Honey Bee Obscura Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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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)

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.

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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)

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.

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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

______________________

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 today's episode, Jim and David Peck, PhD, delve into a fascinating topic that rarely gets any 'air time' unless you are interested specifically in raising queens: Queen Isolation Cages.

For beekeepers, the queen bee is the heart of the hive, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining hive order. Queen Isolation Cages are ingenious tools that allow beekeepers to temporarily isolate the queen from the rest of the colony. This technique can be applied in various scenarios, from performing selective breeding to managing swarm prevention and introducing new queens.

But what are the science and research-based insights behind the use of Queen Isolation Cages? How can these devices help us improve our beekeeping practices and overall hive management? In this episode, Jim and David explore the intricacies of Queen Isolation Cages, discussing their purpose, benefits, and potential challenges.

Join Jim and David as they discuss the ins and outs, the pros and cons of using this specialized piece of beekeeping equipment and how it can be used in your bee operation!

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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

______________________

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 © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Kim and Jim delve into several important maintenance tasks that beekeepers can undertake during the winter season to ensure the health and productivity of their hives. Winter might seem like a downtime, but it's a critical period for preparing your hives for the upcoming spring.

One key task they discuss is culling old comb. This task is near and dear to Kim. It involves removing combs that are over three years old or show signs of disease, pest infestation, or excessive use. By doing this, you reduce the risk of diseases, pests, contaminants and residual pesticides, and enhance the hive's overall cleanliness. It's a vital step in maintaining hive health and vigor.

Other essential winter chores, include checking and repairing hive equipment, cleaning and storing unused equipment, and planning for the upcoming season. Monitoring food stores and ensuring adequate insulation are also discussed, ensuring your bees stay healthy and well-fed throughout the colder months.

Listen today and gain valuable insights and tips on winter maintenance. It's a vital aspect of beekeeping that sets the stage for a successful and bountiful year ahead.

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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

______________________

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 © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Join Kim and Jim in this special archive episode from late October 2021, where they delve into the critical task of preparing your hives for the winter season. This episode is particularly crucial for beekeepers in colder climates.

Are you comfortable in shorts outdoors during this time of year? If yes, then wrapping your colonies for winter might not be a necessity. However, if a brisk step outside in shorts sends shivers down your spine, this episode is tailored for you!

Key discussions include:

1. Windbreaks: An effective, economical solution to shield your hives from harsh winds. Easy to set up and highly beneficial.

2. Insulation Options: Explore various insulation methods, including traditional tar paper, roofing, or HVAC insulation. For convenience, there are also ready-made hive wraps available in the market.

3. Insulated Hive Tops: Groundbreaking research into natural beehives in hollow cavities has led to a significant insight - insulating the top of the hive is more crucial than the sides. Replacing wooden hive covers with insulated tops can be a game-changer, offering dual benefits of keeping the hive warm in winter and cool in summer.

4. Advanced Hive Bodies: The episode also touches on innovative hive bodies made from materials like polystyrene, designed for enhanced temperature regulation.

Wind protection, moisture control, hive wrapping, and advanced hive body options are all explored. Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive guide on how to best prepare your hives for the winter season, ensuring the health and productivity of your colonies

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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

______________________

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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

As the leaves fall and the bees nestle in for winter, many beekeepers find themselves next to a warm fire, a cup of tea in hand, flipping through the pages of their cherished bee books. Have you ever looked at your shelf brimming with bee books and wondered, 'Will I ever read all of these?' You're not alone.

In this cozy episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Kim rejoins Jim in the studio to delve into the fascinating world of beekeeping literature. They explore the shelves of their personal libraries, sharing insights about what makes a bee book invaluable. From favorite authors to timeless publishers, they discuss the evolution of beekeeping knowledge and how the information in these books stands the test of time.

But beware, not all beekeeping techniques age like fine wine! Kim and Jim unravel how to discern timeless wisdom from outdated practices.

So, as you settle in for the evening, let your gaze wander over to your bee book collection. What hidden treasures do you own? Join us as Kim and Jim reveal their most treasured bee books and offer tips on building a meaningful library.

We can't wait to hear about the bee books that have inspired your beekeeping journey. Share your top picks with us after the episode!

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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

______________________

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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In today's episode Jim invites Becky Masterman to discuss the lasting impact of Dr. Walter Rothenbuhler's seminal research on honey bee hygienic behavior. His work, which has been a bedrock in the field of apiculture, sheds light on the genetic foundations of disease resistance among honey bees, particularly against threats like American Foulbrood.

Jim provides a unique inside perspective to Dr. Rothenbuhler as Jim personally knew and worked with him at The Ohio State University bee lab. 

Today's discussion centers around the critical behavior of bees known as 'hygienic behavior,' where bees detect and eliminate diseased or parasitized brood from the hive, thereby protecting the colony from outbreaks. This behavior, identified and explored by Dr. Rothenbuhler, is a key trait that bee breeders prioritize to foster robust colonies.

Jim and Becky navigate the connections between Dr. Rothenbuhler's, and that of other early researchers' findings and their practical applications in contemporary beekeeping. The insights from their research are essential for selective breeding programs that aim to enhance colony health and disease resistance.

Concluding the episode, Jim and Becky reflect on the enduring relevance of Dr. Rothenbuhler's contributions to apiculture. His legacy not only informs our current practices but also continues to guide research and advancements in the field of beekeeping.

Tune in for this fascinating journey through bee behavior research and its profound implications for beekeepers around the world.

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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

______________________

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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Beekeeping is not always as straightforward as hive inspections and honey extraction. When bees decide to set up shop in places beyond the traditional hive box, it requires specialized techniques and knowledge to safely and ethically relocate them.

When beekeepers set up plain boxes (not the standard Langstroth hive with moveable frames) then move them to a standard hive, it is often called a 'transfer'. When honey bees are removed from a structure, such as the wall of a house, it is called a 'cutout'.

In today's episode, Jim talks about how transfers are not that common these days, and how cutouts are. These are specialized activities that require more than beekeeping skills.

Listen today as Jim tackles the topic of Transfers and Cutouts.

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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

______________________

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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In the intricate realm of beekeeping, the queen bee reigns supreme, yet she remains a mysterious figure for many beekeepers. Join Jim as he welcomes Anne Frey, the head beekeeper of Betterbee, to delve into the fascinating world of Queen Quirks: Unusual Phenomena in Queen Bees.

Jim and Anne share their wealth of experiences raising queens, offering invaluable insights into the enigmatic quirks that queens can exhibit. Together, they explore a variety of intriguing situations, including dealing with injured and disabled queens, queens that seem to faint (yes, even queens can have their "off" days), the puzzle of multiple eggs in a single cell (Is it a young queen or a laying worker?), perplexing spotty brood patterns, and even instances of clumsily marked queens.

For every beekeeper, encountering these quirks is not a matter of "if" but "when." So, what should a beekeeper do when faced with these quirks? How can you distinguish between a benign quirk and a potentially problematic queen? Tune in to this episode as Jim and Anne engage in an informative and engaging discussion, shedding light on these Royalties of the hive. Discover how you can discern the subtleties of queen behavior and make informed decisions about the well-being of your bee colony.

Join Jim and Anne for a captivating exploration of some of the quirks seen in queens, and blend science and experience to help demystify this aspect of beekeeping.

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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

______________________

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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2023 by Growing Planet Media, LLC