Best Jacy Meyer Podcasts (2025)

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Rethinking Urban Green Space for Bees: Meadowscaping 15:20

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17h ago15:20

15:20

In this episode of ‘The Bees Knees', Shishir Paudel joins to discuss the implications of managing urban greenery as manicured lawns versus letting them flourish as diverse meadows. We cover biodiversity, ecosystem services and disservices, and public perception of urban meadows. Can we increase pollinator populations by understanding and implementi…

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Planting Change: Leigh Biagi’s Path to Pollinators 21:06

15d ago21:06

21:06

We speak with Leigh Biagi, a dedicated environmental advocate and founder of On the Verge. Discover how Leigh transformed her passion for change into a community-focused bee conservation project, learn about the challenges and successes of her journey, and gain practical insights for supporting native bees in your area. What's on your buzzy mind? S…

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Toxic Nectar: How Pollinators are Exposed to Metals in Urban Landscapes 12:21

29d ago12:21

12:21

Delve into the critical issue of toxic metals in urban nectar with Dr. Sarah Scott. The conversation reveals how contaminated pollen and nectar pose significant risks to bees, affecting their health and productivity. Dr. Scott shares insights from her research in Cleveland's post-industrial landscapes, highlighting unexpected sources of pollution a…

1
Birds, Bees, and Big Data: Rethinking Conservation 15:12

2M ago15:12

15:12

Native bees are essential for biodiversity but face significant threats. In this episode, Dr. Josée Rousseau discusses her research, which uses bird data to predict wild bee richness. Learn about the data sources used, why birds are excellent indicators of bee populations, and how combined data can improve bee conservation strategies. Discover the …

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Unearthing Habitats: Transforming Sand Mines into Bee Havens 14:23

2M ago14:23

14:23

Are sand mines hidden gems for bee conservation? Dr. Nicola Seitz shares the surprising role of reclaimed sand mines as vital habitats for wild bee populations. Despite their industrial origins, these landscapes host a diverse array of bee species, offering promising avenues for bee conservation. We explore the dynamics between sand mines and roads…

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The Quarry Connection: Linking Habitat Restoration and Bee Biodiversity 13:47

3M ago13:47

13:47

Discover how abandoned quarries can become thriving bee habitats! Dr. Felix Kirsch unveils the surprising role these landscapes play in bee conservation. By fostering natural habitats within these sites and ensuring strategic connectivity with grasslands, Dr. Kirsch shares the hidden potential of limestone quarries as biodiversity champions. What's…

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Bees, Biodiversity, and the Future of Food 16:26

3M ago16:26

16:26

Uncover the hidden heroes of pollination—wild and native bees—and their crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and food security. Dr. Natalie Lemanski shares fascinating research on seasonal shifts in bee communities and their impact on long-term ecosystem function. Learn how fostering bee diversity can stabilize crop production and buffer a…

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Honoring Bees and Biodiversity 4:04

4M ago4:04

4:04

In this episode of The Bee’s Knees, we’re buzzing about two global celebrations: World Bee Day and the International Day for Biodiversity. Discover the vital role of wild and native bees in preserving ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting global food security. Learn simple, actionable steps to help protect these crucial pollinators a…

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The Secrets of Bee Foraging: How Flower Choices Affect Bee Behavior and Biodiversity 8:42

4M ago8:42

8:42

We’re exploring the fascinating world of flower foraging by bees with Dr. Jaya Mokkapati. How do different bee species decide between the quantity of flowers and the nutritional quality of pollen? What drives these choices, and what can they teach us about supporting pollinators? Join us to uncover actionable insights that can inspire conservation …

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The Fungi Factor: The Surprising Discovery of Mold's Impact on Leafcutter Bees 15:13

5M ago15:13

15:13

Dive into the world of solitary leafcutter bees and discover how a seemingly undesirable mold could actually be their unlikely ally. Dr. Victoria Luizzi shares their fascinating research on Aspergillus mold, which might offer protective benefits to these essential pollinators. We talk about the leafcutter’s unique nesting habits, the symbiotic rela…

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Pollinators in Peril: How Habitat Loss, Pesticides, and Climate Change Are Threatening Our Ecosystem 18:22

5M ago18:22

18:22

In today's complex ecosystem, native bees play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity through their vital pollination efforts. However, their populations are under threat from various stressors such as climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. In this episode, we explore these challenges and the actionable steps we can take to support t…

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Building Buzz: Community Efforts to Support Native Bees 13:59

6M ago13:59

13:59

In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Caroline Wagar from Environment America to explore simple, impactful steps each of us can take to support native bees. From creating vibrant urban gardens to pioneering legislative efforts, discover how small actions can have a big impact on pollinator-friendly environments. Get ready to be energized by cr…

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Guardians of the Stingless Bees: Exploring the Mission to Sustain Melipona Bee Populations 14:27

6M ago14:27

14:27

In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we take a virtual journey to Mexico to explore the world of the melipona, a stingless honey bee essential for pollinating the Yucatan rainforest. Join us as Rebecca Robertson, founding director of the Mayan Melipona Bee Sanctuary, shares her captivating story of conservation, culture, and community. What's on you…

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Pollinators and the Art of Choice: Navigating the Chemistry of Floral Rewards 8:08

7M ago8:08

8:08

Ever wondered how bees choose their favorite flowers? Today we’re talking with Dr. Claire Hemingway who reveals fascinating insights into pollinator cognition and how bees' decisions impact biodiversity. What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know! Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed t…

1
From Bloom to Boom: How PollinAction is Reviving Pollinator Populations 21:24

7M ago21:24

21:24

What can be done about the alarming decline in pollinator populations? Today, we’re talking about the PollinAction Project’s impactful initiatives with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how creating green infrastructures, promoting economic sustainability, and raising awareness are crucial for supporting native bees, and get actionable advice…

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Season 3: Bee Enthusiasts 1:49

8M ago1:49

1:49

Welcome to Season 3 of The Bee’s Knees! We’ll be talking to bee enthusiasts from around the globe, learning about the latest research and everyday opportunities to support and protect our native bees. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable tips to help support our vital pollinators. The new season starts February 4. What's on your buzzy mind?…

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Scent of Survival: How do Heatwaves Impact Bumblebees? 8:48

9M ago8:48

8:48

Today’s conversation explores how extreme temperatures disrupt the chemical communication between plants and bumblebees, specifically their ability to detect floral scents. Dr. Sabine Nooten explains her study findings on the impact of heat on worker and male bumblebees and the broader implications for ecosystem services and biodiversity. What's on…

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Urban Buzz: Transforming Pollination in Cityscapes 16:41

9M ago16:41

16:41

In our bustling urban environments, the complex dance of pollination continues, often unnoticed. This week's discussion dives into the intricacies of urban pollination ecology with Dr. Elsa Youngstead, exploring how plants and pollinators interact within city landscapes. From battling air pollution to navigating cityscapes, bees are at the forefron…

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Bridging the Bumblebee 'Hungry Gap': Innovative Strategies for Pollinator Planting 9:49

10M ago9:49

9:49

Imagine sleeping for a couple of months, waking up and realizing you’ve got to build a house, get a job, raise some kids, and feed them. Bumblebee queens go through this every spring and it’s really a critical time for their survival. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Matthias Becher who shares his research on the seasonal needs of bumblebee colonies,…

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Winter Warriors: How to Help Overwintering Bees 2:52

10M ago2:52

2:52

How do native bees survive winter's chill? Discover how you can keep them warm and cozy this winter through simple actions like leaving autumn leaves undisturbed and holding off on your garden cleanup. We’ll also share the importance of perhaps unsightly things like bare soil and dead wood. Listen in to create your own cold-weather refuge for nativ…

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From Fields to Food: The Hidden Impact of Agricultural Intensification 8:36

11M ago8:36

8:36

In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we discuss the threats facing wild and native bees with Dr. Yi Zhou, an ecologist and entomologist. The discussion focuses on a study in South China's rice fields that revealed habitat loss as a more significant threat to pollinator diversity than pesticides. Dr. Zhou highlights the importance of conserving semi-…

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Highs and Lows: How Elevation and Temperature Impact Bee Survival 14:58

11M ago14:58

14:58

In this episode, we dive into Dr. Lindsie McCabe's enlightening study on how changing temperatures impact the survival rates of cavity-nesting bees. Conducting a transplant experiment over three years, Dr. McCabe and her team uncovered how elevation and temperature fluctuations influence bee emergence. Discover why generalist bees are more adaptabl…

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Buzzing into Innovation: A Conversation with BeeMachine's Creator 14:28

12M ago14:28

14:28

In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we blend technology, science, and the natural world. Join us as we explore an innovative tool revolutionizing bee conservation – BeeMachine. This cutting-edge app utilizes artificial intelligence to help identify and document various bee species, making it easier for scientists and enthusiasts alike. The app’s fo…

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Free Spirits: Investigating Free-Living Nordic Honey Bee Colonies 14:43

1y ago14:43

14:43

Let’s explore the world of the Nordic honeybee, or Apis mellifera mellifera, a subspecies that once flourished across Southern Scandinavia, Central, and Western Europe. Today, in Sweden, a mere 1,000 of the 160,000 hives still house these native bees, highlighting a pressing need for conservation efforts. Mats Niklasson brings his unique background…

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Buzzkill: Climate Change and the Looming Threat to Pollinators 21:41

1y ago21:41

21:41

We’re exploring the challenges faced by native bees due to rising temperatures and drier conditions. Dr. Melanie Kazenel discusses her research using a 16-year dataset from New Mexico's drylands, revealing that while some bee species show resilience, about half face potential declines. The conversation touches on bee physiology, the importance of b…

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Floral Foes: How Non-Native Bees Impact Native Ecosystems 14:32

1y ago14:32

14:32

What are the indirect effects of honey bee introductions on native bee populations and plant pollination patterns? Dr. Maureen Page joins us to share the unique roles that native bees play in our ecosystems, highlighting their differences from their honey-producing cousins and how these distinctions are vital for the health of our planet. The commo…

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From Bees to Biodiversity: Shaping the Future of Ecosystem Services 14:06

1y ago14:06

14:06

How important are rare and declining bee species for pollinating various wildflowers and crops? We’re talking about that in this episode with Dr. Mark Genung who introduces us to ecosystem function theory and the broader implications for biodiversity when we lose species in a community. Our conversation covers significant findings from his recent s…

1
Bee Blooms: The Australian Edition 16:29

1y ago16:29

16:29

From the temperate regions of Tasmania to the tropical landscapes of Queensland, every corner of Australia offers unique challenges and opportunities for our vital native bees. Today we’re speaking with Dr. Kit Prendergast about the intricate world of Australian bees and their specialized relationships with native flora. What's on your buzzy mind? …

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Bumble Bees and Pesticides: How Agricultural Practices Threaten Wild Bees 23:30

1y ago23:30

23:30

Every day native bees fly and forage under a shadow — the threat from pesticides. Today we’re talking with Dr. Charlie Nicholson who guides us through the dangers that agricultural pesticide use poses to our vital pollinators and introduces us to the concept of post-approval monitoring of these chemicals. We discover there is a pressing need for st…

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Fruitful Futures: Growing Orchards for Native Bees 18:06

1+ y ago18:06

18:06

Research underscores the remarkable efficiency of wild bees over their honey-producing counterparts in pollinating fruit trees, a critical insight for agriculture and biodiversity. Today we’re exploring the verdant orchards of Ireland with Garry Connolly, a passionate advocate for native bees. Garry shares his journey from curiosity to action, mobi…

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Buzzworthy Bites: A Deep Dive into the Nutritional Habits of Bees 14:48

1+ y ago14:48

14:48

It’s not news that the food we eat should be nutritious, but are the floral resources we provide to bees actually what they need? We explore the intricate world of bee nutrition with our guest Dr. Sarah Leonhardt. We chat about the importance of pollen and nectar, the challenges in analyzing pollen chemistry, the impact of climate change on flower …

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Nature's Little Heroes: Celebrating World Bee Day and International Day for Biological Diversity 5:17

1+ y ago5:17

5:17

The month of May buzzes with significance for our tiny yet mighty bees. We kick off with World Bee Day on May 20, a global celebration aiming to spotlight the critical role bees and other pollinators play in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving biodiversity. And then we move right into the International Day for …

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Buzzing Backyard Biodiversity: Fostering Native Bee Habitats 17:37

1+ y ago17:37

17:37

Providing nesting areas and floral resources for bees contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. Taking care of our native bees is one of the best ways to safeguard our environment. We’re speaking with Justina Block who shares her journey of raising native bees at home to starting a business promoting native bees and their habitats which led …

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Bee-friendly Lawns: Mowing Less is a Big Win for Bees 20:48

1+ y ago20:48

20:48

Let your lawn become a haven for bees! Did you know that by mowing less and nurturing the wildflowers that bring them joy, you can support bee abundance and diversity? Today, we’re talking with Dr. Susannah Lerman about her research study that found mowing lawns less can be a simple and cost-effective way to support bee populations without the need…

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Nature Recovery: Connecting Spaces for Bees 14:13

1+ y ago14:13

14:13

Let’s talk about the challenges wild and native bees face, with a particular focus on habitat loss. Beyond just the scarcity of floral resources, we’re looking at the often-overlooked aspect of nesting site depletion when natural landscapes are transformed for agriculture or urban development. My guest Aaron Bhambra introduces us to lowland heath, …

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Native vs. Non-Native: Examining the Effects of Pollinator-Friendly Plantings 14:27

1+ y ago14:27

14:27

The native versus non-native plant debate for native bees is one that demands careful consideration. We talk to Dr. Nicole Seitz who believes that while native plants remain the preferred option for supporting native bees, the inclusion of high-quality pollinator-friendly non-native plants can be good supplementary resources for bees in areas where…

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Dandelions: Healthy Fast Food for Bees 13:34

1+ y ago13:34

13:34

Fast food for bees? A quick meal isn’t often the healthiest. But a lack of food is one of the biggest threats to bees. However, there’s a bright yellow tasty and nutritious bee food source that unfortunately many of us get rid of because it’s considered a weed. Today, Dr. Philip Donkersly tells us why we should let dandelions, the ever-present bloo…

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Bee Blooms: The English Edition 13:06

1+ y ago13:06

13:06

Creating a bee-friendly garden is not only rewarding but also essential for supporting bee populations and maintaining biodiversity. By planting a variety of native flowers, considering the nutritional value of plants, and providing nesting places, you can make a significant impact on the well-being of bees in your area. What's on your buzzy mind? …

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Season 2: Bee Inspired! 1:49

1+ y ago1:49

1:49

Season 2 is coming on February 6! This season I want us all to Bee Inspired to do a little more to support native bees. Listen now to find out what 2024 has in store for The Bee’s Knees! What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know! Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscrib…

1
Beyond Honeybees: The Importance of Wild Bees in Farming 9:05

1+ y ago9:05

9:05

Is there one all-powerful pollinator? One that can efficiently pollinate every crop, in every environment, all over the world? Many people believe that the honey bee is such a mighty insect. But actually, wild bees are twice as effective in pollinating crops. Dr. Lucas Garibaldi shares insight from his global study looking at pollination services b…

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Blooming Success: How Germany's Wildflower Plots are Helping Bees Thrive 13:59

1+ y ago13:59

13:59

Imagine leisurely walking through your local park and stumbling upon a neglected area. The grass is overgrown, there are patches of barren soil, and the flowers appear to be in disarray. But upon closer inspection, you'll see that the space is full of life. Bees are buzzing, butterflies are fluttering, and the flowers are charming. You've found a p…

1
Sleepyheads: The Effects of Insecticides on Bee Sleep 12:23

2y ago12:23

12:23

Native bees and other pollinators are under threat because of widespread pesticide use. But how exactly do these insecticides affect them, and more importantly, the pollination work so critical to our food supply? We talk with researcher Kiah Tasman to find out. What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know! Thanks for listening…

1
The Buzz on Pesticides: How Exposure Affects Bee Health 16:06

2y ago16:06

16:06

Pollinators worldwide are dying, which is extremely worrying, especially for bees. We need bees for their pollination services but also to support biodiversity. We know pesticides have devastating consequences for bees, but how do they affect them in the long term? Today’s guest, Dr. Clara Stuligross, decided to find out. What's on your buzzy mind?…

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The High Cost of Pollinator Loss 3:21

2y ago3:21

3:21

Today’s episode looks at the worldwide decline of pollinators and its effects on human health. Insect pollination is crucial in growing vital and nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Unfortunately, many crops are receiving inadequate pollination due to the scarcity and lack of variety of pollinating insects. This impac…

1
Clearing the Air: The Impact of Air Pollution on Bees 11:46

2y ago11:46

11:46

Gut microbiome and smog. You probably didn’t think you’d be listening to that when you clicked play. We talk a lot about bee health, and today’s episode looks at an underexplored area of pollutants and bee health. We all know about pesticides, but there’s something else they can’t fly away from that is endangering their health: air pollution. Our g…

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Bees + The Climate Crisis: Pollinator Mismatch 11:22

2y ago11:22

11:22

Bees are a crucial part of our ecosystem, and their well-being is vital for the survival of many other species. For bees, having access to food when they wake up from their overwintering stage is one of the most important things. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, it's crucial to ensure enough flowering plants are available for…

1
Bombus Confusus Flies Again 15:23

2y ago15:23

15:23

What happens when researchers spot a rare bumblebee at an unusual time of the year? Working with local officials, they ensured plant conditions remained, allowing them to learn more about the Bombus Confusus. Today, we’re talking to one of the researchers, Michal Perlík. What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know! Thanks for …

1
Vacancies at the Bee Hotel 27:21

2y ago27:21

27:21

Bee hotels can give cavity-nesting bees a place to live. But they can also be excellent research tools when looking at native bee fitness, diversity, and abundance. Today we’re talking with Dr. Kit Prendergast about the benefits of bee hotels. What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know! Thanks for listening! Visit our website…

1
Sunflower Power for Bees 27:24

2y ago27:24

27:24

How else can pollen benefit bees? In this episode, we talk about the common eastern bumblebee, bombus impatiens and a gut pathogen called Crithidia bombi. Researchers started out looking at nectar and then moved on to pollen when they weren't seeing the results they wanted. They selected a few plants they thought might be interesting, and one of th…

1
Putting the Wild in Flowers and Bees 15:25

2y ago15:25

15:25

How can wildflower strips be used around farmland to increase plant diversity and attract a wider range of bumblebees and solitary bees? We’re talking about Dr. Rachel Nichol’s research that found a mix of key flower species in a wild bee-focused seed mix can attract a better diversity of pollinators than other types of mixes. What's on your buzzy …