Featured Guest: Dr. Tom Seeley – Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, renowned honey bee researcher, and author of six influential books including Honeybee Democracy and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners.

In this fascinating conclusion to our conversation with renowned honeybee biologist Dr. Tom Seeley, we journey deep into the intricate world of honey bee behavior, decision-making, and hive life. Every beekeeper needs to hear this!

From the poetic dance of foraging to the precise mechanics of swarming, Dr. Seeley reveals what decades of research have uncovered about one of nature’s most sophisticated societies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The Tremble Dance Decoded – How a long-standing honey bee mystery was finally solved.
• Swarming Secrets – Experiments on a remote island that revealed how bees measure nest size, organize takeoff, and navigate to a new home.
• Democracy in the Hive – How collective decision-making among nest site scouts mirrors—and differs from—human systems.
• The Unsung Resin Collectors – Why a few dedicated bees make all the difference in hive health.
• Specialization & Genetics – How bee “career paths” may be influenced by lineage and environment.
• Drone Congregation Mysteries – The little-known aerial courtship rituals of queen bees and drone bees.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

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Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/CHHkMffkUbA

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Featured Guest: Dr. Tom Seeley – Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, renowned honey bee researcher, and author of six influential books including Honeybee Democracy and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners.

🐝 Topics Covered:

• The difference between Langstroth hives and natural bee homes
• Collective intelligence in bees and parallels to the human brain
• Worker bee piping: how to know when a swarm is about to launch
• Bee lining/Bee hunting: how to track wild honey bee colonies using this ancient technique
• Natural hive insulation and its benefits for overwintering
• Early experiments with dissecting bee trees
• Varroa control and genetics-based resistance methods
• The behavioral genius of honey bees and what it teaches us as beekeepers

🐾 Bonus Story: Meet Maple, the energetic springer spaniel helping detect hive diseases at Michigan State University, sporting a custom-made dog-sized beekeeper suit!

EPILOG FROM DR. SEELEY: I wrote Honeybee Democracy, The Lives of Bees, and Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz-Runners to make it easy for beekeepers to learn about what has been discovered in recent decades about the amazing behaviors of worker honey bees. (No sense in leaving these findings hidden away in the scientific journals!) Moreover, I worked with a publisher that sells these beautiful books at reasonable prices.

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Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/wpjLC9ZpbZk

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Don’t Miss Part Two! This is only part one of our discussion with Dr. Seeley. Subscribe to Bee Love Beekeeping so you don’t miss next week’s episode where Tom shares even more behavioral insights and his wildest beekeeping story yet!

In this delightfully global episode, host Eric Bennett heads to Denmark (virtually!) to meet Lars Fischer and Sophus Knusen — two passionate hobby beekeepers with world-class honey and hearts full of beekeeping joy.

From getting stung below the eye to winning the award for best honey in the world, these friends share their love of bees, their Danish-style queen rearing techniques, and their winning formula for perfectly creamy spring honey.

We also dive into the incredible story of Apimondia, the world’s largest beekeeping congress — coming to Copenhagen this September — and get a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store for thousands of international beekeepers.

And when it comes to wild & crazy beekeeping stories in Denmark, what could go wrong when you don't fully extinguish your smoker and leave it in a hotel elevator shaft!

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

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Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/DWDQ9XniWB4

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Lars & Zofus' YouTube: https://youtube.com/@larsogzofuz?si=HtrRReJApexl5ur8

Apimondia: https://apimondia2025.com/

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, host Eric Bennett sits down with Joshua Diggins, a Florida beekeeper, Navy veteran, and branch manager for Mann Lake. Josh shares fascinating insights on how submarines and beehives are surprisingly similar.

Before the interview, Eric highlights the mental health benefits of beekeeping, from reducing stress and anxiety to helping veterans and those with PTSD find mindfulness, connection, and purpose. Beekeeping programs have been used successfully in prisons, youth initiatives, and even healthcare as “green therapy.”

Josh then discusses the unique challenges of beekeeping in Florida, including how to manage small hive beetles during the rainy season and best practices for hurricane-proofing your hives. He explains why frequent hive checks, beetle traps, and strategic yard prep can save your colonies from infestations and storm damage.

We also explore Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit connecting veterans and first responders with experienced beekeepers for mentorship. Josh explains how this work helps veterans transition to civilian life, combat isolation, and even reduce suicide rates.

Of course, no episode is complete without a few wild & crazy beekeeping stories! Josh shares the painful tale of getting stung on the wrist after a long hot day—his hand swelling up “like a catcher’s mitt”—and the nerve-wracking experience of finding a bee inside his veil while surrounded by a swarm.

Finally, Josh talks about his favorite beekeeping gadgets and he reflects on what he loves most about bees: how they make you more aware of nature’s rhythms, blooms, and the environment around you. This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and fresh perspectives—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beekeeper.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

__________________

Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/jHuM2aljlFU

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Welcome to the first full video episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, presented by Mann Lake!

If you prefer to consume video versions of podcasts, you'll find us our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@BeeLoveBeekeeping and video of this episode at https://youtu.be/lgdeWybgefk

In this special debut, host Eric Bennett chats with one of the most beloved figures in the beekeeping community, Jeff Horchoff, better known as Mr. Ed. Jeff is a Louisiana beekeeper, YouTube personality with over 150,000 subscribers, and the caretaker of bees for a Benedictine monastery.

Above all, he believes beekeeping should be fun first, and that philosophy shines through in every story he shares. This episode isn’t just about tips—it’s about rediscovering the joy, wonder, and even spirituality of working with honeybees.

Jeff explains why many new beekeepers start with excitement but lose sight of the fun when they get too caught up in technical details. Beekeeping, he says, isn’t about perfection—it’s about the simple pleasure of caring for bees and living in the moment. You’ll also learn why beekeeping is deeply local, shaped by geography and climate.

Jeff describes why his hands-off approach works in Louisiana’s mild, forage-rich environment but wouldn’t work in colder northern climates with Varroa pressures and harsh winters. For new beekeepers, he emphasizes learning bee biology, local nectar flows, and timing, explaining how the lengthening days after the winter solstice set the entire hive in motion.

The conversation also touches on the spiritual side of beekeeping. For Jeff, keeping bees is a form of prayer and gratitude—a way to see the hand of God in creation. Along the way, he shares a fascinating story about the first time he found a marked queen during a colony removal and why he usually avoids marking queens.

Whether you’re new to beekeeping or a seasoned pro, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and heart. It’s a reminder that beekeeping isn’t just about honey or money—it’s about curiosity, connection, and love for the bees.

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Love what you’re learning? Help us grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing the show with your fellow bee lovers. Got a burning question for a future episode? Reach out at eric@beelovebeekeeping.com

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@JeffHorchoff

In this special episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we take a step away from our usual beekeeper interviews to explore an important and sometimes misunderstood topic: the relationship between honeybees and native bees. With headlines circulating like “Americans Are Saving the Wrong Bees” and “Honeybee Invasion,” it’s time to dig deeper into the science and separate fact from fear. Are honeybees really hurting native bees, or is the truth more nuanced?

To help us answer that, we’re joined by Jennifer Michelle, a sustainable health strategist with a background in public health, epidemiology, and medical entomology. Jennifer offers a broad and informed perspective on pollinator health, emphasizing how ecological systems, human planning, and individual actions all contribute to the wellbeing of both honeybees and native species. She outlines the key differences between them—solitary vs. social, seasonal vs. year-round activity, generalists vs. specialists—and explains how those differences can create unintended consequences when habitat is scarce.

Rather than painting honeybees as villains, Jennifer stresses that lack of habitat, pesticides, and overdevelopment are the real threats. Honeybees may intensify competition, but they’re not the root problem. Instead, she urges beekeepers to become part of the solution: planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and encouraging cities to rethink how they landscape public spaces. Jennifer shares success stories and cautionary tales, from London's overcrowded apiaries to the benefits of native pussy willow trees as early spring forage.

The episode closes with practical tools for identifying native plants in your region, ways to advocate for pollinator-friendly policies in your community, and a reminder that education—not outrage—is the path forward. With warmth and humor, Jennifer makes the case for coexistence and cooperation. Beekeepers, gardeners, and nature lovers alike will find this episode both eye-opening and empowering.

There's even a wild & crazy story that involves a renaissance fair, big skirts, and bee stings.

Love what you’re learning? Help us grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing the show with your fellow bee lovers. Got a burning question for a future episode? Reach out at eric@beelovebeekeeping.com

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Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Jennifer Michelle: https://greentownconsulting.com/

"Bees in the pants is never fun!" You'll find this, and other fun & enlightening quotes, in this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping.

Host, Eric Bennett, welcomes experienced beekeeper John Stephens for a deep dive into a simplified, yet highly effective, approach to hive management—the single deep brood box system.

But before we get to the honey and science, the show kicks off with a chuckle-worthy parody segment: “You Might Be a Beekeeper,” a hilarious twist on Jeff Foxworthy’s classic routine. With lines like “If you’ve apologized to a bee for getting stung… you might be a beekeeper,” the episode sets a fun and relatable tone for hobbyists and pros alike.

As the show transitions into the main topic, John shares his years of experience managing colonies in single deep boxes, making a compelling case for why less really can be more in beekeeping. He breaks down the practical benefits—including easier inspections, reduced weight, simplified swarm control, better scalability for small apiaries, and more honey production.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

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⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Cold Open & Beekeeper Humor A playful parody segment inspired by Jeff Foxworthy to warm up the audience with relatable beekeeper quirks.

01:45 – Welcome & Guest Intro: John Stevens Host introduces today’s topic and expert guest, who specializes in single deep brood box hive management.

03:10 – Why Single Deep Boxes? John breaks down the logic behind using a single deep brood box, and how it benefits both bees and beekeepers.

08:20 – Hive Health & Overwintering Discussion on pest control, seasonal management, and the realities of overwintering in a single deep setup.

13:30 – Lessons Learned & Bee-Friendly Practices Real-world experiences, common mistakes, and landscaping choices (like clover lawns) that help bees thrive.

20:30 – Resources, Takeaways & Outro Final advice from John, links to gear and guides, sponsor thanks, and a reminder to subscribe and stay connected.

👍 Support the Podcast

Love what you’re learning? Help us grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing the show with your fellow bee lovers. Got a burning question for a future episode? Reach out at eric@beelovebeekeeping.com

______________

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

John Stephens: https://www.youtube.com/@FarmerJohnStephens

Where does the world's best tasting honey come from? How is it made?

In this episode of Be Love Beekeeping, we kick it all off with another round of "why you might be a beekeeper," followed by a strange story about purple honey.

Our guest is Virginia Webb, renowned for producing the world's best tasting honey. Virginia shares her insights on honey production, highlighting the significance of nectar sources like sourwood trees, and her multiple certifications in beekeeping.

We discuss her winning entries in the Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest and her role in various educational and prison beekeeping programs. Tips for new beekeepers facing challenges are also covered. The episode is filled with engaging stories, practical advice, and a passion for beekeeping.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Jeff Foxworthy Parody

00:52 Welcome to Be Love Beekeeping

01:15 The Mystery of Purple Honey

03:46 Interview with Virginia Webb: World's Best Tasting Honey

04:19 The Black Jar Contest and Honey Judging

05:52 Virginia Webb's Beekeeping Practices

06:47 Sourwood Honey and Beekeeping in Georgia

10:25 Virginia Webb's Credentials and Achievements

18:06 Beekeeping Education and Community Programs

24:37 Advice for New Beekeepers

29:01 Wild Beekeeping Stories

31:26 Conclusion and Farewell

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Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Center For Honeybee Research

Virginia's Videos:

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Strained Honey

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg2H2weZeto&t=39s

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Chunk Honey

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SEFcUjiKtA&t=37s

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Beeswax Candles

www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8OOoqZKJUY&t=407s

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Beeswax Block

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsoQWCiLdtk&t=32s