Bees With Ben

PODCAST EPISODE 53: Luke De Laeter, qualified beekeeper and entrepreneur, Buzz Ed, Perth, Western Australia

I always knew I loved bees, right from the moment I found a wild bee nest down at the creek in the bush near my parents’ place. It was a fast realisation – yes, love at first sight. But, for me, it was a slow trajectory into beekeeping, first as a hobby and then a profession. Although I have no regrets about the various paths I took, and my time pursuing cheffing among other things before entering beekeeping fulltime, I am always kind of in awe of those people who find bees early on and then just wholeheartedly move into beekeeping as a career. That kind of knowing yourself enough to follow your heart is totally admirable to me. Perhaps it’s just realising that the more time spent with bees in one’s life, the better! For this reason, I am delighted to introduce Luke De Laeter from Buzz Ed Australia to the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast for episode 53 – the youngest BWB podcast guest to date!

I met Luke just before COVID hit on a trip to Tasmania – he was part of the Tasmanian Junior Beekeeping Group. I knew at the time that I had met a special fellow – he is a bright and skilled young person with a fantastic attitude. Luke’s story is one of those passionate tales of following your heart when you find what makes you tick in life. His parents bought him a beehive when he was just 14, and he loved these new creatures so very much that he set up his first business, Luke’s Bees. A year later he started to do bee education and going into schools doing talks about the importance of bees, what they do and make, and how they help humans and the planet.

Today, he is almost (and only) 19 and works full time with a commercial beekeeper during the busy bee-happy months of the year; in the slower, cooler months, you will find Luke educating kids about the importance of bees – the world’s number 1 pollinator – through his very own business Buzz Ed, which launched this year. Despite his youth, he has been to over 100 schools and talked to over 10,000 students! What a total inspiration! I would recommend Luke and his services to any teacher, parent, community group or organisation who wants their kids to understand the important role bees play in the sustainability of the planet.

Tune in to hear Luke and I chat about his journey to beekeeping, finding your passion at a young age, and his fantastic business Buzz Ed 

https://www.buzzedaustralia.com

PODCAST EPISODE 52: Robert Owen, author, beekeeper, and former owner of Bob’s Beekeeping Supplies in Eltham, now living in Thailand

I feel like most people with hands-on jobs or hobbies have one of those stores where they LOVE to go, where every new tool and material fills them with joy and a sense of possibility. And perhaps, if you are lucky, the person behind the counter is a wealth of knowledge and is willing to offer some real pearlers of advice. For me, this was Bob’s Beekeeping Supplies on the gloriously named Zig Zag Road in Eltham, Victoria. For over 14 years, Robert Owen owned and ran this glorious store, and, after arriving back from my stint in Queensland, Bob’s became my absolute go-to for all the beekeeping bits and pieces my heart desired. Funnily, Bob’s Beekeeping Supplies was run out of Robert’s garage, but was so very popular that there would be regular traffic jams in his driveway! It is therefore a pleasure to welcome Robert (Bob) Owen to the BEES WITH BEN beekeeping podcast for episode 52.

But Bob has done even more than run my favourite store. Six years ago, he wrote a book – The Australian Beekeeping Manual – and last year the second edition was launched with only a few adjustments and a FULL CHAPTER on the flow hive! Now that’s my kind of read! Believe me, you need this book if you are a professional beekeeper or just starting out; whether you have one hive or over 1000, it’s a must have. An interesting fact is that when Bob first wrote this wonderful tome of knowledge, he had great difficulty getting photos of bee-related diseases from the Australian government. Instead, he sought the assistance of the Canadian government, and with the images he sourced, the book was ready for publication.

Adding to Bob’s fascinating life story, he has been living in Thailand for the past few years; before COVID hit, he was travelling the world, helping developing countries learn about and keep bees. Such a great human! Bob might be 72, but you’d never know it, and there is no chance that this avid and passionate beekeeper is slowly down – in fact, he has another book on the way!

Tune in to hear Bob and I chat about bee types in Thailand, great uses for cow poo, African killer bees, and what it was like to own and run a beekeeping institution out of his garage.

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.