Best How To Start Beekeeping Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 131 The best for last: Reverse Doolittle Split (and Split Dynamics review) 50:57

8d ago50:57

50:57

This episodes concludes the series on splits, with the best saved for last: The Reverse Doolittle, aka The Cutdown. (Best for intermediate beekeepers. ) Also, a review of split dynamics for beginners. Exclusive for patrons on the Patreon post are links for the how-to, drawing of the whole process, and the complete handout for the splits talk I gave…

1
Charity: Water Founder & CEO Scott Harrison on the Misery of “Having It All,” Leveraging His Network, and Transforming The Nonprofit Marketing Game 59:03

9d ago59:03

59:03

Scott Harrison is the founder and CEO of charity: water, a nonprofit that has funded over 171,000 projects to bring clean, safe, drinkable water to more than 20 million people across 29 countries. Unfulfilled from a decade of living the fast-paced extravagance of a nightclub promoter, he decided to seek a more purposeful life. He parted toward West…

1
Ep 130: Spring Nuc Split, Quiet Box, Doolittle Box 37:13

23d ago37:13

37:13

Talking today about the handy and easy Nuc (or Retirement Nuc) split; using a quiet box; making and using a Doolittle Box....with a printable PDFs on making a Nucleus Split and a Doolittle box exclusively for patrons on the Five Apple Patreon Post -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreo…

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Eight Sleep Co-Founder Alexandra Zatarain on Having Difficult Conversations and Being Throw Into The Leadership Fire 52:14

24d ago52:14

52:14

Alexandra Zatarain is the co-founder and VP of Brand and Marketing of Eight Sleep, the world's first sleep fitness company. With accolades like being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and Inc’s 100 female founders lists, Alexandra is the marketing genius that helped put Eight Sleep on the map. Starting Eight Sleep with minimal marketing experience, she m…

1
Ep 129: Swarm prevention tips 44:43

1M ago44:43

44:43

With some swarm prevention skills, you can better time your splits! Patrons, the printable of the notes/links on this episode can be downloaded on the Patreon post. Thank you all for your support! Leigh -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleYou are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts poss…

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How I Rebuilt When EVERYTHING Changed at Once | Loss, Marriage, New City, New Life - Solo Episode 48:23

1M ago48:23

48:23

After more than a year of silence, Megan Bruneau returns with the Failure Factor to share a deeply personal episode about navigating one of the most challenging years of her life. In this raw and insightful conversation, Megan shares her journey through profound grief, major life transitions, and the lessons she discovered along the way. In this ep…

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Ep 128 10-Frame vs 8-Frame...and/or all mediums 41:20

2M ago41:20

41:20

Patron "Show Me Bees" from Missouri asked that I talk about the ins and outs of running all 8-frame mediums. So in today's episode I do. :-) -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleYou are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitu…

1
Ep 127 Rescued by Bee Friends! 32:23

2M ago32:23

32:23

Telling the recent story of how my apiary was saved by bee friends after a tree fell right over the middle of it. Ed and Jim, you saved the day. Plus a reminder to keep an eye on your hive's stores as we start getting more warm days. Photos of the rescue (open to everyone) at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123119994 -- You are warmly invited to bec…

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Ep126 Propolis! 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

A couple things the bees do with propolis I forgot to mention in the episode: embalming hive intruders, fencing in hive beetles! Bee caulk is amazing. Links collected over at Patreon on the post: The first video I watched on the unexpected winter losses among commercial beekeepers in the US by Dr Humberto Boncristiani of Inside the Hive TV. More on…

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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
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
Ep 125 Starting with packages 49:03

3M ago49:03

49:03

Tips and thoughts on starting with packages for the first time, or starting again after winter loss. Patron exclusive links over at patreon.com/fiveapple Kamon Reynolds showing both ways to install on YouTube. I thought this was an excellent overview. A non-video tutorial from NC extension -- showing the "shake them out" method...the one you will n…

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
Ep 124 Better (than caging) Brood Breaks 37:37

4M ago37:37

37:37

Ep 124 Better (than caging) Brood Breaks Diving into why there are better options (imo) than caging a queen to create a brood break for mite reduction. Exclusive show notes and links to the things mentioned in this episode are available for patrons over at Patreon. -- ---- You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join t…

1
3. From Backyard Hives to Swarmed with Mateo Kaiser 52:39

4M ago52:39

52:39

Unlock the secrets of beekeeping with our guest, Mateo Kaiser, as we explore the art and science behind this rewarding hobby. Discover how Mateo transformed his backyard in Mountain View, California, into a thriving small-scale apiary during the pandemic, and learn why beekeeping is the perfect low-maintenance alternative to traditional pets. With …

1
2. Exploring the World of Bees and Digital Creations with Fred Dunn 1:04:55

4M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Join us for a exploration into the multifaceted world of Fred Dunn, a dedicated beekeeper, photographer, and animal enthusiast. Fred shares his inspiring journey into beekeeping, driven by his fascination with animal behavior and the phenomenon of colony collapse disorder. Discover the intricacies of his apiary, "The Way to Bee," nestled in the sno…

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Ep 123 Welcome to 2025! 38:31

4M ago38:31

38:31

Some reflection on the past year's bee season and things I'd like to continue with (and get better at) in the new season to come. Show notes for patrons with links for stuff mentioned in this episode are over in the Patreon post for this episode: Layens hives, Queen Castles, Long Langs, fave beekeeper YouTubers. ---- You are warmly invited to becom…

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1. Thriving Colonies Through Natural Practices with Mr. Ed 53:32

4M ago53:32

53:32

Join us for an engaging conversation on the Apiary Chronicles podcast, where I sit down with the Jeff Harchoff, also known as Mr Ed. We explore his fascinating journey in beekeeping, which began in 1978 when a friend's passion for bees sparked his interest. Mr Ed recounts his transition from the bustling city of New Orleans to the serene countrysid…

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Ep 122: New Insulation Setup and The "Condensing Hive" 48:56

5M ago48:56

48:56

A deeper dive into the why and how of the insulation setup I started using several years ago, the condensing-hive concept. For the patrons, find the links to everything mentioned in the show, and the video I made for you, over at Patreon.com/fiveapple Thanks to all the listeners and wishing you a good overwintering of your bees! Leigh ---- You are …

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Apiary Chronicles Introduction 6:04

5M ago6:04

6:04

Standing on the seat of my dad’s old pickup, peering through the rear window, I watched as his hands carefully tended to his beehives. It was in those early, honey-filled days that my love for bees took root—a passion that has now blossomed into the Apiary Chronicles podcast. In our debut episode, we embark on a journey to uncover the heartwarming …

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Late Fall...and Large NC disaster (Ep 121) 1:23:56

6M ago1:23:56

1:23:56

The first portion is about bees and the ups and downs of Fall care. Then in a change of subject, I want to tell you about what happened in my little section of Western NC in the floods of Hurricane Helene...as well as try to help get you thinking about your own disaster preparedness. I'm grateful to all of you and want you to be prepared for the wh…

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Fall prep list (120) 35:25

8M ago35:25

35:25

Fall prep list (120) How can it be September already?!? In this episode I go through my own fall prep list and considerations. WELCOME new patrons Sam, Phil, Taylor and Missy! Thank you so much for joining us and keeping this podcast free of advertising. Thank you so much for listening, sharing and leaving a good review if you are enjoying the epis…

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Loads of info! Part 2 Troy Hall of Hall Apiaries (119) 36:34

9M ago36:34

36:34

In the second part of the interview, Troy talks about his late summer/fall management strategy as well as how he manages to overwinter nucs (a core part of his operation as it is to mine) in New Hampshire winters. He also gives me some great tips on how to make winter feeding of those nucs easier in my apiary. Troy also talks about the benefits of …

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Troy Hall of Hall Apiaries Interview part 1, Ep 118 52:42

10M ago52:42

52:42

Today's episode is part one of a rambling bee chat I had with full-time beekeeper Troy Hall of New Hampshire back in the Spring. At Hall Apiaries he produces honey, queens and nucs in a creative, stationary operation of 700ish hives primarily managed without treatments. What a delightful and inspiring person and beekeeper! Hope you enjoy it. Show N…

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Tips for keeping bees cool, Solstice Queens, Split Comparisons & Patron bonus bookmark (117) 24:30

10M ago24:30

24:30

Tips for keeping bees cool, Solstice Queens, Split Comparisons & Patron bonus bookmark (117) Part 1: Ways to cool off hives, benefits of post-solstice queens . Part 2: continues for patrons with bonus content on comparing the Runaway and the Cut-Down/Reverse Doolittle splits, more about post-solstice queens, detailed show notes with links to some h…

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Reverse Doolittle Split - TS's method (117) 15:10

11M ago15:10

15:10

A bee-radio-reader episode with Tina Sebestyen's how to overview of a Reverse Doolittle Split which, spoiler alert, is the same as a Cut-Down Split! But Tina explains it so much better than I have! This episode released last week with detailed show notes for the Patreon supporters. Thank you patrons for keeping this podcast rolling! ---- Please bec…

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Runaway Splits (Episode 116) 43:35

12M ago43:35

43:35

Detailed show note (usually a Patreon exclusive but wanted everyone to get the links below): There is hardly a split that is as easy and that yields the reliable results as the Runaway split we all have learned from Ang Roell and Sam Comfort. Remember it when you just need to get it done! This is their description of the process from their SARE gra…

1
Ep 115 - Early March 51:28

1y ago51:28

51:28

(recorded the first few days of March 2024) There was a tech glitch (what happens if you don't do updates regular on the old computer OS...ha) and I couldn't edit this one like usual so it's both late and rough cut, with an even rougher addendum pasted in! But wanted to put it up for everyone. Next episode starts my usual obsession with splits! Lin…

1
What? But, why?? Thoughts on a podcast (Bookmark) 7:38

1y ago7:38

7:38

So as I mentioned last time, there was an episode on another podcast I eagerly played because I'm fascinated with the topic, only to be disappointed at the angle they took on some things, and in outright (friendly) disagreement on other points. Just a random ramble of thoughts and reflections for the patrons who keep this podcast going. Huge apprec…

1
Welcome to 2024 Beekeepers! Episode 113 39:49

1+ y ago39:49

39:49

Here we are starting a new year and getting another chance to all be even better beekeepers. In this episode: a challenge to you all to stretch your skills and go deeper! Also, thinking about the disservice we do to new beekeepers focusing on starting with a package instead of a nuc... and other random tidbits including some teasers on upcoming epi…

1
Episode 112: Year’s End Reflections 45:36

1+ y ago45:36

45:36

Thinking aloud on the factors in my beekeeping practice that may have contributed to a successful 13th year of fully chemical-free beekeeping. But first, some of the bad beekeeping I've done lately...ha! :-) THANK YOU Patrons for your continued support. You make these podcasts possible...AND commercial free for everyone! Leigh -- Please become a Fr…

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Viome Founder & CEO and Self-made Billionaire Naveen Jain on Shooting for the Moon and The Mindset Shift That Fuels Entrepreneurial Fortitude 1:20:16

1+ y ago1:20:16

1:20:16

Naveen Jain is a serial entrepreneur and self-made billionaire whose latest venture, Viome, is revolutionizing personalized health and longevity. Jain rose to success as the founder and CEO of InfoSpace, previously one of the largest internet companies in the Northwest, and has since inspired millions to go after their most audacious goals as the f…

1
Episode 111: New ways to monitor mites? Research project from Zac Lamas (and random bee chat) 36:22

1+ y ago36:22

36:22

Wanted to get this out there tonight but will have to compile the links I mention tomorrow! By then, this free link should have the info mentioned in the episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/93855226 This podcast continues to be listener-powered and free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thanks to the Patrons!! :-) Leigh -- Please become a Fri…

1
Ep 110: Begin Again! Late Fall 2023 34:34

1+ y ago34:34

34:34

Greetings from a new homeplace! Bee yard goings on as Autumn rolls into a colder season. It is such a delight to be back with you. Leigh This podcast continues to be listener-powered and free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thanks to the Patrons!! -- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possi…

1
Beekeeper's Naturals Founder and CEO Carly Stein Kremer on Staying Confident Taking a Risk and Convincing the Person Across the Table of the Upside 1:01:33

1+ y ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Carly Stein Kremer is the founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals, a collection of natural remedies and immune support products she developed after years of living with a chronically suppressed immune system. She was recognized on the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and has raised nearly 20 million dollars to date. In this episode, she tells the story of how …

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Numinus Counder Payton Nyquvest on The Power of Psychedelics And Ethically Scaling A Mental Health Startup 51:20

2y ago51:20

51:20

Payton Nyquvest is the founder and CEO of Numinus, a mental health company at the forefront of the psychedelic-assisted therapy movement. He's raised over $80 million for the startup, which currently offers psychedelic-assisted therapy, traditional talk therapy, and practitioner training--and conducts research trials. In this episode, Payton shares…

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Ep 109 Specialty Splits: Part 1 39:01

2y ago39:01

39:01

Reviewing the content of a club talk I gave last month "Specialty Splits: Or, Why would you Ever just do a Walkaway?" This podcast continues to be listener-powered so remains free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thank you Patrons!! -- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition…

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Good Dye Young Cofounders Hayley Williams and Brian O'Connor On Having The Courage To Build An "Offensive" Brand And Figure Out Entrepreneurship As They Go 1:05:19

2y ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Hayley Williams--who you might know as the lead singer of Paramore--and her longtime stylist Brian O'Connor are a best-friend duo and the cofounders of Good Dye Young. They're unapologetically making creative self-expression more accessible through the brand's bold hair color products and social justice mission. In this episode, they share with Meg…

1
108: Bee Radio Reader: Bait Hives 27:28

2y ago27:28

27:28

108: Bee Radio Reader: Bait Hives Reading the older article Bait Hives for Honey Bees by Dr. Tom Seeley et al. Read the article here. Other links to bait hive info: https://www.beeculture.com/get-bait-hives-ready/ https://www.bee-craft.com/beecraft-extra/articles/how-to-use-a-bait-hive https://www.honeybeesuite.com/tag/swarm-traps/ Enjoy! And happy…

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Ep 107: Coming out of Winter and HELLO AGAIN! 37:20

2y ago37:20

37:20

Ep 107: Coming out of Winter and HELLO AGAIN! (Recorded mid-March 2023) It's so exciting to see the new beekeeping season on the horizon....even if I had horrid overall winter survival due to things I failed do last season. I'll talk about late winter colony issues and care, how NOT to have a winter like I had, how to get the most out of bee mentor…

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Mermade Hair founder Tara Simich on blowing up on Instagram and handling unhappy customers 49:48

2+ y ago49:48

49:48

Serial entrepreneur Tara Simich launched Mermade Hair's hero product, the Mermade Waver, right before the pandemic hit. The brand became an overnight success, blowing up on Instagram to the point at which she and her team couldn't keep up with supply. The supply chain issues were wildly exacerbated by the pandemic, and she was soon faced with unhap…

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Ep 106: I’m writing ya’ll a cookbook! Plus, Optera Part II 15:17

2+ y ago15:17

15:17

In this episode: Announcement re pausing the podcast till around Valentine's Day 2023....so I can write you a handbook on splits! :-) Patreon billing for the monthly pledges of supporters will be paused from now until February 2023 ...but I'm still available for messages from Patrons during the winter for any burning questions. Also feel free to wr…

1
Black Jar Results and How-To; Weird goings on at the Farm; Part 1 about Optera (105) 36:50

2+ y ago36:50

36:50

Our local black jar honey contest has awarded the winners! Sadly, I'm not among them...but some great folks are. A foray into Fall weirdness at the home apiary with some robbing and (whut?!) bees building outside a tree. And a teaser about the potentially amazing product-to-come, Optera. Hope you enjoy! Leigh -- Please become a "Friend of the Podca…

1
Episode 104: The leaves are turning! 32:30

2+ y ago32:30

32:30

Hello wonderful Patrons and all listeners! FINALLY a new episode - catching up a bit on the farm bees, pre-winter prep progress and random bits. THANK YOU ALL for your support and patience with me. Leigh ps. I mentioned a couple of videos I've enjoyed lately. Bee videos are my favorite way to make kitchen clean up more enjoyable! :-) I was letting …

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Alchemy 43 Founder and CEO Nicci Levy on Seeing “No” As a Starting Point and No One Knowing Your Business Better Than You Do 50:15

2+ y ago50:15

50:15

Nicci Levy is the founder and CEO of Alchemy 43, a DryBar-meets-Botox-and-fillers concept transforming the experience of cosmetic injectables. In this episode, she shares the story behind Alchemy43; how she and her team almost had to close their doors because they ran out of money; and the empowering wisdom for taking risks and persevering through …

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Bee Radio Reader: Combining Hives Early for Fall (103) 27:59

2+ y ago27:59

27:59

Bee Radio Reader: Combining Hives Early for Fall (103)Reading from "Practical Mergers: Do It Soon" by Zachary Lamas, August 2020, by permission of Bee Culture Magazine. --Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access epi…

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Summertime and the living is....hot! (102) 41:04

3y ago41:04

41:04

Episode 102: Summertime and the living is....hot. Tips on cooling off hives in summer; REVIEW of test-frame technique to detect queenlessness vs other reasons. WINNER of the Bee Culture magazine sub from episode 100!!! Thank you all so much for listening! I invite everyone to join on Patreon below for more content --or if you just want to support t…

1
I’m Back! Lots to tell you about: Split results, combines, laying worker help (101) 43:33

3y ago43:33

43:33

In this episode: LOVING the runaway (or flyback) split after all! / comparisons of other types of splits / tips for newspaper combines / tips for fixing a laying worker colony. I go on and on since I have lots of built up stuff to tell you! Please forgive me on that (and ignore the JET going overhead during the middle ). So glad to be back in the b…

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MyIntent.org and VoMo founder Chris Pan on navigating depression and pivoting during the pandemic 47:49

3y ago47:49

47:49

Chris Pan is the founder of MyIntent.org, which has gained a cult following from its intention-personalized necklaces and bracelets. In this episode, the former McKinsey consultant and early Facebook employee shares: how a dark time in his life led to MyIntent.org, how he navigated the depression of isolation and his business screeching to a halt d…

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Episode 100! Double Screen Board Love 36:47

3y ago36:47

36:47

Episode 100! Double Screen Board Love Links mentioned in the episode:This is the link (free and open to everyone) if you are interested in the book and Bee Culture subscription mentioned in celebration of this 100th episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-100-love-65588303 Bob Binnie on splitting with a double screen board. Please note he is…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

How To Start Beekeeping Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen