Best Beeswax Podcasts (2024)

1
Prepping for Winter with Will (206) 21:00

1h ago21:00

21:00

In this episode, Jim is joined by his grandson, Will, to discuss preparing hives for winter, especially for smaller or struggling colonies. Jim explains the natural decline in bee population as winter approaches and the importance of clustering behavior for warmth. Will brings up questions about hive size, honey stores, and insulation needs, sparki…

1
Monitoring the Hive with Broodminder's Rich and Lorenzo (305) 57:27

1h ago57:27

57:27

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Rich Morris and Lorenzo Pons of Broodminder, the innovative team behind hive monitoring technology that’s helping beekeepers better understand their colonies. Rich and Lorenzo discuss the origins of Broodminder and how they’ve made high-tech hive monitoring accessible for beekeepers of all experience le…

1
Plain Talk: Fanning Bees (205) 19:48

5d ago19:48

19:48

In this episode, Jim explores the intriguing behavior of honey bees fanning at the hive entrance. What might seem like simple wing-flapping turns out to be a complex system of hive temperature and humidity regulation, vital for brood development and honey production. Jim dives into the mechanics of how bees strategically position themselves to crea…

1
Reading Eclipses for Fun and Profit, or from Divine Intervention to Priestly Protection Racket in the Old Babylonian Period 39:55

3d ago39:55

39:55

Some Old Babylonian tablets warn about lunar eclipses and their dire consequences. Drought! Famine! Lions! Surprisingly, the priests had rituals to prevent those consequences. Wait, you don’t seem surprised. With a shoutout to Madame Marie, seer of the Jersey Shore!By thisweekintheancientneareast

1
Dead Bees Don't Make Honey with Theresa Martin (304) 58:44

7d ago58:44

58:44

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Theresa Martin, author of Dead Bees Don’t Make Honey, as she shares insights into her distinctive approach to beekeeping. Theresa, who boasts an impressive 99% colony survival rate, attributes her success to a set of practical, research-informed techniques that prioritize colony health. From integrated pest m…

1
Plain Talk: Thieving Beekeepers (204) 22:33

7d ago22:33

22:33

In this candid episode, Jim shares a side of beekeeping rarely discussed: the loss of books, equipment, and even entire hives borrowed and never returned. As he recounts his experiences with missing bee catalogs, beekeeping books, and custom-built observation hives, Jim reflects on the challenges of sharing resources in the beekeeping community. Hi…

1
ASMR | 2 Hours & 45 Minutes of Coloring / Drawing Sounds 2:46:04

14d ago2:46:04

2:46:04

Send us a text Hi and Welcome! This audio includes 2 hours and 45 minutes of coloring with crayon / drawing sounds using a Blue Yeti Mic. Thank you and hope you enjoy! Untethered & Wanderwise: Female Travel Over 45 A travel podcast for women over 45 who want to explore this big beautiful world. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show…

1
Regional Beekeepers - Fall 2024 (303) 49:07

10d ago49:07

49:07

In this episode, Jeff and Becky bring together beekeepers from different regions across the U.S. to discuss the unique challenges they faced this past season. From Arizona’s intense heat to Washington’s unusually wet spring, our guests share insights into how varying climates impact bee health, honey production, and mite control. Duane in Arizona t…

1
Packing Hives with Anne Frey (203) 19:30

14d ago19:30

19:30

As the temperature drops, Jim and Anne Frey discuss the age-old question: Should you insulate your hives for winter? They explore the history of hive insulation, from traditional sawdust-filled crates to modern polystyrene wraps, weighing the benefits of warmth and moisture control against the labor and cost involved. Jim reflects on the various in…

1
(How) Long Reign Hezekiah, or A 100th Episode for the Ages! 43:59

17d ago43:59

43:59

For our momentous 100th episode we’re talking about the age old question, does chronology matter? A bunch of tiny seal impressions seem to have solved the question of when our old friend Hezekiah reigned. Though definitely stolen, they might even be real, probably. Maybe. So we’ve got big problems of reality and morality going for us, which is some…

1
The Habitat Crisis #4 - Bee and Butterfly Fund (302) 52:44

17d ago52:44

52:44

In this final episode of our month-long Habitat Crisis series, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky are joined by Pete Berthelsen and Zac Browning to discuss the critical role habitat restoration plays in supporting honey bee health and overall pollinator well-being. Pete and Zac are leaders of The Bee and Butt…

1
Plain Talk: Long Forgotten Equipment (202) 20:57

21d ago20:57

20:57

In this episode, Jim takes a deep dive into the beekeeping catalogs of the past, reminiscing about tools and equipment that have disappeared from today’s market. He highlights products like the hive fountain feeder and the bee-off blower system—innovations that once seemed indispensable but have since faded into obscurity. Jim discusses the evoluti…

1
The Habitat Crisis #3 - Dr. Diana Cox-Foster (301) 49:42

24d ago49:42

49:42

In this third episode of our month-long Habitat Crisis series, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Diana Cox-Foster from the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit. Diana shares fascinating insights from her research on the complex interactions between honey bees and native pollinators, r…

1
Bee Suit Design with Anne Frey (201) 21:39

28d ago21:39

21:39

In this episode, Jim is joined by Anne Frey returning from Betterbee to explore the history and evolution of bee suits. The discussion delves into how bee suits have changed over time, from early makeshift protective gear to the modern-day designs beekeepers rely on. Jim and Anne reminisce about the early days when beekeepers made do with veils and…

1
The Neolithic Shaman Girl from Çemka Höyük, or Terrapin Station in the Tenth Millennium 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

A Neolithic shaman burial at Çemka Höyük in southeastern Turkey? Why not! Somebody had to be a guide to the spirit world. But why are they always buried with tortoises? Aurochs, sure, weasels, um, ok. Our contestants are stumped and offer wild speculations. So business as usual.By thisweekintheancientneareast

1
The Habitat Crisis #2 - Dr. Andony Melathopoulos (300) 50:11

1M ago50:11

50:11

In the second episode of our month-long series on the Habitat Crisis, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Andony Melathopoulos from Oregon State University. Andony brings his extensive knowledge of honey bee and wild bee health to the conversation, focusing on the critical role habitat plays …

1
Plain Talk: Looking Back 200th Episodes (200) 22:15

1M ago22:15

22:15

In this special episode, Jim reflects on reaching the 200th episode milestone. He shares insights from the podcast's journey, from its humble beginnings with Kim Flottum to the challenges faced along the way. Jim highlights the evolving nature of the show, how it has grown, and how the support of listeners has been key to its success. With humor an…

1
The Habitat Crisis #1 - Dr. Gabriela Quinlan (299) 37:56

1M ago37:56

37:56

In this episode, Jeff and Becky kick off a month-long series on the habitat crisis, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, with special guest Dr. Gabriela Quinlan, an integrative ecologist focused on honey bee and pollinator nutrition. Gabriela shares her expertise on how habitat quality impacts bee health, emphasizing the impo…

1
ASMR | 1.5 Hours of Rain and Storm Sounds 1:30:03

1M ago1:30:03

1:30:03

Send us a text Hi and Welcome! This audio includes 1.5 hours of rain and storm sounds using a Blue Yeti Mic. Thank you and hope you enjoy! Support the showBy Ren

1
Plain Talk: Learning Points (199) 19:57

1M ago19:57

19:57

In this episode, Jim reflects on some key learning points from his years of beekeeping—particularly the lessons learned the hard way. He shares a story of purchasing bees from a grieving widow and the valuable, though painful, takeaways from transporting those colonies. Jim emphasizes the importance of not relying on propolis to hold hive component…

1
How to Dye a Fabric in the Middle Bronze Age, Or, See, I Told You Those Gross Little Bugs Were Good For Something 38:19

1M ago38:19

38:19

A red dyed textile from a Middle Bronze Age cave in the Judean Desert has us wondering, sure, boiled squished insects are colorful, but how did they go from, eww, gross, to, hey maybe I could dye some fabric with them and make myself pop? With psychologically revealing ruminations on our contestants’ favorite colors!…

1
Bee Regenerative with Sarah Red-Laird (298) 1:08:33

2M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Sarah Red-Laird, founder and co-director of Bee Regenerative, formerly known as the Bee Girl Organization. Sarah shares insights into her journey from founding the Bee Girl Organization to leading impactful regenerative agriculture projects that benefit pollinators. Listeners will hear about the challen…

1
Plain Talk: The Psychology of Beekeepers (198) 22:45

2M ago22:45

22:45

In 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 emot…

1
The Golden Age of Beekeeping with Peter Borst (297) 54:35

2M ago54:35

54:35

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Peter Borst, author of The Golden Age of Beekeeping. Peter shares fascinating insights into the history of beekeeping, exploring how the industry evolved from a disorganized practice into a standardized and structured operation. He explains why the period from the 1860s to 1920 is often referred to as b…

1
Observing Small Details with Anne Frey (197) 19:03

2M ago19:03

19:03

In this episode, Anne Frey from Betterbee takes over hosting duties while Jim recovers from illness. Anne shares her unique observations and insights into the small but fascinating details of beekeeping that are often overlooked during routine hive inspections. From witnessing bees pack pollen to seeing cocoons left behind after brood emergence, An…

1
The Tale of the Egyptian Scribes and their Bad Knees, Or, If You Can Build a Pyramid You Can Build a Table 29:47

2M ago29:47

29:47

Old Kingdom scribes kneeled or sat on the floor so their knees, backs and hips were as screwed up as ours. But did they have a trusted firm of personal injury lawyers pushing through the red tape to get them the Worker’s Comp benefits they were owed? Let’s hope so.By thisweekintheancientneareast

1
Honey Bee Veterinarians with Tracy Farone, DVM (296) 53:34

2M ago53:34

53:34

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Tracy Farone, a large animal veterinarian who has applied her expertise to honey bees. Tracy shares her journey from caring for cows and horses to becoming a go-to resource for honey bee health. She dives into the importance of viewing bees as livestock and how a veterinarian’s approach to animal ca…

1
Plain Talk: Early Fall Management (196) 22:37

2M ago22:37

22:37

In this episode, Jim reflects on the transition into early fall and the tasks that beekeepers need to address before winter arrives. From managing late-season nectar flows like goldenrod to assessing hive strength and preparing small colonies for survival, Jim shares his thoughts on the practical steps needed to ensure a successful overwintering. H…

1
Prepping for Winter: A 10-Step Guide to Hive Survival 5:18

2M ago5:18

5:18

Send us a text If you're a beginner beekeeper preparing your hive for winter, this episode is for you! In this summary podcast, we walk through a 10-point checklist that covers everything from insulating your hive to protecting it from pests, ensuring your bees stay safe and warm during the cold months. Perfect for new beekeepers, this episode give…

1
Bee Smart Designs with CEO Cliff Struhl (295) 51:33

2M ago51:33

51:33

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Cliff Struhl, CEO of BeeSmart Designs, for an engaging conversation about innovation in beekeeping equipment. Cliff shares his unique journey into beekeeping, which began with a simple favor for a friend and quickly evolved into a passion for creating smarter, more efficient beekeeping tools. Cliff discusses …

1
ASMR | 1 Hour of Beeswax Paper Tapping 59:25

3M ago59:25

59:25

Send us a text Hi and Welcome! This audio includes 1 hour of beeswax paper tapping on a Blue Yeti Mic. Thank you and hope you enjoy! Support the showBy Ren

1
Plain Talk: Honey Bees and Lawn Mowers (195) 22:11

3M ago22:11

22:11

In this episode, Jim delves into the curious and often frustrating relationship between honey bees and lawn mowers. Exploring why bees sometimes aggressively respond to lawn mowers while ignoring them on other days, Jim examines the various factors that might influence this behavior, including the season, hive strength, and environmental stressors.…

1
A Deepwater - Like Really Really Deep- Late Bronze Age Shipwreck or, Down to the Sea in Sunken Canaanite Ships 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

A Late Bronze Age shipwreck 90 kilometers off the coast of Israel has us asking, what were they doing way out there and if your ship sinks, how do you make an insurance claim without texts? Anyway, why are there are no Canaanite sea shanties? No, really.By thisweekintheancientneareast

1
Seaweeds and Honey Bees with Dara Scott (294) 46:18

2M ago46:18

46:18

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dara Scott, CEO and founder of HiveAlive, to discuss his journey in beekeeping and the innovative products his company offers. Dara shares how his fascination with beekeeping began over 25 years ago, inspired by his travels in New Zealand. His background in marine research at the prestigious Woods Hole Oceano…

1
An Update With Will (194) 20:41

3M ago20:41

20:41

In this episode, Jim is joined by his grandson, Will, to provide an update on Will’s first season as a beekeeper. They revisit the progress of the two colonies they set up in the spring, discussing the ups and downs Will has faced, including battles with ants, wax moths, and a struggling queen. Jim and Will share insights into the challenges of man…

1
Hive Insulation and Overwintering with Etienne Tardiff (293) 1:04:27

3M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Etienne Tardiff, a beekeeper from the Yukon, who shares his unique approach to wintering bees in some of the coldest climates imaginable. Etienne, blending his engineering background with hands-on experience, discusses the importance of managing temperature and insulation within the hive during long, ha…

1
Plain Talk: Wax Moths and Honey Bees (193) 20:57

3M ago20:57

20:57

In this episode, Jim delves into the complex and ancient relationship between honey bees and wax moths. Moving beyond the typical beekeeper concerns, Jim explores how these two species have coexisted for millions of years, engaging in a continuous cycle of adaptation and survival. He reflects on the evolutionary "arms race" between bees and wax mot…

1
ASMR | 45 Minutes of Plastic Moon Tapping 45:35

3M ago45:35

45:35

Send us a text Hi and Welcome! This audio includes 45 minutes of tapping a plastic moon! The mic used to record is a Blue Yeti Mic. Support the showBy Ren

1
Horsing Around the Ancient Near East in the Third Millennium BCE, Or, Let Me Get You Off of That Kunga and onto a Brand New Palomino! 45:19

3M ago45:19

45:19

New evidence suggests horses were domesticated over a thousand years later than previously thought, around 2200 BCE, which would mean they caught on pretty fast with wealthy Near Easterners. Still, who wouldn't love a pony? Who wouldn't love a person that had a pony? With touching childhood memories of horsemanship!…

1
Kamon Reynolds and NAHBE 2025 (292) 59:54

3M ago59:54

59:54

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Kamon Reynolds, the beekeeper behind the North American Honey Bee Expo. Kamon shares his journey from a young beekeeper to managing a full-time business and organizing a major beekeeping conference. Listeners will learn about Kamon’s strategies for managing queen issues, including the importance of havi…

1
ASMR | 1 Hour of Glass Tapping Sounds 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Send us a text Hello and welcome! This audio includes 1 hour of glass tapping sounds (a glass bottle, shaped like a leaf. Was used for syrup!) I hope you enjoy and thank you for listening! Support the showBy Ren

1
Plain Talk: Changes in Beekeeping (192) 22:22

3M ago22:22

22:22

In this episode, Jim reflects on the many changes and evolutions in beekeeping over the years. From the tools we use, like hive tools and slatted racks, to practices like pollen trapping and solar wax melting, Jim explores how these have evolved and what it means for modern beekeepers. He shares personal anecdotes, discusses the challenges and bene…

1
ASMR | 1 Hour of Scratching Sounds 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Send us a text Hi and Welcome! This audio includes 1 hour of scratching sounds with using a Blue Yeti Mic. Thank you! Support the showBy Ren

1
Dr. Jeff Pettis and Carlos Perea: New Varroa Treatment (291) 47:15

3M ago47:15

47:15

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Jeff Pettis and Carlos Perea to discuss some groundbreaking developments in the fight against varroa mites. Dr. Pettis, a renowned research scientist with over 20 years of experience at the USDA and current president of Apimondia, brings his extensive knowledge of honey bee health and the challenges…

1
Dissuading Beekeepers with Anne Frey (191) 20:17

4M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode, Jim and Anne Frey from Betterbee discuss the crucial topic of setting realistic expectations for potential new beekeepers. They share their experiences and insights on the importance of proper education, preparation, and understanding the commitment required to manage bees successfully. Jim and Anne emphasize the challenges and res…

1
A Waxy Buildup at Iron Age Horvat Tevet, Or, Does This Beeswax Make me Look Canaanite or Israelite? 48:41

4M ago48:41

48:41

Horvat Tevet was a village in the early Iron Age Galilee. Caananite, Israelite, who knows? They liked beeswax though. Make of that what you will. With a shoutout to The Bangles and a completely incongruent Lightning Round!By thisweekintheancientneareast

1
USDA-ARS Bee Lab Updates with Dr. Jay Evans (290) 50:36

4M ago50:36

50:36

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. Jay Evans from the USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Lab. Jay shares his vast experience and insights into honey bee research, focusing on the critical issues affecting beekeepers today. From his beginnings studying ants to his current role in bee research, Jay offers a fascinating perspective on the complexities o…

1
Small Swarm, Revisited (190) 15:11

4M ago15:11

15:11

In this episode, Jim revisits a small swarm he first discussed in June. As he inspects the colony, Jim shares his observations and strategies for nurturing this struggling swarm. Despite initial doubts, the colony has grown significantly, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges such as wax moth infestations and minimal nectar flow. Jim h…

1
Bee-Peeves (289) 52:38

4M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Jim Tew to discuss the little nagging issues every beekeeper face, humorously termed "bee peeves." Jim, a seasoned beekeeper and co-host of the Honey Bee Obscura podcast, brings his extensive experience and wit to the conversation, making this episode both enlightening and entertaining. Jim shares h…

1
Varroa and Marked Queens with Anne Frey (189) 21:20

4M ago21:20

21:20

In this engaging episode, Jim welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss a variety of timely beekeeping topics. They delve into the challenges of early mite infestations, highlighting the importance of proactive treatments. Jim and Anne also explore the curious case of neon green queen markers that fade quickly, the perplexing phenomenon of hyper…

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