Beekeeping Today Podcast - Presented by Betterbee

Episodes

June 2, 2025

Summer Management Tips with Jim Tew (336)

In this lively episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Dr. Jim Tew, host of Honey Bee Obscura and longtime beekeeper, for an unscripted conversation on the quirks, questions, and quiet joys of summer beekeeping. With decades of ...

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May 26, 2025

Honey Bee Genetics & Breeding with Dr. Robert E. Page (335)

What do honey bee genetics mean for the everyday beekeeper—and how do researchers untangle traits like foraging behavior, hygienic tendencies, and even pollen hoarding? In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Rob Page, one of the world’s leading experts in honey bee genetics and author of…

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May 20, 2025

[Bonus] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron on Supering

On this special edition of Shorts, Dr. Dewey Caron shares another “audio postcard” exploring the vital role of communication in supering—adding boxes to a hive for nectar storage and honey production. Dewey explains how supering is a message...

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May 19, 2025

Beekeeper and Congressman - Rep. Jim Himes, CT (334)

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky welcome U.S. Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District for a lively and inspiring conversation—not about politics, but about bees. A hobbyist beekeeper with a deep passion for the craft, Himes talks about beekeep…

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May 12, 2025

Regional Beekeepers: Spring 2025 (333)

In this 2025 spring beekeeping update, Jeff and Becky gather beekeepers from across the country for a timely regional check-in on seasonal progress, survival rates, and challenges. Joining the table are Ang Roell (MA/FL), Bonnie Morse (CA), Duane Combs (AZ), and Jay Williams (TN), each offering a c…

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May 5, 2025

InsideTheHive.TV with Dr. Humberto Boncristiani (332)

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...

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April 30, 2025

[BONUS] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron - Swarming

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with an “audio postcard” on one of spring’s biggest challenges: swarming. In less than 20 minutes, Dewey breaks down the science and management strategies of swarming across three...

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April 28, 2025

Tropilaelaps and Varroa Update with Dr. Samuel Ramsey (331)

Dr. Samuel Ramsey returns to the podcast with jaw-dropping updates from his global research into Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites. In this fast-paced and eye-opening conversation, Sammy shares the latest findings from his Honey Bee-nome Project,...

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April 21, 2025

Tracking Hive Theft with Deputy Sheriff Rowdy Freeman (330)

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky talk with Rowdy Freeman, a deputy sheriff from California who has become a leading figure in hive theft prevention. What began as a criminal investigation over a decade ago drew Rowdy into the world of bees...

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April 14, 2025

Dalan Animal Health – Vaccine Updates & Breakthrough Discoveries (329)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Amy Floyd and Everett Hendrixon of Dalan Animal Health back to the podcast to discuss the latest developments of vaccinated honey bee queens. With spring queen orders underway, many beekeepers are exploring...

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April 7, 2025

Judging Honey Shows With Stephanie Slater (328)

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, certified honey judge Stephanie Slater joins Jeff and Becky to demystify the art and science of honey shows. From understanding how entries are judged to tips on preparing award-winning honey, Stephanie...

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April 2, 2025

[Bonus] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron, "Honey Bee Communication Dynamics"

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, we welcome back Dr. Dewey Caron for a quick yet insightful Audio Postcard on honey bee communication – Bee Scientist to Beekeeper, Beekeeper to Bee, and Bee to Bee. Dr. Caron shares timely advice for...

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March 31, 2025

Univ. of Montana Beekeeper Education with Dr. Scott Debnam (327)

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...

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March 25, 2025

[Bonus] Simon Mildren - Micro Honey Harvester

Welcome to today’s Beekeeping Today Podcast Short. We’re excited to have Simon Mildren, founder and CEO of HiveKeepers, an Australian agtech company revolutionizing the beekeeping industry. Simon, a firefighter turned beekeeper, has been...

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March 24, 2025

Flow Hive's SuperLifter with Creator Cedar Anderson (326)

Beekeeping has evolved significantly over the years, and few innovations have sparked as much conversation Flow Hive's SuperLifter. In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Flow Hive co-founder, Cedar Anderson, who shares exciting updates on their latest...

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March 17, 2025

Predicting Honey Bee Foraging with AI - Davidson Fellow Vince Wu (325)

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky welcome an extraordinary young researcher, Vince Wu, a high school senior and Davidson Fellow Scholarship winner. Vince’s groundbreaking research combines artificial intelligence and honey...

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March 10, 2025

Raising Package Bees & Queens with Ray Olivarez (324)

Spring is here, and if you haven’t thought about your packages and queens yet, it’s time to act! In this episode, Beekeeping Today Podcast welcomes Ray Olivarez of Olivarez Honey Bees (OHB) to discuss the intricacies of raising high-quality queens...

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March 3, 2025

Upscaling #5 - Lessons Learned with Ritchie Schaefer (323)

Scaling a beekeeping operation comes with unique challenges and opportunities, and in this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Minnesota beekeeper Ritchie Schaeffer shares his firsthand experience moving from hobbyist to sideliner. Starting in 2018...

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Feb. 25, 2025

[Bonus] Short - Colony and USDA Losses with AHPA's President Steve Coy

The U.S. beekeeping industry is facing a crisis. Honey bee losses have skyrocketed, with commercial beekeepers reporting an average of 62% colony losses since June, as reported by Project Apis m. At the same time, critical USDA bee research programs...

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Feb. 24, 2025

Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner - The Business (322)

In this episode of the Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner series, we explore the business side of beekeeping with two beekeepers who successfully made the leap. Hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Tara Dawn Chapman of Two Hives Honey in...

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Feb. 18, 2025

[Bonus] BTP Short - 2025 Winter Losses as of Feb 18

In today's BTP Short, we talk with John Miller, of Miller Honey, who's family has been in beekeeping for over 130 years, about this winter's honey bee losses. Is it real or hyped? John provides a lifetime perspective to the losses so many beekeepers...

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Feb. 17, 2025

Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner - The Honey House (321)

Expanding a beekeeping operation brings new challenges, especially when it comes to processing and bottling honey efficiently. In this episode, Jeff and Becky continue their series on upscaling from hobbyist to sideliner beekeeping with a deep dive...

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Feb. 13, 2025

[Bonus] BTP Short - Unusually High Winter Bee Losses!

Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts brings you a quick dive into the latest buzz in beekeeping. In this first special episode, we welcome Dr. Humberto Boncristiani of Inside The Hive TV to discuss the alarming commercial colony losses reported this...

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Feb. 10, 2025

Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner - Equipment (320)

In the second episode of our February series, Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner Beekeeper, Jeff and Becky continue the conversation with returning guests Dr. Meghan Milbrath and Ana Heck from Michigan State University. This week’s focus is on one...

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