Join host Eric Bennett and Dr. Ștefan Stangaciu, MD from Romania. Dr. Stangaciu is the world’s leading authority on apitherapy, as well as being a beekeeper, medical doctor, and president of the International Federation of Apitherapy.

In part 1 of this series, we learn why propolis, pollen and bee-derived extracts often outperform honey for healing, how to extract and handle honey for medicinal use, and practical ways beekeepers and families can use propolis safely.

The conversation delves into the medicinal uses of these products, their extraction methods, and practical applications for everyday health issues.

Dr. Stangaciu emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of bee products and their potential in natural healing.

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ham0UXAoUZE

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Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/

Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES

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Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, host Eric Bennett, welcomes Rob Wright, CEO of Mann Lake, for an honest and surprisingly personal look at the current state of the beekeeping industry.

From swarm-catching mishaps and hive cutouts to global honey tastings and the future of bee health, this episode blends practical insights, industry updates, and stories that every beekeeper—from hobbyist to commercial operator—will relate to.

Rob shares what he’s learned from four years of active beekeeping, how Mann Lake has transformed under new family ownership, and why bee nutrition is becoming one of the most important levers in improving colony survival.

The two also dive into new industry technologies, the newly released North American Honey Bee Strategy, and why staying connected to your bees is still more powerful than any gadget, social media, AI, or automation.

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ZzTSveQxUSs

________________

Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/

Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES

_________________

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

North American Bee Strategy Report: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nabs/

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

In this episode of Be Love Beekeeping, Eric and Bee Culture editor Jerry Hayes break down the aftermath of the 2024–25 winter honey bee die-off, where roughly 1.6 million colonies were lost.

They discuss how Varroa-spread viruses, weak mite management, nutrition challenges, climate stress, and migratory pollination all converged to push colonies past their limits. A central message emerges: beekeepers at every level must sample for Varroa, treat based on data, rotate treatments to avoid resistance, and sample again.

The conversation expands to new pressures on beekeeping, including yellow-legged hornets, the lingering threat of Asian giant hornets, and the growing spread of Africanized genetics—with Jerry sharing firsthand experiences from his work in Florida.

They also touch on emerging hive designs, insulation, and other equipment aimed at helping bees cope with harsh weather and environmental stress.

Despite the challenges, the episode highlights reasons for optimism: strong support from scientific organizations, state inspectors, and reputable beekeeping groups, along with better tools and research than ever before.

The takeaway? Beekeeping is demanding, but with reliable information and committed management, there’s still plenty of hope—and love—in the apiary.

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/PzqT5yIzU34

________________

Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/

Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES

_________________

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

Jerry-Bee Culture Magazine: https://beeculture.com/

Almond Milk Article: https://farmonaut.com/usa/almond-milk-kills-bees-5-shocking-ca-impacts

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com