In this Plain Talk episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew settles into his shop on a cold winter day to reflect on the many ways beekeeping appears odd to those outside the craft—and completely normal to those who practice it. Sparked by casual comments from friends asking whether he still "does t...
In this Plain Talk episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew settles into his shop on a cold winter day to reflect on the many ways beekeeping appears odd to those outside the craft—and completely normal to those who practice it. Sparked by casual comments from friends asking whether he still "does that bee thing," Jim explores how deeply beekeeping reshapes perspective.
He begins with one of the most obvious oddities: beekeepers accept being stung as part of the deal. While that alone is a deal-breaker for many, beekeepers normalize pain, protective gear, and the inevitability that bees will occasionally get through even the best equipment. Jim draws thoughtful comparisons to other pursuits where risk and discomfort are accepted without question.
From there, he examines how outsiders view hive inspections as breaking and entering—smoking bees, dismantling their homes, and rearranging their world—actions that feel routine to beekeepers but astonishing to others. He also reflects on the long-standing discomfort some people feel about taking honey, and how the language of "robbing" bees gave way to more ethical framing over time.
Jim discusses the near obsession beekeepers have with queens, the deeply philosophical nature of beekeeping conversations, and the surprisingly medieval jargon that still defines the craft. He closes by reflecting on how beekeeping alters one's sense of time, seasonality, and awareness of the natural world—quietly reshaping how beekeepers see everything around them.
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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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
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Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott
Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)
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