Beekeeper Confidential | Bees & Beekeeping

Nick Hoefly | The NYC Beekeeper May 02, 2023

Today’s guest is a beekeeper who’s running bees in the Big Apple. Though he’s a highly experienced beekeeper, he still gains insights from the time he spends working with folks that are new to the hobby. But this is no hobby for him, his beekeeping business, Astor Apiaries is expanding! Please welcome Nick Hoefly, the NYC Beekeeper!

Visit Nick online! https://astorapiaries.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astorapiaries/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJ080TLMLfaurNjvvS0epQ

The Bee Conservancy https://thebeeconservancy.org/

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Tom Cinquini | Sowers Apiaries Mar 24, 2023

Today’s guest got into bees in a big and unusual way. He fell in love with a commercial beekeeper's daughter! Running 3000 colonies and pollinating crops ranging from almonds, fruit, and seeds, this guy knows how to hustle. I drove down to visit him a few weeks ago and got to spend a day following him around asking a million questions. I even got to drive a forklift! Since this episode was recorded, his bees are now on their way back from California and I hope to take him up on that self-invitation to see if I can keep up with his team.

To bee continued…

Connect with Tom on Instagram

See Tom's Feature on the OSBA website

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Bee Charming | Heather Wilk Feb 11, 2023

Today's guest is a beekeeper from San Antonio, Texas who’s journey into beekeeping guided her through the loss of a loved one. Her transformation as a beekeeper is nothing short of amazing and her story reminds us that things do happen for a reason! I am always impressed with her ability to keep a cool head with hot bees, which has become one of her signatures on social media. Meet the ultra cool Heather Wilk!

Connect with Heather on Instagram

Watch Heather on the Charlie Bee Company show

Check out the Alamo Area Beekeeping Association

Gretchen Bee Ranch

Honeybee Obscura Podcast

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Mission Beelieve | Monica Schmitt Jan 14, 2023

Today’s guest is a beekeeper who is on a mission to bring the therapeutic values of beekeeping to veterans and first responders. But her offering doesn’t stop there, she has created an entire curriculum of comprehensive beekeeping education backed by industry influencers and scientific data. She is a powerhouse of generosity, empowerment, and beekeeping know-how. If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further. We’ve got it right here in this episode! Meet the founding director of Mission Beelieve, Monica Schmitt!

Make a donation to Mission Beelieve

Connect with Mission Beelieve on Instagram and Facebook

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Dr. Erin Zagadailov | Lady Grantham Apiary Dec 10, 2022

Dr. Erin Zagadailov is the founder and creator of Lady Grantham Apiary, a bees first flower farm in Grantham, NH with a mission to promote pollinator conservation and locally grown flowers. Taking a sabbatical from biotech, she is a pharmacist and health economist with expertise in developing and commercializing treatments for oncology and rare diseases. Her research has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and other scientific journals. In her spare time, Dr. Zagadailov volunteers with the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation.

Visit Lady Grantham Apiary on Instagram

Lady Grantham Apiary

Get your official Lady Grantham Apiary Merch!

Learn about creating a backyard pollinator heaven: Grantham Garden Club

Apimaye Hives

Rob Hull | Bee-ing Apis Nov 19, 2022

Today’s guest has been participating in the greater beekeeping conversation for many years with his comic, Bee-ing Apis. When I asked him to join me on the show I pointed out that “we the beekeepers” didn’t really know much about him and yet his work was, at least for me, a staple in our beekeeping content consumption.

Bee-ing Apis, in his own words, is a comic about beekeeping, with a strange sense of humor, bad puns, wordplay, dad jokes, and the occasional cerebral challenge. He is clever, quirky, humble, and has generously shared his comics with us since 2015.

You can get an array of Rob’s designs at beeingapis.threadless.com He also has an author page at lulu.com where you can get the official Bee-ing apis desk calendar and a book featuring his work from 2015-2016. Bee sure to follow Bee-ing Apis on Facebook and Instagram.

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Swarm Vibroacoustics Nov 12, 2022

Join Mandy on an adventure inside of a colony leading up to and during a swarm! Sit back and enjoy this dramatic glimpse into the private lives of virgin queens and swarming bees.

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Janelle Dunlap | The Art of Beeing Jun 05, 2022

Today’s guest is a beekeeper and artist who’s voice is rooted in ecological and community awareness, and exploring our relationships to resources. In all of this, she finds solace with her bees and has moved into a deeper working relationship with them by harvesting hive materials that are used directly in her art work. Her contributions and accomplishments give her a unique voice in our community and I am so lucky to have spent a morning with her!

To learn more about Janelle you can visit her online at janelledunlap.com

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Bee Informed Partnership Survey with Selena Brukner, PhD Apr 23, 2022

Each year the Bee Informed Partnership conducts a colony management and loss survey and YOU ARE INVITED to participate! The data that is collected each year adds to the longest running pool of honeybee losses and management in the US. I'm joined by BIP affiliate Selena Bruckner, PhD from Auburn University who fills us in on the details from previous years survey results.

You can take the survey HERE

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Ali Pinion | Dreaming The Bee Dec 30, 2021

Today’s episode, which was recorded in early September, is very special to me and one that I feel is a deliciously thought provoking way to end 2021. Our guest is a beekeeper and educator that embodies wisdom, spirituality, religion, symbolism, and incorporates them into her beekeeping practices. She is one of the beacons of light in our community!

To learn more about Ali, visit her online at dreamingthebee.com

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Alasdair Mackenzie | 18 Bees Nov 06, 2021

On today's episode we talk about what it means to walk a different path with bees. My friend and natural beekeeping advocate Alasdair Mackenzie of 18 Bees shares how his journey has evolved from traditional backyard beekeeping, to providing swarm habitat and educating land owners about the importance of forage throughout Oregon and Washington.

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Manuka Honey | Noelani Waters Sep 17, 2021

Today’s guest is a beekeeper with a very unique beekeeping journey. Her hands have touched bees from Hawaii to New Zealand offering hive inspection services and breeding queens. She works for Comvita, one of the world’s leading producers of manuka honey and she’s here to give us the scoop on all things manuka honey, wellness, queen breeding, and how she continues to feel the precious magic of the human bee relationship.

I'm pleased welcome Noelani Waters!

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Pandeme of Bees | SezzaJai Sykes Sep 03, 2021

Today’s guest is a beekeeper whose devotion to bees flowed lovingly from her pen and landed in the pages of her new book, the Pandeme of Bees. Together we explore her poetry, her unique initiation into beekeeping and the journey around the world that the bees have taken her on.

To connect with SezzaJai or to purchase a copy of her book Pandeme of Bees, click here!

****To help former guest Ruby Reid rebuild after losing her home and bees to wildfire, click here.

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Learning from Feral Bees | Jen Power & Marvin Jordan Aug 18, 2021

On today’s episode we visit with two seriously radical urban beekeepers who take on bee removals throughout Los Angeles. They’re intuitive, thoughtful, and show us that team work makes the dream work! They work strictly with feral bees and have some unique insights on the subtleties of honey bee behaviors. Meet Marvin Jordana & Jen Power!

Here's an amazing article with photos of hive behaviors we often don't get to see!

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Dr. Chelsea Cook | Bee Science Jam Jul 15, 2021

I had the absolute pleasure of spending some time with Dr. Chelsea Cook from the Cook Lab at Marquette University. This conversation took us in so many directions and it begs the question: are you a curious bee or a focused bee?

Visit the Cook Lab here!

You can connect with Chelsea on Twitter here!

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Reconnecting with Mandy Shaw | Guest Host Fonta Molyneaux Jun 17, 2021

Where has Beekeeper Confidential been all this time? Mandy Shaw is in the hot seat as guest host Fonta Molyneaux asks her about what has been happening in her life and why the show was put on pause.

Honey Hunting | Sara Carmody Sep 30, 2020

This episode is SUCH a treat.

We get to know Sara Carmody, a recent anthropology undergrad who traveled to Cambodia to study the culture surrounding Apis Dorsata.

You can also learn more about this topic by subscribing to Dani Jump's channel Bees Unlimited.

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Jerermy Campbell | We Bee Keepin' Aug 25, 2020

Our latest episode features a beekeeper based out of Texas who also moonlights as a member of the BIP Technical Transfer Team. We talk about what it takes to earn a living as an urban beekeeper, misconceptions about bees and hornets, invasive species, and finding bodies in walls...

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South Florida Beekeeping Association | Building a Buzzing Community Jul 23, 2020

Today’s episode is different from previous episodes in that we have not one or two but 4 guests! Each fulfills an important role in local beekeeping and ecological conservation. They share their personal stories and how bees have inspired them to take important steps to provide education to new beekeepers and to make their communities better for not just the bees but for the people, too.

In order of interview: Breanna Suarez, David Riera, Megan Long AKA Queenie, and Daniel Calzadilla.

How to connect:

@Breesbees1 @Plantman_dan @Bee_wranglers @SFLbeekeeping @meltingbigfoot @MiaSTEAMEduu

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Melanie Kirby | Zia Queenbees Jun 15, 2020

Our current featured guest is extraordinary for her many talents, her journey with bees, and her generous spirit! She is the owner of Zia Queenbees based out of New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment which is also my home state. But the most recent twist in her journey brought her to the Iberian Peninsula for her Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship. I am so happy to share the first of many visits with Melanie Kirby!

To learn more about Melanie and her work, visit her online at ziaqueenbees.com!

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Julia Mahood | Beekeeping at Arrendale State Prison May 21, 2020

I had the pleasure of spending some more time with Julia Mahood, a Master Beekeeper from Georgia that we visited a few months back. This interview was recorded on March 30th, just at the beginning of the quarantine here in the US before we realized the extent of our social and physical confinement. I only went back and listened to it very recently to get it ready to publish and I just want to say how timely this conversation and topic felt. It made me pause and reflect on what quarantine at home is like, and how grateful I am for this charmed life.

Read more about Beekeeping at Arrendale State Prison here.

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Ang Roell | Radicalize The Hive Apr 29, 2020

Today we catch up with Ang Roell, who joined me from Florida where they’re caring for 200 hives. I first interviewed Ang back in late 2018 and we promised a follow up for when their book Radicalize The Hive would become available for all of us to read! That day has come, and you can get a free copy of Radicalize the Hive by visiting They Keep Bees.

We also talk about the realities of how the pandemic is affecting our beekeeping operations and seeking out the silver lining.

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Noah Wilson-Rich, Ph.D. | The Best Bees Company Apr 15, 2020

On today’s show we visit with Noah Wilson-Rich Ph.D, author of The Bee: A Natural History, a TED Speaker, and founder of The Best Bees Company.

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Jeff Hall | Full Frame Apiary Apr 01, 2020

Today’s guest is a beekeeper who lives in my neighboring state of Washington. He is super active in his local beekeeping community and through his contributions he earned the title of the 2019 WSBA Beekeeper of the year! We had been communicating with each other online for a while and I knew he listened to the show so when he earned that award I asked with fingers crossed that he would come on the show! He did, and I really enjoyed having some shop talk with him! Meet Jeff Hall from Full Frame Apiary!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Emily Bondor | Santa Cruz Bee Company Mar 18, 2020

In this installment of Beekeeper Confidential I visit with Emily Bondor, the founder of Santa Cruz Bee Co. She has a wealth of knowledge gained from a series of unique opportunities. She has followed her passion and built an amazing beekeeping business that serves beekeepers, the community at large, but most importantly - the bees!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Bee & Bloom Mar 04, 2020

Today we feature 3 incredible bee advocates who took a brave leap of faith and joined forces to build a company that promotes the health of native bees, honey bees, biodiversity, and more. Together they keep a busy schedule of classes and hands on workshops, the host apiary tours, make luscious skincare products, offer stunning photos and stickers, and MORE. They are smart in business, friendship and in beekeeping. I am really proud to call them my friends! Meet the ladies of Bee & Bloom!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Leigh Digs | Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm Feb 18, 2020

Today we are visiting with a fellow podcast host and beekeeper. She promotes and shares tips for sustainable beekeeping practices from her apiary in North Carolina. She has gained an impressive audience in the short time that she has produced her show. Joining us via video call, please welcome Leigh Digs from Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Brad Garmon | Commonwealth Bee Company Feb 05, 2020

In this episode we visit with Brad Garmon of Commonwealth Bee Company. He's a beekeeper, nurse, father of twins, husband, and entrepreneur. His focus on serving the community doesn't stop when he's working as a flight medic, he carries that right into his beekeeping. He has built his company around the need for leaders in urban beekeeping who educate and facilitate responsible beekeeping in Virginia. We go deep into what it is to run a small (but growing) beekeeping business, and how to find work/life balance.

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Julia Mahood | Map My DCA Jan 22, 2020

What do you get when you mix drones with drones? What do drones do when they disappear into a congregation area, and how do we even FIND these DCA's? You’ll get the answers to these questions and more today as we go deep into the DRONE ZONE with Master Beekeeper Julia Mahood!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Tasha Trujillo | Palm Pike Apiary Jan 08, 2020

Today’s guest is a badass female beekeeper from Miami, Florida. She and her boyfriend first fell in love with bees in 2015 and have since built a successful full service beekeeping company.. Her enthusiasm and joy for bees is contagious! I really admire beekeepers who take their passion to the next level --- I also respect how challenging being a beekeeping entrepreneur can be. Today we’re diving into these issues and MORE. Joining us from her home in Miami, please welcome Tasha Trujillo!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Sentinel Apiary Program | Dan Reynolds & Kelly Kulhanek Dec 25, 2019

Over the last year I participated in the Bee Informed Partnership’s Sentinel Apiary Program. You’ve heard me share tales of pulling samples and the tiny funnel that was included in the sampling kit. I was curious to learn more about what goes on at the lab at the University of Maryland where the Bee Informed Partnership is stationed. After I completed the program for the year, and upon a special request from one of our listeners, I asked for an interview and they said YES! Joining us from the BEE LAB is Kelly Kulhanek and Dan Reynolds! I might be too excited about this interview...

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Steve Rogenstein | The Ambeessadors Dec 11, 2019

Today’s interview was weeks… perhaps months in the making. This is the first time I’ve interviewed someone overseas and it took some extra effort to make it happen and I am so glad that it did! I think you will bee as charmed as I was to meet today’s guest. He is one of the early producers of New York City Honey Week, he was a key organizer for the 2019 Learning From the Bees Conference, and he continues to develop his Ambeessadors program which is a collective of bee ambassadors who work to unite scientists, beekeepers, activists, enthusiasts and their communities. Joining us from his home in Berlin, please put your nasonov glands up and welcome Steve Rogenstien to our hive!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Roda Shope | Indigo Acres Apiary | Part 2 Nov 27, 2019

Joining us from her 13 acre farm in West Michigan, here is part 2 of our visit with Roda Shope of Indigo Acres Apiary!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Roda Shope | Indigo Acres Apiary | Part 1 Nov 13, 2019

I am so excited for today’s show. I invited our guest on sometime last year but she was a busy bee and she politely declined my request, but I let her know that the invitation was open because I really wanted to visit with her and learn about her farm and her beekeeping and her incredible photography! But life gets busy, so I completely understood. She and I kept up on social media though, and one day she sent me a message saying that she was ready to join me for an episode!!! I enjoyed our talk so much that I did not want to cut anything out, so I am making this a 2 part feature. Delivering some Oprah Winfrey realness, she and I open up about some very personal struggles and how working with bees is the centering force that keeps us fabulous. Joining us from her 13 acre farm in West Michigan, please turn it up for Roda Shope of Indigo Acres Apiary!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Peter Nelson | The Pollinators Oct 30, 2019

Today’s guest is a beekeeper, a cinematographer, and director of The Pollinators. His work on this film has earned numerous film festival awards including the Rob Stewart Eco Warrior Award, the Gaia Prize for Environmental Film-making, the Best Cinematography Feature Documentary, and more. I was fortunate to be connected with him through Meredith May, author of the Honey Bus. I was also very lucky to be granted access to view the film prior to the national day of screening which takes place on November 6th. I highly recommend this film not just for beekeepers, but for anyone who likes to eat food. The Pollinators highlights the major and the lesser seen flaws in our agricultural system, and how the migratory beekeepers are responding to the ongoing changes and challenges in order to keep our nation's crops pollinated. This was an amazing interview and I am really beelighted to introduce our guest, Peter Nelson.

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Meredith May | The Honey Bus Oct 16, 2019

Today’s guest is an author, a journalist, a teacher, and a 5th generation beekeeper. Her most recent work, The Honey Bus, tells the story of a girl growing up in a dysfunctional family who finds solace in learning about bees and beekeeping from her grandfather. For someone who works with bees, the rich details knitted into this memoir are both comforting and familiar. The smells and sounds of the hive, and the emotional restoration that we find when we are working with our beloved insects.

I read The Honey Bus over the summer, after winning a copy of it and 2 jars of Honey Bus Honey from an instagram giveaway from one of my favorite beekeepers, Roda Shope of Indigo Acres Apiary. It was only after I finished the book that I decided to invite our guest on for an interview. I was head to toe thrilled when she said yes! She was delightful to talk with and I think you will love her as much as I do - meet Meredith May, author of The Honey Bus!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Dr. Humberto Boncristiani | Inside the Hive.TV Oct 02, 2019

On today’s show we visit with a biologist who is an applied researcher of honey bee husbandry at the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab. His work is dedicated to solving problems that large commercial beekeeping operations are faced with. He spends time in the field and in the lab trying to make things better for the beekeepers and their bees.

But his passion for biology and photography coupled with his desire to teach and share his knowledge with others has led him to create a very high quality video series that features honey bee biology, diagnostics, the science behind the discoveries, and issues that are relevant to keeping bees in today’s environment. He has a true worker bee mentality, working selflessly for the greater good of the beekeeping industry.

Meet Dr. Humberto Boncristiani of Insidethehive.TV!

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Anniversary Special Sep 18, 2019

Beekeeper Confidential is a year old! How exciting to reflect on an entire year of connecting with and interviewing amazing people. It has been a treat producing this show, and the anniversary episode is all about behind the scenes stories, listener questions and answers, and tips for getting into podcasting.

Check out our new website at www.beekeeperconfidential.com and join our community forum!

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To become a patron visit Mandy's Patreon page at www.patreon.com/mandyshaw

Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Wild Everlasting | Fonta Molyneaux Sep 04, 2019

Mandy met today’s guest last October at the Oregon State Beekeepers Association conference. They had recently connected on social media so they weren't complete strangers, but they had never met her in person. Fonta greeted Mandy with the most generous hug and genuine enthusiasm for this show (even though it was still in its infancy). Their paths crossed again in person when they both presented at the Feminine Legacy in Beekeeping conference last May and they happened to be staying at the same B&B. It was a totally bonding experience for them and they have been very close ever since. Though they are separated by a 4 hour drive and don’t get to hang out very often, when they do it is a total bee girl party. This summer Mandy got to go visit Fonta at her biodynamic farm in Cottage Grove, which is lovingly named Wild Everlasting. It is a place that is dedicated to the health of pollinators, and has been recognized as an Oregon Bee Project Flagship Farm. Mandy is so excited to introduce you to her friend and bee goddess, Fonta Molyneaux!

For notes from today's show visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Hilary Kearney | Girl Next Door Honey Aug 21, 2019

This week's guest is a creative powerhouse who has harnessed her talents to build a successful beekeeping business and has established herself as a leader in the industry. Mandy got to spend time with her while she was in Portland promoting her new book, Queenspotting. She attended her book reading and signing at Powell’s bookstore and afterwards they visited over cocktails and delicious popcorn. Mandy was really happy to spend time getting to know the person behind the fame prior to recording this episode, which was planned for the following day. They had originally planned to have the interview at the international rose test garden, but traffic that afternoon was really gnarly and when Mandy went to pick her up she saw how close she was staying to an even better interview spot. So Mandy made a quick phone call to a friend to see if they could use his space for the afternoon, and the rest was history… Meet Hilary Kearney of Girl Next Door Honey!

For notes from today's show visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Faithful Beeing | Michael Thiele Aug 07, 2019

Today’s guest has dedicated his life to rewilding the honeybee population. He touches on aspects of our lives with bees that are too frequently overlooked by the industry: heart & soul, birth-rights, ethical and moral standards that place the needs of bees above the commodity of honey. Because of his efforts, there is now a movement to reintroduce honeybees into wild nest cavities, a rehabilitation to bring bees back to nature. Through this gesture in honoring the identity of apis mellifera, he hopes to refocus how the global community looks at our lives with honey bees. In this episode, we are taken on a journey that Mandy hopes will bring you as much joy as it has brought her, and a new lens to look through. Meet Michael Thiele!

For More on Michael's work and notes from today’s show, visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Beekeeper Life | Tucka Saville Jul 24, 2019

Today’s guest is a beekeeper who caught Mandy's eye on social media because of her delight in swarm catching, queen rearing, and sharing educational bee info with a sense of humor. She is just as funny and smart on the phone as she is online! They talk about Mandy's favorite obsession - drumming bees - swarms and bait hives, skep hives, the 24/7 hustle of the life of a queen breeder, natural beekeeping, bloopers, and how amphibians can mess you up.

For More on Tucka's work and notes from today’s show, visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Beelieve Hawaii | Jasmine Joy Jul 10, 2019

Today’s guest is a passionate educator, bee removal expert, and bee priestess. Since 2012, Beelieve Hawaii’s founder Jasmine Joy has been sharing her love and compassion for bees and pollinators through saving bee colonies from extermination, developing habitat restoration, and creating a sacred space for children to come and learn and explore the world of bees. Her contributions to the bee community are profoundly beautiful and significant and it was such a delight for Mandy to spend an evening cozied up in her studio with a glass of prosecco listening to Jasmine's wisdom and enjoying the surprise thunderstorm that moved over during their conversation.

For More on Jasmine's work and notes from today’s show, visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com

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Apiary Visit | Dr. Thomas Seeley Jun 26, 2019

Mandy has been sitting on this recording since September 2018. She was worried about the quality of the audio, so she locked it away in the vault… Until now. This was the 3rd interview that she ever recorded for the show and needless to say it was (and still is) a very very big deal. Mandy had the opportunity to spend some time with our guest in her backyard apiary so you’ll hear cars and crows and airplanes in the background. But more importantly, you’ll get to hear a candid conversation with the author of Honeybee Ecology, Wisdom of the Hive, Following the Wild Bees, Honeybee Democracy, and his latest book The Lives of Bees. It is an absolute privilege to share highlights of her conversation with Dr. Thomas Seeley!

For More on Dr. Seeley’s and notes from today’s show, visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com

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Bee Hunting | Rex Roberton Jun 12, 2019

Mandy met today’s guest last September at a seminar taught by Tom Seeley. He had built a bee catching box, much like the one described in Dr. Seeley’s book, Following the Wild Bees. They got to talking and she ended up inviting him to come and speak to Portland Urban Beekeepers about his experience using Seeley’s methods for finding wild (and kept colonies), and while he was in town they got together in a pancake house parking lot to talk about bee hunting, topo maps, turn tables, and rebellious bees. Meet the president of the North Olympic Peninsula Beekeepers Association, Rex Roberton!

To learn more about Rex and the art of bee hunting subscribe to his YouTube channel called WildProject. It is loaded with videos that demonstrate the processes that we talked about today.

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Inside the Hive | 50,000 Bees at Work Jun 10, 2019

This episode is a 30 minute recording taken from inside of one of Mandy's hives. It can be used during meditation, as white noise, or to listen to as you fall asleep... Or to scare your friends who aren't so keen on bees. Your choice!

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Slaying Mites | Dr. Samuel Ramsey May 29, 2019

This interview was months in the making. Mandy made her first request for an interview via Instagram while at a cocktail party… let’s just say she was feeling courageous. She officially booked it in February and then recorded it from her apiary on May 6th. On the day of the interview, she was minutes away from receiving the guests phone call when a swarm call came in. She didn’t answer it, obviously, but they also sent a text with photos that she received during the interview and it was a PRIME swarm right in her neighborhood, right near a patch of known bee trees, hanging from a tree at eye level. Holy smokes. SO, not only did she get to have an EPIC conversation with today's guest, she also got to go and collect and EPIC swarm right afterwards. It was an amazing day! He’s a scientist who shocked the bee world when he tested and proved what Varroa mites are really pigging out on. Meet the talented, the brilliant singing scientist Dr. Samuel Ramsey!

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau Music Licensing through Audio Jungle

Mini Episode | Mandy's Beekeeping Adventures May 24, 2019

In this mini episode, Mandy shares the latest stories of her beekeeping adventures.

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Sam Comfort | Anarchy Apiaries May 15, 2019

This interview was recorded just a couple weeks ago, right before swarm season kicked off. Mandy was sitting in her studio anxiously staring out the window at her beehives while she waited for Sam's phone call. Once the phone rang, Mandy completely forgot about feeling sorry for her swarmless self and fell deep into a conversation about drumming hives, queen genetics, and how to grow your apiary without buying nucs or packages.

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Mini Episode | Mandy's Beekeeping Adventures May 07, 2019

In this mini episode, Mandy shares the latest stories of her beekeeping adventures.

Become a patron! Visit Mandy's patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Ruby Reid | Beekeeping at Valhalla Organics May 01, 2019

Today’s guest is an organic farmer and beekeeper from here in Oregon! She and her partner became inspired to start a business, grow organic food and use sustainable farming practices when they fell in love while hiking the pacific crest trail. We talk about veggies, wildfire smoke, chickens, pesticides, beehives, and just how long can a person withstand a stinger in their neck. Meet Ruby Reid from Valhalla Organics! ***RUBY LOST HER HOME AND BEES TO WILDFIRE*** To help Ruby rebuild, donate here. For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Beekeeping with Zane & James Apiary Apr 17, 2019

In the latest installment of Beekeeper Confidential, Mandy speaks with Stephanie & Jake Pullen of Campbell, TX. With their 3 children in tow, Stephanie and Jake own and operate Zane & James Apiary. They offer a range of pollination services, varietal honeys, and skincare products. Their experience as cattle farmers led them to bees and they haven't looked back! Beekeeping has brought them the delight of learning new things daily, and a way of life that brings them even closer as a family. A family that keeps bees together stays together!

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram and YouTube Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Mason Bees | Debbie Thomas Apr 03, 2019

Mandy chats (in person!) with master gardener and mason beekeeper, Debbie Thomas. Mason bees are a wonderful way to get into beekeeping, and just about anyone can do it. We talk about mason bee housing, nesting tubes, plants for bees, BEE SEX and more!

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Brothers In Bees | Kyle Maio Mar 20, 2019

Mandy chats with Kyle Maio, a veteran of the marine corps who has found a second career in beekeeping. After joining the marines at a young age and serving 2 deployments in Iraq, he discovered the balance and peace that working with bees can bring. His family saw how working with bees had a positive impact on his life and in 2017 he and his brother took the leap and created Brothers in Bees, a cause based organization that aims to make beekeeping accessible to veterans.

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Buzzed Honeys | David Bock Mar 06, 2019

Mudslide meets beehives. David Bock, owner of Buzzed Honeys, took a leap and asked for help from the community after losing 35 hives to a mudslide at one of his apiaries in Los Angeles. He and Mandy connected recently she was really excited for the opportunity to talk with him and hear the story behind the mudslide. To donate to David's go fund me account click here. To learn more about Buzzed Honeys visit them online, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Romanced by the Bee | Lois Leveen Feb 20, 2019

Mandy talks with historical novelist Lois Leveen about how researching the greatest love story of all time brought bees into her life, and how she used her voice to make life easier for Portland beekeepers.

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Thor Hanson | Author of BUZZ The Nature & Necessity of Bees Feb 06, 2019

What's the BUZZ? Mandy visits with Thor Hanson, conservation biologist and author who has written a delightfully whimsical book that highlights the importance of bees (ALL BEES) in the environment. They discuss Thor's work, and play a game of Celebrity Bee Mash Up!

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Beeing Radical | Angela Roell Jan 23, 2019

It is inspiring to see how beekeepers can use their passion for bees to engage their community and grow a legacy of education, service, and activism. Angela is a fascinating beekeeper who does all of this and more. Their work also includes queen rearing, writing, using the hive as a model for personal and professional growth, ongoing efforts to enhance local food systems, and facilitating an inclusive platform for the trans & queer community to be involved in beekeeping and farming. In my opinion, Angela is a super hero.

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Rhode Island Beekeepers | Cynthia Holt & Scott Langlais Jan 09, 2019

Mandy's friends and Master Beekeepers Cindy and Scott get real about working with bees. Their combined education, sense of humor and holistic approach to beekeeping make them leaders in the Rhode Island beekeeping scene. They chat with Mandy via Skype for a candid conversation about living that beekeeper life. For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

NYPD Bee Cop | Officer Darren Mays Dec 18, 2018

Protecting and serving the people and pollinators of New York is a big job, but Officer Darren Mays is up for the challenge. Mandy had the pleasure of talking with Darren about his experiences as a beekeeper and a cop, and how the two intersect. The NYPD Bee Unit and has recently gained widespread attention when a swarm of bees landed on a hot dog stand in Times Square. Despite his busy schedule as a police officer, Darren was happy to take some time for some bee talk! For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Bee Man Dan | Kung Fu Bee Rescue Dec 05, 2018

What do martial arts and bee rescue have in common? In this episode Mandy talks (via phone) with Dan, a professional bee rescue, relocation and rehabilitation specialist. His journey in beekeeping and Kung Fu are intertwined and have allowed him to build an incredible team of bee-zen-masters. For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Cut Out Colony | Mandy Shaw Nov 28, 2018

Mandy shares her experience with extracting and relocating a feral colony that had been residing in the wall of an abandoned home. Her excitement turned to dread when she realized that the colony had an invasive beehive pest, Small Hive Beetle.

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

PSU Beekeeping Task Force | Isabel Rummell Nov 19, 2018

Last week Mandy visited the Apiary at Portland State University and spoke with Isabel Rummell, who is tasked with caring for the bees and supporting student involvement in the program. Mandy first met Isabel at Zenger Farm, here in Portland where Portland Urban Beekeepers keeps its club apiary. They hold work parties twice a month to beekeepers of all experience levels. When Mandy invited herself to the apiary at PSU Isabel generously accepted because she is one of the nicest people EVER. They inspected their 2 bee hives and sat down for a chat in one of the beautiful student plazas. In this interview Mandy shares one of her techniques to prevent bee stings that anyone can do (hint: it involves throwing things).

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Rex McIntire | Caught Red Handed Nov 13, 2018

Each fall the Oregon State Beekeepers Association holds a gathering for beekeepers near and far. Mandy attended this year's conference with her microphone in tow and met up with local beekeeper, Rex McIntire. While they talked, Mandy and Rex enjoyed the sounds of live bluegrass music played by Caught Red Handed. They talked about bees, fishing, coffee, and pondered some of life's trickier situations. There was also special news bulletin from Mandy's friends at Bee Built!

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau Sound effects from https://freesound.org/ and https://www.zapsplat.com/

Mead | Nectar Creek Nov 05, 2018

Mandy visited Nectar Creek Tap Room in Philomath, Oregon. YUM! Mandy has been an admirer of Nectar Creek session meads for years and she was so happy that they accepted her invite to be a guest on the show. She was greeted with a refreshing flight of Waggle, Clary Sage, Top Bar, and Nectarade all made on site in their production facility. Co-Owner Nick Lorenz and Mandy sat down for a chat and he told her all about how he and his brother Phillip have established themselves as leaders in the craft mead industry by rewriting the rule book on craft beverages by serving up unique, thoughtfully procured session meads that left her swooning for more.

For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Citizen Science | Tim Wessels Oct 22, 2018

Nestled along side of the majestic St. John's Bridge, you'll find some magic. Tim Wessels is a Portland beekeeper known for his efforts to improve honey bee health and breed queens that are acclimated to the Pacific Northwest. His love for science and curiosity for bees have given him ample reason to keep busy in his retirement. At Green Anchors, Tim has found a place to explore his research and be a part of an artistic community that shares his desire for ecological restoration and creativity. My day with Tim was memorable, full of surprises and thoughtful conversation! For notes and pictures from this episode visit Mandy's blog at waggleworkspdx.com/blog To become a patron of Mandy's work and gain access to exclusive content visit her patron page! Follow Beekeeper Confidential on Facebook and Instagram Cover Art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Social Work of Social Insects | Beekeeping with Rachel Phariss Oct 16, 2018

What do crisis management for the acutely mentally ill and beekeeping have in common? More than you would think! In this episode I chat with Portland beekeeper & social worker Rachel Phariss. She has been working with bees for 4 years and has had some hilarious adventures along the way.

For episode notes, visit Mandy's blog at https://www.waggleworkspdx.com/blog

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Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Produced in part by Maxwell Monty

Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Hands on Beekeeping | Byron the Bee Man Oct 08, 2018

This week Mandy talked with Byron the Bee Man, a commercial beekeeper from Louisiana. Byron got into bees when he was 18 and looking for work. His desire to learn and love for the bees has elevated him from working as a honey processor to saving bees all over his community and hauling bees across the country. His charismatic personality and hands on approach to working with the bees has brought him the attention of millions of viewers on social media.

For episode notes, visit Mandy's blog at https://www.waggleworkspdx.com/blog

Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Produced in part by Maxwell Monty

Warre Cafe | Hive Inspection with Ken Matley Oct 01, 2018

Join Mandy in Ken's Portland apiary for a hive inspection. They talked frame construction, tasted honey, Ken shared a wealth of fascinating insights on Warre hives and their creator, Emile Warre, and they contemplate the question "can beekeeping really keep you out of the cafe?"

For episode notes, visit Mandy's blog at https://www.waggleworkspdx.com/blog

Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Produced in part by Maxwell Monty

Police Escorted Swarm | Wei Chow Sep 24, 2018

In this episode Mandy chats with her friend and fellow beekeeper, Wei Chow. They discussed swarm traps, brood diseases, mite treatments, and BEEKEEPER ANTHEMS.

For episode notes, visit Mandy's blog at https://www.waggleworkspdx.com/blog

Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Produced in part by Maxwell Monty

Pollen Patties | In the kitchen with Bill Catherall Sep 17, 2018

A high protien diet can be beneficial for the bees! In this episode, Mandy and her guest Bill make protien suppliments for their bees to get them nice and fat for the winter months ahead.

For episode notes, visit Mandy's blog at https://www.waggleworkspdx.com/blog

Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Produced in part by Maxwell Monty

Intro Sep 17, 2018

A poetic account of why I enjoy working with bees, and how I got my start in beekeeping.

Cover art by Meggyn Pomerleau

Produced in part by Maxwell Monty