Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

In this reflective episode, Jim delves into the fascinating realm of beekeeping mysteries and experiences he’s never witnessed firsthand despite decades in the field. From the elusive sight of queens…

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jim revisits a cherished conversation with the late Kim Flottum, reflecting on their shared passion for beekeeping books and the joy of exploring bee knowledge t…

In this episode, Jim is joined by his grandson, Will, to discuss preparing hives for winter, especially for smaller or struggling colonies. Jim explains the natural decline in bee population as winte…

In this episode, Jim explores the intriguing behavior of honey bees fanning at the hive entrance. What might seem like simple wing-flapping turns out to be a complex system of hive temperature and hu…

In this candid episode, Jim shares a side of beekeeping rarely discussed: the loss of books, equipment, and even entire hives borrowed and never returned. As he recounts his experiences with missing …

As the temperature drops, Jim and Anne Frey discuss the age-old question: Should you insulate your hives for winter? They explore the history of hive insulation, from traditional sawdust-filled crate…

In this episode, Jim takes a deep dive into the beekeeping catalogs of the past, reminiscing about tools and equipment that have disappeared from today’s market. He highlights products like the hive …

In this episode, Jim is joined by Anne Frey returning from Betterbee to explore the history and evolution of bee suits. The discussion delves into how bee suits have changed over time, from early mak…

In this special episode, Jim reflects on reaching the 200th episode milestone. He shares insights from the podcast's journey, from its humble beginnings with Kim Flottum to the challenges faced along…

In this episode, Jim reflects on some key learning points from his years of beekeeping—particularly the lessons learned the hard way. He shares a story of purchasing bees from a grieving widow and th…

In this episode, Jim takes a reflective look at the psychology behind beekeeping and explores why people are drawn to it, and what keeps them going over the years. From the initial fascination and co…

In this episode, Anne Frey from Betterbee takes over hosting duties while Jim recovers from illness. Anne shares her unique observations and insights into the small but fascinating details of beekeep…

In this episode, Jim reflects on the transition into early fall and the tasks that beekeepers need to address before winter arrives. From managing late-season nectar flows like goldenrod to assessing…

In this episode, Jim delves into the curious and often frustrating relationship between honey bees and lawn mowers. Exploring why bees sometimes aggressively respond to lawn mowers while ignoring the…

In this episode, Jim is joined by his grandson, Will, to provide an update on Will’s first season as a beekeeper. They revisit the progress of the two colonies they set up in the spring, discussing t…

In this episode, Jim delves into the complex and ancient relationship between honey bees and wax moths. Moving beyond the typical beekeeper concerns, Jim explores how these two species have coexisted…

In this episode, Jim reflects on the many changes and evolutions in beekeeping over the years. From the tools we use, like hive tools and slatted racks, to practices like pollen trapping and solar wa…

In this episode, Jim and Anne Frey from Betterbee discuss the crucial topic of setting realistic expectations for potential new beekeepers. They share their experiences and insights on the importance…

In this episode, Jim revisits a small swarm he first discussed in June. As he inspects the colony, Jim shares his observations and strategies for nurturing this struggling swarm. Despite initial doub…

In this engaging episode, Jim welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss a variety of timely beekeeping topics. They delve into the challenges of early mite infestations, highlighting the importanc…