Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew revisits a seemingly simple question that sparked a surprisingly passionate response from readers and listeners alike: Do beekeepers still wire and embed…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, host Dr. Jim Tew takes listeners on a reflective and thought-provoking journey through the changing landscape of beekeeping practices over the decades. From his …

In this reflective episode, Jim Tew shares an honest and personal conversation about queens—both the winged kind in the hive and the ones we buy in cages. Sitting among his thriving colonies, Jim wei…

Have you ever heard of a bee room? In this episode, Jim Tew revisits a nearly forgotten practice of intentionally housing honey bee colonies inside homes—typically in attics or wall cabinets—during t…

Spring has finally arrived, and that means it’s time for a long-awaited bee yard visit! In this episode, Jim Tew heads out to check on his colonies after a tough winter. With a 30% winter loss, Jim r…

Beekeeping is full of unexpected moments—some hilarious, some humbling, and some downright painful. In this episode, Jim Tew takes a break from his usual beekeeping insights to share some of his most…

Every beekeeper starts somewhere, but how much guidance should an experienced beekeeper offer to a beginner? In this episode, host Jim Tew reflects on the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers and t…

In this special archive episode, Honey Bee Obscura revisits a classic conversation with the late Kim Flottum and host Jim Tew, as they explore the best ways to protect and extend the life of hive equ…

What happens when a honey bee nears the end of its life? In this episode, Jim Tew explores the little-discussed yet fascinating behavior of dying bees. Why do some bees fly away to die while others f…

Varroa mites remain a persistent challenge for beekeepers, and effective management is key to colony survival. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss practical approach…

Managing large honey bee colonies comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, but are bigger colonies always better? In this episode, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore the …

In this episode, Jim Tew takes a deep dive into the world of big colonies, posing the question: Are larger hives always better? With his signature blend of humor and beekeeping wisdom, Jim unpacks th…

This week, Jim Tew takes a nostalgic yet practical dive into the evolution of plastic in the world of beekeeping. From his early days in the 1970s, when plastic was virtually non-existent in beekeepi…

In this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew delves into the challenges and dilemmas beekeepers face when managing small, struggling colonies in the heart of winter. With his signature mix of…

In this special archive episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew and the late Kim Flottum dive into the age-old debate between starting with packages or nucleus colonies (nucs). Whether you’re a beginne…

In this archive special from November 2021, Jim Tew and Kim Flottum explore the fascinating—and sometimes unpleasant—world of bee yard smells. Odors are an integral part of the beekeeping experience,…

In this archive special episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss the unpredictable and sometimes puzzling world of queen honey bees. While queens are typ…

In this episode, Jim delves into the art and practicality of building your own bee boxes. He reflects on his journey with woodworking, from crafting frames and supers to the challenges of creating du…

Mentoring new beekeepers is a vital part of sustaining the beekeeping community, but are traditional methods enough? In this episode, Jim explores the evolving approaches to mentoring, from hands-on …

As winter sets in, Jim reflects on the annual ritual of ordering spring packages. From deciding how many packages to order to navigating delivery methods and timing, he explores the complexities and …