Episodes

  • [Bonus] Short - Inside the Ohio State Beekeepers Association with Jamie Walters

    [Bonus] Short - Inside the Ohio State Beekeepers Association with Jamie Walters
    Nov 12 2025

    In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott sits down with Jamie Walters, President of the Ohio State Beekeepers Association (OSBA), during the organization's annual conference in Wooster, Ohio.

    Jamie shares how OSBA continues to thrive after the challenges of recent years, including the rebound of volunteerism and mentorship following COVID. Under his leadership, the 2025 conference brought together 37 vendors, 280 attendees, and an impressive lineup of speakers including Dr. Tracy Farone, Fred Dunn, and Dr. Chia Lin from Ohio State University.

    The discussion highlights the OSBA's dedication to education and outreach—covering new hands-on workshops in wax processing, dissection labs, and mead making, as well as the association's growing youth scholarship and mentorship programs. Jamie also describes efforts to expand training through certified online beginner beekeeping courses in collaboration with Dr. Reed Johnsonand Dr. Chia Lin at The Ohio State University Bee Lab.

    Jeff and Jamie talk about the importance of leadership and volunteerism in state and local beekeeping organizations, and how collaboration among neighboring states—Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and others—can strengthen the beekeeping community as a whole.

    Links and references mentioned in this episode:

    • Ohio State Beekeepers Association: https://ohiostatebeekeepers.org
    • Ohio State University Bee Lab: https://u.osu.edu/beelab
    • Fred Dunn (YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/@FrederickDunn
    • Honey Bee Health Coalition Guide: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org

    Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

    ______________

    Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

    ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases

    Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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    17 mins
  • Special Message and Archive Special - Darren Mays, NYPD Beekeeper (359)

    Special Message and Archive Special - Darren Mays, NYPD Beekeeper (359)
    Nov 10 2025
    Jeff and Becky have a special message for Beekeeping Today Podcast listeners! After years of conversations with researchers, sideliners, and beekeepers of all experience levels, they're thrilled to announce that Beekeeping Today is taking the next step — into print. The forthcoming book, "Beekeeping Today: Your First Year of Beekeeping," brings together some of the most insightful lessons, stories, and advice shared on the show. And they'd love your help! Listeners are invited to submit beekeeping photos for possible inclusion in the book — from bees at work to your hives through the seasons. To learn more or share your images, visit https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/p/beekeeping-today-the-book/. After the announcement, Jeff and Becky revisit a listener favorite from the archives — a conversation with NYPD's own beekeeper, Officer Darren Mays. Darren shares what it's like to respond to swarm calls across New York City, rescue bees from surprising places, and balance life as both a police officer and beekeeper. It's a great reminder that honey bees — and beekeepers — can be found in the most unexpected places. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Beekeeping Today: The Book - Photo Requests - https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/p/beekeeping-today-the-book. Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.orgHoney Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.orgThe National Honey Board: https://honey.comHoney Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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 This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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    48 mins
  • [Bonus] Short - Remembering A.I. Root in Medina, Ohio

    [Bonus] Short - Remembering A.I. Root in Medina, Ohio
    Nov 5 2025

    In this special Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff and Dr. Jim Tew, from Honey Bee Obscura podcast, take listeners on a reflective visit to the A.I. Root family gravesite in Medina, Ohio — the resting place of Amos Ives Root, the man whose name and innovations helped shape modern beekeeping.

    Standing among the generations of the Root family, Jeff and Jim discuss the far-reaching influence of A.I. Root, from his first fascination with a swarm on the Medina town square to his pioneering work in beekeeping equipment, candle making, and publishing Gleanings in Bee Culture.

    Jim reflects on the significance of visiting this site after nearly five decades in beekeeping, while Jeff recounts his early trips to the Root factory seconds store and the fine craftsmanship of Root's woodenware. Together, they explore how the Root legacy continues to touch every corner of American beekeeping.

    It's a quiet, meaningful walk through history — and a tribute to a man whose curiosity and craftsmanship helped inspire a global beekeeping community.

    Links and references mentioned in this episode:

    • Honey Bee Obscura - https://honeybeeobscura.com

    Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

    ______________

    Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

    ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases

    Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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    11 mins
  • Melanie Kirby: Art, Science & Bees in Community (358)

    Melanie Kirby: Art, Science & Bees in Community (358)
    Nov 3 2025
    This week, Becky Masterman and guest co-host Dr. Meghan Milbrath of Michigan State University welcome Melanie Kirby, queen breeder, educator, and pollinator specialist at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Melanie shares her incredible beekeeping journey — from learning in the jungles of Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer, to queen rearing in Hawaii's Kona Queen and Hawaiian Queen Apiaries, to managing migratory operations across the U.S., and now mentoring new beekeepers through her 20-year-old operation, Zia Queenbees. She discusses the creation of the Adaptive Bee Breeders Alliance (adaptivebeebreedersalliance.org), a national network of researchers and queen breeders working to strengthen honey bee genetics through collaborative breeding, genomics, and germplasm conservation. The conversation touches on her Fulbright-National Geographic research, her role supporting Indigenous agricultural education at IAIA, and how art, science, and community intersect in pollinator stewardship. Melanie also offers insights into current projects on wild bee populations in New Mexico, new approaches to field research, and her ongoing efforts to translate between practical beekeeping and academic research. Her story is one of curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning from the bees — and the people who care for them. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Adaptive Bee Breeders Alliance: https://adaptivebeepreedersalliance.org Zia Queen Bees Farm & Field Institute: https://ziaqueenbees.com BTP Episode on Map My DCA Episode with Julia Mahood: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/drones-and-mapping-drone-congregation-areas-with-julia-mahood-s5-e42/ Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.orgHoney Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.orgThe National Honey Board: https://honey.comHoney Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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 This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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    53 mins
  • [Bonus] Short: The Midwest Honey Bee Expo

    [Bonus] Short: The Midwest Honey Bee Expo
    Oct 31 2025

    The Midwest Honey Bee Expo is back—and bigger than ever. Jeff and Becky talk with organizers Bill Werning and Doug Koltermann about what's in store for the 2026 event, held February 6–7 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Following a sold-out debut in 2025, this year's expo expands into a larger venue featuring everything under one roof—vendors, speakers, workshops, and a connected hotel for attendee comfort.

    Bill and Doug share how they turned a regional need for practical, hands-on beekeeping education into one of the Midwest's most dynamic events. With 16 speakers, three educational tracks, and 35+ vendors, the 2026 expo promises something for every level of beekeeper—from new hobbyists to seasoned sideliners. Attendees can look forward to sessions by Zachary Lamas on pesticide sampling, a cut comb workshop by Tom and Melissa Sussman, and a honey judging certification course from the American Honey Judge Training Council.

    The event also features the Lee Heine Memorial Scholarship supporting students pursuing apicultural studies. Early bird registration runs through November 30, and participants can explore vendor show specials, presale equipment pickup options, and networking opportunities throughout the weekend.

    Learn more and register at midwesthoneybeeexpo.com, or follow the Midwest Honey Bee Expo Facebook group for speaker and vendor updates. Beekeeping Today Podcast will be on-site to record and connect with listeners—so stop by and say hello!

    Links and references mentioned in this episode:

    • Midwest Honey Bee Expo Website - https://midwesthoneybeeexpo.com/
    • BTP Episode with The American Honey Show Training Council - https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/judging-honey-shows-with-stephanie-slater-328/

    Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

    ______________

    Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

    ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases

    Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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    18 mins
  • Norroa: A New Era in Varroa Management (357)

    Norroa: A New Era in Varroa Management (357)
    Oct 27 2025
    Varroa mites remain the most destructive pest facing honey bees today—but a revolutionary new treatment may finally shift the balance. In this episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Adam Pachl, North American Technical Manager for Bee Health at GreenLight Biosciences, to discuss Norroa, the first EPA-approved dsRNA-based treatment for Varroa mites. Norroa introduces a fundamentally new approach: instead of killing mites outright, it prevents them from reproducing. Adam explains how this RNA interference (RNAi) technology works at the molecular level, blocking the mites' ability to lay viable eggs without harming honey bees or other organisms. He also shares insights from years of field research, including trials across five U.S. states that demonstrated dramatic improvements in colony survival and mite suppression. Becky and Jeff explore the implications of this technology for beekeepers of all scales—from hobbyists managing a few hives to large-scale commercial operations—and how Norroa fits into an integrated pest management strategy. The discussion covers everything from timing of application, compatibility with other treatments, and safety testing, to potential future uses of RNAi against pests like Tropilaelaps. For the first time in decades, beekeepers may have a tool that targets Varroa precisely and safely—without collateral damage to the bees they're fighting to protect. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: GreenLight Biosciences. "GreenLight Biosciences Launches Norroa, the First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites." 25 Sep 2025. https://www.greenlightbiosciences.com/articles/greenlight-biosciences-launches-norroa-the-first-rna-based-treatment-for-varroa-mites GreenLight Biosciences. "In the Pipeline: Protecting the Honeybee." https://www.greenlightbiosciences.com/in-the-pipeline-protecting-the-honeybee GeneOnline. "EPA Registers Norroa as First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites Threatening Honeybee Populations." 25 Sept 2025. https://www.geneonline.com/epa-registers-norroa-as-first-rna-based-treatment-for-varroa-mites-threatening-honeybee-populations Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.orgHoney Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.orgThe National Honey Board: https://honey.comHoney Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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 This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive's unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive's Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by ...
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    50 mins
  • [Bonus] Short - Inside Bee Culture Magazine: Medina's Beekeeping Legacy

    [Bonus] Short - Inside Bee Culture Magazine: Medina's Beekeeping Legacy
    Oct 22 2025

    In this special Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff visits the historic A.I. Root Company headquarters in Medina, Ohio—the home of Bee Culture Magazine. Sitting down with the magazine's production team—Jerry Hayes, Jen Manis, and Stephanie Bayerl—Jeff explores what it takes to bring each monthly issue to life.

    Listeners get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how articles, design, photography, and advertising all come together to create the trusted magazine so many beekeepers rely on. From article coordination and layout design to QR-coded audio features and digital engagement, this conversation celebrates Bee Culture's 150-year legacy of education and innovation.

    Jerry, Jen, and Stephanie share their commitment to reader involvement—from monthly honey price reports and honey recipes to the popular Catch the Buzz daily e-blast. For longtime readers and new beekeepers alike, this visit underscores how human creativity, teamwork, and passion for honey bees continue to shape modern beekeeping media.

    Links and references mentioned in this episode:

    • Bee Culture Magazine - https://beeculture.com
    • A.I. Root Company History - https://beeculture.com/the-story-of-a-i-root-beginning-bees/
    • Catch the Buzz Newsletter - https://beeculture.com/catchthebuzz/

    Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

    ______________

    Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

    ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases

    Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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    18 mins
  • Fall Honey Sales (356)

    Fall Honey Sales (356)
    Oct 20 2025
    It's harvest season—and for many beekeepers, that means it's time to sell honey! In this week's episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman dig into the rewarding (and sometimes sticky) process of marketing and selling your honey crop. From fall festivals to farm stands, Becky shares her experiences at local events, state fairs, and new retail partnerships, including the launch of her own MastermanApiaries.com website. Jeff talks about scaling Olympia Honey Company and how local markets, branding, and customer relationships have helped him create a sustainable beekeeping business. Together, they explore the fun, challenges, and lessons learned from turning raw honey into a community connection. The discussion also covers labeling requirements, state regulations, setting retail and wholesale prices, and leveraging AI tools to design labels, calculate pricing, and even develop marketing materials. Becky reveals how ChatGPT helped her brainstorm creative honey names and brand ideas, while Jeff explains how AI-generated mockups led to the final design for Olympia Honey's logo. Listeners will pick up practical advice for pricing honey fairly, building repeat customers, and turning a seasonal product into a sustainable business—while avoiding the pitfalls of "free honey" and other online hiccups. Whether you sell a few jars or a few hundred, this episode will inspire you to embrace the business of bees with confidence and creativity. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.orgHoney Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.orgThe National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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 This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive's unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive's Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
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    48 mins