Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Plain Talk: Washboarding Bees (188) Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim delves into the curious behavior known as washboarding. As he observes his bees engaging in this rhythmic activity, Jim explores various hypotheses and shares insights from both personal observations and scientific studies. He discusses the possible reasons behind washboarding, including pheromone laying, boredom, and propolizing, while also considering the broader implications of bee behaviors like water collecting and hive maintenance.

Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or new to the world of bees, this episode offers fascinating insights into one of the many mysteries of bee life.

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)

Plain Talk: Bee Personalities (187) Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim explores the fascinating concept of bee personalities and how they change throughout the seasons. On a scorching hot day, Jim reflects on how bees adapt their behavior to cope with the heat, the challenges of finding water, and the shifting dynamics within the hive. He shares his observations on how bees' temperaments can vary from spring to summer and into the fall, affecting their interactions with each other and with beekeepers.

This episode provides intriguing insights into the adaptive nature of bees and offers practical advice for beekeepers managing their hives in different conditions.

Listen today!

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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)

Plain Talk: The Fallen Hive (186) Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim takes listeners on an adventurous journey to inspect a fallen hive. Accompanied by his friend Bob Romick, Jim travels through rural Ohio to assess the damage and potential causes of the hive's collapse. He shares the challenges of working with a toppled hive, including the use of smoke and the surprising resilience of the bees.

Jim reflects on the adaptability of bees, their ability to function in unconventional situations, and the lessons learned from this unique experience. This episode provides practical insights and a fascinating look into the unpredictable nature of beekeeping.

Listen Today!

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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)

Plain Talk: How Not To Remove Bees (185) Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Tew shares valuable lessons learned from his early days in beekeeping, focusing on the challenges of removing bees from old structures. Reflecting on his 50 years of beekeeping experience, Jim recounts humorous and insightful stories of his first attempts at bee removals. Listeners will gain an understanding of the complexities involved in relocating bees and the evolution of beekeeping practices over the decades.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned beekeeper, Jim's tales offer both practical tips and a nostalgic look at how much the beekeeping world has changed.

Listen Today!

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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)

Plain Talk: A Small June Swarm Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Tew delves into the fascinating world of swarming behavior. Jim shares his experiences with swarms moving into winter-killed colonies, highlighting how these free bees can effectively clean up and rejuvenate old equipment. He discusses his observations on swarm preferences, the unpredictability of swarm arrivals, and the intriguing patterns he has noticed over the years. Jim also touches on the challenges of distinguishing between scout bees and robbers and reflects on the ever-evolving nature of beekeeping.

This episode is packed with insights and practical tips for beekeepers of all levels.

Listen Today!

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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)

Plain Talk: The Survivor Hive Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Join Jim Tew as he recounts the captivating story of the "Survivor Hive" — an incredible beehive that endured decades without human intervention. In this episode, Jim shares a remarkable story from his early beekeeping days, illustrating the resilient and adaptive nature of honeybees. Learn how this hive, abandoned in a remote location, used propolis to thrive through years of neglect and natural challenges.

Jim reflects on the hive's unique history, the lessons it teaches about beekeeping, and the extraordinary power of propolis. Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just curious about the wonders of bees, this episode promises insights and inspiration.

Listen Today!

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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)

Plain Talk: Not My Bees (182) Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Tew dives into the humorous and often frustrating situations beekeepers face when neighbors expect them to handle all sorts of "bee" problems. Jim shares personal stories of dealing with carpenter bees, yellowjackets, and hornets—none of which are honey bees. He explains the misconceptions non-beekeepers have and the unexpected responsibilities that come with being the local "bee expert." Jim's anecdotes highlight the challenges and surprising adventures beekeepers encounter while trying to help their communities.

Jim also addresses recent listener emails, offering insights and advice on various beekeeping challenges.

Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or simply curious about bees, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world beyond honey bees and answers to some pressing questions from the community.

Listen Today!

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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)

Plain Talk: Smoke and Smokers (181) May 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Tew shares his tried-and-true methods for lighting and using a smoker, essential tools for any beekeeper. He delves into the evolution of his technique; from the fuel he prefers to the simple but effective system he's developed over the years.

Jim discusses the convenience and potential drawbacks of using cedar shavings, the importance of preparing the smoker properly, and his tips for keeping it burning efficiently. Along the way, he provides practical advice on avoiding over-smoking and maintaining safety in the bee yard.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned beekeeper, Jim's insights offer valuable guidance for managing this indispensable tool.

Listen today!

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This episode is brought to you by the support of Bee Culture Magazine: The magazine of American Beekeeping since 1873! Each month, Bee Culture delivers the best information in an easy to read magazine, full of content from beekeepers, researchers and regular contributors, including Jim Tew and Beekeeping Today Podcast's, Becky Masterman!

Subscribe today at: https://beeculture.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)

Plain Talk: Irate Bees! (180) May 23, 2024

Show notes

In this stinging episode, Jim recounts an unexpected encounter with unusually aggressive bees in his apiary. While mowing near his hives, Jim experienced an unprovoked attack from bees that had previously shown no signs of hostility. He delves into potential reasons for this sudden change, exploring factors such as the absence of a nectar flow, vibrations from machinery, and inter-colony dynamics.

Jim's firsthand narrative, combined with his decades of beekeeping experience, offers listeners valuable insights into managing and understanding bee behavior during unpredictable episodes. This episode is a must-listen for beekeepers looking to navigate the complexities of hive temperament.

Listen today!

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Subscribe today at: https://beeculture.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)

Plain Talk: It's Not Just Keeping Bees (179) May 16, 2024

Show notes

In this thoughtful episode, Jim dives into the often-overlooked aspects of beekeeping that extend beyond the bees themselves. He reflects on the countless hours spent on tasks that, while essential, don't directly involve handling bees—like managing equipment, mowing grass, and maintaining bee yard cleanliness. This episode offers a holistic view of the beekeeper's world, emphasizing that the work of beekeeping involves much more than just keeping bees.

Listeners will find value in Jim's introspective discussion on the balance between beekeeping duties and the environmental management of the bee yard. He shares personal anecdotes and experiences about trying various methods to manage yard vegetation, from the use of mulches and herbicides to different mowing strategies, all aimed at creating an optimal environment for both the beekeeper and the bees. The episode challenges listeners to think about how they can efficiently handle the mundane yet crucial tasks that support their beekeeping endeavors.

This episode is not just for seasoned beekeepers but also for newcomers who might not yet appreciate the full scope of what beekeeping entails. It's a candid look at the less glamorous but equally important side of beekeeping, providing practical insights and a dash of humor to lighten the load.

Listen today!

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Subscribe today at: https://beeculture.com

______________________

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)