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PODCAST

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

The weekly podcast exploring the joys, challenges, and curiosities of keeping honey bees. Hosted by Dr. Jim Tew and produced by Jeff Ott, Honey Bee Obscura delivers short, focused conversations that dive into the details of beekeeping—from practical how-tos to quirky observations. Perfect for learning something new on the way to the apiary, at home, or wherever your bees take you.

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All Episodes

23:13

Plain Talk: Considering Spring Packages (209)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/12/12

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,

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19:58

Plain Talk: Things Not Seen (208)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/12/05

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,

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16:45

Archive Special: Browsing Bee Books (207)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/11/28

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

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21:00

Prepping for Winter with Will (206)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/11/21

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, sparking a conversation about how beekeepers can support small colonies through the cold months. From transferring honey frames to adding insulation, Jim and

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19:48

Plain Talk: Fanning Bees (205)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/11/14

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 create airflow, control brood nest temperature, and assist in the dehydration of nectar. He also examines how water foragers and fanning bees coordinate to

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22:33

Plain Talk: Thieving Beekeepers (204)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/11/07

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. His stories range from the humorous to the frustrating, including the time he gifted a swarm and never saw the hive box again. Jim highlights the unique

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19:30

Packing Hives with Anne Frey (203)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/10/31

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 insulation methods he’s tried over the years, while Anne shares insights on insulation’s role in mimicking a tree’s thick walls, the natural shelter of wild

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20:57

Plain Talk: Long Forgotten Equipment (202)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/10/24

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 evolution of beekeeping gear, from practical solutions for bee management to tools that ultimately didn’t stand the test of time. For both new and experienced

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21:39

Bee Suit Design with Anne Frey (201)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/10/17

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 painter overalls, contrasting that with today’s specialized suits that provide comfort and protection. They reflect on the practical aspects of choosing

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22:15

Plain Talk: Looking Back 200th Episodes (200)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/10/10

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 and sincerity, Jim discusses the lessons learned, the guests who have helped shape the show, and the commitment to providing plain talk beekeeping

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19:57

Plain Talk: Learning Points (199)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/10/03

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 components together and discusses the risks of overheating colonies during transport. With his characteristically warm wit and experience, Jim offers beekeepers

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22:45

Plain Talk: The Psychology of Beekeepers (198)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/09/26

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 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

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19:03

Observing Small Details with Anne Frey (197)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/09/19

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, Anne explores the beauty and wonder in these tiny, intricate moments. Whether you're new to beekeeping or a seasoned pro, this episode offers a fresh

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22:37

Plain Talk: Early Fall Management (196)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/09/12

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. He discusses the importance of tackling Varroa mites, managing honey stores, and deciding how to handle weaker colonies. Whether you're dealing with your

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22:11

Plain Talk: Honey Bees and Lawn Mowers (195)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/09/05

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. He also touches on the broader question of whether bees can "hear" and how they perceive vibrations. With a mix of personal anecdotes and research

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20:41

An Update With Will (194)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/08/29

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 managing bee colonies, the importance of monitoring hive health, and the lessons learned from both success and failure. This episode offers a candid look at

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20:57

Plain Talk: Wax Moths and Honey Bees (193)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/08/22

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 moths, where each has developed unique strategies to outmaneuver the other. This episode provides a thought-provoking look at the natural balance within bee

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22:22

Plain Talk: Changes in Beekeeping (192)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/08/15

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 benefits of these changes, and offers insights into how some of these old practices might still have relevance today. Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or

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20:17

Dissuading Beekeepers with Anne Frey (191)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/08/08

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 responsibilities of beekeeping, offering candid advice to help aspiring beekeepers avoid common pitfalls and ensure they are truly prepared for the demands

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15:11

Small Swarm, Revisited (190)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast ·

2024/08/01

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 highlights the importance of providing support through interventions like pollen substitutes and honey frames. This episode offers practical insights into

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