Ever wonder how long it takes for a queen to emerge? Or why drones take longer to develop than workers? In this deep-dive episode, we break down the full development cycle of honey bee castes — workers, drones, and queens — from egg to emergence. You’ll learn what happens during each stage, how nutrition influences caste, and why understanding thes…

On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on the meaning of service, sacrifice, and the families who carry that burden. In this special episode, Jeff shares his own story of military transition, how beekeeping became a source of healing, and why he's launching a new nonprofit: The Healing Hive Project. This initiative will create a retreat and trai…

The nectar flow doesn't last forever, and when it ends, things can get tough. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize the start of a summer dearth, how to feed bees without triggering robbing, and how to use this broodless period to crush your mite population. You'll also hear what not to do with syrup feeders (Jeff's mistake was gross), an…

We wrap up our three-part Bee Buzz Q&A series with a big one — covering everything from screen bottom boards and queen excluders to robbing behavior, swarm cells, spring mite counts, aggressive bees, and more. Plus, a quick family update from graduation weekend, a pickup mission to Kentucky, and the latest with Howard the cat (who now demands an in…

We’re back with The Bee Buzz! In this episode, I recap a wild cross-country trip that ended in a busted transmission, a used car purchase, and the world's best Applebee’s salmon. Then we jump into your beekeeping questions. What’s Inside This Episode: Weekly inspections vs bi-weekly: what you risk by skipping Reversing boxes vs adding space — what …

The Bee Buzz is back! After a long break, we’re reviving this listener-favorite format where we answer your questions directly. From feeding bees in spring, to how much honey is enough to get through winter, to deciding when to add a second brood box—we’re covering a huge range of practical Q&A topics in this special milestone episode. What’s Insid…

Feeding bees is one of the most misunderstood topics in beekeeping. In this episode, we talk about when you should feed, what you should feed (syrup, patties, honey frames, and more), and how much is enough. Whether you're managing packages, nucs, or full colonies, this episode will help you feed with purpose, not just habit. What’s Inside This Epi…

In this episode, we talk about the right (and wrong) ways to move bees to a new location. Whether you’re relocating a hive two miles or two hundred, learn how to minimize stress, avoid major bee loss, and keep your colonies thriving. Plus, updates on swarm season and new traps at the property! 🐝 What’s Inside This Episode: How far honey bees can re…

In this episode, we dive deep into how honey bee colonies are structured and why understanding bee behavior can make you a calmer, more effective beekeeper. We cover the different castes of bees, what drives their daily decisions, how pheromones regulate everything inside the hive, and tips to work with your bees, not against them. What’s Inside Th…

From pub patio swarms in England to rooftop hives in Chicago—and even yoga sessions with bees—this Bees in the News installment covers the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain “what?” in the world of bees. What’s Inside This Episode: A 3,000-bee swarm descends on a British pub mid-pint Chicago hotel rooftop bees add sweetness to guest stays New…

So… you open the hive and don’t see any eggs. Panic sets in. Did she die? Did they swarm? Did you crush her?! In this episode, we walk through how to tell whether your colony is actually queenless—and what to do if it is. What’s Inside This Episode: Real reasons your queen might be gone False alarms that trick new beekeepers into requeening too soo…

Requeening a hive is one of the most important, and sometimes most confusing, tasks beekeepers face. Whether your queen is failing, gone, or just not cutting it, knowing how and when to step in can make or break your colony’s productivity. What’s Inside This Episode: How to tell if your queen is gone (and why no eggs doesn’t always mean queenless) …

Ever hear beekeepers talk about the "Demaree split" and wonder what it actually is? Spoiler alert: it's not a real split. In this episode, we walk through the Demaree Method of Swarm Control, a smart hive reorganization technique that helps manage swarm urges without creating a new colony. What’s Inside This Episode: What the Demaree Method is (and…

Swarming is a natural part of honey bee biology—but that doesn’t mean it has to happen in your apiary. In this episode, we break down the triggers that lead to swarms and the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk. From adding supers to splitting strong colonies, we’ll cover what works, what’s optional, and what to avoid. What’s Inside Thi…

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of hive inspections—from timing and tools to what to look for and what to leave alone. Whether you’re in your first season or your tenth, this guide will help you inspect your hives with confidence, purpose, and minimal disruption to your bees. What’s Inside This Episode: • Why inspections are critica…

If you’re about to install bees — or just did — this episode walks you through what to expect during the first 30 days of a new colony. From queen acceptance to feeder strategies and early inspections, we’ll help you avoid common mistakes and start your beekeeping season strong. What’s Inside This Episode: Quick overview of packages vs. nucs Why qu…

Over half a million downloads, a top 1.5% global ranking, and Feedspot’s Top 10 Beekeeping Podcast award — we’re celebrating some milestones and diving into an essential skill: keeping records. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring pro, your beekeeping notes matter. In this episode, we cover the importance of documentation, what to record for each …