Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

Growing Planet Media
  • 4.8 (129)
  • Hobbies
  • Updated Weekly

The weekly podcast exploring the joys, challenges, and curiosities of keeping honey bees. Hosted by Dr. Jim Tew and produced by Jeff Ott, Honey Bee Obscura delivers short, focused conversations that dive into the details of beekeeping—from practical how-tos to quirky observations. Perfect for learning something new on the way to the apiary, at home, or wherever your bees take you.

  1. A Novice Teaches Beekeeping

    1d ago

    A Novice Teaches Beekeeping

    Jim Tew welcomes his grandson, Will Laditka, back to Honey Bee Obscura for a candid conversation about the realities of learning beekeeping as a young beginner. Will reflects on losing his first colonies, the emotional impact of what initially appeared to be American Foulbrood, and how those difficult experiences ultimately strengthened his understanding of honey bee management. Jim and Will discuss the importance of learning through setbacks, the challenge of managing Varroa, and why resilience is one of the most important qualities for new beekeepers. The discussion also explores how beekeeping intersects with education and communication. Will shares how he recently used beekeeping as the subject of a college speech presentation, explaining basic hive equipment, bee communication, pheromones, and colony behavior to classmates unfamiliar with bees. The conversation highlights how honey bees can engage audiences far outside traditional beekeeping circles. Jim and Will also compare beginner beekeeping experiences across generations. Jim reflects on the simplicity and affordability of starting beekeeping decades ago, while Will explains how modern equipment costs and management expectations can make entering the hobby more difficult for younger beekeepers today. Together, they discuss how beekeeping has evolved while still maintaining the same lessons of patience, observation, and continual learning. This episode offers thoughtful perspective for beginning beekeepers, especially younger listeners navigating the steep learning curve of modern honey bee management. ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    16 min
  2. The Wayward Swarm, Part 4

    May 21

    The Wayward Swarm, Part 4

    In this final installment of the "Wayward Swarm" saga, Dr. Jim Tew and Jason Ferrell return to the colony that has caused more trouble, worry, and excitement than either expected. After multiple attempts to recover and hive the swarm — including ladders, falls, cold weather, bee vacuums, overloaded trap cages, and weeks of uncertainty — Jim finally opens the hive for the first inspection. What they discover surprises both of them. Despite losing a significant number of bees during the ordeal and never once seeing the queen after the swarm was collected, the colony survived. Jim and Jason find eggs and young larvae spread across multiple frames, confirming that the queen successfully survived the swarm capture, the transfer, and the difficult conditions that followed. Along the way, Jim reflects on how quickly beekeeping can shift from "not enough bees" to "too many bees," especially after unexpectedly strong overwintered colonies and package installations. He also shares thoughts on aging in the bee yard, the realities of ladder work, swarm management decisions, and the unpredictable nature of small mating swarms. The discussion also touches on package colony buildup, swarm behavior, queen survival, feeding small colonies, and the strange tendency for swarms to revisit the same locations. Mostly, though, this episode captures the humor, frustration, and satisfaction that often accompany real-world beekeeping. As Jim says, this may well become "a beautiful three or four segment issue on how not to hive a swarm." ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    16 min
  3. The Wayward Swarm, Part 3

    May 14

    The Wayward Swarm, Part 3

    In this third installment of The Wayward Swarm, Jim Tew returns to the now-infamous swarm hanging high in a tree after days of cold rain and falling temperatures. Joined by longtime beekeeper friend Jason Ferrell, Jim attempts one final rescue effort for what may be one of the largest — and most ill-fated — swarms either of them has encountered. What follows is raw, field-recorded beekeeping under miserable spring conditions. With temperatures hovering near 40°F, rain moving through, and the cluster weakening by the hour, Jim and Jason attempt an improvised bee vacuum recovery involving ladders, extension cords, slippery footing, failing equipment, and more determination than good judgment. Along the way, listeners hear the difficult reality of swarm survival, the limits of intervention, and the emotional pull that keeps beekeepers trying even when the odds are poor. This episode captures beekeeping exactly as it sometimes is: exhausting, frustrating, uncertain, and deeply human. Jim's candid narration and Jason's steady assistance make this one of the most memorable "Plain Talk" field episodes yet released on Honey Bee Obscura. Will the swarm survive? At the time of recording, even Jim doesn't know. But listeners will experience every step of the attempt. ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    17 min
  4. Plain Talk: The Wayward Swarm, Part 2

    May 7

    Plain Talk: The Wayward Swarm, Part 2

    In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew delivers a candid, field-side reflection on the challenges—and realities—of swarm management when conditions, equipment, and personal limitations don't align. What begins as a routine observation quickly turns into a frustrating and physically risky attempt to retrieve a swarm positioned just out of safe reach. Jim walks listeners through his decision-making in real time: weighing experience against instinct, confronting the temptation to "just try one more time," and ultimately recognizing the limits that come with age, safety, and practicality. The episode explores a common but often under-discussed scenario: when a swarm simply won't cooperate. Despite repeated shaking attempts, the bees persistently return to their chosen limb, demonstrating the strength of their cohesion and site fidelity. Jim reflects on possible reasons for swarm behavior, including whether the queen failed to leave initially, how scent cues reinforce clustering, and whether scout activity or indecision plays a role in swarm reversals. Equally important is the emotional side of beekeeping—wanting to intervene, knowing when to stop, and accepting loss. Jim shares the internal conflict between letting bees follow their natural course and the beekeeper's instinct to act. This is "plain talk" beekeeping at its core: practical, honest, and grounded in experience. The takeaway is clear—sometimes the best decision is not to climb the ladder. ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    17 min
  5. Plain Talk: Packages and Swarms

    Apr 30

    Plain Talk: Packages and Swarms

    In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew brings listeners along for a raw, unfiltered walk through his apiary during one of beekeeping's most unpredictable seasons. After expecting significant winter losses, Jim ordered five packages—only to discover that many of his colonies survived. What follows is a practical and honest look at the realities of managing too many bees, not enough equipment, and the financial weight of modern beekeeping.  Working through newly installed packages, Jim shares his "slipshod beekeeping" approach—using improvised feeding methods, mismatched equipment, and minimal intervention—while still focusing on the fundamentals: ensuring queens are released, colonies are stable, and resources are protected from stronger hives during seasonal nectar gaps. Midway through the episode, everything shifts. A strong colony unexpectedly swarms, offering a vivid, real-time reminder that even experienced beekeepers can misjudge colony strength and behavior. Jim walks through the moment as it unfolds, reflecting on swarm dynamics, colony pressure, and the humbling nature of working with honey bees. This episode is a grounded reminder that beekeeping rarely goes exactly as planned—and that adaptability, observation, and a bit of humility go a long way. ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    17 min
  6. Installing Packaged Bees with Anne Frey, Part 2

    Apr 23

    Installing Packaged Bees with Anne Frey, Part 2

    Jim Tew and Anne Frey return for Part 2 of their discussion on honey bee packages, continuing a practical and often humorous look at the realities of installing packages and managing queens in the early season. Picking up where they left off, the conversation dives deeper into real-world beekeeper experiences—especially the unexpected challenges that arise when beginners misunderstand the basics of package installation. Jim and Anne share stories that highlight just how confusing early beekeeping can be without proper guidance, from customers who never installed their bees into a hive to unusual queen introduction mistakes that led to colony failure. These examples reinforce a central theme: beekeeping is simple in concept, but small missteps can have big consequences. The discussion also explores practical techniques for installing packages, including securing queen cages, handling bees in cold weather, and the importance of returning to the hive to remove cages and correct spacing. Anne emphasizes how easily improper spacing can lead to burr comb, while Jim reflects on the many "small details" that only come with experience. As the conversation continues, they examine colony development timelines, including the natural population decline that occurs in the first few weeks after installation. They also compare packages and nucs, noting how packages start slowly but can catch up later in the season. Throughout the episode, Jim and Anne reinforce the value of mentorship, preparation, and patience—reminding listeners that while most installations go smoothly, success often comes down to understanding the fundamentals before getting started. ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    18 min
  7. Installing Packaged Bees with Anne Frey, Part 1

    Apr 16

    Installing Packaged Bees with Anne Frey, Part 1

    Package bee installation is one of the most common ways new beekeepers start a colony, and in this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to share practical, experience-based approaches to getting packages established successfully. As spring arrives, Jim opens with a familiar situation—ordering packages after winter losses, only to find more colonies survived than expected. That leads into a broader discussion of why packages remain a popular entry point for beginners, offering a slower and more manageable buildup compared to nucs or splits. The conversation explores different installation techniques, including Jim's "slow release" method, where bees exit the package on their own rather than being shaken into the hive. Anne adds perspective from working with customers and emphasizes how critical proper feeding is during early spring, when cold conditions can quickly lead to starvation even when food is present. They also discuss queen cage management, including how long to wait before release and how to safely introduce the queen without risking loss. Along the way, they share real-world stories that highlight how small setup mistakes—especially around feeding and placement—can have significant consequences. Throughout the episode, Jim and Anne reinforce a key message: successful package bee installation depends on attention to detail, timing, and understanding bee behavior. This is part one of a two-part conversation, setting up a deeper dive into package management in the next episode. ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    20 min
  8. Plain Talk: Seeing The Light

    Apr 9

    Plain Talk: Seeing The Light

    In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew reflects on the contrast between light and darkness—both in beekeeping and in life. Recorded in the bee yard on a meaningful personal day, Jim shares a quiet, thoughtful conversation that begins with remembrance and transitions into observation. As spring unfolds and colonies build, he considers one of the enduring mysteries of honey bees: how they function so effectively within the complete darkness of the hive. Jim explores how bees move between two radically different environments—bright sunlight during foraging and total darkness inside the colony. Without relying on vision, bees navigate, communicate, care for brood, and construct comb using tactile senses, pheromones, and behavioral cues. He raises questions about how much we truly understand about these processes and what remains hidden from observation. The discussion expands to consider how beekeepers themselves affect this environment. Opening a hive introduces sudden light into a space where developing bees have never experienced it. Jim reflects on whether this disruption has consequences—drawing on past advice about protecting young larvae from direct sunlight—and wonders what other subtle effects might go unnoticed. Along the way, Jim connects these ideas to broader reflections on nature, including other creatures that live in darkness and even the unseen workings within the human body. The episode closes with thoughts on the beauty of spring, the resilience of bees, and the value of simply sitting in the apiary and observing. This episode is less about answers and more about curiosity—inviting listeners to consider what we don't yet understand about honey bees and the world they inhabit. ______________________ 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 We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

    19 min
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4.8
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About

The weekly podcast exploring the joys, challenges, and curiosities of keeping honey bees. Hosted by Dr. Jim Tew and produced by Jeff Ott, Honey Bee Obscura delivers short, focused conversations that dive into the details of beekeeping—from practical how-tos to quirky observations. Perfect for learning something new on the way to the apiary, at home, or wherever your bees take you.

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