Plain Talk: Plastic in Beekeeping (216)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
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 anecdotes about the challenges of using glass honey jars, metal extractors, and wooden cages in the past—and how plastic innovations, such as plastic foundation, queen cages, and five-gallon buckets, have transformed beekeeping. He discusses the pros...
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Plain Talk: Stressing Winter Bees (215)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
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 anecdotes about a small swarm that settled in one of his hives, only to struggle against the odds. From emergency feeding with honey and fondant to the futility of late-season interventions, he discusses the fine line between helping a colony...
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Archive Special: Packages and Nucs with Kim Flottum (214)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
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 and Kim discuss why packages are often the preferred choice for beginners, emphasizing their simplicity and control. They explore the advantages of nucs, which allow for faster colony growth and even the potential for a honey harvest in the first...
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Archive Special: Bee Yard Smells with Kim Flottum (213)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this archive special from November 2021, Jim Tew and Kim Flottum explore the fascinating—and sometimes unpleasant—world of bee yard smells. Odors are an integral part of the beekeeping experience, offering clues about the hive’s health and activity. From the smoky aroma of a well-used smoker to the sour, unmistakable stench of a dead-out hive, every scent tells a story. Jim and Kim share their insights on favorite smoker fuels and how the choice of fuel creates unique and nostalgic scents. They also reflect on the comforting, familiar smells of stored beekeeping equipment, which...
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Archive Special: Abnormal Queens (212)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this archive special episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss the unpredictable and sometimes puzzling world of queen honey bees. While queens are typically diligent workers with a singular focus on laying eggs, anomalies can and do occur, leaving beekeepers scratching their heads. Jim and Anne share fascinating stories of queens fainting in the beekeeper’s hand, queens with physical deformities that still manage to thrive, and the challenges of marking queens without mishap. They delve into the history and controversy of clipping queen wings,...
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Plain Talk: Building Your Own Bee Boxes (211)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this episode, Jim delves into the art and practicality of building your own bee boxes. He reflects on his journey with woodworking, from crafting frames and supers to the challenges of creating durable hive components. Jim shares stories of his early fascination with tools, shop class memories, and the satisfaction of building hives from scratch. However, he also discusses the realities of time, cost, and quality that often make purchasing pre-made equipment a more practical choice for modern beekeepers. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or simply curious about the intersection of...
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Plain Talk: Mentoring New Beekeepers (210)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
Mentoring new beekeepers is a vital part of sustaining the beekeeping community, but are traditional methods enough? In this episode, Jim explores the evolving approaches to mentoring, from hands-on hive inspections to innovative techniques like virtual reality, gamification, and multi-sensory workshops. Drawing from decades of experience, Jim shares the timeless lessons of beekeeping, such as understanding hive odors and the hum of busy bees. He also reflects on the value of staying current with new tools and resources that make mentoring more accessible and engaging. Whether you’re an...
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Plain Talk: Considering Spring Packages (209)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
As winter sets in, Jim reflects on the annual ritual of ordering spring packages. From deciding how many packages to order to navigating delivery methods and timing, he explores the complexities and quirks of preparing for the new beekeeping season. Jim discusses the challenges faced by new and seasoned beekeepers alike, including balancing weather risks with the need to start early to maximize the nectar flow. With decades of experience and a dash of humor, he shares insights on managing packages, working with haulers, and adapting to the ever-evolving world of beekeeping. Whether you’re...
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Plain Talk: Things Not Seen (208)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this reflective episode, Jim delves into the fascinating realm of beekeeping mysteries and experiences he’s never witnessed firsthand despite decades in the field. From the elusive sight of queens and drones mating mid-flight to spotting a queen on the outside of a swarm cluster, Jim explores the mysteries of bee behavior that continue to elude him. He shares anecdotes of near-misses and experiments, like his attempt to observe drones responding to a caged queen with a flying drone (the machine, not the bee). With humor and curiosity, Jim highlights the wonders of bees and the enduring...
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Archive Special: Browsing Bee Books (207)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jim revisits a cherished conversation with the late Kim Flottum, reflecting on their shared passion for beekeeping books and the joy of exploring bee knowledge together. From rare finds like Beekeeping New and Old to beloved staples like The Hive and the Honey Bee, Jim and Kim delve into the excitement and challenges of collecting bee literature. They discuss favorite authors, trusted resources like USDA pamphlets, and how beekeeping knowledge continues to evolve. Hearing Kim’s voice again reminds us of his warmth, insight, and dedication to the...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jim takes a reflective look at the psychology behind beekeeping and explores why people are drawn to it, and what keeps them going over the years. From the initial fascination and cognitive preoccupation with bees to the eventual identity fusion where beekeeping becomes a core part of who we are, Jim delves into the mental and emotional journey that many beekeepers experience. He discusses the highs and lows of the craft, the risks of burnout, and the sense of identity that often forms over time.
This episode offers a deep dive into the mindset of those who stick with beekeeping for the long haul.
Listen today!
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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Feeding your bees is a breeze with the Bee Smart Designs Ultimate Direct Feeder! By placing it on top of your uppermost box with a medium hive body around it, you can feed your bees directly while minimizing the risk of robbing. Plus, for a limited time, if you order a Bee Smart Designs Direct Feeder, you'll receive a free sample of HiveAlive and a coupon for future discounts with your new feeder! HiveAlive supplements, made from seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, help your colonies thrive, boost honey production, reduce overwinter mortality, and improve bee gut health. Visit betterbee.com/feeder to get your new feeder and free HiveAlive sample 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)
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