logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2020
28m 57s

The buzz on bees, pt. 1

American Public Media
About this episode

We’re making a big buzz about bees! Our pollen-collecting friends get so much done, and we’re taking a look at how they live. We’ll bust some bee myths and meet some honeybees for a look at life inside the hive. 
Our mystery sound is from a listener (here’s a hint: they recorded the sound in Alaska!), and our Moment of Um answers a buzzworthy question: Why do beehives look like hexagons? 
And! One episode on bees just isn’t enough. We’ll be back next week with more buzz on pollination.



Want to hear more about bees? Listen to The buzz about bees pt. 2 (https://www.brainson.org/episode/2020/09/15/the-buzz-on-bees-pt-2)



Today’s episode is sponsored by Native (https://native.com/brainson | Promo code: brainson), Laurel Springs (http://laurelsprings.com/brainson) and Daily Harvest (http://dailyharvest.com Promo code: brainson)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Jan 13
Hoax Hunters: Can a lake turn animals to stone?
Have you ever heard of Lake Natron? It’s located in Tanzania, Africa, and, if you believe the internet, it can instantly petrify anything that touches it. Lucky for us, we have a direct line to the Hoax Hunters (aka Sanden and Marc) - they love myths, and they hate getting tricke ... Show More
31m 48s
Jan 6
Why do skunks stink?
Skunks can stink, no doubt about it. But that stink is actually a superpower! Join Molly and co-host Diya as they find out how these critters use their smell to scare away enemies, what the smell is made of, and how to make your own de-skunking potion. Plus, Wombat Pete drops by ... Show More
30m 49s
Dec 30
Brains On presents - Rocket women: How a secret program paved the way for female astronauts
We're on a little winter break and we're gonna be back with a new Brains On episode next week. This week we have an episode of our Sister show forever ago to share with you. If you're interested in origin stories or history, this is the show for you. You can subscribe wherever yo ... Show More
36m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
If there is a queen bee, why isn’t there a king bee?
Happy Bee Week! Each episode this week gives you the buzz on our powerful, pollinating friends. You’ve probably heard of queen bees, right? Her highness of the hive, the one who holds all the flower power. But how come there’s no such thing as a king bee? We asked Johns Hopkins g ... Show More
4m 41s
Oct 2022
How do bees make honey and why do they sting?
<p>Why do bees pollinate? How do they make honey? Why do bees have stingers? Why do (some) bees die when they sting you? What's the difference between a bee and a wasp? Does honey have healing properties? Farmer and beekeeper John Hayden answers all of your bee questions!</p> <p ... Show More
31m 12s
Aug 2023
The Hum of the Hive
Beekeeper Anthony Smith looks after several hundred beehives across Herefordshire and South East Wales. This episode of Slow Radio takes us to one of his apiaries where we eavesdrop on Anthony’s activities. It’s the middle of the summer, and the bees are at their busiest.Many of ... Show More
29m 44s
Apr 2021
Bees
In the first of a new series of Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea is joined by three beekeepers. Bees have been important to humans for thousands of years. Honey was found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, Aristotle and Virgil wrote about beekeeping and bees and honey get an honourable mention in th ... Show More
27m 33s
Aug 2017
How Do Bees Make Honey And Why Do They Sting?
<p>Why do bees pollinate? How do bees make honey? Why do bees have stingers? Why do bees die when they sting you? What's the difference between a bee and a wasp? Does honey have healing properties? Vermont farmer and beekeeper John Hayden of The Farm Between answers all of your b ... Show More
36m 23s
Nov 2023
Buzzing with Bumblebees: A Toddler's Bee-autiful Adventure
Welcome to "Buzzing with Bumblebees," the podcast that takes your little ones on a delightful journey into the enchanting world of bees! If you've ever wondered what it's like to bring home a baby bumblebee, this podcast is the perfect introduction to these fascinating insects, s ... Show More
3m 47s
Jul 2023
Is there Conflict Between Honey Bees and Wild Bees? A Discussion with Jon Elmquist
With increased awareness of bee pollinators and the value of their conservation over recent years, there has been growing discussion (and controversy!) over the nature of the relationships between managed western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and wild bees. In this episode, Kristen ... Show More
1h 16m
May 2022
Where are all the bees?
We get the buzz on a parasitic mite impacting B.C. bees 
11m 33s
Jul 2021
Life lessons from the honey bee
When it comes to food, we have a lot more than honey to thank bees for - more than three quarters of the world’s food crops depend, at least in part, on pollinators. But bee populations, we often hear, are under threat, and that’s largely due to human behaviour.Emily Thomas speak ... Show More
29m 35s