Plain Talk: Bee Keeping vs Bee Tweaking (242)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew explores what it really means to call ourselves “beekeepers.” After more than fifty years with bees, Jim questions whether we truly “keep” them—or if we’re simply borrowing space in their world. He draws comparisons to birdhouses, backyard chickens, and monarch butterflies, observing that bees remain fundamentally wild, even when living in our boxes. Jim shares personal experiences of stepping back from active management for several years, allowing colonies to survive—or not—on their own terms. This shift prompts him to...
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Plain Talk: About Honey Bee Feeders (241)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes a thoughtful walk through history, sparked by a humble but enduring piece of equipment found in nearly every beekeeper’s supply box—the Boardman feeder. What begins as a practical look at feeding honey bee colonies becomes a fascinating exploration of beekeeping lore, forgotten innovators, and personal reflections on how ideas shape generations. Jim traces the origins of the Boardman feeder to its namesake, Hiram R. Boardman of East Townsend, Ohio, reflecting on how many of beekeeping’s most enduring tools were crafted by...
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Plain Talk: Hidden Hives (240)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this reflective and personal episode, Jim Tew explores a question many beekeepers may not think much about—why are so many bee yards hidden from view? Fresh off a long solo road trip, Jim shares how, despite driving over 2,000 miles, he didn’t spot a single beehive. This observation launches a deeper discussion about the reasons beekeepers often keep their hives out of sight: privacy, safety, neighbor concerns, theft prevention—and perhaps even a bit of tradition. From stories of problematic neighbors to camouflaged hive setups, Jim offers a candid look at the social and logistical...
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Reflecting on Spring Losses with Anne Frey (239)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes back Anne Frey of Betterbee to unpack the troubling die-offs many beekeepers experienced this past winter and spring. From unexplained colony declines to puzzling symptoms that didn’t respond to brood boosts or pollen patties, Jim and Anne share firsthand observations of a season marked by confusion, frustration, and difficult decisions. Anne describes colonies that made it through winter only to slowly spiral down, despite repeated efforts to revive them. The conversation touches on suspected varroa mite damage, potential amitraz resistance, and the...
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Plain Talk: About Drone Layers (238)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this episode, Jim Tew shares a messy and mysterious beekeeping challenge that begins with two unrelated problems—a failing observation hive and a suspected drone-laying queen. The result is a tangle of questions, classic troubleshooting, and a fair bit of head scratching. Jim walks listeners through his efforts to identify whether he’s dealing with a drone-laying queen, laying workers, or a queenless colony with atypical brood patterns. As he methodically shakes out bees, uses a long-retired queen and drone trap, and searches for elusive signs of a queen, the deeper story unfolds: what...
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Locust Tree Nectar Flows with Anne Frey (237)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to talk locust flows—and the puzzling question of why these spectacular blooms don’t always result in a honey crop. From the sweet scent of black locust trees to the realities of nectar availability, Jim and Anne explore the unpredictable connection between what we see in the landscape and what actually ends up in the supers. They swap observations on nectar flow patterns, weather and soil influences, and how different regions experience blooms. Anne highlights the importance of preparation and timing, while...
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Plain Talk: Queen and Drone Traps (236)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew recounts an unexpected turn during what was supposed to be a simple walk through his bee yard. When a hive erupts in swarm-like intensity, Jim finds himself in the middle of a classic beekeeping challenge—spotting and catching a queen mid-swarm. What follows is a fast-paced reflection on instincts, experience, and an old piece of equipment: the queen and drone trap. Jim revisits a mostly forgotten tool of the trade and tests its function in real time. Does it stop the swarm? Not quite. But it does raise questions about how much we really know...
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Exploring Mysteries of the Bee Yard (235)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
On this rainy and unseasonably chilly spring day, Jim Tew heads out to his bee yard with longtime friend and former lab assistant Jason Ferrell. While the original plan was to inspect a package colony, the weather—and some unexpected bee behavior—had other ideas. What began as a routine day in the yard quickly turned into a puzzling observation. Why were a dozen bees congregating on a white hive cover in 51°F drizzle? Their tongues extended, their abdomens pulsating—Jim and Jason speculate: Are they foraging? Are they confused? Is there something special about that surface? It’s...
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Plain Talk: The Lost Swarm (234)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew shares the frustration and lessons learned from losing a swarm — a reminder that even seasoned beekeepers face humbling moments. Jim recounts how an unusually strong colony, coupled with a busy spring and personal distractions, set the stage for a swarm escape despite his best efforts. From initial excitement at spotting the swarm nestled low on a hibiscus branch to the scramble for equipment and the disappointment as the bees slipped away, Jim walks listeners through the emotional highs and lows of the day. Along the way, he shares...
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Bee Talk with Eugene & Diane Makovec (233)
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
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 respected publications. Alongside him, Diane reflects on her own introduction to beekeeping and how their shared passion for bees has grown over time. Together, they explore the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers, navigating misinformation in the...
info_outlineIn this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes a thoughtful walk through history, sparked by a humble but enduring piece of equipment found in nearly every beekeeper’s supply box—the Boardman feeder. What begins as a practical look at feeding honey bee colonies becomes a fascinating exploration of beekeeping lore, forgotten innovators, and personal reflections on how ideas shape generations.
Jim traces the origins of the Boardman feeder to its namesake, Hiram R. Boardman of East Townsend, Ohio, reflecting on how many of beekeeping’s most enduring tools were crafted by observant tinkerers in their own bee yards. He draws parallels to the lesser-known Alexander feeder and veil, celebrating the inventive minds behind beekeeping’s early advancements.
Through the lens of E.E. Root’s 1923 booklet Feeds and Feeding, Jim examines how feeding practices—and the philosophies behind them—have evolved. He shares his own changing perspective on feeding colonies, offering a candid view that challenges the notion of stimulative feeding as a default practice. Along the way, Jim considers how the field has shifted from individual innovation to data-driven science, and what we might be losing in the process.
This episode isn’t just about feeders. It’s about history, humility, and honoring the legacy of those who laid the foundation for what we do today—one rabbit hole at a time.
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Jim Thompsons Article about the history of Honey Bee Feeders in Bee Culture: https://beeculture.com/a-history-of-feeders/
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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com
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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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