Bee Love Beekeeping... presented by Mann Lake

Bee Love Beekeeping... presented by Mann Lake

Video Podcast

by Eric Bennett

Home and Garden Nature

Season 2

Dr. Thomas Seeley On Bee Behavior, Swarm Piping, Bee Lining, More

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. __________________ 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!

How To Make The World's Best Creamed Honey

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! __________________ 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/

Beekeeping, Submarines & Mental Wellness

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

Importance of LOCAL Beekeeping With Guest, Mr. Ed (Jeff Horchoff)

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. ______________ 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

Honey Bees vs. Native Bees... What every beekeeper needs to know.

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 ______________ 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/

Keeping Bees In Single Deep Brood Boxes

"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! _______________ ⏱️ 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

How To: The World's Best Tasting Honey

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 _____________ 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

Beekeeping in New Zealand • Beekeeping Headlines

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping we have the pleasure of going all the way to New Zealand to have a discussion with a beekeeper who doesn't like honey! What?! Sarah Cross lives and takes care of her honey bees in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand. She actually started her career managing 250 hives, but now is more into education, hive management, consulting, and writing about bees. We discuss Manuka honey, varroa, IPM, and Sarah's favorite wild & crazy beekeeping moments. Above all else, she recommends the Three C's of beekeeping: Stay COOL, CALM & COLLECTED. In beekeeping headlines we learn about beekeepers in Spain demonstrating by pouring honey on themselves, Africanized bees killing chickens in Texas, and the EPA approving new varroa treatments. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees! _____________ 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 Sarah Cross: https://www.sarahcsbees.co.nz/

Millions of Bees Saved After Truck Rollover - Beekeepers To The Rescue

What happens when a truck, carrying 300 beehives, rolls off the side of the road? Mass chaos, bewildered law enforcement, stings... and a few heroic beekeepers. This is what happened recently in norther Washington State. Our guest on this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping is Derek Condit, just one of the rescuers who helped save those millions of honey bees, and restore some order to the scene. The details are fascinating! In this episode, we also get a brief synopsis of the great bee die-off of 2025, complete with what you should be doing to protect your hives. We hear wild & crazy beekeeping stories and learn about 'Shungite' beehives. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees! _____________ 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 MysticalWares.com Videos of bee recovery effort after accident: https://youtu.be/MkG-wAoribs https://youtu.be/Jv34xidOlTs

Research on Bee Die-Off • Beekeeping in Newfoundland - 7 Months in Cluster

NEWS FLASH: Research results on the 2025 American honey bee die off! The results can help every beekeeper. Then we go to the great white north for a discussion with Raylynn White from Bee Haven to discuss beekeeping in Newfoundland - the unique challenges posed by the local climate and the successful avoidance of Varroa mites. She highlights her innovative work in correctional facilities, where she teaches inmates about beekeeping, fostering mindfulness and respect. Rae Lynn also emphasizes the importance of community and kindness in beekeeping clubs, sharing her experiences that led to the creation of Bee Haven, a supportive online community for beekeepers. She also shares her insights on beekeeping and her love of honey bees, emphasizing the importance of understanding bee behavior, the differences between queen cups and queen cells, and the necessity of protective gear. She recounts a memorable beekeeping adventure and offers valuable advice for beginners, including the significance of mentorship in the beekeeping community. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees! _____________ 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 Raylynn - Bee Haven: https://www.facebook.com/Beehaven2022 USDA-ARS Research: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706v1.full

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