Nov. 10, 2025

Special Message and Archive Special - Darren Mays, NYPD Beekeeper (359)

Jeff and Becky have a special message for Beekeeping Today Podcast listeners! After years of conversations with researchers, sideliners, and beekeepers of all experience levels, they’re thrilled to announce that Beekeeping Today is taking the next step — into print.

The forthcoming book, “Beekeeping Today: Your First Year of Beekeeping,” brings together some of the most insightful lessons, stories, and advice shared on the show. And they’d love your help!

Listeners are invited to submit beekeeping photos for possible inclusion in the book — from bees at work to your hives through the seasons. To learn more or share your images, visit https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/p/beekeeping-today-the-book/.

After the announcement, Jeff and Becky revisit a listener favorite from the archives — a conversation with NYPD’s own beekeeper, Officer Darren Mays. Darren shares what it’s like to respond to swarm calls across New York City, rescue bees from surprising places, and balance life as both a police officer and beekeeper.

It’s a great reminder that honey bees — and beekeepers — can be found in the most unexpected places.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

 

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Betterbee Beekeeping Supplies

Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

Global Patties Pollen Supplements

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! 

Bee Smart Designs

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

HiveIQ

HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you’re managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ’s smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com.

StrongMicrobials

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Northern Bee Books

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening! 

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

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Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Growing Planet Media, LLC