Love The Bees Podcast

Love the Bees is your warm, holistic guide to the world of beekeeping — and everything that flies, blooms, and buzzes alongside it. Hosted by Yvonne Johnston, a Wicklow based Irish beekeeper with a passion for honeybees, wild bees, and the gardens that support them, each episode brings together expert voices, practical advice, and genuine curiosity about the natural world. This season is proudly s...

Taste Honey Like a Sommelier Flowers, Flavour & the Rapeseed Harvest Have you ever truly tasted honey? Not just eaten it, but really tasted it? In our Season 2 opener we are diving deep into the extraordinary world of honey, flowers and the hive, with three brilliant guests who will change the way you think about what’s in your jar. This episode is proudly sponsored by Donegal Bees — supportin...

Welcome to this very special episode of the Love The Bees Podcast! I’m your host, Yvonne Johnston, and I am thrilled to be wrapping up our season with you today. But don’t worry—this isn’t goodbye! We’ll be back in the spring with even more insights and tips from our fantastic panel of beekeepers, bird experts and horticulturists! So, let’s get into the good stuff! As we transition into autumn—the...

I think you are going to love this episode, it is a fascinating interview with Eimear Chaomhánach about Irish Bee folklore and customs. Eimear is a beekeeper’s daughter and a student of folklore, and she wrote a beautiful book called the The Keeper of The bees which weaves folktales about bees with memories of growing up in a beekeeping household, collecting swarms with her father and learning how...

In this episode of Love The Bees, join me, Yvonne Johnston for a fascinating discussion with Professor Grace McCormack from University Galway, a leading expert on the Native Irish Honey Bee. In this in-depth interview, Yvonne and Professor McCormack explore what makes our native honey bee unique and delve into the critical need for its protection in today's changing environment. Listeners will gai...

In this episode of Love The Bees , we dive into the interconnected worlds of beekeeping, birds, and gardening. Join me, Yvonne Johnston as I chat with experienced beekeepers Dermot Fanning and Colm Penston, where we discuss their honey crops for the year and explore the ways queens communicate with one another. I'm particularly excited to feature an in-depth discussion with Professor Grace McCorma...

In this episode of Love The Bees , we delve into swarms, honey supplies and prepping your bees for the Heather later this year, It can act as your to-do list for your bees for the next four weeks. Bird expert, Eric Dempsey talks to us about Seabird Colonies and where to find one near you. Horticulturist, Adrienne Kelly discusses what three things we can do in the garden at the moment to keep it lo...

In this episode of Love The Bees , we delve into a wide range of topics that will captivate both beekeepers and nature enthusiasts. Our special guest, renowned bird expert Eric Dempsey, shares his insights on the fascinating Cuckoo. Even if birds aren't your primary interest, you’ll find Eric's perspective thought-provoking. He also introduces us to the intriguing world of moths, those remarkable...

In this episode of Love The Bees , join host Yvonne Johnston as she sits down with experienced Wicklow beekeepers Dermot Fanning and Colm Penston. Together, they share valuable insights in their "Beekeeping Diaries," offering a practical to-do list for beginners and thought-provoking advice for seasoned beekeepers. Tune in as they discuss essential topics like the first inspection of the season an...

In this Biodiversity Slot of The Love The Bees Podcast, we will explore the vital role that our native bumblebees play in the garden. Special Guest: Dr. Una Fitzpatrick : We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Una Fitzpatrick from the National Biodiversity Data Centre, who will share her expert insights on the lifecycle of bumblebees and what they need to thrive in our gardens. Discover the fascinating wor...

Conversations on Beekeeping; what to do in your garden this month, with a spotlight on the Dandelion; and how to distinguish between different bird songs you might be hearing in your garden this month. If you're as bee-obsessed as we are, you’ll feel right at home. This pilot show is your official invitation to get excited about this year's Beekeeping Season. It is your go-to space to chat, learn,...