Best Sustainable Beekeeping Podcasts (2025)

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Ep145 Organic? Treatment-Free? Chemical-Free? Natural Beekeeping Terms Explained in this great article 38:27

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10h ago38:27

38:27

Ep145 Organic? Treatment-Free? Chemical-Free? Natural Beekeeping Terms Explained in this ABJ article Ever get confused by all the "natural beekeeping" terms floating around? In this episode I'm discussing an article (Oct 2023 ABJ) that breaks down three approaches that sound similar but are actually pretty different: organic beekeeping, treatment-f…

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Episode 40 - We talk to Dr. Jeff Pettis about the Tropilaelaps mite and what to know about this threat 49:38

6h ago49:38

49:38

I know, two episodes in two weeks? Well, episode 40 is here, and this one is big. We sat down with Dr. Jeff Pettis, former President of Apimondia and one of the world's leading honey bee researchers, for an in-depth conversation about the Tropilaelaps mite—the parasitic threat looming over global beekeeping. In this episode: • What Tropilaelaps mit…

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Organizing Your Home with Annie Hanson of The Closet Niche 39:58

20h ago39:58

39:58

Annie Hanson of The Closet Niche shares her journey from working for other custom closet companies to launching her own successful home organization business. In this episode, Annie discusses how she built her company from her garage to a thriving operation with seven employees, offering custom solutions for closets, garages, pantries, laundry room…

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Episode 39 - Fall preparation, late fall cutouts, how to price and install an observation hive 1:05:14

4h ago1:05:14

1:05:14

This week we dig into some of the most important tasks heading into the colder months. We cover practical fall preparation, what to expect with late-season cutouts, and how to price and install an observation hive for schools, businesses, and homeowners. Whether you're tightening up your hives for winter or planning new educational opportunities fo…

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From Fascination to Business: Justin Orders on Beekeeping, Honey, and Saving Pollinators 29:54

9d ago29:54

29:54

In this episode of We Are Lake Norman, host Ryan Webber sits down with Justin Orders, founder of Queens Orders Honey, to explore the fascinating world of beekeeping and how it became a thriving business. Justin shares his journey from his first experience in a beehive seven years ago to creating multiple revenue streams including his innovative Hiv…

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Ep 144 November surprise in the bee yard :-( 41:52

24h ago41:52

41:52

Some surprise late autumn deadouts in the yard, something I've never experienced before in summer or fall. I break down the likely reasons and what I plan to do different next year. Also, happier seasonal updates around the bee yard about the other hives going into winter. kind regards to you all! Leigh Patrons: if you are listening here on the pub…

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Episode 180 – The Pennsylvania Bee Law (Part 2) HB 1277: Plant and Pollinator Protection Act 🐝⚖️ 32:36

20d ago32:36

32:36

This episode is a follow-up to last week’s discussion about Pennsylvania’s proposed bee legislation. We move from the 2024 Senate Bill 1198 to the newly filed 2025 House Bill 1277, breaking down what changed, why it matters, and how the bill expands the state’s authority over beekeepers. What’s Inside This Episode: What happened to the 2024 Senate …

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Teaching Over 10,000 People to Wake Surf on Lake Norman - Ride, Wake & Surf 32:55

18d ago32:55

32:55

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Martin Cagle, owner of Ride Wake and Surf, one of Lake Norman's premier wake surfing and wakeboarding businesses. In this engaging conversation, Martin shares his incredible journey from attempting to launch a cable wakeboard park to building a thriving water sports company that has taught over 10,000 peop…

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Rangeland Restoration in the Great Basin 31:09

20d ago31:09

31:09

Dr. Charlie Clements leads the Great Basin Rangeland Research Unit of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service, where he conducts research on the restoration of ecologically threatened rangelands. He and his team aim to conserve and enhance sustainable agricultural production, natural resources and communitie…

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From Brimstone to Broccoli: The Story of Sulfur 47:44

21d ago47:44

47:44

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialists Nina Prater, Darron Gaus, and Lee Rinehart continue their exploration of plant nutrients. In previous episodes, they covered nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, and in this episode they dive into the pungent world of sulfur. They discuss the history of sulfur, how sulf…

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Episode 179 – The Pennsylvania Bee Law: What Beekeepers Need to Know 🐝⚖️ 31:03

26d ago31:03

31:03

This episode takes a closer look at Pennsylvania’s proposed Plant and Pollinator Protection Act (SB 1198) and why it’s raising concerns among beekeepers across the country. I break down how it rewrites the long-standing Bee Law, what new powers it gives the Department of Agriculture, and why even backyard beekeepers could be affected. What’s Inside…

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Lake Norman Athletic Club: Jaspen Gray's Vision for Sustainable Fitness Beyond Traditional CrossFit 30:50

25d ago30:50

30:50

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Jaspen Gray, owner of Lake Norman Athletic Club, to discuss his exciting transition from CrossFit gym manager to independent business owner. After CrossFit 77 closed when the owner moved away, Jaspen took matters into his own hands and opened his own fitness facility, creating something uniquely his own. I…

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Ep 143: Tips for Winter Prep 46:29

28d ago46:29

46:29

Today's episode is an overview and discussion of prepping hives for winter. For supporting Patrons, I've also made a checklist (and printable PDF) as well as compiled several links for more info on the issues and the methods. Not a supporting patron yet? Please join us below! kind regards, Leigh -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple Not a supporting…

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Episode 38 - Fall has crept in, spooky Halloween Beekeeping Stories, Chunk Comb and our Honeybee Hotline! 53:55

1M ago53:55

53:55

It's the Beekeeping Buddies Halloween Special! Luke and Steve dive into the spookier side of beekeeping from bees starting WW3, to the mornful swarm, frakenbees and more! We'll talk about our fall preparations and some interesting chunk comb we were able to sample, and answer some Honeybee Hotline questions. We hope you'll tune in as our buddy this…

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Episode 178 – The Bee Buzz (30): Winter Prep, Ventilation & Varroa Reality Check 🐝💭 34:10

1M ago34:10

34:10

In this Bee Buzz episode I tackle common late-season questions about treating Varroa mites before winter, dealing with moisture and ventilation, replacing old comb, wrapping hives, and whether it’s safe to move colonies near a windbreak this time of year. We also look at what “too much insulation” really means, how to manage condensation safely, an…

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Year-End Tax Strategies Every Business Owner Must Know with Andrew McMillan 26:36

1M ago26:36

26:36

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Andrew McMillan, partner and fractional CFO at REH CPAs, for an essential year-end tax planning conversation every business owner needs to hear. With tax season approaching, Andrew shares practical strategies to minimize your tax burden before it's too late. In this episode, you'll discover actionable year…

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Organic Certification: One Step at a Time 59:15

22d ago59:15

59:15

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Audrey Kolde sits down with colleagues Ann Baier and Andrew Coggins to discuss the initial steps in obtaining organic certification in farming. Before coming to NCAT, Audrey worked as a manager of vegetable production on a certified organic farm, and she brings that experience to…

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Episode 177 – The Bee Buzz (29): Drone Comb, Plastic Foundation & Late-Season Hive Tips 🐝 38:50

1M ago38:50

38:50

In this Bee Buzz episode I answer listener questions about using drone comb to reduce Varroa without chemicals, getting bees to accept plastic foundation, managing weak colonies before winter, handling late season queen loss, and how to think about brood frames, pollen patties, and uncapped nectar as the season winds down. What’s Inside This Episod…

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King Canary's new Davidson Location is a HIT! 28:56

1M ago28:56

28:56

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Andrea Gravina, owner of King Canary Brewing, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and resilience in the Lake Norman area. In this episode, Andrea shares the heartfelt story of King Canary Brewing, which opened in 2018 in a converted house on Williamson Road in Mooresville. What…

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Ep 142 Bee Amazement: the discoveries of Karl von Frisch 44:30

1M ago44:30

44:30

Some days you just need some amazement and that's what I found in learning about what researcher Karl von Frisch demonstrated in the first half of the 1900s about how bees see, how they navigate (!) , and what they are telling each other (!!) with the dances they do. Equally fascinating is how he managed to design experiments to confirm and prove i…

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Episode 176 – Winter Hive Survival (Part 2): Smarter Insulation for Stronger Colonies 🧊🐝 42:03

1M ago42:03

42:03

In part two of my conversation with Minnesota beekeeper Peg DeSanto, we continue unpacking the science of overwintering and explore the research behind condensation, CO₂ balance, and hive insulation. Peg explains why matching hive size to colony strength matters, how smaller overwintering spaces improve survival, and how her Hive Hugger project was…

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Episode 37 - Beekeeping Buddies Finds a Buddy With 628 Dirt Rooster! 1:33:41

28d ago1:33:41

1:33:41

We have broken 4,000 listens and want to thank everyone for taking some time to listen to us talk about our passion, honey bees. For this episode we take a break from the normal format of the show to interview a Beekeeping Buddy of our own, Randy McCaffrey better known as the 628 Dirt Rooster! We talk about beekeeping, how different areas do things…

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Josh's Farmers Market Gets A Permanent Home 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Josh Graham, owner of one of the Lake Norman area's most beloved businesses - Josh's Farmers Market. In this engaging conversation, Josh shares the incredible journey from selling cantaloupes as a 10-year-old boy from his great-grandfather's garden to building one of the region's largest and most popular f…

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Episode 175 – Winter Hive Survival: Science, Insulation, and the Condensing Hive 🧊🐝 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

In this episode I talk with Minnesota beekeeper Peg DeSanto about one of the biggest challenges in beekeeping, getting colonies through winter. Peg explains how she became determined to stop winter losses and what she learned about insulation, moisture control, and the science behind the condensing hive approach. What’s Inside This Episode: Why 50 …

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Roots and Ridges with Jay Leutze 37:32

2M ago37:32

37:32

Forests impact water and air quality, and our quality of life. That’s why we’re exploring forests and trees in this season of the Sustainable Carolina Podcast. In this episode we talk with Jay Leutze, a double Tar Heel, author and land trust professional. An unscripted childhood outside, a love for reading, and dedication to his community has led t…

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Episode 174 - Bees In The News (28): Parasites, Organics & Alaska Hive Beetles 🐝🗞️ 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

Bees In The News is back with a fresh format and more commentary. Instead of just reading headlines, I dive into what these stories really mean for beekeepers. In this episode, we explore the surprising discovery of natural bacteria in pollen that may protect bees, the growing concerns about native bee loss in Missouri and Kansas, and a Penn State …

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Episode 173 – Building a Hive Monitoring System: Sensors, Heat Maps, and Real Data 🖥️🐝 33:50

2M ago33:50

33:50

Every beekeeper wonders how their colonies are doing in the middle of winter. Are they clustered? Do they have enough food? Is it safe to open the hive? In this episode, I walk through the new project I have been teasing for months, a hive monitoring system that uses temperature probes, humidity sensors, and data collectors to create real-time heat…

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Ep 141 Bees & Big Ag from Michael Palmer's view 54:01

1M ago54:01

54:01

Today's episode starts with a rambling overview of how things are around here in the beeyard from hive beetles to one year mark from the WNC floods. Then a discussion of a YouTube interview with the legendary Vermont beekeeper for 50 years, Michael Palmer who says being "near row crops" is seriously hurting his beekeeping in a severe new way. Then …

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Farming Oysters with Mike Miezianka 47:23

2M ago47:23

47:23

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Lee Rinehart is joined by Mike Miezianka, co-founder of Toasted Oysters, a 3 1/2-acre aquaculture farm on Great South Bay off of Long Island. Mike and his business partner Ray Smith cultivate authentic Blue Point Oysters which they sell to distributors and restaurants on Long Isl…

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Episode 172 – The Bee Buzz (28): Winter Hive Questions, Feeding, and Moisture Boards ❄️🐝 34:08

2M ago34:08

34:08

It is Bee Buzz time again, and in this Q&A session I answer listener questions on winter prep, feeding, and hive management. We talk about whether to reduce colonies from two brood boxes to one, how to handle screened bottom boards, what to know about moisture boards, and when to stop feeding syrup. I also cover queen excluders in winter, protectin…

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Episode 36 - Feeding for winter, details on fall feeding, measuring hives, nucs 2026, new varroa treatment, managing robbing, fall festivals, and cutouts 1:03:52

1M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

Around the Yard: Dry Midwest Fall: Fall is here, the hot and dry have not gone away. Details on Fall Feeding: Recipe for Luke's fall feed is: 4.5 lbs sugar, 0.5 lbs pollen sub, 7 oz water mixed together with a mixer of some sort and put into ziplock baggie. How to Know if to Feed: Steve and Luke talk about how we measure hives to know if they need …

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Episode 171 – Inside the Winter Cluster: How Bees Heat and Survive the Cold ❄️🐝 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

When temperatures drop, bees form the winter cluster to stay alive. In this episode, we dig into what triggers clustering, how bees rotate between the mantle and the core, and the muscle power that generates heat without flight. We also look at how the cluster moves as a unit to consume honey, why frame arrangement matters, and what not to do when …

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Episode 170 – Tree Cavities vs. Langstroth Hives: How Bees Really Survive Winter ❄️🐝 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

When bees overwinter in a tree cavity, they enjoy thick insulation, controlled airflow, and condensation that actually helps them survive. In a Langstroth hive, things look very different, and without adjustments, those differences can cost colonies dearly. In this episode, I break down what happens inside a natural cavity and compare it to the equ…

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Ep 140 Vitamin C for bees?? 49:29

2M ago49:29

49:29

In today's podcast, how a backyard experiment led me to find a bunch of research to back up that Vit C added to bee syrup can make a difference for bee health! Plus what's up in the bee yard, wonderful email from listeners, and the usual wandering tangents that somehow all relate to bees! kind regards, Leigh PS. Patrons: watch for your exclusive po…

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Episode 35 - Dry Fall, Another Strange Cutout, Luke returns from Spain, Varroa makes it to Spain, HMF correction, Honeybee Hotline Questions, What to do with honey frames 1:00:10

3M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Around the Yard: Dry Midwest Fall: Fall is mostly here, but is sure is dry. Details on Another Cutout: Luke and Steve have another fall cutout. Luke Returns From Spain: Luke goes to Spain... and finds few pollinators? Steve and Luke Review Spainish Honey: We review some honey from Spain I brought back. In the News Varroa Mites make it to S. Austral…

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Episode 169 – Winter Prep for Your Hives: Feeding, Merging, and Insulating ❄️🐝 38:59

3M ago38:59

38:59

Winter is coming, and the way you prepare your hives now will determine how strong your colonies are in the spring. In this episode, we go step by step through assessing colony strength, when to combine hives, and what kind of feeding really works. We also break down insulation and ventilation, weighing your hives, and why candy boards and sugar br…

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Episode 168 – Spring vs Fall Pollen: What Bees Really Need (And When) 🐝🌼🍂 53:01

3M ago53:01

53:01

This episode focuses on the difference between spring and fall pollen and how seasonal shifts impact bee nutrition. We look at what bees need to raise brood, how they build fat reserves for winter, and why feeding is not the same in every season. At the end of the episode, I share my personal story of 9/11, where I was that day in DC, what I saw, a…