In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Dr. Alister Clay, an engineer at Bosch with a fascinating journey into psychology and nature. Alister shares how his personal experiences led him to pursue a degree in psychology and focus on how humans connect to nature. They delve into the Biophilia Hypothesis, which suggests that humans have an innate need to connect with nature, and how this connection impacts well-being.

Through the lens of psychology, Alister explores how fostering a deeper relationship with the natural world, particularly through observing pollinators like bees, can improve mental health and resilience. Alister also introduces the concept of nature connectedness pathways, highlighting how compassion, senses, and meaning can deepen our bond with the environment. His research examines how even small interactions with nature, like watching a bee pollinate a flower, can have profound effects on our mental well-being.

Tune in to discover how rethinking our relationship with nature can offer simple yet powerful ways to enhance personal growth and global sustainability.

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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

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Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun;

2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor sits down with Dr. Anke Dietzsch from the Institute for Bee Protection at the Julius Kühn Institute, Germany's Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants. Anke discusses her extensive research on the effects of pesticides on bee health, focusing on both honey bees and native wild bees. She discusses the challenges of conducting field experiments across various habitats in Germany and highlights the importance of using diverse monitoring techniques to accurately assess bee populations.

Anke also shares her insights on the complexities of working with solitary bees, particularly in understanding their unique behaviors and how these species interact with invasive plants. Her work emphasizes the critical need to broaden our understanding of different bee species to ensure effective risk assessments and conservation efforts.

Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the nuanced world of bee research and the vital role these pollinators play in our ecosystems. Tune in to explore the fascinating intersections of agroecology, toxicology, and pollinator protection with one of the leading experts in the field.

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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

______________________

Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun;

2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor welcomes bee scientist Dr. Mazi Sanda from Cameroon. Dr. Sanda, who currently resides in Germany as part of the PLAN4BEE project, shares his journey into the world of bees, starting from his childhood fascination with insects to his professional research at the University of Ngaoundere. He provides a captivating overview of beekeeping traditions in Cameroon, discussing the prevalent use of traditional woven hives and the gradual shift towards modern Kenyan Top Bar Hives.

Dr. Sanda delves into the rich diversity of honey flavors and the challenges faced by Cameroonian beekeepers, including habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and predation by honey badgers. He also highlights the unique cultural relationship between humans and the greater honeyguide bird, a tradition that is now fading.

This episode offers listeners a deep dive into the practices, challenges, and cultural aspects of beekeeping in Cameroon, underscoring the importance of preserving these traditions and supporting local beekeepers.

Listen today!

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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

______________________

Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun;

2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC