"Bees in the pants is never fun!" You'll find this, and other fun & enlightening quotes, in this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping.

Host, Eric Bennett, welcomes experienced beekeeper John Stephens for a deep dive into a simplified, yet highly effective, approach to hive management—the single deep brood box system.

But before we get to the honey and science, the show kicks off with a chuckle-worthy parody segment: “You Might Be a Beekeeper,” a hilarious twist on Jeff Foxworthy’s classic routine. With lines like “If you’ve apologized to a bee for getting stung… you might be a beekeeper,” the episode sets a fun and relatable tone for hobbyists and pros alike.

As the show transitions into the main topic, John shares his years of experience managing colonies in single deep boxes, making a compelling case for why less really can be more in beekeeping. He breaks down the practical benefits—including easier inspections, reduced weight, simplified swarm control, better scalability for small apiaries, and more honey production.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

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⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Cold Open & Beekeeper Humor A playful parody segment inspired by Jeff Foxworthy to warm up the audience with relatable beekeeper quirks.

01:45 – Welcome & Guest Intro: John Stevens Host introduces today’s topic and expert guest, who specializes in single deep brood box hive management.

03:10 – Why Single Deep Boxes? John breaks down the logic behind using a single deep brood box, and how it benefits both bees and beekeepers.

08:20 – Hive Health & Overwintering Discussion on pest control, seasonal management, and the realities of overwintering in a single deep setup.

13:30 – Lessons Learned & Bee-Friendly Practices Real-world experiences, common mistakes, and landscaping choices (like clover lawns) that help bees thrive.

20:30 – Resources, Takeaways & Outro Final advice from John, links to gear and guides, sponsor thanks, and a reminder to subscribe and stay connected.

👍 Support the Podcast

Love what you’re learning? Help us grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing the show with your fellow bee lovers. Got a burning question for a future episode? Reach out at eric@beelovebeekeeping.com

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Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

John Stephens: https://www.youtube.com/@FarmerJohnStephens

Where does the world's best tasting honey come from? How is it made?

In this episode of Be Love Beekeeping, we kick it all off with another round of "why you might be a beekeeper," followed by a strange story about purple honey.

Our guest is Virginia Webb, renowned for producing the world's best tasting honey. Virginia shares her insights on honey production, highlighting the significance of nectar sources like sourwood trees, and her multiple certifications in beekeeping.

We discuss her winning entries in the Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest and her role in various educational and prison beekeeping programs. Tips for new beekeepers facing challenges are also covered. The episode is filled with engaging stories, practical advice, and a passion for beekeeping.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Jeff Foxworthy Parody

00:52 Welcome to Be Love Beekeeping

01:15 The Mystery of Purple Honey

03:46 Interview with Virginia Webb: World's Best Tasting Honey

04:19 The Black Jar Contest and Honey Judging

05:52 Virginia Webb's Beekeeping Practices

06:47 Sourwood Honey and Beekeeping in Georgia

10:25 Virginia Webb's Credentials and Achievements

18:06 Beekeeping Education and Community Programs

24:37 Advice for New Beekeepers

29:01 Wild Beekeeping Stories

31:26 Conclusion and Farewell

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Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Center For Honeybee Research

Virginia's Videos:

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Strained Honey

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg2H2weZeto&t=39s

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Chunk Honey

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SEFcUjiKtA&t=37s

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Beeswax Candles

www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8OOoqZKJUY&t=407s

Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Beeswax Block

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsoQWCiLdtk&t=32s

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping we have the pleasure of going all the way to New Zealand to have a discussion with a beekeeper who doesn't like honey! What?!

Sarah Cross lives and takes care of her honey bees in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand. She actually started her career managing 250 hives, but now is more into education, hive management, consulting, and writing about bees.

We discuss Manuka honey, varroa, IPM, and Sarah's favorite wild & crazy beekeeping moments. Above all else, she recommends the Three C's of beekeeping: Stay COOL, CALM & COLLECTED.

In beekeeping headlines we learn about beekeepers in Spain demonstrating by pouring honey on themselves, Africanized bees killing chickens in Texas, and the EPA approving new varroa treatments.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

_____________

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Sarah Cross: https://www.sarahcsbees.co.nz/