This One Thing could have Saved my Bees

This One Thing could have Saved my Bees

Author: Henry J. Svec May 23, 2026 Duration: 18:01
This Science has been around for over 30 years, but this way to help honeybees with natural organic compounds wasn't something I talked about. I simply didn't know. I feel pretty stupid, but I am going to change what I do in this one important way. You may think about doing it too.

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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Hobby Beekeeping
Podcast Episodes
Why Count Bees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:25
I discuss why we count bees, bees with pollen, drones, and wasps at the hive's entrance. I also briefly discuss the challenges of using AI to evaluate varroa mites.
Survivor Hive Traits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:58
Going into the fourth year with this genetics treatment free, here are some of the characteristics starting to make sense.
AI Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:57
We are a week or so away from launching and here is the update.
What a Mess Swarm Hive Robbed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:40
A surprise find turned out to be another lesson in the brutal ways of nature. What happened and how this may be helpful to our other hives.
Why do we see Orientation Flights in late October? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:30
I have no idea. Perhaps you have an explanation. We expect deep freezes in a few weeks at night so not sure if there is a reason to need more foragers. Here are some ideas.
Drone Purge Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:49
Just like the movie I guess, yesterday October 18 was Drone Purge day. What could have triggered this sudden purging of drones? Here are my thoughts.
Is Fall Pollen Necessary for Strong Winter Bees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:10
After watching our bees bring in pollen yesterday, I took a look at the science to answer this question. You might be surprised what I found.
Will You Help Us with this New Free AI Tool? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:12
In two weeks, I'll be beta-testing our new platform to analyze honeybee activity at the entrances to a hive from pictures or video clips. Here's how you can help.
New Easy Way to Build Hives and help Them Survive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:27
This new project for 2025 is based on our work and others in beekeeping. I will only open the hive twice during the year, making it very much a hands-off approach. Will it work?