PODCAST EPISODE 51: Skye Blackburn AKA the Bug Lady of Circle Harvest, Sydney, Australia

When you think of your perfect afternoon snack, it’s highly possible that edible bugs may not come to mind. However, Skye Blackburn, also known as The Bug Lady from Circle Harvest, is about to change your ideas about consuming bugs. Not only should they not be feared, but you can even enjoy the delicious crispy legs and hands and bits and bobs of 100% sustainably sourced Australian crickets in chip, powder, pasta, or cereal form. You think I am joking? No, I am not. I am also not joking when I say I am completely thrilled to introduce you to fabulous entomologist, food scientist and entrepreneur Skye Blackburn for episode 51 of the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast, so she can expand your mind on why edible insects are delicious, nutritious, and good for the planet.

With a deep passion for sustainable food practices, Skye’s background as an entomologist (an insect scientist) and food scientist led her to this very niche, very fascinating culinary area. In 2007, Skye established the Edible Bug Shop – Australia’s first provider of edible insects and a world leader in edible insect farming techniques that made insect products safe, taste great and suitable for a Western diet. She also educated the pubic on the benefits of eating insects through cooking demonstrations, collaborations with our industry professionals and media appearances. Her aim was to inform people about why eating insects was actually a fantastic eco-friendly protein variant, while breaking down the stigma and misconceptions associated with eating bugs – actually, people have been eating insects since ancient times, and many cultures still do today.

In 2020, Skye rebranded her business as Circle Harvest and she now provides a range of healthy and nutrient-dense foods that come in different forms – some can easily be added into your cooking, while others are the perfect go-to nack. Having been a contestant on Shark Tank, which led to her receiving support from Janine Allis from Boost Juice, Skye’s edible bug business is expanding by the minute; in fact, she is in the process of setting up a new facility where robots will look after her innumerable precious crickets by feeding them and cleaning up after their mess! Genius!

Tune in to hear Skye and I chat about our very different but equally passionate loves of insects 

https://www.circleharvest.com.au

PODCAST EPISODE 50: Geoff Ball, beekeeper from Ballan, Victoria (and many other places), Australia

Can you believe it has been one whole year since the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast released its inaugural episode? Me neither! What a journey! Both fast and slow (when you think of all the incredible, frightening, life-changing, existentially rocking things that have happened during that time), the past year has been a whirlwind with huge consequences. I have done more thinking, reflecting, and changing in the last twelve months than perhaps ever before – and that’s not just the new haircut, new job, new car kind of changes of past transitional phases. I mean, REALLY deep and still evolving changes in thinking and acting – how do my actions affect the environment, the people I love, my community, my business, my life, the lives of others, the lives of bees! Of course, still always thinking of the bees (some things stay the same).

For these reasons, I wanted to ask a special guest to the Ben’s Bees recording studio for episode 50 (yes, the big 5-0!) of the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast: the enchanting, hardworking and wise Geoff Ball – an 82-year-old beekeeper, the oldest beekeeper I know, a keeper whose love of bees started 70 whole years ago when Geoff was just 12 years old and helping his dad out with his hives.

I appreciate the hard yakka of Geoff’s early days – and while it makes me feel a little sad to think of how hard things were for him and his family, it also brings tears of joy and admiration to think of the resilience of humans and the joyful spirit with which people get things done, make changes and build their lives and passions. When his dad came over from England, he started keeping bees, leaving ten hives behind. His father was farmhand and worked 18-hour days, earning the equivalent of only $3 per week! And then, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: whilst setting up his beekeeping business. his father extracted a large trove of honey from his hives and in one week sold enough honey to equate to 62 weeks’ pay! Joy! This gave Geoff’s father the means to buy a truck and expand his business – soon, Geoff and his brothers were helping with the business. These days, things haven’t changed, with Geoff still managing (wait for it) 750 hives! What a champion.

However, things have slowed down a little – Geoff only works 14-hour days now (ha ha) and admits to having a sneaky afternoon nap from time to time. For these reasons and a million more, I am thrilled to introduce you to the delightful Geoff Ball for special episode 50 if the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast. Thank you for listening and be sure to keep tuning in for year two of this fantastic conversation about all thing’s bee-related!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!

It's been 1 year since starting this Podcast and I want to say a really big appreciation to all those that have been on and you the listeners! 

Thank you! 

PODCAST EPISODE 49: Michael Church, The Roo Keepers, Melbourne and Regional Victoria

I don’t know about you, but if there was one thing I couldn’t get enough of as a kid it was animal-related activities. Excursions to wildlife sanctuaries, touch tanks at the aquarium where you could pick up starfish and anemones, trips out to the farm to hang out with cows and chooks, and last but never least, wandering in the spectacular and always surprising Australian bush. My schoolbooks were filled with sketches of animals of all kinds, and most of the time I would have much rather been at home on my parents’ property among their small troop of animals than slaving away over maths equations and grammar. For that reason, I would have been madly obsessed with the next guest on the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast – Michael Church of The Roo Keepers, based in Newport and Mount Egerton, but servicing Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The Roo Keepers is incredible business that helps to educate kids and adults about native Australian animals and the environment whilst encouraging more sustainable ways of living. As a recognised name in ecological learning, The Roo Keepers’ zoo (based in Mount Egerton) is home to over 100 animals, including some endangered species; Michael and his crew introduce their special animal friends to children in all levels of school as well as at to children and adults alike at shows, corporate events, and parties. With backgrounds in zoology, biology and teaching, the amazing staff and volunteers at The Roo Keepers make sure the animals, kids AND adults all feel happy, safe and comfortable, making this hands-on learning experience one that can change lives and bring huge amounts of joy. Bees are also incredibly important to Michael and his business, as he understands the wellbeing of the environment relies upon the wellbeing of the world’s most loved pollinators.

Tune in to hear Michael and I chat about The Roo Keepers, his passion for bees and sustainability, and who is scared of who – bees or seagulls!? 

 https://www.therookeepers.com.au

PODCAST EPISODE 48: Peter Debicki, The Polish Beekeeper, from Burrumbeet, Victoria, Australia

It’s a strange phenomenon, but sometimes in life you repeatedly get drawn to a place and you are unsure why. People from that country or city seem to enter your life, time and again. And each of them feels strangely comfortable, as do their stories, their foods, their ways and mannerisms. Poland is one of those places for me. It pops up time and again, calling out to me, reminding me of the marvels that exist beyond Australia shores.

Another strange but special phenomenon: some people really shine as beautiful souls. I have been lucky enough to have met a number of beaming, gorgeous humans with delightful positive attitudes in my time on Earth, and Peter Debicki – also known simply as “The Polish Beekeeper” – is, without a doubt, one of the best. Having immigrated to Australia from Poland when he was just ten years old, Peter has much knowledge to offer about local beekeeping and European beekeeping. You see, just as I have a soft spot for Pete, I also have a soft spot for Poland – having worked for some months with Weronika Wasiak, who worked alongside me for Ben’s Bees during her time in Australia. I feel a sense of connection to the place. It is a destination that is definitely right up there on my post-COVID jet setting, global-beekeeping to-travel-to list!

Now Peter the Polish beekeeper is a popular fella – I have had a bunch of people ask me to introduce him to the Ben’s Bees community for some time. A beekeeper from Burrumbeet near Ballarat in Victoria, Peter has a loyal social media following with fans from all over the country and the world. A sweet and knowledgeable guy, Peter and his bees make delicious honey and help out people when a swarm hits or there is a beekeeping dilemma that needs expert attention. It is therefore my complete pleasure to welcome Peter Debicki, The Polish Beekeeper, to the BEES WITH BEN podcast for episode 48.

Tune in to hear Pete and I talk about Poland, Lyson and Paradise hives, and strange phenomena, including the one when Peter witnessed his bees dragging the parts of a deceased mouse skeleton, bone by bone, from their hive! 

https://www.instagram.com/thepolishbeekeeper/

PODCAST EPISODE 47: Phil Lester, Author and Professor of Ecology and Entomology, Wellington, New Zealand

A German proverb reads: “God made the bee, but the Devil made the wasp.” Anyone who knows me knows, I am not a wasp fan in the slightest, especially not of the nasty European wasp. As Australia’s warm climate extends the life cycle of the introduced species, and a lack of predators increases its chance of survival, European wasps have become notorious in the antipodes. Reaping the benefits of mild winters that generate longer lifecycles, the introduced species has been found to build nests four times larger than those found in Europe! And that’s just the beginning. European wasps prey on indigenous fauna, kill pets and livestock, raid beehives for honey and bees, decimate grape and fruit crops, and threaten humans with their fatal sting. In order to delve deep into the lives of these destructive pests for episode 47 of the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast, I was lucky enough to chat to Professor of Ecology and Entomology Phil Lester – author of two of my favourite books and over 125 articles on invasive ants, wasps and other insects in journals such as Biology Letters, Ecology, and Proceedings of the Royal Society. What an incredible wealth of knowledge!

Phil’s stellar book from 2018 ‘The Vulgar Wasp: The Story of a Ruthless Invader and Ingenious Predator’ unpacks the mysteries of the despised common wasp, asking questions such as: how can we manage wasps? Can we ever learn to live with them? What can they teach us about the challenges we face for pest control? His more recent book from 2020 ‘Healthy Bee, Sick Bee: The Influence of Parasites, Pathogens, Predators and Pesticides on Honey Bees’ presents quite an opposite story: the story of one of the most well-loved creatures on the planet! Both publications are packed with information and anecdotes that will educate and surprise even the savviest beekeeper, and Phil’s wit and intelligence make both books great page turners. Tune in to hear Phil and I chat about the good, bad and the ugly of the bee and wasp universe – perfect timing considering European wasps have been very active with the La Nina weather cycle! Eeek!

PODCAST EPISODE 46: John Winkles from Pure Peninsula Honey, Victoria, Australia

Like many Melbournites, I love to escape to the Mornington Peninsula when I have time to spare. I love the winding roads that meander between deep set willowy gum trees. I love the small communities hidden in the bush. I love the skies filled with the sounds of galahs and cockatoos. A day spent visiting the Peninsulas glorious beaches, wineries, and farms is a true delight. I am therefore a little jealous of our guest for episode 46 on the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast – John Winkles of Pure Peninsula Honey, whose fantastic honey farm is situated in Moorooduc, amidst local delights such as the Moonlit Sanctuary, Peninsula Hot Springs, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and the glorious Cape Schanck National Park.

John was born in Germany and came to Australia when he was in his early twenties. A fourth-generation butcher by trade, John started his beekeeping venture as a hobby, when he found and adopted two feral hives some years ago. John nurtured them until they were healthy and happy colonies.  These days, he is one of the beekeepers with the most hives in the state!

Now running for some 30 years, Pure Peninsula Honey is renowned for its wide range of delicious honey, with something to suit every taste and need. The company offers close to 30 different honey, wax, honeycomb and cosmetic products that you can purchase; some of my favourites are their delicious Lemon Honey – perfect mixed into drinks when you have a cold or need some TLC – and the Local Flora Squeeze Bottle of honey is a must for every pantry. Pure Peninsula Honey also transports bees to pollinate fruit, vegetable and seed crops, and offers bee and wasp control services.

So, if you are heading down to the Peninsula, make sure you stop in at Pure Peninsula Honey farm, open every day of the year except Christmas Day. I would also wholeheartedly recommend John’s delicious ice-cream, not to mention his mead, that just won best mead at show at the Red Hill show! Tune in to hear John and I talk about his transition to beekeeping and life as a keeper on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

https://purepeninsulahoney.com.au

PODCAST EPISODE 45: Paul Valkenburg from Valkenburg Apiaries, South Australia

What a ride the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast has been so far. Looking all the way back to episode 1 – which was almost a complete year ago now – we chatted to the lovely Simeon Valkenburg from Valkenburg Apiaries. Twelve months later, I am thrilled to introduce you to Simeon’s equally fantastic brother younger brother, who is also a dear friend of mine, Paul Valkenburg.

As you may recall, I met the brothers from Valkenburg Apiaries in springtime in Townsville, when six of us beekeepers got together and volunteered to help with the Asian Honeybee varroa mite incursion that happened there at that time. What a thrill to spend time making new beekeeping friends while doing our bit for the environment. The Valkenburg brothers are beekeepers based in South Australia. Together they run Valkenburg Apiaries, as well as invaluable initiatives such as the Beekeepers Field Day in Renmark, which educates about the vital connection between bees and almond production. Incredibly passionate, dedicated, politically engaged, and hardworking, Simeon and Paul are easily some, if not the, best commercial beekeepers I know in Australia.

Paul and I share a very similar perspective and appreciation for beekeeping; we agree that (to quote Paul) it’s the places the bees take you, the people you get to meet, and the environment you get to work in that make professional beekeeping such a rewarding career. But it’s not always an easy road and it takes time and mistakes to learn the skills of the trade. Paul honestly admitted that he and Simeon made a series of mistakes in their early days as beekeepers, which led to killing all but two of their 30-hive venture: “It was a devastating blow. The reason I am telling this story is to encourage anyone who is struggling with their beekeeping. We've all been there.” That’s what I love about the brothers – they are the real deal, they speak from the heart, and they are always learning and developing their beekeeping practice for the good of their business and the environment.

Humble and genuine (“I honestly think Simeon is more observant than me, but I think we make a good team and draw on each other's strengths”), I am delighted to introduce you to the equally fabulous Valkenburg brother from the duo at Valkenburg Apiaries. Tune in to hear Paul and I chat about the brothers’ thriving business, the ups and downs of beekeeping, and redgums in the Flinders Rangers.

PODCAST EPISODE 44: Dara Scott from Hive Alive, Galway, Ireland

Since COVID hit, the world has been forced to look at health in a whole new way. For many of us, time in lockdown has provided some space to adopt some new healthy habits — be that eating, exercise, or practicing mindfulness. Personally, I have adopted a bunch of new recipes, learning what specific ingredients might help me feel better, lighter and more productive. Of course, this interest in healthy eating for general wellbeing isn’t a new phenomenon, and Australia is hugely lucky to be home to an abundance of delicious fresh produce. But did you know that bees are also taking time to think about new foods that can increase their health, happiness and productivity? Please welcome the fantastic and incredibly well-schooled Dara Scott all the way from Galway, Ireland, to chat with us about the benefits of Hive Alive’s miraculous seaweed supplements for your bee colony!

Every now and then a beekeeping product comes along that really blows my mind. Hive Alive is one of those products. As the number 1 feed supplement for honeybees worldwide, is the only feed supplement scientifically proven to deliver stronger colonies, increase honey production, keep disease levels low and improve over-winter success. It does so by ensuring intestinal wellbeing in your colony through a blend of unique seaweeds (yes, you heard right!), which have been scientifically selected for honeybee health due to their remarkable properties: anti-fungal, immune boosting, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, pre-biotic — what’s not to love! Interestingly, seaweeds are added to numerous animal (and human!) feeds as they have been shown to increase productivity, general heath, gut health, immune function and nutrition. Superfood, no doubt!

Dara and I spoke in-depth about Hive Alive, why bees thrive from healthy diets as much as humans do, and our special ancestral connection. 

 https://www.hivealivebees.com

PODCAST EPISODE 43: Anika Molesworth, farmer, scientist, storyteller, Wilyakali Country and Melbourne, Australia

Anika Molesworth – farmer, scientist, storyteller, soon to be author – is a truly inspirational force. With an agricultural science career in that has taken her around the globe, and many awards, degrees and accolades under her belt, Anika is fighting the good fight against climate change. Her motivation is personal, and stems from her life experience growing up on a farm in rural Australia; she now speaks and writes on resilient agro-ecological systems and helps farmers around the world respond to climate change in a way that builds their capacity while looking after the environment. For these reasons and more, I am thrilled to welcome Anika to the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast for episode 43.

Anika recalls the transition she experienced as a child from living in the city of Melbourne – where food arrived in the kitchen via grocery bags from the supermarket – to moving with her family to a farm 1000 kms away on Wilyakali Country in far west New South Wales. Here, life was completely different to what she had experienced before, as was the source of the family’s daily meals: “City buildings and cars were replaced with open skies and paddocks with kangaroos. Food suddenly became something that did not originate from a supermarket, but from the farm that surrounded me.”

Falling in love with the landscape, she understood the privilege and benefit of having a connection to growing food that would nourish people. On the farm, her family learnt the ways of the land, an intimate experience that involved unravelling secrets and knowledge about the soil, the local flora and fauna. The very genuine, hands-on education developed a sense of belonging for Anika and her family in their new home and community. Touched by a ten-year drought, Anika, her family and the local community waited and waited for the rains to arrive between 2000 and 2010. This inspired Anika to research climate change, and to find out what was behind this devastating and extreme weather condition that was wreaking havoc on the farming community and natural environment.

Anika Molesworth is a wildly positive force in Australian and international agriculture. She is widely recognised as a “Future Shaper”, a warrior of sustainability, a community leader, and a game changer for agricultural science. Tune in to hear Anika and I discuss life on the farm, her incredible vision, and how we can all do our part to fight the war on climate change.

https://www.anikamolesworth.com