Best Beeswax Podcasts (2025)

1
Summer Management Tips with Jim Tew (336) 58:45

23h ago58:45

58:45

In this lively episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Dr. Jim Tew, host of Honey Bee Obscura and longtime beekeeper, for an unscripted conversation on the quirks, questions, and quiet joys of summer beekeeping. With decades of experience and a healthy dose of humor, Jim reflects on managing colonies during the busy season—when things rarely go to pla…

1
Bee Talk with Eugene & Diane Makovec (233) 19:09

5d ago19:09

19:09

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes Eugene and Diane Makovec to his sunny Ohio bee yard for a rare in-person conversation. Eugene, editor of American Bee Journal, shares the winding path that led him from journalism school to the printing industry and ultimately to the editor’s chair of one of beekeeping’s oldest and most respect…

1
Honey Bee Genetics & Breeding with Dr. Robert E. Page (335) 58:04

8d ago58:04

58:04

What do honey bee genetics mean for the everyday beekeeper—and how do researchers untangle traits like foraging behavior, hygienic tendencies, and even pollen hoarding? In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Rob Page, one of the world’s leading experts in honey bee genetics and author of the newly updated Honey Bee Genetics and The Art o…

1
Plain Talk: Predicting Swarms (232) 19:18

12d ago19:18

19:18

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim is back in the bee yard with a keen eye on an abandoned hive setup—watching and wondering if it might be chosen by a swarm. What starts as a quiet observation of scout bee behavior turns into a real-time case study in swarm prediction. Jim shares how to distinguish scouting from robbing, discusses the impor…

1
[Bonus] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron on Supering 18:22

14d ago18:22

18:22

On this special World Bee Day edition of Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts, Dr. Dewey Caron shares another “audio postcard” exploring the vital role of communication in supering—adding boxes to a hive for nectar storage and honey production. Dewey explains how supering is a message to the bees: “Fill it up!” He discusses different strategies—top supe…

1
Beekeeper and Congressman - Rep. Jim Himes, CT (334) 44:23

15d ago44:23

44:23

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky welcome U.S. Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District for a lively and inspiring conversation—not about politics, but about bees. A hobbyist beekeeper with a deep passion for the craft, Jim shares how he got started, the joys of hive management, and why working …

1
Plain Talk: Releasing Tew Queens (231) 21:24

19d ago21:24

21:24

In this hands-on episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim is back in the bee yard and walks listeners through a personal and sometimes risky process: directly releasing queens into newly installed packages. As he narrates the steps in real-time, he reflects on past successes—and hard-learned lessons—of skipping the traditional candy plug method. Jim expla…

1
Regional Beekeepers: Spring 2025 (333) 49:49

22d ago49:49

49:49

In this 2025 spring beekeeping update, Jeff and Becky gather beekeepers from across the country for a timely check-in on seasonal progress, survival rates, and challenges. Joining the table are Ang Roell (MA/FL), Bonnie Morse (CA), Duane Combs (AZ), and Jay Williams (TN), each offering a candid look at their spring buildup after a winter marked by …

1
Plain Talk: Installing Tew Packages (230) 18:20

26d ago18:20

18:20

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes listeners into the bee yard to share his experience installing two packages of bees. He discusses the realities of package season, including unexpected challenges like ants, and reflects on why starting with two colonies is often better than one. Jim compares two common package installation techni…

1
InsideTheHive.TV with Dr. Humberto Boncristiani (332) 56:40

29d ago56:40

56:40

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. Humberto Boncristiani, bee biologist, educator, and founder of InsideTheHive.TV. Humberto shares his compelling journey from growing up with Africanized bees in Brazil to becoming a leading voice in honey bee health research and education. He discusses how his scientific work—ranging from virology to appl…

1
Rosario Candelero: Student Bee Vet (229) 20:52

1M ago20:52

20:52

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes special guests Rosario Candelero, a veterinary student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Jason Ferrell, a beekeeper and IT specialist. Together, they explore how beekeeping in Mexico differs from practices in the United States. Rosario shares insights from her veterinary trai…

1
[BONUS] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron - Swarming 15:03

1M ago15:03

15:03

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with an “audio postcard” on one of spring’s biggest challenges: swarming. In less than 20 minutes, Dewey breaks down the science and management strategies of swarming across three communication levels—bee scientist to beekeeper, beekeeper to bees, and bee to bee. Dewey emphasizes that …

1
Tropilaelaps and Varroa Update with Dr. Samuel Ramsey (331) 1:01:18

1M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Dr. Samuel Ramsey returns to the podcast with jaw-dropping updates from his global research into Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites. In this fast-paced and eye-opening conversation, Sammy shares the latest findings from his Honey Bee-nome Project, including recent fieldwork in the Philippines, rat–mite mysteries, and the alarming resilience of Tropilael…

1
Plain Talk: To Wire Frames or Not (228) 20:40

1M ago20:40

20:40

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew revisits a seemingly simple question that sparked a surprisingly passionate response from readers and listeners alike: Do beekeepers still wire and embed their own wax foundation? After a passing remark in a recent article suggesting that the practice might be fading into history, Jim was met with a ste…

1
Tracking Hive Theft with Deputy Sheriff Rowdy Freeman (330) 40:42

1M ago40:42

40:42

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky talk with Rowdy Freeman, a deputy sheriff from California who has become a leading figure in the fight against beehive theft. What began as a criminal investigation over a decade ago drew Rowdy into the world of bees, and today he’s not only a law enforcement expert but also a commercial b…

1
Plain Talk: The Evolution of Beekeeping (227) 21:18

2M ago21:18

21:18

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, host Dr. Jim Tew takes listeners on a reflective and thought-provoking journey through the changing landscape of beekeeping practices over the decades. From his early experiences wiring frames and embedding wax foundation, to the rise of plastic components and convenience-driven innovations, Jim contrasts the h…

1
Dalan Animal Health – Vaccine Updates & Breakthrough Discoveries (329) 45:15

2M ago45:15

45:15

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Amy Floyd and Everett Hendrixon of Dalan Animal Health back to the podcast to discuss the latest developments surrounding honey bee vaccination. With spring queen orders underway, many beekeepers are exploring the option of vaccinated queens to help protect their colonies from brood diseases and beyond. Amy, …

1
Plain Talk: Thoughts on Queen Bees (226) 21:38

2M ago21:38

21:38

In this reflective episode, Jim Tew shares an honest and personal conversation about queens—both the winged kind in the hive and the ones we buy in cages. Sitting among his thriving colonies, Jim weighs the pros and cons of letting bees raise their own queens versus introducing commercially produced ones. He explores the timing, risks, and costs of…

1
Judging Honey Shows With Stephanie Slater (328) 52:46

2M ago52:46

52:46

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, certified honey judge Stephanie Slater joins Jeff and Becky to demystify the art and science of honey shows. From understanding how entries are judged to tips on preparing award-winning honey, Stephanie shares her journey from entering her first show in 2019 to becoming Wisconsin’s first certified judge …

1
Plain Talk: Exploring Bee Rooms (225) 19:42

2M ago19:42

19:42

Have you ever heard of a bee room? In this episode, Jim Tew revisits a nearly forgotten practice of intentionally housing honey bee colonies inside homes—typically in attics or wall cabinets—during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Far from today’s observation hives or honey extraction rooms, these “bee rooms” featured free-hanging feral colonies liv…

1
[Bonus] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron, "Honey Bee Communication Dynamics" 13:23

2M ago13:23

13:23

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, we welcome back Dr. Dewey Caron for a quick yet insightful Audio Postcard on honey bee communication – Bee Scientist to Beekeeper, Beekeeper to Bee, and Bee to Bee. Dr. Caron shares timely advice for beekeepers, from colony assessments to spring preparations. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced beekeeper…

1
Univ. of Montana Beekeeper Education with Dr. Scott Debnam (327) 50:23

2M ago50:23

50:23

Online beekeeping education has come a long way—and the University of Montana is leading the way. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Dr. Scott Debnam, head beekeeper and lead instructor for UM’s Online Master Beekeeping Program, about how the program has evolved over the past 12 years and why it continues to grow. Scott shares how the progra…

1
Plain Talk: A Bee Yard Stroll (224) 19:25

2M ago19:25

19:25

Spring has finally arrived, and that means it’s time for a long-awaited bee yard visit! In this episode, Jim Tew heads out to check on his colonies after a tough winter. With a 30% winter loss, Jim reflects on the challenges of neglecting his hives for a couple of seasons and the surprising resilience of some colonies. From thriving survivor hives …

1
[Bonus] Simon Mildren - Micro Honey Harvester 18:27

2M ago18:27

18:27

Welcome to today’s Beekeeping Today Podcast Short. We’re excited to have Simon Mildren, founder and CEO of HiveKeepers, an Australian agtech company revolutionizing the beekeeping industry. Simon, a firefighter turned beekeeper, has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions for both hobbyist and commercial beekeepers. In this bonus episo…

1
FlowHive's SuperLifter with Creator Cedar Anderson (326) 46:35

2M ago46:35

46:35

Beekeeping has evolved significantly over the years, and few innovations have sparked as much conversation as the Flow Hive. In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Flow Hive co-founder, Cedar Anderson, who shares exciting updates on their latest innovation—the Superlifter. Designed to make hive inspections easier and more accessible for beeke…

1
Plain Talk: Tew Bee Tales (223) 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

Beekeeping is full of unexpected moments—some hilarious, some humbling, and some downright painful. In this episode, Jim Tew takes a break from his usual beekeeping insights to share some of his most memorable stories from decades in the bee yard. These aren’t just stories; they’re lessons wrapped in humor and hindsight. From an ill-fated winter be…

1
Predicting Honey Bee Foraging with AI - Davidson Fellow Vince Wu (325) 42:55

3M ago42:55

42:55

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky welcome an extraordinary young researcher, Vince Wu, a high school senior and Davidson Fellow Scholarship winner. Vince’s groundbreaking research combines artificial intelligence and honey bee foraging behavior, using radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking and deep learning models …

1
Plain Talk: Mentoring Challenges (222) 22:09

3M ago22:09

22:09

Every beekeeper starts somewhere, but how much guidance should an experienced beekeeper offer to a beginner? In this episode, host Jim Tew reflects on the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers and the lessons learned over decades of beekeeping. Jim shares a personal story about a new beekeeper looking to start hives alongside chickens and goats on…

1
Raising Package Bees & Queens with Ray Olivarez (324) 54:46

3M ago54:46

54:46

Spring is here, and if you haven’t thought about your packages and queens yet, it’s time to act! In this episode, Beekeeping Today Podcast welcomes Ray Olivarez of Olivarez Honey Bees (OHB) to discuss the intricacies of raising high-quality queens and packages. Ray shares the fascinating journey of his family’s multi-generational beekeeping busines…

1
Archive Special: Hive Finishes with Kim (221) 14:38

3M ago14:38

14:38

In this special archive episode, Honey Bee Obscura revisits a classic conversation with the late Kim Flottum and host Jim Tew, as they explore the best ways to protect and extend the life of hive equipment. Whether you’re unpacking new woodenware or maintaining older boxes, the choices you make in finishing your equipment can have a lasting impact …

1
Upscaling #5 - Lessons Learned with Ritchie Schaefer (323) 42:12

3M ago42:12

42:12

Scaling a beekeeping operation comes with unique challenges and opportunities, and in this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Minnesota beekeeper Ritchie Schaeffer shares his firsthand experience moving from hobbyist to sideliner. Starting in 2018 with just a few hives, Ritchie built B2B Honey into a successful business by seizing market opportun…

1
Plain Talk: Dead and Dying Bees (220) 21:42

3M ago21:42

21:42

What happens when a honey bee nears the end of its life? In this episode, Jim Tew explores the little-discussed yet fascinating behavior of dying bees. Why do some bees fly away to die while others fall just outside the hive entrance? What instinct drives them to make one last effort to protect the colony? Jim reflects on the science and mystery be…

1
[Bonus] Short - Colony and USDA Losses with AHPA's President Steve Coy 17:36

3M ago17:36

17:36

The U.S. beekeeping industry is facing a crisis. Honey bee losses have skyrocketed, with commercial beekeepers reporting an average of 62% colony losses since June, as reported by Project Apis m. At the same time, critical USDA bee research programs are being cut, raising concerns about how quickly the industry can recover. In this Beekeeping Today…

1
Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner - The Business (322) 48:23

3M ago48:23

48:23

In this episode of the Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner series, we explore the business side of beekeeping with two beekeepers who successfully made the leap. Hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Tara Dawn Chapman of Two Hives Honey in Austin, Texas, and Jay Williams of Williams Honey Farm in Tennessee. Tara and Jay share their pers…

1
Battling Mites with Anne (219) 20:07

3M ago20:07

20:07

Varroa mites remain a persistent challenge for beekeepers, and effective management is key to colony survival. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss practical approaches to monitoring and controlling mites. Anne explains why beekeepers must check for mites every two to four weeks, even when early-season counts appear…

1
[Bonus] BTP Short - 2025 Winter Losses as of Feb 18 19:05

3M ago19:05

19:05

In today's BTP Short, we talk with John Miller, of Miller Honey, who's family has been in beekeeping for over 130 years, about this winter's honey bee losses. Is it real or hyped? John provides a lifetime perspective to the losses so many beekeepers (hobbyists, sideliners and commercial beekeepers) are experiencing this year. The numbers are real. …

1
Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner - The Honey House (321) 47:28

4M ago47:28

47:28

Expanding a beekeeping operation brings new challenges, especially when it comes to processing and bottling honey efficiently. In this episode, Jeff and Becky continue their series on upscaling from hobbyist to sideliner beekeeping with a deep dive into honey house design and equipment. They welcome back John Rath, co-owner of Betterbee, who shares…

1
[Bonus] BTP Short - Unusually High Winter Bee Losses! 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts brings you a quick dive into the latest buzz in beekeeping. In this first special episode, we welcome Dr. Humberto Boncristiani of Inside The Hive TV to discuss the alarming commercial colony losses reported this season. With beekeepers across the country facing unexpected die-offs, Humberto shares insights from his …

1
Discussing Big Colonies with Anne (218) 21:24

4M ago21:24

21:24

Managing large honey bee colonies comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, but are bigger colonies always better? In this episode, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore the benefits and potential downsides of managing large hives. Picking up from last week’s discussion, they dive into the complexities of oversized colonies…

1
Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner - Equipment (320) 32:45

4M ago32:45

32:45

In the second episode of our February series, Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner Beekeeper, Jeff and Becky continue the conversation with returning guests Dr. Meghan Milbrath and Ana Heck from Michigan State University. This week’s focus is on one of the most critical—and often costly—aspects of growing a beekeeping operation: equipment and logis…

1
Plain Talk: Big Hives - Blessing or Curse? (217) 20:18

4M ago20:18

20:18

In this episode, Jim Tew takes a deep dive into the world of big colonies, posing the question: Are larger hives always better? With his signature blend of humor and beekeeping wisdom, Jim unpacks the complexities of managing booming colonies, reflecting on the pros, cons, and unintended consequences of letting colonies grow to massive sizes. Jim d…

1
Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner Beekeeping - The Bees (319) 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

Are you thinking about growing your beekeeping operation from hobbyist to sideliner? In this first episode of our February Upscaling Your Beekeeping series, Jeff and Becky sit down with two experienced beekeepers and educators, Meghan Milbrath and Ana Heck, to explore what it takes to successfully expand your apiary. Meghan, an assistant professor …

1
Plain Talk: Plastic in Beekeeping (216) 20:13

4M ago20:13

20:13

This week, Jim Tew takes a nostalgic yet practical dive into the evolution of plastic in the world of beekeeping. From his early days in the 1970s, when plastic was virtually non-existent in beekeeping equipment, to its widespread adoption in everything from frames to veils, Jim reflects on how this material has shaped the industry. Jim shares anec…

1
Randy Oliver: Researching Better Beekeeping (318) 47:46

4M ago47:46

47:46

In this episode, we welcome back the renowned Randy Oliver of Scientific Beekeeping. Randy shares his latest insights and findings, offering practical advice and groundbreaking research for beekeepers of all experience levels. From breeding varroa-resistant honey bees to redesigning robbing screens and investigating oxalic acid applications, Randy …

1
Plain Talk: Stressing Winter Bees (215) 21:03

4M ago21:03

21:03

In this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew delves into the challenges and dilemmas beekeepers face when managing small, struggling colonies in the heart of winter. With his signature mix of candor and experience, Jim explores the emotional and practical aspects of trying to save weak hives during the harshest months. Jim shares personal a…

1
Beekeeping In Ireland with Dara Scott (317) 59:30

4M ago59:30

59:30

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Dara Scott, founder and managing director of HiveAlive, to dive deeper into his unique beekeeping practices in Ireland. Building on his previous appearance, Dara shares insights into his queen management program, the benefits of working with Apis mellifera mellifera, and how Ireland’s challenging weather…

1
Healthy Skin From The Inside Out 29:19

5M ago29:19

29:19

We look at why applying a topical skincare product will not necessarily work its magic. Healthy skin starts from the inside out.By Health From The Hive

1
Archive Special: Packages and Nucs with Kim Flottum (214) 21:52

5M ago21:52

21:52

In this special archive episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew and the late Kim Flottum dive into the age-old debate between starting with packages or nucleus colonies (nucs). Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper or looking to expand your apiary, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice to help guide your decision-making. Jim an…

1
Fred Dunn: Bees, YouTube and Photography (316) 50:23

5M ago50:23

50:23

In this captivating episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky sit down with Frederick Dunn, accomplished beekeeper, YouTube creator, and lifelong photographer. Fred shares his fascinating journey from documenting wildlife during his Navy career to becoming a dedicated educator in the beekeeping community. Fred discusses how his passion fo…

1
Episode 116 - 2024 Recap 27:22

5M ago27:22

27:22

Our optimistic promises of podcasting more seem to fade over the year as we get busy with markets, bees, gardens, life, etc, etc...... But we're here again to recap 2024, the year's highs and lows, and the loss of most of our bees this fall. The website is cloverhoneypot.com which is where you can find things we were chatting about today…

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