Episodes

  • The Nutrient Niche: What Bumble Bees Eat
    Nov 17 2025

    Are we planting the right flowers for bees? We’re talking about the surprising dietary habits of wild bumble bees with Dr. Justin Bain who shares fascinating insights into how bumble bees choose their food and why it's essential for their survival. With climate change altering their natural habitats, understanding bee nutrition could be key to effective conservation efforts.

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    15 mins
  • Living with Bees: Urban Harmony & Habitat
    Nov 3 2025

    What does it mean to live with wild bees in an urban setting? Today we speak with Matthew Donahue who shares insights on how cities can be adapted to support bee populations. We discuss the differences between urban and wild habitats, the impact of bee stings, and actionable steps for creating bee-friendly environments in urban settings. Learn about the differences between bees and wasps, and discover how to coexist with and support these vital pollinators in your own neighborhood.

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    18 mins
  • A Bee Buffet: Surprising Insights into What Bees Choose to Eat
    Oct 6 2025

    What happens when bees don't eat their greens? We explore Dr. Etya Amsalem's intriguing research on bee dietary patterns and their implications for fitness and sustainability. Find out why even bees sometimes opt for sweets over sustenance and how this insight can shape future conservation efforts.

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    18 mins
  • Between Asphalt and Agriculture: Where Bees Find a Home
    Sep 15 2025

    How can we enhance biodiversity in our cities and what is the vital role of urban green spaces in supporting pollinators? We’re exploring the relationship between urban sprawl and native bees with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how urban landscapes can support bee populations through a patchwork of parks, gardens, and green spaces. We discuss the importance of resource availability, nesting opportunities, and how diverse plant species and well-connected green areas can make urban environments more bee-friendly.

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    11 mins
  • Rethinking Urban Green Space for Bees: Meadowscaping
    Sep 1 2025

    In this episode of ‘The Bees Knees', Shishir Paudel joins to discuss the implications of managing urban greenery as manicured lawns versus letting them flourish as diverse meadows. We cover biodiversity, ecosystem services and disservices, and public perception of urban meadows. Can we increase pollinator populations by understanding and implementing meadow-like landscapes in urban settings?

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    15 mins
  • Planting Change: Leigh Biagi’s Path to Pollinators
    Aug 18 2025

    We speak with Leigh Biagi, a dedicated environmental advocate and founder of On the Verge. Discover how Leigh transformed her passion for change into a community-focused bee conservation project, learn about the challenges and successes of her journey, and gain practical insights for supporting native bees in your area.

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    21 mins
  • Toxic Nectar: How Pollinators are Exposed to Metals in Urban Landscapes
    Aug 4 2025

    Delve into the critical issue of toxic metals in urban nectar with Dr. Sarah Scott. The conversation reveals how contaminated pollen and nectar pose significant risks to bees, affecting their health and productivity. Dr. Scott shares insights from her research in Cleveland's post-industrial landscapes, highlighting unexpected sources of pollution and offering practical advice for supporting pollinators without compromising their environment.


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    12 mins
  • Birds, Bees, and Big Data: Rethinking Conservation
    Jul 14 2025

    Native bees are essential for biodiversity but face significant threats. In this episode, Dr. Josée Rousseau discusses her research, which uses bird data to predict wild bee richness. Learn about the data sources used, why birds are excellent indicators of bee populations, and how combined data can improve bee conservation strategies. Discover the challenges of tracking wild bee data and the joys of going bee-ing.

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    15 mins