Education Episodes

Award-winning filmmaker Ariel Gilman captured something far deeper than beekeeping in The Boys and the Bees. In this episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Georgia beekeeper Nehemiah Ray, whose family’s story became the subject of the Sundance Award-winning short documentary. Nehemiah shares how an unexpected encounter with honey bees while working in pest control led him into beekeeping, live honey bee removals, and raising his sons alongside the bees. The conversation explores fatherhood, family, resilience, honey bee removals, learning from bees, and the remarkable

Kamon Reynolds joins Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman to discuss plans for the 2027 North American Honey Bee Expo, including expanded educational programming, new presentation tracks, and a formal call for speaker proposals. The conversation also highlights the Beginning Beekeeping Short Course being developed with Beekeeping Today, attendance growth, international outreach, and the Expo’s mission to connect, educate, and inspire beekeepers of all experience levels.

In this episode of Beekeeping Today, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck and Robyn Underwood from the Apiculture Extension Educators of America (AEEA) to discuss the value and impact of extension education in beekeeping and agriculture. They explore how extension programs connect research-based information with local communities, support beginning and experienced beekeepers, and help strengthen relationships between universities, researchers, and the public. The conversation highlights the evolving role of Extension in today’s rapidly changing agricultural landscape and why trusted, science-based outreach remains essential for honey bee health and beekeeper success.

Honey show insights, black jar judging, and bee lab outreach from the University of Minnesota highlight this final Midwest Honey Bee Expo short.

Dr. Jamie Ellis discusses honey bee health research, practical beekeeping insights, and how current science helps beekeepers make better management decisions in the apiary.

Jeff and Becky answer listener questions on mentorship, overwintering, feeding bees, hive tools, monitoring systems, and common beekeeping myths in this wide-ranging Q&A episode.

In this month’s Beekeeping Today Podcast Short with Dr. Dewey Caron, he reflects on the many ways communication connects us — from human language to honey bee behavior. Recorded following the Oregon State Beekeepers Association’s annual meeting, Dewey explores communication on three levels: between bee scientists and beekeepers, between beekeepers and their bees, and among bees themselves. He compares human verbal, nonverbal, and written communication to the complex systems found in honey bee...

This week, Becky Masterman and guest co-host Dr. Meghan Milbrath of Michigan State University welcome Melanie Kirby, queen breeder, educator, and pollinator specialist at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Melanie shares her incredible beekeeping journey — from learning in the jungles of Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer, to queen rearing in Hawaii’s Kona Queen and Hawaiian Queen Apiaries, to managing migratory operations across the U.S., and now mentoring new be...

The Midwest Honey Bee Expo is back—and bigger than ever. Jeff and Becky talk with organizers Bill Werning and Doug Koltermann about what's in store for the 2026 event, held February 6–7 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Following a sold-out debut in 2025, this year's expo expands into a larger venue featuring everything under one roof—vendors, speakers, workshops, and a connected hotel for attendee comfort. Bill and Doug share how they turned a regional need for practical, h...

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Jerry Hayes, renowned honey bee advocate, author, and researcher, for a wide-ranging conversation on bee health, industry change, and the future of beekeeping. Drawing from decades of experience—from inspecting colonies in the field to influencing corporate and regulatory policy—Jerry shares what he’s learned about building bridges between science, beekeepers, and the broader agricultural world. The discussion touches on Jerry’s roles across the be...

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. Humberto Boncristiani, bee biologist, educator, and founder of InsideTheHive.TV. Humberto shares his compelling journey from growing up with Africanized bees in Brazil to becoming a leading voice in honey...

Online beekeeping education has come a long way—and the University. of Montana is leading the way. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Dr. Scott Debnam, head beekeeper and lead instructor for UM’s Online Master Beekeeping Program, about how...

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Sarah Red-Laird, founder and co-director of Bee Regenerative, formerly known as the Bee Girl Organization. Sarah shares insights into her journey from founding the Bee Girl Organization to leading...

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Kamon Reynolds, the beekeeper behind the North American Honey Bee Expo. Kamon shares his journey from a young beekeeper to managing a full-time business and organizing a major beekeeping conference....

In this episode, hosts Jeff and Becky chat with Brooke Decker and Natasha Garcia-Anderson from the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA). Brooke and Natasha share their extensive knowledge and experiences as regulatory officials dedicated to supporting...

In this insightful episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Master Beekeeper David Burns. David, a well-known figure in the beekeeping community, shares his extensive knowledge and experiences, offering...

Welcome to a special episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, presented by Betterbee. As we kick off our seventh year and celebrate the first day of Pollinator Week, we are thrilled to bring you a conversation filled with insights and stories that...

(#271) In this captivating episode, Jeff and Becky chat with Bo Sterk, the visionary founder of Bees Beyond Borders, an organization dedicated to uplifting communities through beekeeping in the Caribbean. This episode delves into Bo's three decades of...

In this episode, Dr. Eva Reinicke, DVM, of Northfield, Minnesota joins Becky and guest cohost, Dr. Meghan Milbrath, assistant professor at Michigan State University. One focus of Meghan’s MSU bee lab is honey bee medicine training for veterinary...

Merry Christmas from Beekeeping Today Podcast! If you're tuning in on this festive day, we're glad to have you with us. The holiday season is a cherished time for family and friends, and though we dearly miss our beloved colleague, Kim Flottum, we're...

Welcome to this week’s episode where we've woven together a rich tapestry of stories and expertise to enrich your winter days and nights with the fascinating world of bees. Ed Colby: High-Altitude Beekeeping Tales We start with our regular...

In this episode we are joined by Grace Foster-Reid, the visionary behind Ecofarms Jamaica. Ecofarms is not only a beacon of sustainable beekeeping in the Caribbean but also a platform for uplifting disadvantaged groups, including individuals who are...

In this episode, we're joined by Monica Schmitt, Director of Mission Beelieve, an organization dedicated to using beekeeping as a therapeutic and vocational resource for veterans and first responders. Monica, talks about how her enjoyment of...

In today’s episode, Jeff and Becky chat with Chris Hiatt, the President of the American Honey Producers Association (AHPA). AHPA, with a history dating back to its establishment in 1969, has been a cornerstone of the beekeeping community. Their...