Latest Beek Podcast Episodes

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Episode 307: A Most Difficult Early Season

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - July 14, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: I’ve been speaking to a number of other beekeepers over the last couple of weeks, and all agree it’s been one of the most difficult starts to a beekeeping season in many years. Some beekeepers are still feeding their bees as we pass the Summer Solstice. For me, I’ve just ...

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Episode 306: Borage and Cut Comb

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - July 07, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: It still doesn’t feel like we’ve really got started with our beekeeping season yet in the next couple of weeks Borage will start flowering and the Summer nectar flow will be in full flow. Time for more preparations and I also turn my attention towards Cut Comb Honey produ...

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Plain Talk: The Fallen Hive (186)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - July 04, 2024 10:00 - 20 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this episode, Jim takes listeners on an adventurous journey to inspect a fallen hive. Accompanied by his friend Bob Romick, Jim travels through rural Ohio to assess the damage and potential causes of the hive's collapse. He shares the challenges of working with a toppled hive, including the u...

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Episode 305: Introducing New Queens

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - June 30, 2024 07:00 - 15 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: Introducing new queens into queenless colonies can sometimes be a tricky job especially for the inexperienced beekeeper. We’ve tried several different methods and now focus on making colonies hopelessly queenless before releasing the new queen, listen in to hear more of t...

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Plain Talk: How Not To Remove Bees (185)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - June 27, 2024 10:00 - 21 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this episode, Jim Tew shares valuable lessons learned from his early days in beekeeping, focusing on the challenges of removing bees from old structures. Reflecting on his 50 years of beekeeping experience, Jim recounts humorous and insightful stories of his first attempts at bee removals. Li...

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Episode 304: Unsettled Weather, Unsettled Bees

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - June 23, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, it’s raining again. The bees don’t like it, I certainly don’t like it and I’m desperate to settle in to a regular inspection routine. We’re splitting colonies in preparation for new queen introductions and thinking about the Su...

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Plain Talk: A Small June Swarm

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - June 20, 2024 10:00 - 20 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this episode, Jim Tew delves into the fascinating world of swarming behavior. Jim shares his experiences with swarms moving into winter-killed colonies, highlighting how these free bees can effectively clean up and rejuvenate old equipment. He discusses his observations on swarm preferences, ...

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Episode 303: More Late May Rain

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - June 16, 2024 07:00 - 15 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: It’s raining again, the Spring crop is ready for the taking and I’m turning my attention to preparing colonies for splitting in readiness for the Summer borage trip. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 303 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. For all you...

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Plain Talk: The Survivor Hive

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - June 13, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
Join Jim Tew as he recounts the captivating story of the “Survivor Hive” — an incredible beehive that endured decades without human intervention. In this episode, Jim shares a remarkable story from his early beekeeping days, illustrating the resilient and adaptive nature of honeybees. Learn how ...

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Episode 302 The Shook Swarm Absconded!

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - June 09, 2024 07:00 - 16 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: At this time of the year there's just no let up. It's a huge growth period for our colonies, we're still trying to calm the urge for colonies to swarm and I've been carrying out more shook swarms to remove old, dirty combs and with luck any hidden varroa population. Hi, ...

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Plain Talk: Not My Bees (182)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - June 06, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this episode, Jim Tew dives into the humorous and often frustrating situations beekeepers face when neighbors expect them to handle all sorts of "bee" problems. Jim shares personal stories of dealing with carpenter bees, yellowjackets, and hornets—none of which are honey bees. He explains the...

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Episode 301: Why I Choose Langstroth Hives

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - June 02, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: Another crazy week of beekeeping, More swarms, Stings through my bee suit veil and some thoughts on why I have finally settled on the Langstroth hive as my preferred box for our bees. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 301 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and S...

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Plain Talk: Smoke and Smokers (181)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - May 30, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this episode, Jim Tew shares his tried-and-true methods for lighting and using a smoker, essential tools for any beekeeper. He delves into the evolution of his technique; from the fuel he prefers to the simple but effective system he's developed over the years. Jim discusses the convenience...

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Episode 300: Sunshine, Rain and Swarms!

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - May 26, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: Who would have thought it, Episode 300 and what a week we've had. Intense Spring Sunshine, temperatures up to 20 Degrees Celsius and once again, really heavy rainfall. The perfect combination for swarming and boy have we suffered! Listen in to hear just what's been happen...

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Plain Talk: Irate Bees! (180)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - May 23, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this stinging episode, Jim recounts an unexpected encounter with unusually aggressive bees in his apiary. While mowing near his hives, Jim experienced an unprovoked attack from bees that had previously shown no signs of hostility. He delves into potential reasons for this sudden change, explo...


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Episode 299: Bailey Comb Change

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - May 19, 2024 07:00 - 16 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: Well, it looks like the weather might finally be turning a little warmer, it's not too different from last year with a late start but now it's here let's crack on, It's a good time to perform a Bailey Comb Change. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 299 of my p...

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Best Practices & Expert Tips for Rose Gardening

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 17, 2024 14:00 - 12 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
We’ve touched on rose pests and diseases. This episode is dedicated to getting your rose garden started. Ensure you have proper conditions, pick the right roses, and just get growing! You won’t be disappointed in the results when you provide your rose garden with everything it needs.  Epic Garde...

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Disease-Free Rose Growing

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 16, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
Many rose diseases can be prevented through proper care, which prevents pests that can spread diseases as well. But dealing with any diseases that crop up isn’t that difficult. Heirloom Roses owner, Ben Hanna has the essential tips for tackling rose diseases.  Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https...

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Plain Talk: It's Not Just Keeping Bees (179)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - May 16, 2024 10:00 - 21 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this thoughtful episode, Jim dives into the often-overlooked aspects of beekeeping that extend beyond the bees themselves. He reflects on the countless hours spent on tasks that, while essential, don't directly involve handling bees—like managing equipment, mowing grass, and maintaining bee y...

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Common Rose Pests and Prevention

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 15, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
There are three components to keeping pests away from your roses: proper sunlight, watering, and fertilizing. Most rose plants recover from pest feeding, and most gardens already have a healthy population of beneficial insects. In this episode, Ben Hanna discusses ways to monitor and control rose...

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Own-root Roses and Bare-Root Roses - What’s the Difference

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 14, 2024 14:00 - 13 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
What are you getting when you buy a rose at a big box store? Usually a grafted rose. A better option is to purchase an own-root rose, which is not only hardier, but will live much longer. Ben Hanna of Heirloom Roses explains why here.  Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/3KgskuN B...

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The Story of Heirloom Roses

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 13, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
11 years ago, Ben and his wife, Kara purchased Heirloom Roses from the former owners. Before that Ben was an executive in an electronics company. Since this lifestyle change, Ben and his family have truly enjoyed working for themselves with gorgeous roses. Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://g...

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Episode 298 BBKA Spring Convention 2024

Beekeeping - Short and Sweet - May 12, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes ★★★★★ - 51 ratings
In this week's Podcast: I'm just back from the BBKA Spring Convention 2024 and have to say I had a really great time. If you've not been in recent years, make it a date next year and let's have a party! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 298 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet....

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Designing a Next-Level Chicken Coop

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 10, 2024 14:00 - 12 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
It’s chicken season! As the founders of Coop, Jordan Barnes and AJ Forsythe are avid chicken farmers, and they have eggs coming out of their ears. Listen to them discuss the differences between homegrown, farm fresh eggs and mass-produced eggs.  Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/...

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Cleanliness and Chickens

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 09, 2024 14:00 - 10 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
Sometimes the coop can get a little messy. In this episode, Kevin, AJ, and Jordan discuss tips and tricks that help chicken-keepers with hygiene. They also cover a few anecdotes about their adventures in chicken cleanliness.  Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/44nRLDR Botanical I...

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Starting Nucs with Will (178)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast - May 09, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 100 ratings
In this episode, Jim introduces listeners to the world of beekeeping through the experiences of a new beekeeper, his grandson Will. As a high school junior with a budding interest in bees, Will's initial steps into beekeeping offer a fresh perspective and relatable insights for anyone curious ab...

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Urban Farming - Demystifying Dirt for City Slickers

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 08, 2024 14:00 - 12 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
Chickens don’t just have a practical function, they are also super fun! AJ and Jordan have found that chickens changed their connection to food. They’ve also enriched their lives with their personalities, and their desire for attention.  Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/3QtbiNm ...

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Chickens Do More Than Lay Eggs

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 07, 2024 14:00 - 13 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
Chickens are great egg-layers, but they’re also excellent pest controllers, and garden fertilizers. You can turn 95% of your kitchen waste into eggs quickly too! In this episode, Jordan and AJ cover all the ways chicken-keeping benefits the growing space. Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://gr...

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Homegrown Eggs Are Best

The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers - May 06, 2024 14:00 - 12 minutes ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings
It’s chicken season! As the founders of Coop, Jordan Barnes and AJ Forsythe are avid chicken farmers, and they have eggs coming out of their ears. Listen to them discuss the differences between homegrown, farm fresh eggs and mass-produced eggs.  Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co...