Season 4 of The Bee’s Knees buzzes in this February with a new call to action: Bee a Hero. This season dives into the surprising ways native bees connect to our lives—from the hidden impacts of technology and pesticides to the hopeful stories of restoration and resilience. We bring together scientists, conservationists, and everyday advocates to share discoveries that spark change and inspire care. Listen in and discover how small actions can make a big difference for pollinators everywhere.

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In this episode, we’re exploring a fresh approach to bee research. Gwen Kirschke is combining remote sensing technology with ecological research to map floral resources across large landscapes. Supported by a NASA space grant, Gwen's research aims to predict where bees nest and forage by mapping the flowers they rely on, offering crucial insights into resource distribution and its impact on bee populations.

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Can having too many honeybee hives in our landscapes be detrimental? Dr. Ainhoa Magrach led a comprehensive review that brings fresh clarity to a long-standing question—how does the number of honeybee hives in a landscape affect wild pollinators, plant reproduction, and ecosystem health? We explore how the overuse of managed honeybees can sometimes undermine biodiversity and agricultural productivity and discuss sustainable practices that can make a difference. 

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Are we planting the right flowers for bees? We’re talking about the surprising dietary habits of wild bumble bees with Dr. Justin Bain who shares fascinating insights into how bumble bees choose their food and why it's essential for their survival. With climate change altering their natural habitats, understanding bee nutrition could be key to effective conservation efforts. 

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What does it mean to live with wild bees in an urban setting? Today we speak with Matthew Donahue who shares insights on how cities can be adapted to support bee populations. We discuss the differences between urban and wild habitats, the impact of bee stings, and actionable steps for creating bee-friendly environments in urban settings. Learn about the differences between bees and wasps, and discover how to coexist with and support these vital pollinators in your own neighborhood.

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Why do some gardens buzz with life while others fall silent? In this episode, Dr. Laura Russo shares surprising findings from her research on floral diversity and bee populations. From urban parks to cattle fields, her team discovered that pollinator success isn’t about location—it’s all about the flowers. Listen in to learn what makes a garden irresistible to bees, and why your landscaping choices matter more than you think. 

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What happens when bees don't eat their greens? We explore Dr. Etya Amsalem's intriguing research on bee dietary patterns and their implications for fitness and sustainability. Find out why even bees sometimes opt for sweets over sustenance and how this insight can shape future conservation efforts. 

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How can we enhance biodiversity in our cities and what is the vital role of urban green spaces in supporting pollinators? We’re exploring the relationship between urban sprawl and native bees with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how urban landscapes can support bee populations through a patchwork of parks, gardens, and green spaces. We discuss the importance of resource availability, nesting opportunities, and how diverse plant species and well-connected green areas can make urban environments more bee-friendly. 

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In this episode of ‘The Bees Knees', Shishir Paudel joins to discuss the implications of managing urban greenery as manicured lawns versus letting them flourish as diverse meadows. We cover biodiversity, ecosystem services and disservices, and public perception of urban meadows. Can we increase pollinator populations by understanding and implementing meadow-like landscapes in urban settings? 

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We speak with Leigh Biagi, a dedicated environmental advocate and founder of On the Verge. Discover how Leigh transformed her passion for change into a community-focused bee conservation project, learn about the challenges and successes of her journey, and gain practical insights for supporting native bees in your area. 

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