The Hive Jive - Beekeeping Podcast

John and Nathalie sit down with The Girl Next door herself, Hilary Kearney, to talk about her new book “The Heart of the Hive,” as well as what it has been like building her bee business and unique brand. Tune in now to learn more…

John and Nathalie take a jaunt across the pond to talk with Steve Riley and discuss his new book “The Honey Bee Solution to Varroa.” Steve, along with the Westerham Beekeepers in the UK, have done a lot of research into how Varroa was affecting their bees, and how the bees responded when they were not treated. They have combined their observations along with research from respected sources all over the world to come up with a more comprehensive overview of the traits that better indicate when bees truly are displaying varroa sensitive hygienic behaviors. This information could greatly improve your own beekeeping and quest for better genetic qualities in our own bees. Tune in now to learn more…

Nathalie and John sit down with Niki Backes, Supporter Manager for Bees Abroad, to discuss what got her interested in Beekeeping, and how she came to be involved with Bees Abroad. Plus, what is Bees Abroad, how are they making a difference in other countries, and what can you do to help? Tune in now to learn more… Link: https://www.beesabroad.org/

Nathalie and John sit down with long-time friend of the show, Tara Chapman, to discuss her new book "For the Bees: A Handbook for Happy Beekeeping." Plus, the gang catch up on life changes that have caused Tara to have to re-evaluate how she runs aspects of her day-to-day business. Tune in now to learn more... To purchase a copy of Tara's new book, you can visit: https://www.twohiveshoney.com/book/ *And be sure to use the code "JIVE" to save 15% And if you are interested in joining one of her classes, you can see all the details and fill out an application by clicking Here!

This week John and Nathalie sit down with Randy McCaffrey of 628 Dirt Rooster YouTube Fame to discuss how he got started in bees, and what all it took to build his YouTube channel up to nearly 40 Million Views! Tune in now to learn more…

This week John finally got to fulfill a podcast-long goal of sitting down with the creator of Bella Beek and host of Beekeeper Confidential… the one and only… Mandy Shaw! Join us as John and Nathalie catch up with Mandy and learn what her journey has been like thus far, as well as what she has planned for the future. Tune in now to learn more…

Nathalie and John recap a few topics from the recent interviews with Tracy, Tucka, Gemma, and Peggy. Are mites really the line in the sand that beekeepers make it out to be today? Plus, it’s time for another Ken’s Cooking Corner where he continues his Sourdough addiction with some Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies made with Honey.

This week John and Nathalie sat down with Peggy DeSanto, co-founder of Bee the Change and The Hive Hugger. The group discusses how Peggy got started in Beekeeping, what inspired her to create the Hive Hugger, and how important it is to make sure your hives are properly insulated. Plus, how does Peggy feel about the current state of beekeeping? Tune in now to learn more…

This week John and Nathalie sit down with Gemma Astley from Homestead Hens and Honey to catch up on all things Homesteading, Chicken Keeping, and Bees! The group covers a wide range of topics including if Gemma has changed her opinions on Hive Styles, a discussion on queen mysteries, and how Gemma feels about the current state of beekeeping. Tune in now to learn more…

This week John and Nathalie sit down with the one and only Tucka Saville to learn what it was like keeping bees between New York and Florida, as well as catching up on the latest changes in the world of Tucka Bee as she dips her toes into the commercial world of contracted beekeeping in Florida.

This week John sits down with Tracy Pielemeir to discuss how she got into beekeeping, started the North Central Beekeepers Club, came up with the concept for The Hive Butler, and to find out what she thinks about the current state of beekeeping. Tune in now to learn more…

John and Nathalie discuss a few takeaways from their recent interview with Angela Tollerson, plus the pair go a bit more in-depth with a few of the concepts that were mentioned. Tune in now to learn more…

John and Nathalie sit down with Angela Tollerson, a fellow Master Beekeeper, to have an engaging conversation about how she sees the world of beekeeping today. Hear her perspective on some common issues, what challenges she faces in her own beekeeping, and what is she doing to help overcome them. Tune in now to learn more…

For the first interview episode of the season, we sit down with none other than Ken Milam to discuss his views on the current state of beekeeping. Tune in now to learn more...

It's time to address that big fuzzy striped elephant in the room that is Season 4. John sits down with us for a personal one-on-one and explains what has kept the show on hiatus for so long, and what it means for the future of The Hive Jive. Tune in now to learn more...

This week Nathalie and John discuss topics from a recent Bee Informed Partnership panel discussion on queen genetics and queen health/viability. Tune in now to hear their thoughts on a few key topics regarding Queens and how it relates to recent topics... BIP Queen Panel Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4ndh02r9Ac

In today's Beekeeper Chat, we get an update from Nathalie about her recent swarm captures, some things they both would like to try now that swarm session is under way, and John give a few updates about his new bees and also lets us in on his recent hive building misadventures. Tune now to learn more...

Today John and Nathalie discuss how recent studies have revealed that a beehive can help identify the nuances of a cities unique biome by collecting and storing the microscopic bacteria, yeast, spores, and other fungal matter that reside in that specific city. Tune in now to learn more... Article Link: https://theweek.com/environmental-news/1022253/honeybees-help-gather-data-about-a-citys-health

Breaking News! John's bees arrive TOMORROW morning and he hasn't even started building his hives yet!! How exactly does one forget something so important and exciting as the arrival of new bees? Well, John and Nathalie discuss this out of sight, out of mind scenario in today's beekeeper chat. Tune in now to hear all about it...

Today Nathalie and John revisit a topic that was originally discussed back in 2021 on the possible effects of EMF on bees. With new research being presented, and new definitions of RF-EMR (Radio Frequency Electro Magnetic Radiation), the pair have decided that it is time to take another look at the possible effects that our electronics are having on our bees. Tune in now to learn more...

Today Nathalie and John discuss new research that suggests younger bees learn the finer details of a precision Waggle Dance from older more experienced bees. What implications could this have on how we view our colonies, and the decisions we make on their behalf? Tune in now to learn more...

In today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John discuss the topic of Queen Excluders. What were they designed for? How do you use them? When should they be used? And, are they even really required? Tune in now to find out what the pair think about this often touchy subject...

Today John and Nathalie discuss a comb guide that was recently brought to John's attention from a listener. This comb guide is meant to be placed on the bottom of Topbar hive bars in order to help encourage the bees to draw out their comb in a straight line. However, this specific comb guide claims several other advantages that make it stand out from all others... including nature itself. Is this latest hive invention all it is cracked up to be? Tune in now to hear John and Nathalie's initial impressions for the prospects of the Safe Passage Comb Guide...

Today John breaks the news to Nathalie that he is now back down to zero colonies. Despite everything looking great for the "Oh Bee One Colony" going into winter, things took a drastic turn somewhere along the way. This has left John with more questions than answers. Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Feb 28th, 2023)

Recently, a listener brought up the subject of Re-Wilding honey bees in the comments after discussing Honey Bees as the Poster Child for the Save the Bees movement. So, in today's beekeeper chat, John and Nathalie attempt to tackle the concept of "Re-Wilding" and whether this is a good idea or not. Turns out, it is not an easy subject and there are a lot of variables that can make the concept go either way. Tune in now to learn more! (Original Air Date: Feb 22nd, 2023)

Today Nathalie and John discuss whether the fact that the Honey Bee has become the Poster Child of the "Save the Bees" movement is a good thing, or if it could have it's own unintended consequences. There are pros and cons to both sides of this, and of course it all depends on how you look at it. Tune in now, and let us know what you think about this scenario... (Original Air Date: Feb 15th, 2023)

This week, John and Nathalie discuss their preferred queen rearing methods. What strategies have they tried, what has worked well and what hasn't, and do they agree on the best practices? Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Feb 8th, 2023)

your own beekeeping operation without stepping on the toes of those who might have mentored you along the way. Are there ways to avoid these types of situations from the start, and what if you find yourself in the middle of this type of situation unintentionally? Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Feb 1st, 2023)

In today's Beekeeper Chat, Nathalie and John discuss some new research that shows the potential side effects of OA (Oxalic Acid) treatments and the impacts it has on developing larvae. Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Jan 25th, 2023)

In today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John tackle a couple of listener questions regarding the use of plywood or OSB boards when building hives, as well as the effects on newly drawn wax when feeding sugar. Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Jan 18th, 2023)

The USDA has recently approved the 1st vaccination for Honey Bees! This specific vaccination is to help colonies guard against AFB infections, also know as American Foulbrood disease. Tune in now to hear Nathalie and John's take on this new concept for beekeeping! (Original Air Date: Jan 11th, 2023)

John and Nathalie are back to kick off the new year with a bang! But, unfortunately John has experienced another setback in his beekeeping journey... as have a few others out there in Bee Land. Plus, the pair tackle a listener question about whether a hive population is too big to be condensed down. Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Jan 4th, 2023)

Just in time for Christmas, the gang is all back together to bring you the 2023 year in review! Catch up with John, Nathalie and Ken as they recap the stats from the podcast over the last year.

Just in time for the Holiday weekend, Nathalie and John are up early and decked out in their holiday PJs to bring you one final Beekeeper Chat for 2022. The pair recap some of the past episodes from this year, as well as theorizing what the new year might hold for each of them. Tune in now and help us wrap up 2022! P.S. From all of us here at The Hive Jive, we wish you and yours a very happy, warm, and safe holiday season! P.S.S. John apologizes in advance, again, for not having the correct mic turned on... yet again... Soooo Sorry! (Original Air Date: Dec 24th, 2022)

Today John and Nathalie discuss a hot button issue on the pros and cons of Honey Queen/Princess programs at the various levels of local clubs to national associations. While there are many benefits to such programs, could some aspects be a bit outdated... and potentially undermine the whole point of the program? Tune in now to hear some honest opinions from two people who have been in the middle of such programs... *And John apologizes in advance for not having the correct mic turned on... (Original Air Date: Dec 21st, 2022)

This week Nathalie and John discuss the touchy subject of volunteering at the different levels of various bee associations and clubs. From the local town club, to county clubs, and state associations, there can be a very drastic range of options, commitments, and personalities to deal with. Have you ever volunteered to help out your favorite bee club? Do you want to? Should you? Tune in now to learn more, but brace yourself as this could be a sticky subject! (Original Air Date: Dec 14th, 2022)

Today Nathalie and John discuss some of the ways you can rekindle the spark you originally felt that can help you reconnect and remind you why you love beekeeping so much. We all have frustrations from time to time, and we can feel at a loss, or defeated. So how does one pull themselves back up from that? Tune in now to hear our favorite things about beekeeping, and methods we use to help reignite that spark! (Original Air Date: Dec 7th, 2022)

John and Nathalie take a stroll down memory lane and share a few stories from their past experiences that are both humorous, as well as great examples of why we always need to be aware of our surroundings when doing beekeeping. We tend to become very focused on the bees themselves and can often forget that there are other things lurking that could cause us some unexpected issues. Tune in now to learn more.. (Original Air Date: 11/30/22)

For today's Beekeeper Chat, Nathalie and John go back and revisit a topic that John and Ken originally covered on a bonus episode back in September of 2020 regarding a Thymol Entrance Portal. It has been a couple of years, and this product, now called HiveGuard, is nearing the end of it's testing trials and is said to be releasing to the public in the coming months. Has John's opinion of this device and its treatment method changed over the years? And, how does Nathalie feel about the concept of constantly treating your hives with Thymol? Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: 11/23/22)

The first cold snap of winter for 2022 has finally arrived and it has John questioning what has really changed with beekeeping over the last century. Join us as Nathalie and John discuss whether or not he core concept is really any different today than it was way back when. Plus, get some updates about recent changes, and some insights into John's recent Hive Insulation video. (Original Air Date: 11/16/22)

For this week's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John discuss different ways that they have improvised various aspects of their beekeeping practices. This type of 'out of the box' thinking can come in handy in a pinch, and just might save the day. Tune in now to learn more, and let us know some of your own improvised tricks! (Original Air Date: 11/9/22)

In today's Beekeeper Chat, Nathalie and John discuss some new and exciting research revolving around honey bee swarms. Plus, a few other odd occurrences in beekeeping news from around the world. Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Nov 2nd, 2022)

We should always strive to keep learning, putting ourselves out there, and gaining new experiences. So, for this week's Beekeeper Chat, Nathalie details some details about her recent trip to Missouri for a beekeeping seminar, and her takeaways from the experience. Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Oct 26th, 2022)

We all have those moments, some more than others, when we have the best of intentions to get something accomplished... but it can wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow becomes next week, or even next month. In beekeeping we often have these moments as other distractions seem to take precedence. However, there are times when things really can't be put off. And, in those instances, if we ignore our responsibility and things go awry... we can only blame ourselves. Tune in now to hear more and have a laugh at our expense... (Original Air Date: Oct 19th, 2022)

Do imported Honey Bees actually outcompete our Native Bees? This week Nathalie and John approach this evolving question first from a rational standpoint, and then start digging in deeper with a little bit of scientific backing. Could we be unknowingly be doing a disservice to our local environment? Are there ways we can help to offset the issue if there truly is a problem? Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Oct 5th, 2022)

Clearly there was no clear path for this week's Beekeeper Chat as the pair jump from topic to topic with their only goal being to try and stay focused on Bees! John gives an update on his two hives, and the status of the colony from the bear attack. They also discuss the initial plans on how to help overwinter this colony with a modification of the topbar conversion hive, and John points out that the bees agree with him on some of the flaws with the molded plastic nuc boxes. Plus, a new article in Bee Culture creates a stir... Tune in now to learn more! (Original Air Date: Sept 21st, 2022)

Today Nathalie and John discuss the pros and cons of both being a mentor, and being an apprentice. As with anything, you get out of it what you put into it, and it all starts with choosing wisely. Have you ever considered apprenticing along with someone, or do you have what it takes to be a mentor to someone else? Tune in now to learn more about how to make the best of these experiences regardless which role you find yourself in... (Original Air Date: Sept 14th, 2022)

For today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John discuss new research into h. saltator ant queens which is helping to reveal how queens in a superorganism are able to sustain such long lifespans. With ants, termites, and honey bees being so closely related, could this also help to shed light on why our own queen bees are able to live for so long despite the great energy demand of constantly reproducing offspring? Tune in now to learn more... (Original Air Date: Sept 7th, 2022)

In today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John discuss the pros and cons of attempting to give a hive more ventilation during a heatwave, and John gives us an update on the Bear situation. Plus, the pair discuss a "What If" scenario where someday there might be a mite treatment that has zero negative effects on the bees themselves. Would that change things, and would it actually be beneficial to the bees? (Original Air Date: Aug 31st, 2022)

John gives us a recap on what has transpired over the last 12 days. He and Nathalie discuss what beekeeping would be like without your sense of smell. Also, the Black Bear! (Original Air Date: Aug 24th, 2022)