How Much Do You Really Know About Honey Bees & Beekeeping?

Conversation with Dr. Jason Graham, Ph.D. Questions asked and answered.

In this episode, we kick off our coverage from the North American Honey Bee Expo with an in-depth and surprisingly entertaining conversation with entomologist and beekeeper Dr. Jason “Dr. J” Graham. Recorded live on the bustling expo floor, this episode blends science, storytelling, and practical beekeeping insight.

Dr. Graham shares his unconventional journey from high school dropout to PhD, and how a single beekeeping class sparked a lifelong passion for honey bees. From there, the discussion dives deep into the inner workings of the hive—exploring bee lifespans, age-based job roles, pheromone-driven decision-making, and why a colony functions more like a single “superorganism” than a collection of individuals.

We also explore fascinating topics like swarming as colony reproduction, how queens are “put on a diet” before a swarm, the misunderstood role of drones, and why bees are far more flexible and adaptive than we often give them credit for. The conversation wraps with a look at modern innovations in beekeeping, including insulated and thermodynamic hive designs, sensors, AI-driven hive monitoring, and how new technology may be helping us better mimic the bees’ natural tree-hollow homes.

Whether you’re a backyard beekeeper, a seasoned professional, or just bee-curious, this episode offers a fresh appreciation for the complexity, resilience, and mystery of honey bees.

Video Version

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