Best Jim Tew Podcasts (2024)

1
Dissuading Beekeepers with Anne Frey (191) 20:17

2h ago20:17

20:17

In this episode, Jim and Anne Frey from Betterbee discuss the crucial topic of setting realistic expectations for potential new beekeepers. They share their experiences and insights on the importance of proper education, preparation, and understanding the commitment required to manage bees successfully. Jim and Anne emphasize the challenges and res…

1
Small Swarm, Revisited (190) 15:11

7d ago15:11

15:11

In this episode, Jim revisits a small swarm he first discussed in June. As he inspects the colony, Jim shares his observations and strategies for nurturing this struggling swarm. Despite initial doubts, the colony has grown significantly, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges such as wax moth infestations and minimal nectar flow. Jim h…

1
Varroa and Marked Queens with Anne Frey (189) 21:20

24m ago21:20

21:20

In this engaging episode, Jim welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss a variety of timely beekeeping topics. They delve into the challenges of early mite infestations, highlighting the importance of proactive treatments. Jim and Anne also explore the curious case of neon green queen markers that fade quickly, the perplexing phenomenon of hyper…

1
Plain Talk: Washboarding Bees (188) 20:50

21d ago20:50

20:50

In this episode, Jim delves into the curious behavior known as washboarding. As he observes his bees engaging in this rhythmic activity, Jim explores various hypotheses and shares insights from both personal observations and scientific studies. He discusses the possible reasons behind washboarding, including pheromone laying, boredom, and propolizi…

1
Plain Talk: Bee Personalities (187) 21:58

5d ago21:58

21:58

In this episode, Jim explores the fascinating concept of bee personalities and how they change throughout the seasons. On a scorching hot day, Jim reflects on how bees adapt their behavior to cope with the heat, the challenges of finding water, and the shifting dynamics within the hive. He shares his observations on how bees' temperaments can vary …

1
Plain Talk: The Fallen Hive (186) 20:30

1M ago20:30

20:30

In this episode, Jim takes listeners on an adventurous journey to inspect a fallen hive. Accompanied by his friend Bob Romick, Jim travels through rural Ohio to assess the damage and potential causes of the hive's collapse. He shares the challenges of working with a toppled hive, including the use of smoke and the surprising resilience of the bees.…

1
Plain Talk: How Not To Remove Bees (185) 21:23

16d ago21:23

21:23

In this episode, Jim Tew shares valuable lessons learned from his early days in beekeeping, focusing on the challenges of removing bees from old structures. Reflecting on his 50 years of beekeeping experience, Jim recounts humorous and insightful stories of his first attempts at bee removals. Listeners will gain an understanding of the complexities…

1
Plain Talk: A Small June Swarm 20:14

27d ago20:14

20:14

In this episode, Jim Tew delves into the fascinating world of swarming behavior. Jim shares his experiences with swarms moving into winter-killed colonies, highlighting how these free bees can effectively clean up and rejuvenate old equipment. He discusses his observations on swarm preferences, the unpredictability of swarm arrivals, and the intrig…

1
Plain Talk: The Survivor Hive 19:45

2M ago19:45

19:45

Join Jim Tew as he recounts the captivating story of the “Survivor Hive” — an incredible beehive that endured decades without human intervention. In this episode, Jim shares a remarkable story from his early beekeeping days, illustrating the resilient and adaptive nature of honeybees. Learn how this hive, abandoned in a remote location, used propol…

1
Plain Talk: Not My Bees (182) 23:31

2M ago23:31

23:31

In this episode, Jim Tew dives into the humorous and often frustrating situations beekeepers face when neighbors expect them to handle all sorts of "bee" problems. Jim shares personal stories of dealing with carpenter bees, yellowjackets, and hornets—none of which are honey bees. He explains the misconceptions non-beekeepers have and the unexpected…

1
Plain Talk: Smoke and Smokers (181) 19:48

2M ago19:48

19:48

In this episode, Jim Tew shares his tried-and-true methods for lighting and using a smoker, essential tools for any beekeeper. He delves into the evolution of his technique; from the fuel he prefers to the simple but effective system he's developed over the years. Jim discusses the convenience and potential drawbacks of using cedar shavings, the im…

1
Plain Talk: Irate Bees! (180) 19:27

2M ago19:27

19:27

In this stinging episode, Jim recounts an unexpected encounter with unusually aggressive bees in his apiary. While mowing near his hives, Jim experienced an unprovoked attack from bees that had previously shown no signs of hostility. He delves into potential reasons for this sudden change, exploring factors such as the absence of a nectar flow, vib…

1
Plain Talk: It's Not Just Keeping Bees (179) 21:02

3M ago21:02

21:02

In this thoughtful episode, Jim dives into the often-overlooked aspects of beekeeping that extend beyond the bees themselves. He reflects on the countless hours spent on tasks that, while essential, don't directly involve handling bees—like managing equipment, mowing grass, and maintaining bee yard cleanliness. This episode offers a holistic view o…

1
Starting Nucs with Will (178) 19:56

3M ago19:56

19:56

In this episode, Jim introduces listeners to the world of beekeeping through the experiences of a new beekeeper, his grandson Will. As a high school junior with a budding interest in bees, Will's initial steps into beekeeping offer a fresh perspective and relatable insights for anyone curious about starting this fulfilling hobby. Throughout the epi…

1
Plain Talk: A Spring Walk in the Bee Yard (177) 19:01

2M ago19:01

19:01

In this episode, Jim takes listeners on an auditory stroll through his bee yard during a recent vibrant spring day. As the bees buzz energetically around him, Jim shares his personal reflections and insights on the bustling life of the hive. With the backdrop of blooming fruit trees and a flurry of bee activity, he paints a vivid picture of a beeke…

1
Plain Talk: Box Hives (176) 21:09

4M ago21:09

21:09

In this enlightening episode, Jim takes listeners on a historical journey through the evolution of beekeeping hives. Delving into the storied past of traditional box hives, Jim reflects on a unique box hive he acquired, which was originally built in 1853—the same year L.L. Langstroth revolutionized beekeeping with his patented removable frame hive.…

1
Plain Talk: Leftover Honey (175) 21:15

4M ago21:15

21:15

In this episode, Jim explores the practical aspects of dealing with "less-than-pristine" honey, an inevitable challenge for many beekeepers. Throughout the discussion, Jim shares personal anecdotes and insights from his extensive experience, providing a nuanced look at what beekeepers can do with honey that doesn't meet the highest quality standard…

1
Lost Queens (174) 22:10

3M ago22:10

22:10

In this episode, hosts Jim Tew and guest Anne Frey, delve into the intriguing and sometimes baffling phenomenon of beekeepers being unable to locate their hive's queen. Whether you're an experienced beekeeper or just starting, losing sight of your queen can stir a mix of mystery and panic. But as Jim and Anne discuss, this situation is more common …

1
Plain Talk: Honey Bee Eggs (173) 21:50

3M ago21:50

21:50

In this episode, Jim Tew takes listeners on an intricate journey into the life of a honey bee egg, uncovering its quiet but highly active existence. Despite the challenge of discussing such a microcosmic topic, Jim eloquently demystifies the complexities surrounding the initial stage of a bee's life cycle. From the difficulties beekeepers face in s…

1
Observing Queen Anomalies with Anne Frey (172) 20:02

4M ago20:02

20:02

In this intriguing episode, Jim Tew and Anne Frey delve into the unexpected and often perplexing world of queen bee behavior and physiology that diverges from the norm. This episode explores the rare but fascinating occurrences that beekeepers might encounter with their queens, ranging from fainting queens during marking to queens with anatomical a…

1
Plain Talk: Spring - Help, Don't Hurt Your Bees (171) 18:48

4M ago18:48

18:48

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim takes beekeepers through the critical period of late winter and early spring, emphasizing the delicate balance between intervening in the hive and letting bees be. Drawing from his observations during an unseasonably warm day in Northeast Ohio, Jim shares his insights into the significance of weather for be…

1
Managing Nucs with Anne Frey (170) 20:37

5M ago20:37

20:37

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, we dive into the intricacies of nurturing nucleus colonies (nucs) with beekeeping expert Anne Frey from Better Bee. Jim and Anne discuss the benefits and methods of working with nucs, emphasizing their role in sustainable beekeeping practices. Anne shares her extensive experience, focusing on the use of double …

1
Plain Talk About Division Board Feeders (169) 20:55

5M ago20:55

20:55

In this episode Jim discusses the obscure world of division board feeders, exploring their history, evolution, and practical use in beekeeping. These feeders, which replace a frame inside the hive, have undergone significant changes over the years, from simple molded plastics to modern versions with top doors, gates, and valves. Jim shares his pers…

1
Talking With Kids About Bees (168) 21:04

5M ago21:04

21:04

In this enlightening episode, Jim invites American Bee Journal editor, Eugene Makovec, to the podcast to chat about their experiences and insights on how to engage young minds with the fascinating world of beekeeping. They delve into the joys and challenges of presenting beekeeping to children, from kindergarteners' innocent inquiries to the more s…

1
UPDATE: Upcoming 4/20 Editions at Helium Comedy Club & Emmaus Theater 6:29

5M ago6:29

6:29

Alex Grubard gives a quick update about Weeding Out The Stoned's upcoming 4/20 Editions on today's podcast. Hit it! Weeding Out The Stoned is The Game Show of Sobriety Tests. See the show live! A pack of players on stage. All of them are high but one. Alex Grubard leads the investigation by administering ridiculous sobriety tests of America's funni…

1
Dealing With Heavy Hives with Anne Frey (167) 22:19

5M ago22:19

22:19

In this episode, Jim Tew and Anne Frey tackle a common yet often overlooked challenge in beekeeping: managing the heavy weight of hives. They delve into practical solutions and innovative ideas to make beekeeping tasks more manageable, emphasizing that this issue impacts beekeepers regardless of age, gender, or experience level. They both stress th…

1
Sampling Varroa Mites (166) 24:21

5M ago24:21

24:21

Join Jim Tew and David Peck in a critical conversation about Varroa mite management in beekeeping. This episode demystifies the process of counting mites, offering practical advice and insights into the importance of monitoring mite levels for the health of bee colonies. Discover various methods for assessing Varroa populations, from alcohol washes…

1
Eating Honey (165) 20:30

5M ago20:30

20:30

Diving into the sweet yet challenging world of honey consumption, this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura delves into the nuances of enjoying honey—without the mess. Jim discusses the inevitable sticky spills that occur no matter how careful you are with honey. Whether it’s a drop missing the target or the complexities of enjoying comb honey and d…

1
Colony Collapse and Varroa, Plain Talk with Dr. David Peck (164) 23:32

6M ago23:32

23:32

In today's episode, Jim is joined by Dr. David Peck, an expert in varroa mites, to delve into the critical issue of honey bee colony collapse linked to varroa infestation. This topic is different from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), focusing instead on the impact of varroa mites and the diseases they introduce to both adult bees and larvae. The epi…

1
In Class with Jim: "Supering" (163) 21:25

6M ago21:25

21:25

In this episode we delve into the concept of "supering," a term unique to beekeeping that has emerged over the past century. To those outside the beekeeping community, the term might sound like something out of a superhero comic, but for beekeepers, it's a crucial aspect of hive management. Jim, guides listeners through the history and significance…

1
Mentoring Young Beekeepers (162) 19:30

6M ago19:30

19:30

In today's episode, Jim and Becky Masterman (co-host of Beekeeping Today Podcast) delve into the challenges and joys of mentoring young beekeepers, with a special focus on family dynamics. Jim shares his recent experience of being asked to mentor his grandson, who lives four hours away in a different state, adding a layer of complexity to the mento…

1
Colony Confinement (161) 21:14

7M ago21:14

21:14

Beekeepers must often confine their bees to the hives for long or short periods of time, whether it be to move them from one yard to another, or if pesticides are to be used in neighboring fields and even transporting home package bees or nucs in the spring. Have you ever considered the effects this confinement may have on the colony? On today epis…

1
Hive Inspections: When, Why and How Often (160) 22:33

7M ago22:33

22:33

Hive inspections are essential in the beekeeping, serving as the cornerstone for effective colony management. Through these inspections, beekeepers gain crucial insights that guide their decisions for immediate and long-term hive care. In this episode, Jim is joined by Anne Frey, an EAS Master Beekeeper from Betterbee, to delve into the intricacies…

1
Keeping Small Colonies (159) 20:15

7M ago20:15

20:15

In this week's episode, Jim is delighted to welcome back David Peck from Betterbee. In this intriguing discussion, they explore what Jim calls, "Reverse Beekeeping," a unique approach that focuses on maintaining smaller bee colonies. Traditionally, beekeeping has been all about growing large colonies for honey production and pollination. This has l…

1
Repetition Beekeeping (158) 21:17

8M ago21:17

21:17

Practice makes perfect, as the old adage says. This really rings true in the bee yard and working with honey bees. This week, Jim invites Betterbee’s EAS Master Beekeeper, Anne Frey, to the podcast to discuss how experience, gained by doing something over and over, is the basis of becoming a better beekeeper. Experience is needed for confidence. Li…

1
Downsizing Your Bee Operation (157) 20:27

8M ago20:27

20:27

There comes a time for many beekeepers when they realize they have more colonies than time to properly work them - with “work” being the operative word. If they’ve been keeping bees long enough, they may decide that hefting ten-frame hive bodies full or honey or bees just too difficult. The beekeeper decides to downsize. In today’s episode, Kim and…

1
Queen Isolation Cages (156) 23:47

8M ago23:47

23:47

In today's episode, Jim and David Peck, PhD, delve into a fascinating topic that rarely gets any ‘air time’ unless you are interested specifically in raising queens: Queen Isolation Cages. For beekeepers, the queen bee is the heart of the hive, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining hive order. Queen Isolation Cages are ingenious tools that al…

1
Winter Chores: Culling Combs (155) 19:18

8M ago19:18

19:18

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Kim and Jim delve into several important maintenance tasks that beekeepers can undertake during the winter season to ensure the health and productivity of their hives. Winter might seem like a downtime, but it's a critical period for preparing your hives for the upcoming spring. One key task they discuss is cul…

1
Archive Special - Preparing Your Hives for Winter! (154) 19:46

9M ago19:46

19:46

Happy Thanksgiving!! Join Kim and Jim in this special archive episode from late October 2021, where they delve into the critical task of preparing your hives for the winter season. This episode is particularly crucial for beekeepers in colder climates. Are you comfortable in shorts outdoors during this time of year? If yes, then wrapping your colon…

1
Browsing Bee Books (153) 16:20

9M ago16:20

16:20

As the leaves fall and the bees nestle in for winter, many beekeepers find themselves next to a warm fire, a cup of tea in hand, flipping through the pages of their cherished bee books. Have you ever looked at your shelf brimming with bee books and wondered, 'Will I ever read all of these?' You're not alone. In this cozy episode of Honey Bee Obscur…

1
Rothenbuhler's Legacy (152) 17:53

9M ago17:53

17:53

In today’s episode Jim invites Becky Masterman to discuss the lasting impact of Dr. Walter Rothenbuhler’s seminal research on honey bee hygienic behavior. His work, which has been a bedrock in the field of apiculture, sheds light on the genetic foundations of disease resistance among honey bees, particularly against threats like American Foulbrood.…

1
Transfers and Cutouts (151) 18:31

9M ago18:31

18:31

Beekeeping is not always as straightforward as hive inspections and honey extraction. When bees decide to set up shop in places beyond the traditional hive box, it requires specialized techniques and knowledge to safely and ethically relocate them. When beekeepers set up plain boxes (not the standard Langstroth hive with moveable frames) then move …

1
Dealing With Quirky Queens (150) 19:39

10M ago19:39

19:39

In the intricate realm of beekeeping, the queen bee reigns supreme, yet she remains a mysterious figure for many beekeepers. Join Jim as he welcomes Anne Frey, the head beekeeper of Betterbee, to delve into the fascinating world of Queen Quirks: Unusual Phenomena in Queen Bees. Jim and Anne share their wealth of experiences raising queens, offering…

1
Honey Bees and Native Bees (149) 22:03

10M ago22:03

22:03

In this episode, Jim, is joined by guest, Eugene Makovec, the editor of The American Bee Journal, to dissect the emotionally charged debate that's capturing the attention of beekeepers everywhere: Do honey bees harm native bees? This intriguing question unfolds as a complex ecological issue, lacking a clear-cut victor or vanquished party. The verdi…

1
Dealing With Fall Equipment (148) 20:25

10M ago20:25

20:25

After all of the nectar has flowed, the honey spun and you’re just waiting to put the bees to bed for the winter, you might look around at the clutter of equipment in your bee yard, bouncing in the back of your bee truck or shoved aside in the bee hut. Is there a better way to store that equipment so it is ready to use come Spring? In this week’s e…

1
Barrel Hives with Jerry Hayes (147) 20:05

10M ago20:05

20:05

This week, Jerry Hayes sits in with Jim while Kim is out. In this episode, Jerry talks about one of the most unusual hive designs he's ever built and worked with... a hive made out of a old 55-gallon drum. We know honey bees will build their nests just about anywhere... but is this practical? Useable? Find out by listening today! What is your most …

1
Archive Special: Dealing with Yellowjackets (146) 17:18

11M ago17:18

17:18

(This Archive Special first released, September 2, 2021.) Beekeepers are very often asked to help friends or neighbors that have “bee” problems…. honey bees, carpenter bees, yellow jackets, hornets, bumblebees and the like. But most of us aren’t exterminators. We don’t have the tools, the experience, or the time to help. But “can’t you just get rid…

1
Listener Emails: Cutting Down Supers and Dealing with Propolis (145) 22:52

11M ago22:52

22:52

In this episode, Jim invites Beekeeping Today Podcast's Jeff Ott, to sit in for Kim to help answer a couple of recent listener emails. In response to a recent episode where Jim talks about dealing with heavy 10-frame, deep supers, a listener sends in a suggestion and a question. Jim gives this recommendation thoughtful consideration and discusses t…

1
Moving Honey Supers in the Fall (144) 19:42

11M ago19:42

19:42

This week, we continue with the theme of Fall management. Kim is out so, Jim invites Jeff Ott, from Beekeeping Today Podcast to join him to talk about dealing with heavy honey supers that remain and prepping the colonies for the coming Winter. Jim uses all 10-frame deep equipment, including his honey supers. It is just the way he’s always done it. …

1
Prepping for Fall and Winter (143) 19:08

11M ago19:08

19:08

What do you do when the honey is all harvested, but it is still warm and not quite time to button up the colonies for Winter? On today's episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim has invited Beekeeping Today Podcast's Jeff Ott, in to discuss what he does to prepare the bees for Fall. There are many different things a beekeeper could do, such as extracting …

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