Beekeeping Today Podcast - Presented by Betterbee

Beekeeping Today Podcast

The podcast for the latest beekeeping news, information and entertainment for today's beekeeper. Hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman bring you conversations with researchers, beekeepers and industry leaders to help you become a more informed and knowledgeable beekeeper.

Recent Episodes

Nov. 4, 2024

Regional Beekeepers - Fall 2024 (303)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky bring together beekeepers from different regions across the U.S. to discuss the unique challenges they faced this past season. From Arizona’s intense heat to Washington’s unusually wet spring, our guests share...

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Oct. 28, 2024

The Habitat Crisis #4 - Bee and Butterfly Fund (302)

In this final episode of our month-long Habitat Crisis series, made possible by the , Jeff and Becky are joined by and Zac Browning to discuss the critical role habitat restoration plays in supporting honey bee health and overall pollinator...

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Oct. 21, 2024

The Habitat Crisis #3 - Dr. Diana Cox-Foster (301)

In this third episode of our month-long Habitat Crisis series, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Diana Cox-Foster from the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit. Diana shares fascinating...

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Oct. 14, 2024

The Habitat Crisis #2 - Dr. Andony Melathopoulos (300)

In the second episode of our month-long series on the Habitat Crisis, made possible by the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Andony Melathopoulos from Oregon State University. Andony brings his extensive knowledge...

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Oct. 7, 2024

The Habitat Crisis #1 - Dr. Gabriela Quinlan (299)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky kick off a month-long series on the habitat crisis, made possible by the , with special guest Dr. Gabriela Quinlan, an integrative ecologist focused on honey bee and pollinator nutrition. Gabriela shares her expertise...

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Sept. 30, 2024

Bee Regenerative with Sarah Red-Laird (298)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Sarah Red-Laird, founder and co-director of Bee Regenerative, formerly known as the Bee Girl Organization. Sarah shares insights into her journey from founding the Bee Girl Organization to leading...

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Sept. 23, 2024

The Golden Age of Beekeeping with Peter Borst (297)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Peter Borst, author of The Golden Age of Beekeeping. Peter shares fascinating insights into the history of beekeeping, exploring how the industry evolved from a disorganized practice into a standardized...

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Sept. 16, 2024

Honey Bee Veterinarians with Tracy Farone, DVM (296)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Tracy Farone, a large animal veterinarian who has applied her expertise to honey bees. Tracy shares her journey from caring for cows and horses to becoming a go-to resource for …

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Sept. 9, 2024

Bee Smart Designs with CEO Cliff Struhl (295)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Cliff Struhl, CEO of BeeSmart Designs, for an engaging conversation about innovation in beekeeping equipment. Cliff shares his unique journey into beekeeping, which began with a simple favor for a friend and...

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Sept. 2, 2024

Seaweeds and Honey Bees with Dara Scott (294)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dara Scott, CEO and founder of HiveAlive, to discuss his journey in beekeeping and the innovative products his company offers. Dara shares how his fascination with beekeeping began over 25 years ago, inspired …

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Recent Blog Posts

Predators in the Bee Yard: The Mantis

I have to admit, my gateway insect to the world of beekeeping wasn’t the honey bee. It wasn’t even the ants I followed as they made their way through my mother’s rose garden, although ants’ social behavior fascinated me. No, …

Using Technology to See Robbing

As beekeepers, we know that robbing happens—probably more often than we think. It’s those little "petty thefts" that happen every day, as bees from neighboring colonies test the defenses of nearby hives. If feral colonies were scattered …

Preparing for Success: Essential Considerations for Beginning Beekeepers

Introduction Embarking on beekeeping can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. To ensure your first year as a beekeeper is a success, it's crucial to prepare properly and be informed about the realities of beek…

About the Hosts

Jeff Ott Profile Photo

Jeff Ott

Cohost, Producer, Editor & Audio Engineer... Chief Cook, Bottle Washer, Errand Boy

Jeff Ott's journey with honey bees began in childhood with a fascination for flying and crawling creatures. He first kept an observation hive on his bedroom desk, sparking a lifelong passion for beekeeping. Over the years, Jeff grew from a hobbyist to a sideliner, managing honey bee colonies and providing local pollination services. His involvement with the Medina County and Ohio State Beekeepers Associations, along with his role as president of the Medina association, deepened his knowledge and network within the beekeeping community.

Today, Jeff lives in Olympia, Washington, and is a Master Beekeeper certified by the University of Montana and the Washington State Beekeepers Association. He founded the popular Beekeeping Today Podcast with the late Kim Flottum, reaching thousands of listeners each week. Jeff also produces two additional podcasts, Honey Bee Obscura and 2 Million Blossoms, under his media company, Growing Planet Media. His work continues to educate and inspire beekeepers worldwide.

Becky Masterman Profile Photo

Becky Masterman

PhD, Cohost, Columnist

Becky Masterman became a beekeeper when hired by the University of Minnesota Bee Lab as an undergraduate lab technician in 1992. She stayed on to earn a Ph.D. studying the neuroethology of honey bee hygienic behavior under the direction of Dr. Marla Spivak.

After a career detour in real estate, Becky returned to the Bee Lab in 2012 and led their Bee Squad program until 2019. Becky also served the Minnesota Honey Producers Association Board as a Director from 2016-2022 and currently heads their Habitat Committee and Habitat Hour webinar series. She has co-written the Minding Your Bees and Cues column with Bridget Mendel for Bee Culture Magazine since 2020.

Residing in Saint Paul with her husband and cat, Becky spends her free time managing her own bees and short-term rental properties across the Twin Cities metro area.

Kim Flottum Profile Photo

Kim Flottum

Cohost, Author

Kim Flottum attended the University Of Wisconsin, Madison, receiving a BS in Horticulture Production. While an undergrad he worked for the UW Entomology Department, researching insect control in green houses and gardens, and writing Extension Bulletins about those pests.

After graduation, he worked for the USDA Honey Bee Research Lab in Madison for four years, studying crop pollination, pesticide problems with honey bees and using honey plants in the home landscape. Later he moved to Connecticut where he was a farm manager, producing row crop vegetables and managing an apple orchard. While there he joined the CT Beekeepers Association, became President and then CT Director to Eastern Apicultural Society. John Root was also on the EAS Board at the time, and after a year offered the job of Publications Manager and Editor of Gleanings In Bee Culture, A.I. Root’s monthly beekeeping magazine.

During his tenure at A. I. Root, he created a new magazine, BEEKeeping, Your First Three Years, and also published several books, by multiple authors, along with editing three editions of The ABC and XYZ Of Bee Culture. He designed the first of Root’s beekeeping web pages, and started the daily email blast CATCH THE BUZZ.

Kim also served in leadership positions with The Ohio State Beekeeper's Assn and EAS.

During his 33 years as Bee Culture Editor, he produced five books of his own, including five editions of "The Backyard Beekeeper", plus In "Business With Bees", "The Honey Handbook", "First Time Beekeeping&quo… Read More