Plain Talk: NAHBE Reflections (267)

In this Plain Talk episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew shares thoughtful reflections following his recent experience at the North American Honey Bee Expo. Walking the show floor, Jim was struck not only by the size and energy of the event, but by how dramatically beekeeping equipment, ideas, and approaches have evolved over the years.

Jim revisits pivotal moments from his career—early encounters with Africanized bees, queen rearing efforts, international travel, and decades of teaching—and contrasts those experiences with the sheer volume of new hive designs, protective clothing, and management philosophies now available to beekeepers. The pace of innovation, he observes, has reached a point where no single beekeeper can realistically absorb it all.

Rather than seeing this as a problem to solve, Jim introduces the idea of stepping back. He reflects on what he jokingly calls “retrogressive beekeeping”—choosing familiarity, simplicity, and practices shaped by experience rather than novelty. At this stage of life, the joy of beekeeping comes not from chasing every advancement, but from understanding one’s limits and embracing what remains meaningful.

Equally important were the personal conversations Jim had with listeners. Meeting beekeepers face-to-face, hearing their stories, and receiving their encouragement reminded him that beekeeping has always been as much about people as it is about bees. This episode is a quiet, honest meditation on aging, change, and rediscovering purpose within a community that continues to grow.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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