Bee Love Beekeeping

In this information-packed episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we welcome master beekeeper Deborah Klughers for a rapid-fire deep dive into practical, real-world beekeeping.

Building off her legendary “100+ tips” for beekeepers presentation, Deb shares hard-earned lessons on feeding strategies, hive stands, smoker safety, mite monitoring, drone brood management, and even the controversial—but fascinating—role of bee venom in beekeeper health.

From her favorite baggie feeder system and why warm syrup matters, to a cautionary tale about toxic cinder blocks and treated pallets, Deb emphasizes that small management decisions can have life-or-death consequences for honey bee colonies. She also challenges conventional mite-testing wisdom, explaining why drone brood inspection and culling gives her clearer insight than alcohol washes alone.

The conversation closes with a thought-provoking discussion on bee venom exposure, apitherapy, and why Deb believes beekeepers should rethink their relationship with stings—followed by her most important advice of all: listen to the bees. This episode is equal parts practical instruction, cautionary storytelling, and deep respect for the wisdom of the beehive.

Video Version

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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/

[email protected]

Deb Klughers: https://bonacbees.com/index.html https://www.instagram.com/bonacbees

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of honey bees, looking at how bees communicate, work together, and inspire humans—from scientists to everyday beekeepers. The show opens with a brief reflection on honey bees as masters of collective intelligence, followed by intriguing research suggesting that bees and their mathematical communication may even offer insights for extraterrestrial intelligence studies.

The conversation then turns to Sung Lee, a passionate beekeeper whose backyard experiment in beekeeping grew into a full-blown obsession. What began as a way to help garden pollination evolved into managing more than 100 hives and producing thousands of pounds of honey. Sung shares how education, genetics, and community shaped his beekeeping journey, along with unforgettable stories—from breeding gentler honey bees to rescuing swarms, teaching new beekeepers, and unexpectedly becoming a viral social media sensation. This episode blends science, storytelling, and humor while celebrating bees, honey bees, and the joy (and chaos) of modern beekeeping.

Video Version

________________

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/

[email protected]

Sung Lee: https://www.tiktok.com/@sungleethebeecharmer

https://www.youtube.com/@beecharmersung

Conversation with Dr. Jason Graham, Ph.D. Questions asked and answered.

In this episode, we kick off our coverage from the North American Honey Bee Expo with an in-depth and surprisingly entertaining conversation with entomologist and beekeeper Dr. Jason “Dr. J” Graham. Recorded live on the bustling expo floor, this episode blends science, storytelling, and practical beekeeping insight.

Dr. Graham shares his unconventional journey from high school dropout to PhD, and how a single beekeeping class sparked a lifelong passion for honey bees. From there, the discussion dives deep into the inner workings of the hive—exploring bee lifespans, age-based job roles, pheromone-driven decision-making, and why a colony functions more like a single “superorganism” than a collection of individuals.

We also explore fascinating topics like swarming as colony reproduction, how queens are “put on a diet” before a swarm, the misunderstood role of drones, and why bees are far more flexible and adaptive than we often give them credit for. The conversation wraps with a look at modern innovations in beekeeping, including insulated and thermodynamic hive designs, sensors, AI-driven hive monitoring, and how new technology may be helping us better mimic the bees’ natural tree-hollow homes.

Whether you’re a backyard beekeeper, a seasoned professional, or just bee-curious, this episode offers a fresh appreciation for the complexity, resilience, and mystery of honey bees.

Video Version

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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/

[email protected]

Primal Bee

Bee Wise

In 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/

[email protected]

In 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/

[email protected]

"Desensitization" is the key, but how is it applied?

In this final installment of the Apitherapy series, we return to Romania to sit down once more with Dr. Stefan Stangaciu, MD, beekeeper and one of the world’s leading authorities on apitherapy.

Building on the foundation laid in episodes 250 and 251, this conversation takes a deep dive into how bee products can be used to support the body in cases of seasonal allergies and hay fever.

Dr. Stangaciu explains the science behind pollen allergies, distinguishing between airborne anemophilous pollen and the heavier pollen collected by honey bees. He outlines traditional and modern desensitization strategies using local honey, bee pollen, propolis, and the increasingly popular beehive air therapy practiced throughout Europe.

The episode also explores how beehive air works on a physiological level, including the role of trace allergens, anti-inflammatory pheromones, and volatile compounds from beeswax and propolis. Along the way, listeners learn what practices are safe to try on their own, when to involve medical professionals, and how beekeepers can responsibly expand into apitherapy services.

Wrapping things up, Dr. Stangaciu shares a memorable and humorous beekeeping story, offers practical advice on combining bee products for health support, and leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: understanding the composition of bee products unlocks their true potential.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/jyqPCgnv5X8

________________

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.

Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

[email protected]

Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Stefan Stangaciu:

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we discuss the step-by-step approach to treating burns with honey. Then we shift to bee venom therapy to treat all kinds of illnesses, including Lyme Disease, Cancer, Chronic Pain, and more.

Takeaways

• Honey has hygroscopic properties that aid in wound healing.
• Drinking water before consuming honey prevents stomach irritation.
• Honey can block free radicals and reduce burn pain.
• Proper application of honey can lead to minimal scarring.
• Bee venom therapy can stimulate the nervous system and improve blood flow.
• A holistic approach is essential in treating chronic diseases.
• Detoxification is a critical first step in healing.
• Bee venom can be effective against various neurological conditions.
• Cancer treatment should address multiple underlying causes.
• Nutrition and lifestyle changes are vital for effective healing.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/RP4ZpLi1IZs

________________

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.

Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

[email protected]

Join host Eric Bennett and Dr. Ștefan Stangaciu, MD from Romania. Dr. Stangaciu is the world’s leading authority on apitherapy, as well as being a beekeeper, medical doctor, and president of the International Federation of Apitherapy.

In part 1 of this series, we learn why propolis, pollen and bee-derived extracts often outperform honey for healing, how to extract and handle honey for medicinal use, and practical ways beekeepers and families can use propolis safely.

The conversation delves into the medicinal uses of these products, their extraction methods, and practical applications for everyday health issues.

Dr. Stangaciu emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of bee products and their potential in natural healing.

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ham0UXAoUZE

________________

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.

Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

[email protected]

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, host Eric Bennett, welcomes Rob Wright, CEO of Mann Lake, for an honest and surprisingly personal look at the current state of the beekeeping industry.

From swarm-catching mishaps and hive cutouts to global honey tastings and the future of bee health, this episode blends practical insights, industry updates, and stories that every beekeeper—from hobbyist to commercial operator—will relate to.

Rob shares what he’s learned from four years of active beekeeping, how Mann Lake has transformed under new family ownership, and why bee nutrition is becoming one of the most important levers in improving colony survival.

The two also dive into new industry technologies, the newly released North American Honey Bee Strategy, and why staying connected to your bees is still more powerful than any gadget, social media, AI, or automation.

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ZzTSveQxUSs

________________

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.

North American Bee Strategy Report: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nabs/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

[email protected]

In this episode of Be Love Beekeeping, Eric and Bee Culture editor Jerry Hayes break down the aftermath of the 2024–25 winter honey bee die-off, where roughly 1.6 million colonies were lost.

They discuss how Varroa-spread viruses, weak mite management, nutrition challenges, climate stress, and migratory pollination all converged to push colonies past their limits. A central message emerges: beekeepers at every level must sample for Varroa, treat based on data, rotate treatments to avoid resistance, and sample again.

The conversation expands to new pressures on beekeeping, including yellow-legged hornets, the lingering threat of Asian giant hornets, and the growing spread of Africanized genetics—with Jerry sharing firsthand experiences from his work in Florida.

They also touch on emerging hive designs, insulation, and other equipment aimed at helping bees cope with harsh weather and environmental stress.

Despite the challenges, the episode highlights reasons for optimism: strong support from scientific organizations, state inspectors, and reputable beekeeping groups, along with better tools and research than ever before.

The takeaway? Beekeeping is demanding, but with reliable information and committed management, there’s still plenty of hope—and love—in the apiary.

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/PzqT5yIzU34

________________

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.

Jerry-Bee Culture Magazine: https://beeculture.com/

Almond Milk Article: https://farmonaut.com/usa/almond-milk-kills-bees-5-shocking-ca-impacts

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

[email protected]