John and Ken are back in the rehearsal studio space this week to tackle some of the recent questions that listeners have sent in over the last few weeks.  But first, they start off with a gift of Sourwood honey that they happily taste… again, and again, and again.  This round we hear questions and feedback from Jeffrie Ann, Darrell S, Amy P, Jamie & Shannon, Blake, Kylie, and James S.  

John and Ken sit down with the Honey Sommelier, C. Marina Marchese, from the American Honey Tasting Society. John has sent Marina a few samples of honey for the group to go through and taste in order to map out the different scents and flavors associated with each. The group sample two versions of spring honey, one from John's main apiary, and another from on top of the hotel in downtown Austin. There is also a sample of summer and fall/winter honey from John's apiary as well. Plus, John snuck in some of the Jerrabomberra honey from Australia, as well as two of his infused honey samples just for kicks. Tune in now for this detailed and interesting experience in honey tasting!

Spring has sprung down under, and Fall has come again to North America.  That means winter will not be too far behind and it will be hitting the northern states sooner rather than later.  Its time to reflect on the progress each hive has made this year and determine if they are capable of surviving winter on their own, or if it would be better to cut your losses now and potentially combine weaker colonies to create one new colony that hopefully has a better chance of surviving the coming winter.  This episode can be a supplemental addition to Season One Episode 29 – Combining and Consolidating Hives.

On this episode John is joined by Nathalie Biggie to discuss how the foundations of natural and treatment free beekeeping has formed the basis for all that they do at Bee Mindful.  From the minimalist approach to beekeeping using found and recycled resources, to the reasoning behind what it truly means to be treatment free, this episode covers a wide range of topics that ultimately keeps coming back to the importance of being mindful in all that we do with our bees.

Ken and John have some big news to share regarding the major changes and transitions the show has recently undertaken.  They are joined by a couple of special, though silent, guests in the recording space today as well and eventually the conversation turns to the importance of fall mite treatments for colony healthy and well-being.  Tune in now to catch up on all the exciting new changes and learn more about fall mite checks and treatments!

Today John sits down with author and reluctant beekeeper, Dave Doroghy.  Dave recently released a new book about his misadventures in beekeeping called “Show Me the Honey – The Adventures of an Accidental Apiarist.”  The guys discuss some of the trials and tribulations that Dave went through after receiving a hive of honeybees as a gift from his sister.  Tune in now to hear Dave tell you from experience what not to do when keeping bees. 

In this special bonus episode of The Hive Jive, John sits down with Gemma Astley from Homestead Hens and Honey.  The pair talk about how Gemma got started in podcasting, her love for animals big and small, and a few of the adventures and misadventures on the homestead.  From whippets to bees, and chickens to lizards, this episode has it all… even a sorted love affair between a tortoise and ceramic pot!  Tune in now for truly one of a kind interview with plenty of laughs along the way.

In this latest listener questions episode, the guys tackle emails and online submissions from: Asha K, Charli B, Rachel S x2, James (Jimmy P), Jadyn S, Jamie S, Louise J, and Roger T.  Tune in now to see what interesting questions and answers might apply to your own beekeeping adventures!