Archive Special: How To Get Started With Bees - Part 1 (371)

It's no accident that How to Get Started in Beekeeping remains one of the most listened-to episodes in the history of the Beekeeping Today Podcast. In this archive special, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Honey Bee Obscura podcast's Jim Tew, to revisit the fundamentals every new beekeeper should hear—whether you're truly starting from scratch or beginning again after losses.

The conversation opens with an honest look at why people choose to keep bees and why that motivation matters. Beekeeping today is more complex than it once was, but it remains deeply rewarding for those who approach it with curiosity, patience, and realistic expectations. The group emphasizes that losses are part of the learning curve and that success rarely comes from going it alone.

A major focus of the episode is location and local knowledge. Bees can be kept in urban, suburban, or rural settings, but understanding forage, neighbors, ordinances, and seasonal conditions is critical. Just as important is finding a mentor or bee buddy—someone who can help interpret what you see, hear, and smell at the hive, especially during that critical first year.

The discussion also touches on education, beekeeping clubs, and classes, highlighting how much modern learning resources have improved and why local information often matters more than generalized advice. Whether you're considering bees for the first time or looking to reset your approach, this episode lays a solid foundation for what comes next in your beekeeping journey.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• How To Get Started with Bees, Part 2: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/how-to-get-started-with-bees-in-2024-part-2-of-4-s6-e37/

• How To Get Started with Bees, Part 3: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/how-to-get-started-with-bees-in-2024-part-3-of-4-s6-e38/

• How To Get Started with Bees, Part 4: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/how-to-get-started-with-bees-in-2024-part-4-of-4-s6-e39/

• Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com
• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com.

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

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Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC