Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

In this Plain Talk episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew settles into his shop on a cold winter day to reflect on the many ways beekeeping appears odd to those outside the craft—and completely normal to those who practice it. Sparked by casual comments from friends asking whether he still "does that bee thing," Jim explores how deeply beekeeping reshapes perspective. He begins with one of the most obvious oddities: beekeepers accept being stung as part of the deal. While that alone is a deal-breaker for many, beekeepers normalize pain, protective gear, and the inevitability that bees will occasionally get through even the best equipment. Jim draws thoughtful comparisons to other pursuits where risk and discomfort are accepted without question. From there, he examines how outsiders view hive inspections as breaking and entering—smoking bees, dismantling their homes, and rearranging their world—actions that feel routine to beekeepers but astonishing to others. He also reflects on the long-standing discomfort some people feel about taking honey, and how the language of "robbing" bees gave way to more ethical framing over time. Jim discusses the near obsession beekeepers have with queens, the deeply philosophical nature of beekeeping conversations, and the surprisingly medieval jargon that still defines the craft. He closes by reflecting on how beekeeping alters one's sense of time, seasonality, and awareness of the natural world—quietly reshaping how beekeepers see everything around them. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this week's episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew invites listeners into an apiary winter wonderland, where a fresh blanket of snow becomes one of the beekeeper's most revealing diagnostic tools. While the bee yard is silent on the surface, the snow tells its own story—tracks from deer and other wildlife, drifts shaped by wind, and the scattered bodies of a few dead bees shed light on how colonies are coping with single-digit temperatures. Jim reflects on the unmistakable signs of winter stress, including the loss of one colony and the resilience shown by others. With a characteristic blend of curiosity and humor, he brings along a stethoscope to listen for the faint hum of winter clusters—an experiment rooted in both science and playfulness. Even without opening the hives, he gathers clues about colony strength, cluster placement, and the harsh realities of overwintering bees. As he contrasts the vibrancy of summer with the quiet austerity of winter, Jim shares a thoughtful perspective on what it means to simply visit the apiary during the cold months. Sometimes the best beekeeping involves observing rather than intervening—letting the season speak and learning from what it reveals. Join Jim for this meditative walk among resting colonies in the heart of winter. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

This week on Honey Bee Obscura, Jim reflects on a familiar challenge in the beekeeping world: How do we find new beekeepers? A winter snowstorm derailed his plans to record with his grandson and two of his college friends, but the experience sparked a larger, thoughtful conversation about what draws people to bees—and why most people never pick up the craft. Jim revisits his own journey into beekeeping, remembering how early exposures didn't quite "stick" until years later, when something finally clicked. This becomes the focus keyphrase fishing for beekeepers: the idea that only a small percentage of people have the spark, and it may take multiple encounters before a future beekeeper recognizes it in themselves. Through stories about his grandson Will—who clearly has the spark—and Will's uninterested friends who don't, Jim explores the unpredictable mix of timing, curiosity, personality, and life circumstances that shape whether someone might take up beekeeping. He also explains why recruiting new beekeepers matters: supporting equipment manufacturers, keeping clubs and associations healthy, sustaining university and regulatory programs, and ensuring beekeeping remains visible and valued. From observation hives at farmers markets to the ways beekeepers unintentionally evangelize the craft, Jim reminds listeners that encouraging new beekeepers isn't a requirement—but it's something that helps preserve a 5,000-year-old tradition for future generations. Snow or no snow, Jim's message lands clearly: keep planting seeds. The next beekeeper might just be waiting for the right moment. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Sometimes beekeeping doesn't look polished, tidy, or picture-perfect—and in this week's episode, Jim leans right into that truth with a candid look at what he calls slipshod beekeeping. After visiting beekeepers and listeners at the Kentucky State Beekeepers Assn, he returns home to a bee yard that reflects the realities of taking several years off to care for family. With winter approaching and the colonies not quite where he wants them, Jim takes listeners along as he makes quick, imperfect, but meaningful adjustments to help his bees get through the cold season. Armed with nothing more than duct tape, scissors, and a hive tool, Jim walks through the small but necessary tasks he's tackling: closing oversized entrances, managing upper and lower exits, checking bottom trays, reducing drafts, and working around equipment that isn't ideally arranged. The episode's title, slipshod beekeeping, becomes a reminder that sometimes the best you can do is what you're able to do in the moment—and that doing something often matters more than doing nothing. Along the way, Jim shares observations about winter flight, hive debris, scavenger activity in bottom boards, and even the surprising calm of cool-weather stings. This episode is an honest acknowledgment that not every season goes as planned, and that many beekeepers will see themselves in Jim's mix of improvisation, practicality, and hope for a more organized spring. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Jim Tew returns with a reflective look at artistry in beekeeping—a part of the craft that may not appear in manuals but lives vividly in the memories and creative expressions of beekeepers everywhere. In this week's episode, Jim shares the story of a remarkable young artist he taught during his early years at the University of Maryland. Her detailed drawings of honey bees—rendered in graphite, colored pencil, and ink—left a lasting impression that still hangs on his office wall decades later. Using those early illustrations as a springboard, Jim explores how creativity intertwines with beekeeping, from sketches and carvings to wax craft and historical printing plates. He reflects on the visual language that shapes our understanding of honey bees and the sentimental power that old artwork can hold, long after its creator has moved on. Whether you're a beekeeper who sketches, carves, photographs, or simply enjoys the artistry of others, this episode offers a warm reminder of the creative spirit that has always surrounded the keeping of bees. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Plain Talk episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew heads out to the bee yard for a quiet, reflective fall inspection. As the days shorten and the goldenrod fades, Jim shares what he looks for when evaluating his colonies' readiness for winter. He discusses the telltale signs of healthy late-season activity, how to spot the early warning flags of robbing, and when it's best to step back and simply observe. Jim talks through practical steps such as checking hive weight, watching for moisture issues, and balancing the fine line between helpful intervention and unnecessary disruption. Through his plain-spoken observations, Jim reminds listeners that sometimes the best management choice this time of year is to do nothing at all — letting strong colonies finish their own preparations while keeping an eye on the ones that may still need support. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Winter may have a firm grip on the landscape, but beekeepers can still get ready for the season ahead. In this Honey Bee Obscura episode, Jim Tew sits down with Anne Frey of Betterbee to talk about how to make the most of cold months by planning for spring. Anne and Jim share practical ideas to ensure you're not scrambling once the weather breaks — from repairing and assembling hive equipment to mapping out management tasks on your beekeeping calendar. Anne suggests using past notes or calendars to anticipate bloom times and colony milestones, helping beekeepers predict when to add supers or prepare for swarm season. The conversation also touches on refreshing equipment, creating swarm traps from worn-out boxes, planning new projects such as pollen trapping or comb-honey production, and using local bee meetings to learn from others during the off-season. Both Jim and Anne emphasize that winter prep isn't busywork — it's the key to hitting the ground running when the bees and blossoms are ready. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

What does "efficiency" really mean in beekeeping—and can it go too far? In this Honey Bee Obscura episode, Jim Tew welcomes back Anne Frey of Betterbee for a lively, down-to-earth talk about working smarter in the bee yard without losing the joy of beekeeping. Anne shares her insights from running a small commercial operation in upstate New York, where rainy days and heavy supers are a constant challenge. Together, she and Jim discuss practical ways to save time, reduce lifting, and improve workflow—whether through simple tools like dollies, trailers, and brad nailers or better planning of extracting spaces and bee yard layouts. Listeners will pick up plenty of ideas for improving efficiency while keeping things fun—from using hand trucks and lift gates to rethinking equipment setups and honey house organization. Anne and Jim also touch on the limits of efficiency, reminding beekeepers that sometimes the best plan is to relax, experiment, and find what works for you. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Jim Tew is back from a long drive through Michigan's autumn beauty—and while the leaves have changed, his thoughts haven't strayed far from bees or smoke. In this week's Honey Bee Obscura, Jim explores one of beekeeping's oldest tools—the smoker—and how this essential companion has become both a help and a health concern. From his makeshift recording spot at his daughter's home to a chat with a firefighter friend, Jim dives into the effects of smoke on both beekeepers and bees. He reflects on his own lifelong asthma and how smoke exposure impacts his breathing, raising questions every beekeeper might consider but few discuss openly. Listeners will learn how Jim has experimented with different fuels—pine needles, wheat straw, and his favorite cedar shavings—and the tradeoffs between convenience, toxicity, and effectiveness. He also shares his practical two-can smoker system that keeps fuel dry and ready while reducing waste and cleanup. If you've ever wondered how something so simple could still be indispensable—or whether it's time to rethink the smoke in your beekeeping life—this episode is pure Jim Tew: reflective, honest, and unmistakably practical. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this reflective episode, Jim Tew takes listeners on a journey through his years as a traveling beekeeper, visiting apiaries and researchers around the world. From the early days of Africanized "killer" bees in Venezuela to disciplined Burmese military trainees in Myanmar, Jim recounts how these experiences shaped his understanding of honey bees and the people who care for them. Jim describes the sobering reality of working with hyper-defensive bees in Venezuela and the evolution of those colonies over time, before shifting to stories of beekeepers in China, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. Through it all, he highlights the universal spirit of beekeeping—a shared language spoken through the hum of the hive, no matter the country or culture. Jim closes with a gentle reminder that every beekeeper, from backyard hobbyists to world travelers, shares the same curiosity and respect for the bees. His tales from the road remind us that while techniques and environments differ, the heart of beekeeping remains constant worldwide. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Plain Talk episode, Jim Tew reflects on one of beekeeping's most underrated tools—instinct. Beekeepers make hundreds of small decisions in the apiary, many of them guided by experience and that unspoken "gut feeling." But how do you know when to trust it? Jim shares a story from helping his grandson's neglected hive in Michigan that appeared doomed by American foulbrood. Everything looked and smelled like the dreaded disease, and his first instinct was to destroy the colony. But something didn't feel quite right. After careful thought—and some hesitation—Jim trusted his gut and waited. It turned out not to be foulbrood after all, saving thousands of bees from destruction. The episode moves through other examples of gut-driven choices: whether to replace a failing queen, when to combine colonies, or how to interpret subtle signs in the hive. Jim admits that intuition doesn't always get it right—sometimes it's "about fifty-fifty"—but it's still an indispensable part of good beekeeping. Through humor, humility, and decades of experience, Jim reminds us that while science, records, and data are vital, listening to your gut can sometimes make the difference between a good decision and a painful mistake. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Archive Special from October 2021, we revisit a conversation with the late Kim Flottum and Jim Tew as they discuss the many ways beekeepers prepare colonies for the cold months ahead. From simple windbreaks to traditional tar paper wraps, insulated hive covers, and quilt boxes filled with wood shavings, Jim and Kim explore techniques both old and new. The discussion highlights how winter prep has evolved, offering options for hobbyists with just a few colonies, sideliners with dozens, and commercial beekeepers managing thousands. They share practical advice on keeping colonies warm, ventilated, and dry, while considering different hive types—from 8- and 10-frame Langstroths to top bars and even polystyrene boxes. Kim emphasized that there's no one-size-fits-all approach: the best method is the one that works for your bees and your climate. Jim recalls beekeeping practices from the past and wonders how modern materials might make things easier. Together, they remind listeners that preparation is essential—whether that means insulation, moisture management, or simply ensuring adequate food reserves. This archive episode offers timeless reminders for beekeepers everywhere: have a plan, protect your bees, and adapt your strategies to your operation size and environment. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

This milestone episode marks 250 installments of Honey Bee Obscura. Jim reflects on more than 5,000 minutes of plain talk beekeeping, the early days recording with the late Kim Flottum, and the ongoing joy of talking bees every Thursday morning. With autumn closing in, Jim turns to a practical and urgent subject: your last chance winter prep for bees. He discusses how to evaluate queens in late September, when to combine weak colonies, and whether requeening makes sense this late in the year. Feeding thick syrup, ventilation debates, and insulation strategies also come into focus. Jim emphasizes the importance of making tough choices now—taking losses in fall rather than in midwinter—so equipment, comb, and bees are better positioned for spring. Episode 250 offers both reflection and encouragement, helping beekeepers act decisively as they finish preparing their colonies for the cold months ahead. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew explores the challenges of fall honey and testy bees during the autumn flow. What begins as a calm reflection on goldenrod and fall asters quickly turns into an unexpectedly lively encounter with defensive bees. Jim describes multiple stings, determined pursuit by guard bees, and how hive temperament can shift overnight—even in colonies that had been calm the day before. Moving beyond the sting drama, Jim turns his attention to the autumn landscape: 40 acres of goldenrod and asters, monarch butterflies drifting past, and the distinctive smell of fall honey. He reflects on why goldenrod doesn't always deliver the honey crop beekeepers hope for, how drought can limit nectar production, and how this season's flow may not produce much surplus honey. Jim closes with lessons from letting his yard grow wild into a natural pollinator paradise—an unintended success after he stopped mowing—and wrestles with the balance between letting nature take over and maintaining clear access to the hives for safety. Whether you're heading into fall with booming colonies or just enjoying the last warm days of the season, this episode is a reminder that beekeeping always holds surprises. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew shares his fascination with old beekeeping books, particularly a rare two-volume set titled Beekeeping, New and Old: Described with Pen and Camera by W. Herrod-Hempsall. Jim first found Volume 1 nearly 40 years ago in poor condition, but recently added the elusive Volume 2 to his collection. With nearly 2,600 pages combined, the books are a window into the forgotten history of beekeeping—covering skeps, hive designs, drumming, collateral hives, and hundreds of hive types now lost to time. Jim explains why these texts matter: they remind us that beekeeping today is just a snapshot in a long continuum of human–bee interaction. He reflects on the sheer diversity of hive experiments before Langstroth's design became standard, and how history shows both the ingenuity and the futility of trying to "perfect" beekeeping for humans rather than for bees. To balance the nostalgia, Jim also highlights a modern favorite: Bees and Their Keepers by Swedish journalist Lotte Möller, a readable, thoughtful look at bees, culture, and human history. From ancient Roman complaints about bees to Brother Adam's breeding work, Möller's book provides an engaging counterpart to dusty tomes. For Jim, these books—whether rare treasures or modern reflections—are not just curiosities. They are tools for writing, podcasting, and grounding today's beekeeping in its rich and complicated past. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Jeff Ott (from Beekeeping Today Podcast) wrestle with the idea of bare bones beekeeping. After a few false starts with recording equipment, the two dive into what it really means to keep bees with minimal effort, tools, and energy—especially as age, time, or physical limits change how one approaches the craft. Jim reflects on his desire to simplify: watching the landing boards, reading seasonal cues, and conserving his energy while still staying actively engaged with his colonies. He emphasizes that bees remain "masters of their fate," and that beekeepers must constantly ask: when are we helping, and when are we hurting? Jeff adds perspective, noting the balance between using technology like hive scales and sensors to reduce intrusion, and the need—especially for new beekeepers—to still open hives, make mistakes, and learn directly from the bees. The conversation highlights the art of observation, the role of experience in cutting corners safely, and the tension between traditional management and modern minimalist approaches. Whether it's relying on sensors, using observation hives for a quick "bee fix," or simply lifting less by changing equipment choices, Jim and Jeff show that bare bones beekeeping isn't about neglect—it's about adaptation, efficiency, and finding joy in bees at every stage of life. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew recounts an unexpected August swarm that turned a normal day into a beekeeping puzzle. What began as a routine check for a groundhog problem quickly spiraled into a surprise discovery: a swarm squeezed into the narrow space beneath his barn. Jim shares the challenges of coaxing the bees out of an impossible location, from using honey as bait to trying smoke and even recalling Tom Seeley's research on swarm behavior. Along the way, he reflects on yellowjackets, skunks, and the odd timing of a late-summer swarm. Despite his best efforts, the bees had other plans—reminding us that beekeepers can suggest, but never require. This candid story is full of practical lessons, humor, and humility, as Jim admits that sometimes bees simply do their own thing. It's a reminder of the unpredictability of beekeeping and the patience it often demands. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

As summer winds down, Jim Tew sits down with fellow beekeeper Anne Frey to talk through what August reveals about colonies heading into winter. Their conversation explores the signs that point to how well bees are prepared, from brood nest patterns and queen performance to food reserves and mite levels. Anne and Jim discuss how local conditions shape management decisions and how preparation in late summer sets colonies up for survival and spring success. They also reflect on finding the balance between beekeeper intervention and letting bees adapt naturally. This candid exchange provides both practical steps and thoughtful reminders for anyone managing hives as the seasons turn. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Late season swarms can puzzle even experienced beekeepers. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore why colonies sometimes issue swarms in August—or even September—long after the spring swarming season has passed. Are these "suicidal swarms" driven by genetics, overcrowded brood nests, or something else entirely? Jim and Anne share stories of catching these late swarms, debate the rhyme "A swarm in July is not worth a fly," and discuss whether such colonies are doomed—or simply in need of the right help. They offer practical tips for giving these latecomers a fighting chance, from providing comb and honey to creative solutions like using double screen boards to share warmth with stronger colonies. Whether you see them as an oddity or an opportunity, this conversation offers practical strategies and a bit of humor to help you decide if—and how—you should try to carry a late swarm through winter. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

When it comes time to remove honey from your colonies, the job can feel like one of the most physically demanding tasks of the beekeeping season. In this Honey Bee Obscura archive special from September 2022, hosts Kim Flottum and Jim Tew revisit their practical—and often humorous—discussion about getting honey supers off the hives without losing your mind, your back, or your bees. Kim describes his backyard setup, complete with wagons, covers, and a trusty leaf blower, while Jim details his more "insane" approach with multiple colonies, tall grass, and the inevitable swarm of unhappy bees. Together, they walk through methods for clearing bees from supers, dealing with the stragglers that follow you back to the garage or honey house, and strategies to minimize chaos for both beekeeper and colony. Whether you're working with three hives or twelve, this episode offers relatable insights and down-to-earth solutions that make the big job of honey removal just a little more manageable. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC