Bees First, Honey Second with AJ & Chryssa Gardner (364)

This week on Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome AJ and Chryssa Gardner of REBEL44 to discuss an approach to beekeeping rooted in stewardship rather than production. What began as a small garden project quickly evolved into a carefully managed sideline operation now spanning multiple apiaries and more than a hundred colonies.

AJ shares how observing bee behavior—and listening closely to what the bees “tell you”—shaped his management philosophy. Rather than focusing on maximizing honey yields, AJ emphasizes nutrition, gentle genetics, low mite pressure, and allowing colonies to overwinter on their own terms. That mindset has led to remarkable overwintering success and strong, resilient colonies.

Chryssa adds an important perspective on food systems, honey authenticity, and why knowing the beekeeper behind the honey matters. Together, they explain how REBEL44 produces hyper-local, varietal honeys, harvested in short nectar windows that capture the unique character of specific plants, locations, and seasons. From blackberry to Japanese knotweed, each harvest tells a story.

The conversation also explores their immersive educational experiences, where families, beginners, and even corporate groups suit up, step into the apiary, and reconnect with nature. AJ describes how these hands-on visits often change how people think about bees, food, and stewardship.

This episode is a reminder that when beekeepers slow down, observe, and put bees first, the rewards—healthy colonies, meaningful education, and exceptional honey—follow naturally.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• Rebel44 Website: https://rebell44.com

• Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com
• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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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

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! 

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.

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

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.

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