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
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Episode 19 - Companion to Episode #111 - The Art of Flowers
Episode 19
Monday, December 29, 2025 • Duration 33:58
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 interpreted works of Art with Flowers- I visit PA Smith’s Moss Mountain Farm… and I’ll tell you about the First Segment- that didn’t make it to public television… get ready for some fun behind the bloom stories- with RJ and I…
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 decided to make Flower Cocktails (and Mocktails) a permanent part of our Life in Bloom. I’ll share some of my favorite recipes, secret ingredients, that even include fresh flowers. Here’s a Flower Filled New Year- Cheers to Flower Cocktail Hour!
Chrysal Professional #3 - Order it at www.ChrysalFlowerFood.com - use discount code uBloom10 - for a 10% discount on your order
Flower Elixirs https://www.floralelixir.com/ or www.DrinkYourFlowers.com Flower Elixir Creator- Nora Eggers on UBloom (Video)
Episode 9 - Boo-quets for Halloween - with J Schwanke and RJ Pole
Episode 9
Monday, October 20, 2025 • Duration 33:56
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 decor ideas that bring seasonal magic to your home.
J shares his favorite Halloween flower arrangements and decorating traditions — inspired by the Life in Bloom Halloween special, Life in Gloom. RJ share some fun stories from haunted trolley rides and a side-show of a haunted house.
If you love flowers, Halloween, or just getting inspired by the beauty of nature in every season, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and get ready to make your Halloween celebrations bloom with spooky style. 🌼🕸️
Episode 8 - Companion Podcast to Episode 104: Carnations, Family & Flowers
Episode 8
Monday, October 13, 2025 • Duration 43:48
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 especially close to my heart, because it shares the story of my own family’s floral history. As a fourth-generation florist, I’ve got deep roots in flowers—and you’ll even hear about my grandpa, ‘Carnation Joe.’ It’s a very personal episode, filled with memories, family traditions, and of course, plenty of flowers. We hope you’ll go back and watch that Life In Bloom episode, because it was such a special one. For now, let’s dive deeper together, right here on Behind The Bloom Podcast.
Episode 7 - “Flowers from YOU” - Flower Photos - and Share Your Schwankies Sweepstakes
Episode 7
Monday, October 6, 2025 • Duration 42:52
Today’s episode is all about my favorite part of the show—Flowers from YOU! This highlights the beautiful arrangements created by our viewers. I’ll share the history, the names we considered, how it moved me personally, and why it’s such a special part of Life in Bloom. We’ll also dive into how the nickname “Schwankies” came to be—and more—in this Behind the Bloom Podcast.
Send in your Life in Bloom Inspired Arrangement Pictures - J@ubloom.com - Please include your Name- Physical Address (NO PO BOXES) City, State, Zip, Phone number- Email Address (Only Used if you win or want to use your photo on the show) Where you watch LIFE IN BLOOM- Call Letters. City State And your Permission to use the Photo- in social media or on the show…
Episode 6 - Companion Podcast to Episode 103 - The Romance of Flowers
Episode 6
Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 38:42
Hi friends, and welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast! I’m J Schwanke, and this week’s episode is a very special companion to Season One, Episode 103 of Life In Bloom —The Romance of Flowers. In that episode, I visited a beautiful rose grower in California, enjoyed a flower-inspired cocktail hour, and shared so many wonderful stories about the timeless romance that flowers bring into our lives. It was such a fun episode to revisit, and today I’m excited to take you behind the scenes and share even more from that journey. So let’s dive in—right here on Behind The Bloom Podcast. Links: Episode 103- The Romance of Flowers - https://ubloom.vhx.tv/videos/episode-... The Language of Flowers - Search Ebay and Etsy for Vintage Copies of this book! Eufloria Flowers - www.EufloriaFlowers.com Eufloria Documentaries- on uBloom.com CA Grown Experience- Eufloria Flowers https://ubloom.vhx.tv/videos/the-ca-g...
Episode 5 - RJ's Experience on Set for an Episode of J Schwanke's Life In Bloom
Episode 5
Monday, September 22, 2025 • Duration 36:01
Welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast with J Schwanke and RJ Pole! In this episode, listeners get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Life In Bloom with host and celebrity florist J Schwanke. Co-host RJ Pole joined J on set to experience the creative process firsthand—and even stepped in front of the camera to share his passion for birdwatching. From the artistry of flower arranging to the unexpected stories that happen during production, this episode offers a rare glimpse into how Life In Bloom comes together. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about flowers, creativity, and nature—only on Behind The Bloom Podcast.
Episode 4 - Companion Podcast to Episode 102 - Life in Bloom - Protea- Long Term Beauty
Episode 4
Monday, September 15, 2025 • Duration 35:20
This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast, we’re revisiting Life In Bloom Episode 102 — Protea: Long Term Beauty. Protea are truly unlike any other flower—prehistoric, unique, and nearly 300 million years old. I’ll take you behind the scenes of our visit to Resendiz Brothers Protea Farm in Fallbrook, CA, where we filmed among breathtaking fields and connected with the incredible Mel Resendiz. Plus, I team up with my friend Jennifer Ackerman Heywood for Protea block printing (yes, with a funny mishap) and a playful Flower Crown segment you won’t want to miss. We’ll wrap by exploring why Protea are so beloved—long-lasting, versatile, and extraordinary.
This week we’re tackling one of the most common questions I get asked: How do you make your flowers last longer? There are so many myths out there, but I’m here to set the record straight with tips from my book Bloom 365.
We’ll dig into one of my favorite tips — Cold Water! I’ll explain why cold water is a flower’s best friend, and why you should definitely skip the warm water if you want your blooms to last.
We’re also answering some great questions like whether you should cut flowers underwater, and what tool is best for cutting stems. I’ll throw in bonus tips from Bloom 365 just to give your flowers a better chance to thrive.
Plus, we’ll chat a bit about Chrysal — the flower care company I’ve partnered with for years — and my own background in flower care science. There’s always more to learn to keep flowers happy!
If you want even more guidance, be sure to check out my books Bloom 365 and Fun With Flowers, my relaxing flower-inspired music CD, and the handy Flower Care 101 cards — all available on uBloom.com.
Episode 2 - Companion Podcast to Episode 101 - Life in Bloom - The Pilot!
Episode 2
Friday, August 29, 2025 • Duration 43:06
This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast, I’m taking you all the way back to the very beginning — Life In Bloom Episode 101. We’ll revisit where it all started: the inspiration, the creation, and the mission behind the show. What does it really mean to live a Life In Bloom?
I’ll share some behind-the-scenes stories from that very first day of filming. How we pulled the crew together, found the perfect location, and how my producer Kel and I collaborated to bring the vision to life.
We’ll also revisit single flower arrangements. I’ll tell you why I wanted that to be the very first flower project we featured on the show. Then it’s on to the Featured Flower — the Gerbera Daisy! I’ll explain why this bright, cheerful bloom was the perfect way to kick things off, the beautiful variety of colors it comes in, and some of the symbolism behind those vibrant petals.
Next we’ll shake things up with Flower Cocktail Hour — I’ll tell you how the Hibiscus Mojito became our first signature drink, and I’ll even let you in on where I find all those fabulous vintage glasses we use.
We’ll also talk about the Recipes in Bloom segment with my very first Life in Bloom guest, Kim Carson. I’ll share a story from the very first flower crown segment.
There’s a lot packed into this episode — I can’t wait to share it with you, let’s go Behind The Bloom!
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