Life in Bloom - All about Lavender… and it includes baby Goats! I’ll introduce you to my Friend Kathy Kuipers from Leche’ and Lavender- we’...
Episode 33 - Companion to Episode #207 Thinking Outside the Vase - J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode 207 - Thinking Outside the Vase. I share many ideas on where to find unique containers for your Cut Flower Arrangement Creations. We’ll make Dirt Cake, create a Stencil Flower Craft, an...
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...
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...
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...
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...
