Join us for an engaging episode of Apiary Chronicles as we explore the fascinating world of beekeeping with our guest, Phoebe Snyder, a dedicated beekeeper from Greensboro, North Carolina. Discover Phoebe's intriguing journey into beekeeping, starting from her childhood on a farm in Western Maryland and her unique experience selling praying mantis egg sacks on eBay. Initially aspiring to become a violinist or surgeon, Phoebe's passion for insects and a chance mentorship with a USDA researcher led her to the world of bees. Although she only recently acquired her own hives, Phoebe has been managing bees in research settings since 2015, and her academic background in biology provides valuable insights into bee behavior and hygienic practices.

Listen in as we discuss the emotional and personal growth aspects of beekeeping, highlighting the unexpected connections formed with these industrious insects. Phoebe shares her experiences of overcoming challenges such as bee stings and heat stroke during the early stages of her beekeeping journey. Despite these hurdles, her passion for beekeeping grew, eventually leading her to expand her operations and transform her hobby into a business venture. With plans to increase her colonies and offer services like teaching beekeeping at a local college, Phoebe illustrates the balance between personal fulfillment and professional growth.

In this episode, we also explore collaborative beekeeping efforts and the importance of maintaining genetic diversity within bee populations. Discover the various methods used to test hygienic behavior in bees, including innovative techniques developed with researchers. As Phoebe shares her insights on beekeeping tools, lessons learned, and favorite resources, she encourages both newcomers and seasoned beekeepers to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. With anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers a rich perspective on the world of beekeeping and the valuable life lessons it imparts.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
BeeSource
Phoebe on Instagram

Apiary Chronicles Links
website
Check out the Grazing Grass Podcast

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Today's Episode
• (00:24) - Fast Five with Phoebe Snyder
• (01:08) - Phoebe's Beekeeping Journey
• (03:51) - Early Experiences with Bees
• (05:38) - Academic Pursuits and Research
• (09:49) - Starting Her Own Apiary
• (19:33) - Expanding the Apiary
• (21:46) - Future Plans and Collaborations
• (25:09) - The Chaos of Beekeeping
• (25:35) - Italian Bees and Local Stock
• (26:51) - The Importance of Networking in Beekeeping
• (28:57) - Balancing Beekeeping and Personal Life
• (31:05) - Online Resources for Beekeepers
• (33:46) - Understanding Hygienic Behavior in Bees
• (35:05) - Testing Methods for Hygienic Behavior
• (44:18) - Selection Criteria for Breeder Bees
• (49:24) - Famous Four Questions