Podcast
Bee Love Beekeeping... presented by Mann Lake
Hosted by Eric Bennett · EN
Bee Love Beekeeping podcast is for everyone who loves honey bees! Hobby Beekeepers, Sideline Beekeepers, Commercial Beekeepers, Wanna-Bee Beekeepers, or anyone who is planting flowers and other native plants to support honey bees and other pollinators.
Bee Love Beekeeping podcast includes interviews with real beekeepers, the latest news on honey bees and beekeeping, the newest gadgets and beekeeping inventions, plus fun stories about crazy things that happen in the bee yard.
Hosted by Eric Bennett, Bee Love is a fun, informative way to connect with other honey bee lovers.
48episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Inside The Mind of a Commercial Beekeeper - 2026 Preview
Jan 800:33:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we reconnect with Chris Hyatt, past president of the American Honey Producers Association and a lifelong commercial beekeeper managing 18,000 colonies across North Dakota, California, and Washington. Chris returns to give an unfiltered look at the state of commercial beekeeping after one of the most challenging years on record.The conversation opens with a reflection on devastating winter losses, where even the most experienced operators saw colonies wiped out despite best management practices. Chris explains why there is no single cause—amitraz resistance, viral loads, pesticide exposure, weather, and management variables all intertwine to create what he calls a “complex mess.”From there, the discussion broadens to economics: low honey prices, rising labor and input costs, consolidation within the industry, and cautious optimism around pollination markets—particularly almonds. Chris also dives deep into policy and advocacy efforts, including the Honey Integrity Act, FDA oversight, honey fraud, and the push to promote American honey to consumers who often don’t realize what’s actually in the bottle on grocery store shelves.The episode wraps with reflections on the art and labor of commercial beekeeping, advice for hobbyists, and a powerful story linking beekeeping, land use, and the disappearance of sage grouse in the northern plains—underscoring how closely pollinators, wildlife, and agriculture are connected.Video Version: https://youtu.be/gLsiYWfrY4k________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________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
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Beekeeping's Biggest Challenges - "North American Bee Strategy"
Jan 200:34:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we kick off Season 3 by diving deep into the North American Bee Strategy with special guest Matt Mulica of the Honey Bee Health Coalition. Together, we explore the biggest challenges facing honey bees and beekeepers today—and what’s being done across the U.S. and Canada to address them.From Varroa mites and emerging threats like Tropilaelaps, to honey fraud, beekeeping economics, pesticides, forage, and applied research, this is a wide-ranging and practical conversation for beekeepers of all experience levels.Along the way, we discuss why “live and let die” is not a Varroa management strategy, how agriculture and beekeepers can (and must) work together, and why protecting honey authenticity matters for both consumers and beekeepers. Plus, a reminder that beekeeping is officially cool—with a long list of celebrity beekeepers to prove it.Video Version: https://youtu.be/tEZqo01uSrI________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Matt Mulica: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/ Full Report: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nabs/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com
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Beekeeping In Warblington, Severe Honey Bee Losses, Wild & Crazy Beekeeping Stories
Feb 14, 202500:38:17Tap to summarizeThe U.S. is experiencing "Sudden and Severe Losses" to honey bee colonies, anywhere from 50% - 100%. Is it time to panic? In today's episode we discuss those bee losses, hear some wild & crazy beekeeping stories, and have a discussion with James Wheeldon, a beekeeper in Warblington, Hampshire, England. We also learn about James' new charity organization, Beekeeping For Hope. It's a way for beekeepers to give back through donating a small portion of their honey harvest to people around the world suffering from food insecurity. Other topics include Varroa Mites, Queen Retirement Communities, and much more!Beekeeping and the beekeepers, it's all about he 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/https://www.beekeeping4hope.org/
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Secrets to Overwintering Bees - Plus Honey Bee Fun Facts
Feb 7, 202500:47:18Tap to summarizeWhy are honey bees covered in hair? How do bees navigate? These, and more answers to questions you never thought to ask, in this episode's Fun Facts. Then we have a great discussion with 4th generation beekeeper, Steven Stewart. We discuss overwintering techniques, beehive ventilation, problems with water in the hive, and what beekeepers can do mid-winter to help their bees survive. Steven had a successful career as an engineer, and in retirement he has developed the solar powered Hive Heater. Beekeeping and the beekeepers, it's all about he 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/HoneyHavenSupply.com
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"What Do Bees Think About," Bee Beds, and Bee QR Codes
Jan 31, 202500:44:21Tap to summarizeOur guest on this episode is Dr. Mathieu Lihoreau, an Animal Cognition Researcher from France. We discuss how bees play, what they think about, learned behavior vs. instinct, yellow legged hornets, and much more!Beekeeping News features U.S. research which includes attaching QR codes to 32,000 honey bees. There is an island in Ireland where you can spend time on a "bee bed," which has 5 full beehives under it.Beekeeping and the beekeepers, it's all about he 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/mathieu-lihoreau.comhttps://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/53659/what-do-bees-think-about?srsltid=AfmBOorFVG0j-sm-fkTzV0HJqgtAeDI7-pveMSytABuL5a8Y6C-xZytI
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Beekeeping in British Columbia, Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping Fun
Jan 23, 202500:33:17Tap to summarize200 Pounds of Honey per hive in 6 weeks! What's the difference between a beekeeping veil and a wedding veil? Ask our stand-up comedian. This episode crosses the full spectrum from honey bee biology to crazy beekeeping stories, and great advice about becoming a small commercial beekeeper. Plus how to keep bees in the cold British Columbia climate. Our guest is Christine McDonald, a former forest firefighter and school teacher. She and her husband run Rushing River Apiaries. In our discussion, we learn all about fireweed honey, varroa, bear fences, and secrets to making money at farmers markets. Plus, Christine's secret sauce for overwintering success.______________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/https://www.instagram.com/rushingriverapiaries/Christine's wild & crazy beekeeping story on a past episode: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/bees-loose-in-a-classroom-mann-lake-ceo-rob-wright/
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SoCal Fires, Bee Swarm Safety, Disaster Preparedness
Jan 16, 202500:44:45Tap to summarizeThis episode of Bee Love Beekeeping features a discussion with master beekeeper, Patrick Hardy. Patrick is the founder of Bee Platoon, dedicated to helping beekeepers in disasters. Patrick has been an emergency and disaster professional for 25 years. In this discussion we cover preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and how to help beekeepers in the Southern California wildfire area. Patrick's time as a swarm removal specialist helps him bring special insights to the safety aspects of swarm removal, including the importance of EpiPens and how every apiary should have at least one on hand at all times. In the "Did You Know" segment, we throw out 7 fun facts about honey bees. How many did you know already? It's all about the love of honey bees and beekeepers!_______________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/https://www.beeplatoon.com/https://greatergood.org/
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Apitherapy, Funny Beekeepers, and New Varroa Treatment
Jan 10, 202500:38:27Tap to summarizeThis episode of Bee Love Beekeeping begins with our favorite (not) Jeff Foxworthy comedian telling us why YOU might be a beekeeper! We then discuss Apitherapy, also known as Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) and some of it's possible medical benefits. Before trying apitherapy, make sure that you have done your homework, are not allergic to bee stings, and always have an EpiPen nearby.Our guest on this episode is Justin Sanchez, Founder and CTO of Terra Vera. We discuss varroa mites and their new amino acid fogger that safely kills them.It's all about the love of honey bees and beekeepers!_______________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/https://terravera.com/
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Jerry Hayes - Bee Culture Magazine Editor
Jan 2, 202500:42:59Tap to summarizeIn this engaging episode, we explore the vibrant world of beekeeping and honey bees. From humorous anecdotes about Texas beekeepers to deep dives into challenges faced by modern apiculture, this episode has it all. Host Eric Bennett welcomes Jerry Hayes, editor of Bee Culture Magazine, to discuss pressing issues like, who can you trust for beekeeping advice on social media. Key Topics Discussed: Why you might be a beekeeper! Murder Hornets. UK outlawing neonics. Honey Bee Health Coalition. Practical tips for new and seasoned beekeepers. Wild, crazy and unusual beekeeping stories. _____________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/BeeCulture.com
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Hives For Heroes
Dec 19, 202400:46:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we’re diving into the joys, challenges, and surprises of life with honey bees. From listener stories to an inspiring interview, it’s a wild ride in the world of beekeeping. We kick things off with a fun “You might be a beekeeper if…” segment that’ll have you nodding (and laughing) along. Ever get stung through your suit or realize fondant isn’t just for cakes? Yeah, you’re one of us. Listener Wild & Crazy Beekeeping Stories Grab your smoker and settle in because you won’t believe these tales: Rosie shares her pregnancy and beekeeping adventure, including defensive bees and, let’s just say, an adrenaline rush. Alicia learns the hard way why black gloves and smashing bees aren’t the best combo—broken arm and all. Ouch! Spotlight Interview: Hives for Heroes We’re thrilled to welcome Steve Jimenez, founder of Hives for Heroes. He’s doing amazing work connecting veterans and first responders with the calming, purposeful world of bees. Steve shares how honey bees helped him and others heal from PTSD and other challenges. Spoiler: It’s not just about keeping bees; it’s about building community, finding purpose, and sometimes even starting a business. _______________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/https://hivesforheroes.org/
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