Beekeeping For Newbees®

This episode continues the first hive inspection series by shifting from observation into interpretation and action. I walk through how to read what the bees are telling you during inspections and how to respond when colonies hesitate to expand, begin producing queen cells, or show signs of crowding. The focus is on understanding colony behavior, manipulating space correctly, and making informed d...

This episode walks through what your very first hive inspection should look like and how to approach it without rushing or second-guessing every move. I focus on inspection mindset, timing, weather considerations, and how to physically work through the hive so you are calm, deliberate, and effective. This is Part 1 of a two-part series and is centered on preparation, technique, and the early check...

In this episode, we move from preparation into action and walk through what it actually looks like to install bees into a hive for the first time. I cover hive placement considerations, gear readiness, and then step through both package bee and nucleus colony installations from start to finish. This episode focuses on real-world execution, including common problems, timing issues, and decisions th...

This episode continues the discussion from Part 1, moving into hands-on management topics that come into play once colonies are installed and growing. I’m joined briefly by my daughter Phoebe (the Phoebeekeeper) to share a younger beekeeper’s perspective, then we shift into frames, inspections, feeding methods, and the most common pests that affect colonies through the season. The focus is practic...

In this episode, I cover a grab bag of early-season topics that tend to come up right as beekeepers start moving from planning into action. We talk through common decisions that affect whether your colonies get a clean, stable start, including where to place hives, how to angle them, and how to avoid preventable moisture and mess inside the bottom board. I also share a practical warning about onli...

In this episode, I walk through the core components of a standard Langstroth beehive and explain what each piece does and when it is actually needed. If you are assembling your first hive or trying to understand how different configurations work, this episode helps you make sense of the system before the bees ever move in. What’s Inside This Episode: The purpose of hive stands and bottom boards, i...

Choosing how to start your first hive is one of the most important decisions a new beekeeper will make. In this episode, I walk through the main ways new beekeepers acquire bees and explain how each option affects early success, workload, and long-term outcomes. Rather than focusing on purchasing mechanics, this episode is about understanding the tradeoffs between different colony types and making...

Getting started in beekeeping can feel overwhelming when you look at all the gear being sold to new beekeepers. In this episode, I walk through the equipment you actually need on day one, how it protects you, and how your reliance on that gear can change over time as you gain experience. This is a practical, experience-based breakdown of protective clothing, core tools, and inspection essentials t...

Welcome to the very first episode of Beekeeping for Newbees ! This podcast is all about helping you succeed in the fascinating world of beekeeping, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your skills. What’s Inside This Episode : Learn why this podcast was created and how it’s designed to meet the needs of new and aspiring beekeepers. Get a sneak peek at the topics we’ll cover in f...

This episode introduces the Beekeeping For Newbees podcast and explains what listeners can expect as they work through the early episodes. I outline the purpose of the show, how it is structured, and how it is designed to guide new beekeepers from their first questions into their first full season. You will also hear how the podcast is meant to be used as a progression, building knowledge step by...