This week Nathalie and John discuss topics from a recent Bee Informed Partnership panel discussion on queen genetics and queen health/viability.  Tune in now to hear their thoughts on a few key topics regarding Queens and how it relates to recent topics... BIP Queen Panel Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4ndh02r9Ac   

In today's Beekeeper Chat, we get an update from Nathalie about her recent swarm captures, some things they both would like to try now that swarm session is under way, and John give a few updates about his new bees and also lets us in on his recent hive building misadventures.  Tune now to learn more...

Today John and Nathalie discuss how recent studies have revealed that a beehive can help identify the nuances of a cities unique biome by collecting and storing the microscopic bacteria, yeast, spores, and other fungal matter that reside in that specific city.  Tune in now to learn more... Article Link: https://theweek.com/environmental-news/1022253/honeybees-help-gather-data-about-a-citys-health

Breaking News! John's bees arrive TOMORROW morning and he hasn't even started building his hives yet!!  How exactly does one forget something so important and exciting as the arrival of new bees?  Well, John and Nathalie discuss this out of sight, out of mind scenario in today's beekeeper chat.  Tune in now to hear all about it...

Today Nathalie and John revisit a topic that was originally discussed back in 2021 on the possible effects of EMF on bees.  With new research being presented, and new definitions of RF-EMR (Radio Frequency Electro Magnetic Radiation), the pair have decided that it is time to take another look at the possible effects that our electronics are having on our bees.  Tune in now to learn more...

Today Nathalie and John discuss new research that suggests younger bees learn the finer details of a precision Waggle Dance from older more experienced bees.  What implications could this have on how we view our colonies, and the decisions we make on their behalf?  Tune in now to learn more...

In today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John discuss the topic of Queen Excluders.  What were they designed for? How do you use them?  When should they be used? And, are they even really required?  Tune in now to find out what the pair think about this often touchy subject...

Today John and Nathalie discuss a comb guide that was recently brought to John's attention from a listener.  This comb guide is meant to be placed on the bottom of Topbar hive bars in order to help encourage the bees to draw out their comb in a straight line.  However, this specific comb guide claims several other advantages that make it stand out from all others... including nature itself.  Is this latest hive invention all it is cracked up to be?  Tune in now to hear John and Nathalie's...

Today John breaks the news to Nathalie that he is now back down to zero colonies.  Despite everything looking great for the "Oh Bee One Colony" going into winter, things took a drastic turn somewhere along the way.  This has left John with more questions than answers.  Tune in now to learn more...   (Original Air Date: Feb 28th, 2023)

Recently, a listener brought up the subject of Re-Wilding honey bees in the comments after discussing Honey Bees as the Poster Child for the Save the Bees movement.  So, in today's beekeeper chat, John and Nathalie attempt to tackle the concept of "Re-Wilding" and whether this is a good idea or not.  Turns out, it is not an easy subject and there are a lot of variables that can make the concept go either way. Tune in now to learn more!   (Original Air Date: Feb 22nd, 2023)

Today Nathalie and John discuss whether the fact that the Honey Bee has become the Poster Child of the "Save the Bees" movement is a good thing, or if it could have it's own unintended consequences.  There are pros and cons to both sides of this, and of course it all depends on how you look at it.  Tune in now, and let us know what you think about this scenario...   (Original Air Date: Feb 15th, 2023)

This week, John and Nathalie discuss their preferred queen rearing methods.  What strategies have they tried, what has worked well and what hasn't, and do they agree on the best practices?  Tune in now to learn more...   (Original Air Date: Feb 8th, 2023)

your own beekeeping operation without stepping on the toes of those who might have mentored you along the way.  Are there ways to avoid these types of situations from the start, and what if you find yourself in the middle of this type of situation unintentionally?  Tune in now to learn more...   (Original Air Date: Feb 1st, 2023)

In today's Beekeeper Chat, Nathalie and John discuss some new research that shows the potential side effects of OA (Oxalic Acid) treatments and the impacts it has on developing larvae.  Tune in now to learn more...   (Original Air Date: Jan 25th, 2023)

In today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John tackle a couple of listener questions regarding the use of plywood or OSB boards when building hives, as well as the effects on newly drawn wax when feeding sugar.  Tune in now to learn more...   (Original Air Date: Jan 18th, 2023)

The USDA has recently approved the 1st vaccination for Honey Bees!  This specific vaccination is to help colonies guard against AFB infections, also know as American Foulbrood disease.  Tune in now to hear Nathalie and John's take on this new concept for beekeeping!   (Original Air Date: Jan 11th, 2023)

John and Nathalie are back to kick off the new year with a bang!  But, unfortunately John has experienced another setback in his beekeeping journey... as have a few others out there in Bee Land.  Plus, the pair tackle a listener question about whether a hive population is too big to be condensed down.  Tune in now to learn more...   (Original Air Date: Jan 4th, 2023)

Just in time for Christmas, the gang is all back together to bring you the 2023 year in review!  Catch up with John, Nathalie and Ken as they recap the stats from the podcast over the last year.  

Just in time for the Holiday weekend, Nathalie and John are up early and decked out in their holiday PJs to bring you one final Beekeeper Chat for 2022.  The pair recap some of the past episodes from this year, as well as theorizing what the new year might hold for each of them.  Tune in now and help us wrap up 2022!   P.S.   From all of us here at The Hive Jive, we wish you and yours a very happy, warm, and safe holiday season!   P.S.S.  John apologizes in advance, again, for not having the...

Today John and Nathalie discuss a hot button issue on the pros and cons of Honey Queen/Princess programs at the various levels of local clubs to national associations.  While there are many benefits to such programs, could some aspects be a bit outdated... and potentially undermine the whole point of the program?  Tune in now to hear some honest opinions from two people who have been in the middle of such programs...   *And John apologizes in advance for not having the correct mic turned...

This week Nathalie and John discuss the touchy subject of volunteering at the different levels of various bee associations and clubs.  From the local town club, to county clubs, and state associations, there can be a very drastic range of options, commitments, and personalities to deal with.  Have you ever volunteered to help out your favorite bee club?  Do you want to?  Should you?  Tune in now to learn more, but brace yourself as this could be a sticky subject!   (Original Air Date: Dec...

Today Nathalie and John discuss some of the ways you can rekindle the spark you originally felt that can help you reconnect and remind you why you love beekeeping so much.  We all have frustrations from time to time, and we can feel at a loss, or defeated.  So how does one pull themselves back up from that?  Tune in now to hear our favorite things about beekeeping, and methods we use to help reignite that spark!   (Original Air Date: Dec 7th, 2022)

John and Nathalie take a stroll down memory lane and share a few stories from their past experiences that are both humorous, as well as great examples of why we always need to be aware of our surroundings when doing beekeeping.  We tend to become very focused on the bees themselves and can often forget that there are other things lurking that could cause us some unexpected issues.  Tune in now to learn more..   (Original Air Date: 11/30/22)

For today's Beekeeper Chat, Nathalie and John go back and revisit a topic that John and Ken originally covered on a bonus episode back in September of 2020 regarding a Thymol Entrance Portal.  It has been a couple of years, and this product, now called HiveGuard, is nearing the end of it's testing trials and is said to be releasing to the public in the coming months.  Has John's opinion of this device and its treatment method changed over the years?  And, how does Nathalie feel about the...