What’s the real deal with summer ventilation hacks? Should you remove entrance reducers? In this episode, I break down some bad advice floating around YouTube, walk through key updates to the online course platform, and share the growing list of experiments I’ll be running in 2026. If you’ve noticed fewer uploads lately, there’s a reason for that too.What’s Inside This Episode:Why certain “ventilation tricks” can do more harm than goodReal talk on hive entrances, reducers, and hardware clothThe new course platform and how it fixes major pain pointsPreview of upcoming experiments on feeding, queen excluders, ventilation, and mite testingDIY hive sensors and environmental trackingLife updates: wedding planning, grad school, and production delaysWhy Listen to This Episode?This episode gives you a transparent look at what’s working and what’s not when it comes to hive management, course development, and community support. If you're curious about what's ahead for 2026 or want a heads-up on common mistakes to avoid this summer, it’s all here.Connect and Learn More:🌐 Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com🔗 Gear and blog site: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ🫶 Nonprofit: https://thehealinghiveproject.org📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbeesSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 160 – Alternative Hive Types: Top Bar, Horizontal, and Warre Explained 🐝📦
In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the most common alternatives to the Langstroth hive, including Top Bar, Horizontal (Long Langstroth and Layens), and Warre hives. Each of these styles offers something different, from lower lifting demands to more natural comb construction. We cover how they work, who they’re best suited for, and what you need to consider before making a change — including frame support, extraction limitations, and realistic tradeoffs. This episode also includes a listener mention of how horizontal hives can provide better accessibility for disabled beekeepers.What’s Inside This Episode:Why Langstroth remains the default hive for most beekeepersKey features of Top Bar hivesThe difference between Long Langstroth and Layens hivesPros and cons of horizontal hives for backyard beekeepersWarre hive historyAccessibility considerations and why style choice should reflect your goalsMore Info:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com📘 Read our articles: bestbeekeepinggear.com🎥 YouTube channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ☕ Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 159 – Honey Extraction Methods: What to Know Before You Harvest 🍯🐝
In this episode, we walk through practical honey extraction methods for beekeepers of all levels. If you're new to harvesting or just looking to improve your setup, this episode covers when and how to take honey, how to test moisture content, what to avoid during treatment windows, and how to extract honey with or without expensive equipment. We’ll also go over tips for drying uncapped honey, clearing bees from supers, and managing sticky cleanup after the fact.What’s Inside This Episode:Why you shouldn’t harvest honey in your first yearHow to know when your honey is ready (capped vs uncapped)Using a refractometer to measure moisture contentTips for drying uncapped honey frames before extractionWhy your treatment history matters before harvestingHow to clear bees using escape boards, one-way exits, or shakingOverview of manual vs electric extractorsCrush and strain method explainedFinal tips for safe, efficient honey harvestsMore Info:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com📘 Read our articles: bestbeekeepinggear.com🎥 YouTube channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingAbout the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 158 – Used Gear, Swarm Trap Timing & What to Ask When Buying Bees 🐝📦
In this episode, we cover a few important topics to help you avoid major headaches in your beekeeping journey.🐝 What’s Inside This Episode:Why the presence of a queen cell doesn't mean “do a split”How to avoid disaster when buying used gear (AFB risks)Best practices for moving bees out of swarm trapsWhen it's safe to relocate, and how long to waitWhat to ask when picking up a nuc or packageWhy queen age, mite treatment, and egg-laying status matterRegional timing differences for splits and trapping💬 More Info:🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com📘 Articles & reviews: bestbeekeepinggear.com🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees💬 Join the community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ☕ Value in the episode? Buy Me a CoffeeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 157 – The Hazards of the Walkaway Split: Timing, Risks & Real Talk 🐝⏳
Thinking of doing a walkaway split? Before you divide that colony, hit play. In this episode, we break down why timing is everything — especially as the summer dearth sets in. Inspired by a real listener question, we walk through what a walkaway split is, how it works, and why it might be one of the riskiest moves you can make during a seasonal lull. Learn why your queen might not emerge (or mate), what happens to your workforce while you wait, and why “just because” splits usually backfire.🧭 What’s Inside This Episode:What exactly is a walkaway split, and how is it different from other types?Why splits are easier (and safer) in the springHow long it really takes to go from queenless to new beesWhy feeding and robbing become serious concerns4 key reasons not to split your colony right nowHow to test drone availability without risking an entire hiveWhy “my mentor said it was a good idea” is not always a green lightTips for getting honest, timely advice from experienced beekeepers🔗 More Info:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org📌 About the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Here we will discuss everything needed for new beekeepers to learn to keep honeybees including: Beekeeping tools, hive components, what to do and when, and every trick of the trade that we can think of. If you are new to beekeeping, this podcast is for you.
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