95% of the Hives have Died

Henry J. Svec is on a quiet, radical journey, transforming fifty acres of conventional farmland into a thriving wildflower bee sanctuary. In the Hobby Beekeeping podcast, he narrates that process week by week, digging into the hands-on work and the philosophy behind it. A key part of the conversation is his deliberate shift in terminology-he doesn’t call himself a beekeeper, but a bee "helper," a distinction rooted in specific scientific perspectives that guide the entire project. Each episode feels like a candid field report, where Henry explains the latest developments on the land, the reasoning behind various methods, and the ongoing research that informs their approach. This isn't about presenting perfect solutions, but about fostering an open and honest dialogue. The podcast serves as a meeting place for anyone curious about supporting pollinators, where diverse experiences and all aspects of beekeeping practice are welcomed and discussed. You’ll hear the realities of building a business in harmony with nature, the challenges and surprises of ecological restoration, and a deep respect for the complex lives of bees. It’s an educational listen that grounds itself in the dirt and blooms of a real, evolving sanctuary.