Best Backyard Beekeeping Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 149 – Feeding Bees: When, What, and How Much 🍯🐝 36:09

1d ago36:09

36:09

Feeding bees is one of the most misunderstood topics in beekeeping. In this episode, we talk about when you should feed, what you should feed (syrup, patties, honey frames, and more), and how much is enough. Whether you're managing packages, nucs, or full colonies, this episode will help you feed with purpose, not just habit. What’s Inside This Epi…

1
Episode 148 – Smooth Moves: Relocating Bee Colonies the Right Way 🌸🐝 28:45

5d ago28:45

28:45

In this episode, we talk about the right (and wrong) ways to move bees to a new location. Whether you’re relocating a hive two miles or two hundred, learn how to minimize stress, avoid major bee loss, and keep your colonies thriving. Plus, updates on swarm season and new traps at the property! 🐝 What’s Inside This Episode: How far honey bees can re…

1
Episode 147 – Understanding Bee Roles and Behavior 🧠🐝 32:12

8d ago32:12

32:12

In this episode, we dive deep into how honey bee colonies are structured and why understanding bee behavior can make you a calmer, more effective beekeeper. We cover the different castes of bees, what drives their daily decisions, how pheromones regulate everything inside the hive, and tips to work with your bees, not against them. What’s Inside Th…

1
Episode 146 – Bees in the News (27): Swarms, Rooftop Honey & Bee Yoga?! 🐝🗞️ 12:23

10d ago12:23

12:23

From pub patio swarms in England to rooftop hives in Chicago—and even yoga sessions with bees—this Bees in the News installment covers the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain “what?” in the world of bees. What’s Inside This Episode: A 3,000-bee swarm descends on a British pub mid-pint Chicago hotel rooftop bees add sweetness to guest stays New…

1
Episode 145 – Is My Colony Queenless? How to Tell & What to Do 👑🐝 30:19

12d ago30:19

30:19

So… you open the hive and don’t see any eggs. Panic sets in. Did she die? Did they swarm? Did you crush her?! In this episode, we walk through how to tell whether your colony is actually queenless—and what to do if it is. What’s Inside This Episode: Real reasons your queen might be gone False alarms that trick new beekeepers into requeening too soo…

1
Episode 144 – Requeening Your Colony: A Practical Guide 👑🐝 34:36

15d ago34:36

34:36

Requeening a hive is one of the most important, and sometimes most confusing, tasks beekeepers face. Whether your queen is failing, gone, or just not cutting it, knowing how and when to step in can make or break your colony’s productivity. What’s Inside This Episode: How to tell if your queen is gone (and why no eggs doesn’t always mean queenless) …

1
Episode 143 - The Demaree Method: Swarm Control Without Splitting 🐝🔧 20:54

19d ago20:54

20:54

Ever hear beekeepers talk about the "Demaree split" and wonder what it actually is? Spoiler alert: it's not a real split. In this episode, we walk through the Demaree Method of Swarm Control, a smart hive reorganization technique that helps manage swarm urges without creating a new colony. What’s Inside This Episode: What the Demaree Method is (and…

1
Episode 142 – Swarm Prevention: Keeping Your Bees from Leaving 🏃🐝 26:33

22d ago26:33

26:33

Swarming is a natural part of honey bee biology—but that doesn’t mean it has to happen in your apiary. In this episode, we break down the triggers that lead to swarms and the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk. From adding supers to splitting strong colonies, we’ll cover what works, what’s optional, and what to avoid. What’s Inside Thi…

1
Episode 141 – How to Inspect a Hive Like a Pro (Without Overdoing It!) 🔍🐝 29:47

26d ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of hive inspections—from timing and tools to what to look for and what to leave alone. Whether you’re in your first season or your tenth, this guide will help you inspect your hives with confidence, purpose, and minimal disruption to your bees. What’s Inside This Episode: • Why inspections are critica…

1
Episode 140 – Packages and Nucs: What to Expect the First 30 Days 📦🐝 30:27

29d ago30:27

30:27

If you’re about to install bees — or just did — this episode walks you through what to expect during the first 30 days of a new colony. From queen acceptance to feeder strategies and early inspections, we’ll help you avoid common mistakes and start your beekeeping season strong. What’s Inside This Episode: Quick overview of packages vs. nucs Why qu…

1
Episode 139 – How to Keep Records: The Beekeeper’s Notebook 📖🐝 32:05

1M ago32:05

32:05

Over half a million downloads, a top 1.5% global ranking, and Feedspot’s Top 10 Beekeeping Podcast award — we’re celebrating some milestones and diving into an essential skill: keeping records. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring pro, your beekeeping notes matter. In this episode, we cover the importance of documentation, what to record for each …

1
Episode 138 - Beginner Beekeeping Mistakes: What NOT to Do 🚨🐝 21:47

1M ago21:47

21:47

New beekeepers make a lot of mistakes, but many of them are easily avoidable if you know what to look out for. In this episode, I go through some of the most common beginner beekeeping mistakes and how to avoid them—so you don’t end up losing colonies, wasting money, or making your life harder than it needs to be! 📌 What’s Inside This Episode? ✔️ W…

1
Episode 137 - Single vs. Double Deep Brood Boxes: Which One is Better? 🏠🐝 39:49

1M ago39:49

39:49

Should you use a single deep or double deep for your brood chamber? 🏠🐝 In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of each setup, when to use them, and how they impact colony growth, inspections, and swarm management. 📌 What’s Inside This Episode? ✔️ The math behind brood space—do bees really run out of room? 🧮🐝 ✔️ Pros & cons of single vs. dou…

1
Episode 136 - How to Start a Beekeeping Business: Legal & Profitable Steps 🏛️🐝 44:58

2M ago44:58

44:58

Want to turn beekeeping into a profitable business? 🏛️🐝 In this episode, I break down everything you need to knowabout starting a beekeeping business the right way—from choosing a business structure to legal requirements, taxes, and protecting yourself with insurance. 📌 What’s Inside This Episode? ✔️ How to legally structure your beekeeping busines…

1
Episode 135 - Beekeeping Gear Checklist: What You Need for Year One 🛠️🐝 33:31

2M ago33:31

33:31

Starting beekeeping this year? 🐝 Getting the right gear is key to setting yourself up for success. In this episode, we go through everything you need to get through your first season, from protective equipment to hive components, feeders, and hive stand options. We also cover why every beekeeper should have a backup hive and a nuc box—because you n…

1
Episode 134 - The Real Cost of Beekeeping: What They Don’t Tell You 💰🐝 31:49

2M ago31:49

31:49

Beekeeping isn’t as cheap as many think—so what’s the real cost of getting started? In this episode, I break down the actual expenses of beekeeping, from startup costs to hidden fees you might not expect. If you're thinking about getting into beekeeping, this episode will help you budget wisely and avoid financial surprises. What’s Inside This Epis…

1
Episode 133 - Package Bees vs. Nucs: Which is Right for You? 🐝📦 59:31

2M ago59:31

59:31

Are package bees or nucleus colonies (nucs) the better choice for starting a new hive? In this episode, I break down the key differences, pros, and cons of both options. From installation to colony growth, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to make the best choice for your beekeeping goals. What’s Inside This Episode: What are package bees…

1
Episode 132 - The Beekeeping Triangle: Honey, Money, or Life? 🐝💰❤️ 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

Can you have it all in beekeeping—big honey harvests, low costs, and strong overwintering colonies? In this episode, we explore the Beekeeping Triangle: the three key priorities every beekeeper must balance—honey, money, or life. Whether you want a thriving apiary or a booming honey business, you’ll have to make choices! 💡 What’s Inside This Episod…

1
Episode 131 - The 2025 Honey Bee Crisis: What’s Really Happening? 🐝⚠️ 27:26

3M ago27:26

27:26

Beekeepers across the U.S. are reporting massive honey bee colony losses—some exceeding 50%. What’s behind this sudden crisis? In this episode, we break down the facts, discuss possible causes, and explore what it means for new and experienced beekeepers alike. What’s Inside This Episode: Shocking colony loss statistics and financial impact How thi…

1
6. Advocating for Honey with Eugene Makovec 1:14:45

3M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

In this episode, we welcome Eugene Makovec, the editor of the American Bee Journal and a passionate advocate for the beekeeping community. Eugene's remarkable 30-year journey from a Wisconsin dairy farm to managing Sweet Harvest Honey in Missouri is a testament to his dedication and love for beekeeping. Throughout the episode, Eugene shares insight…

1
Episode 130 - Bees in the News (26): QR Codes, Varroa Timing, and Brainy Bees 📰🐝 15:22

3M ago15:22

15:22

This week's Bees in the News is packed with fascinating research and unexpected discoveries! Penn State researchers explore how native bees recover when honeybees leave an area, scientists use QR codes to track bee movements, and a new study highlights the importance of varroa treatment timing. Plus, honeybees might have math skills—seriously! And …

1
5. Hygienic Bees with Phoebe Synder 54:33

3M ago54:33

54:33

Join us for an engaging episode of Apiary Chronicles as we explore the fascinating world of beekeeping with our guest, Phoebe Snyder, a dedicated beekeeper from Greensboro, North Carolina. Discover Phoebe's intriguing journey into beekeeping, starting from her childhood on a farm in Western Maryland and her unique experience selling praying mantis …

1
Episode 129 - Why I Focus on Langstroth Hives & A Hard Conversation 🐝 45:08

3M ago45:08

45:08

Why do I only talk about the Langstroth hive? While there are many hive styles out there, I almost exclusively focus on this one. In this episode, I explain why it is my go-to choice for new beekeepers and why I rarely highlight alternatives. But today’s episode also takes a serious turn. At the end, I open up about a difficult topic—mental health …

1
Episode 128 - Where Did My Queen Go? Understanding Seasonal Brood Breaks 👑🐝 32:50

3M ago32:50

32:50

What’s Inside This Episode Have you ever opened your hive and suddenly thought, I lost my queen!? You’re not alone! Many beekeepers, especially in their first few years, experience this moment of panic. But before you jump to conclusions, let’s talk about the real reasons why your queen might seem to disappear—especially during seasonal brood break…

1
Episode 127 - Should You Buy Bees from the Same Place Every Year? 🐝🤔 21:14

3M ago21:14

21:14

In this episode, I tackle a common question from the beekeeping community—should you buy your bees from the same supplier every year? We explore key factors to consider when purchasing bees, including genetics, supplier reliability, and local adaptation. Whether you're a new beekeeper or a seasoned pro, understanding the benefits and potential pitf…

1
4. From Bee Cutouts to Sustainable Practices with Randy McCaffrey 58:37

3M ago58:37

58:37

Join us as we explore the world of beekeeping through the fascinating experiences of Randy McCaffrey, known as 628 Dirt Rooster on social media. Randy's journey into beekeeping began unexpectedly when his brother enlisted his help with a challenging bee cutout from an old furniture warehouse. This adrenaline-filled encounter sparked Randy's passion…

1
Episode 126 - Varroa Mites: The “HIV” of the Bee World and Why They’re So Destructive 🐝🪲 28:10

4M ago28:10

28:10

In this episode, I dive deep into the biology and behavior of Varroa mites and why they’re often compared to HIV in their devastating impact on honeybee colonies. Learn how these parasites spread viruses, weaken colonies, and leave bees vulnerable to secondary infections. I also explore effective management strategies to keep these relentless pests…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Backyard Beekeeping Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Beekeeping For Newbees

Beekeeping For Newbees

1
Beekeeping Stories on the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Grazing Grass

1
Episode 149 – Feeding Bees: When, What, and How Much 🍯🐝 36:09

1
Episode 148 – Smooth Moves: Relocating Bee Colonies the Right Way 🌸🐝 28:45

1
Episode 147 – Understanding Bee Roles and Behavior 🧠🐝 32:12

1
Episode 146 – Bees in the News (27): Swarms, Rooftop Honey & Bee Yoga?! 🐝🗞️ 12:23

1
Episode 145 – Is My Colony Queenless? How to Tell & What to Do 👑🐝 30:19

1
Episode 144 – Requeening Your Colony: A Practical Guide 👑🐝 34:36

1
Episode 143 - The Demaree Method: Swarm Control Without Splitting 🐝🔧 20:54

1
Episode 142 – Swarm Prevention: Keeping Your Bees from Leaving 🏃🐝 26:33

1
Episode 141 – How to Inspect a Hive Like a Pro (Without Overdoing It!) 🔍🐝 29:47

1
Episode 140 – Packages and Nucs: What to Expect the First 30 Days 📦🐝 30:27

1
Episode 139 – How to Keep Records: The Beekeeper’s Notebook 📖🐝 32:05

1
Episode 138 - Beginner Beekeeping Mistakes: What NOT to Do 🚨🐝 21:47

1
Episode 137 - Single vs. Double Deep Brood Boxes: Which One is Better? 🏠🐝 39:49

1
Episode 136 - How to Start a Beekeeping Business: Legal & Profitable Steps 🏛️🐝 44:58

1
Episode 135 - Beekeeping Gear Checklist: What You Need for Year One 🛠️🐝 33:31

1
Episode 134 - The Real Cost of Beekeeping: What They Don’t Tell You 💰🐝 31:49

1
Episode 133 - Package Bees vs. Nucs: Which is Right for You? 🐝📦 59:31

1
Episode 132 - The Beekeeping Triangle: Honey, Money, or Life? 🐝💰❤️ 8:50

1
Episode 131 - The 2025 Honey Bee Crisis: What’s Really Happening? 🐝⚠️ 27:26

1
6. Advocating for Honey with Eugene Makovec 1:14:45

1
Episode 130 - Bees in the News (26): QR Codes, Varroa Timing, and Brainy Bees 📰🐝 15:22

1
5. Hygienic Bees with Phoebe Synder 54:33

1
Episode 129 - Why I Focus on Langstroth Hives & A Hard Conversation 🐝 45:08

1
Episode 128 - Where Did My Queen Go? Understanding Seasonal Brood Breaks 👑🐝 32:50

1
Episode 127 - Should You Buy Bees from the Same Place Every Year? 🐝🤔 21:14

1
4. From Bee Cutouts to Sustainable Practices with Randy McCaffrey 58:37

1
Episode 126 - Varroa Mites: The “HIV” of the Bee World and Why They’re So Destructive 🐝🪲 28:10