Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Plain Talk: Things Not Seen (208) Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

In this reflective episode, Jim delves into the fascinating realm of beekeeping mysteries and experiences he's never witnessed firsthand despite decades in the field. From the elusive sight of queens and drones mating mid-flight to spotting a queen on the outside of a swarm cluster, Jim explores the mysteries of bee behavior that continue to elude him. He shares anecdotes of near-misses and experiments, like his attempt to observe drones responding to a caged queen with a flying drone (the machine, not the bee). With humor and curiosity, Jim highlights the wonders of bees and the enduring surprises they hold for even the most seasoned beekeepers.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own beekeeping journeys and the marvels yet to be discovered.

Listen Today!

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Archive Special: Browsing Bee Books (207) Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jim revisits a cherished conversation with the late Kim Flottum, reflecting on their shared passion for beekeeping books and the joy of exploring bee knowledge together. From rare finds like Beekeeping New and Old to beloved staples like The Hive and the Honey Bee, Jim and Kim delve into the excitement and challenges of collecting bee literature. They discuss favorite authors, trusted resources like USDA pamphlets, and how beekeeping knowledge continues to evolve.

Hearing Kim's voice again reminds us of his warmth, insight, and dedication to the beekeeping world—qualities deeply missed nearly a year after his passing. This episode offers a heartfelt tribute to Kim and a reminder of the wealth of knowledge and friendship that beekeeping brings.

Listen Today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Prepping for Winter with Will (206) Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim is joined by his grandson, Will, to discuss preparing hives for winter, especially for smaller or struggling colonies. Jim explains the natural decline in bee population as winter approaches and the importance of clustering behavior for warmth. Will brings up questions about hive size, honey stores, and insulation needs, sparking a conversation about how beekeepers can support small colonies through the cold months. From transferring honey frames to adding insulation, Jim and Will consider different strategies to improve winter survival chances.

This episode provides valuable insights for beekeepers aiming to support their colonies as temperatures drop.

Listen Today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Plain Talk: Fanning Bees (205) Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim explores the intriguing behavior of honey bees fanning at the hive entrance. What might seem like simple wing-flapping turns out to be a complex system of hive temperature and humidity regulation, vital for brood development and honey production. Jim dives into the mechanics of how bees strategically position themselves to create airflow, control brood nest temperature, and assist in the dehydration of nectar. He also examines how water foragers and fanning bees coordinate to keep the hive cool on hot days.

This episode offers fascinating insights into hive dynamics and the intricate ways bees maintain their environment. It's a must-listen for anyone curious about the hidden processes within a beehive.

Listen Today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Plain Talk: Thieving Beekeepers (204) Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

In this candid episode, Jim shares a side of beekeeping rarely discussed: the loss of books, equipment, and even entire hives borrowed and never returned. As he recounts his experiences with missing bee catalogs, beekeeping books, and custom-built observation hives, Jim reflects on the challenges of sharing resources in the beekeeping community.

His stories range from the humorous to the frustrating, including the time he gifted a swarm and never saw the hive box again. Jim highlights the unique bonds in beekeeping while reminding listeners of the value of trust and respect within the community.

This is a relatable listen for anyone who's ever shared—and lost—a prized piece of gear.

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Packing Hives with Anne Frey (203) Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

As the temperature drops, Jim and Anne Frey discuss the age-old question: Should you insulate your hives for winter? They explore the history of hive insulation, from traditional sawdust-filled crates to modern polystyrene wraps, weighing the benefits of warmth and moisture control against the labor and cost involved. Jim reflects on the various insulation methods he's tried over the years, while Anne shares insights on insulation's role in mimicking a tree's thick walls, the natural shelter of wild bees. Together, they consider the pros and cons of popular materials like tar paper and foam, and the critical decision of whether to add a top entrance.

This episode is packed with practical advice, giving listeners a balanced view on how insulation could impact colony survival through winter's toughest months.

Listen today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Plain Talk: Long Forgotten Equipment (202) Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim takes a deep dive into the beekeeping catalogs of the past, reminiscing about tools and equipment that have disappeared from today's market. He highlights products like the hive fountain feeder and the bee-off blower system—innovations that once seemed indispensable but have since faded into obscurity. Jim discusses the evolution of beekeeping gear, from practical solutions for bee management to tools that ultimately didn't stand the test of time.

For both new and experienced beekeepers, this episode offers a nostalgic look at the changing landscape of beekeeping and the tools that have shaped the practice over the decades.

Listen today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Bee Suit Design with Anne Frey (201) Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim is joined by Anne Frey returning from Betterbee to explore the history and evolution of bee suits. The discussion delves into how bee suits have changed over time, from early makeshift protective gear to the modern-day designs beekeepers rely on. Jim and Anne reminisce about the early days when beekeepers made do with veils and painter overalls, contrasting that with today's specialized suits that provide comfort and protection. They reflect on the practical aspects of choosing the right bee suit, the challenges of keeping them clean, and how personal preferences for gear evolve with experience.

Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned beekeeper, this episode offers insight into one of the most essential aspects of beekeeping: staying safe while working with bees.

Listen today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Plain Talk: Looking Back 200th Episodes (200) Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode, Jim reflects on reaching the 200th episode milestone. He shares insights from the podcast's journey, from its humble beginnings with Kim Flottum to the challenges faced along the way. Jim highlights the evolving nature of the show, how it has grown, and how the support of listeners has been key to its success.

With humor and sincerity, Jim discusses the lessons learned, the guests who have helped shape the show, and the commitment to providing plain talk beekeeping discussions. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the series, this episode offers a look back at the podcast's evolution and a heartfelt thank you to its community.

Listen today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Plain Talk: Learning Points (199) Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim reflects on some key learning points from his years of beekeeping—particularly the lessons learned the hard way. He shares a story of purchasing bees from a grieving widow and the valuable, though painful, takeaways from transporting those colonies. Jim emphasizes the importance of not relying on propolis to hold hive components together and discusses the risks of overheating colonies during transport. With his characteristically warm wit and experience, Jim offers beekeepers valuable insights into avoiding common mistakes and managing bees in tricky situations.

Whether you're a new beekeeper or a seasoned pro, this episode is filled with wisdom worth considering. Listen today!

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Feeding your bees is a breeze with the Bee Smart Designs Ultimate Direct Feeder! By placing it on top of your uppermost box with a medium hive body around it, you can feed your bees directly while minimizing the risk of robbing. Plus, for a limited time, if you order a Bee Smart Designs Direct Feeder, you'll receive a free sample of HiveAlive and a coupon for future discounts with your new feeder! HiveAlive supplements, made from seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, help your colonies thrive, boost honey production, reduce overwinter mortality, and improve bee gut health. Visit betterbee.com/feeder to get your new feeder and free HiveAlive sample today!

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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