About Bees, Culture & Curiosity Podcast

We all know about honey and bees 🍯🐝 - but what about money and bees? 💰🐝 Enter Beewise, an agritech company that's revolutionizing beekeeping with robotics and AI! Founded by Saar Safra(a serial entrepreneur who previously sold companies to Microsoft and RealPage, Inc.!) Beewise has raised over $120 million to develop its high-tech Beehome. This solar-powered hive houses up to 40 colonies, using AI to monitor bee health, optimize conditions, and even harvest honey. It's a game-changer for beekeeping! So, where does Canada fit into this story?  🇨🇦  That's where Herman Van Reekum comes in! Herman wanted to find a better way to keep bees. After a conversation with a beekeeper friend in the Netherlands, he learned about Beewise and their innovative approach.  Intrigued by their technology, Herman set out to bring it to Canada. He even spoke with Beewise CEO Saar Safra! However, Beewise was concerned with harsh Canadian winters. ❄️ But Herman didn't give up! With support from Connie Phillips and Alberta Beekeepers Commission, he traveled to California to see Beewise in action and bring them to Alberta . Ultimately, Beewise decided not to expand to Canada. But this setback ignited Herman's ingenuity.  He pivoted and created the Bee Cube™! Bee Cube™ combines the best of both worlds: the classic appeal of traditional wooden hives with the smarts of modern technology.  Sensors and automated controls ensure optimal conditions inside, no matter the weather. 🎧  Want to hear more about the Bee Cube and the future of beekeeping in Canada? Tune in to the new episode of the About Bees, Culture & Curiosity Podcast podcast!  [Link in comments.] #beekeeping #technology #AlbertaInnovation #CanadianInnovation #entrepreneurship #sustainability #apiary #bees #agritech #podcast #newepisode

Season 2 of About Bees, Culture & Curiosity Podcast starts with Chief Lee Crowchild. Chief Crowchild's family is the holder of the Bee Teepee. As a child, Chief Crowchild would spend his summers with his grandparents at the Bee Teepee and was curious about the patterns and pictures, but he never thought he would become a beekeeper. Fast forward to 2017, and Chief Lee Crowchild started The Indigenous Bee Project. The project places beehives on First Nations land in a way that maintains harmony with 400 unique species of Alberta bees. We go in-depth about this subject in the full episode, live now on YouTube at About Bees, Culture & Curiosity Podcast.

Meet Rose-Anne Bouffard and Molly, the bee-sniffing super dog! 🐶🐝 With a nose 60x more powerful than ours, Molly is helping beekeepers protect their hives from devastating diseases like American Foulbrood. But her work doesn't stop there! Rose-Anne and Molly are also on a mission to find and relocate native bee nests in Alberta. This is crucial because native bees, responsible for pollinating 80% of our flowering plants, are facing population declines due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Molly's incredible nose helps locate these nests, allowing for safe relocation and conservation efforts. "Dog Finds Bees" is more than just a catchy name; it's a shining example of Alberta's innovative spirit. Entrepreneurs, take note! The global market for scent-detection dogs is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2027. This partnership showcases the untapped potential of these amazing canines in agriculture and conservation. 🌱 Could this model be scaled up to provide services for beekeepers, farmers, and even environmental agencies? 🤔 The possibilities are endless, from early disease detection (saving potentially millions in crop losses) to improved crop yields and enhanced biodiversity protection. Tune into our latest About Bees, Culture & Curiosity Podcast episode to hear Rose-Anne's story and hear the entrepreneurial possibilities of this groundbreaking work! 🎧 Reach out to Rose-Anne to discuss collaborations or learn more about their training program! Join us every Monday at 8 A.M. MT on Youtube! Find us on: Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gZ3cDCkZ... Apple - https://lnkd.in/gdJXU97R... Audible - https://lnkd.in/gfCNs-3V... Rephonic - https://lnkd.in/gByxanjb... iHeartRadio - https://lnkd.in/gprA8WGv... #bees #beekeeping #pollinators #saveALLbees #honey #apiculture #podcast #nature #Alberta #beekeeping #africa #podcast #newepisode #pollinators

Ep 7 is live! This week, we journey to Cameroon 🇨🇲 with Patrick to explore the world of African beekeeping. Beekeeping in Africa boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of honey hunting and early hive management found in ancient rock art and archaeological sites. Patrick shares his inspiring journey from Cameroon to Canada, where he continues his family's beekeeping legacy and leads the apiary for the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, empowering newcomers through beekeeping. Join us every Monday at 8 A.M. MT on Youtube! Find us on: Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gZ3cDCkZ... Apple - https://lnkd.in/gdJXU97R... Audible - https://lnkd.in/gfCNs-3V... Rephonic - https://lnkd.in/gByxanjb... iHeartRadio - https://lnkd.in/gprA8WGv... #bees #beekeeping #pollinators #saveALLbees #honey #apiculture #podcast #nature #Alberta #beekeeping #africa #podcast #newepisode #pollinators

When Queen Elizabeth passed away, a unique ritual was performed. The royal beekeeper informed the bees of the Queen’s passing and told them King Charles III was their new master. Black sashes were draped over the hives, symbolizing mourning. Key points: - **Informing the bees**: Bees were told about the transition in monarchy. - **Symbolism**: Black sashes were used to signify mourning. - **Historical tradition**: This curious practice dates back centuries. Featured on the Daily Mail, this fascinating and somewhat bizarre tradition reflects the depth of customs surrounding British royalty. It serves as a reminder of how history and symbolism can intersect within unexpected aspects of life. What unusual traditions or rituals have you encountered? Share your experiences in the comments below! #BusinessTraditions #RoyalCustoms #Productivity #Leadership #History #Engagement #

Ep 3 is live! - Can Bees Feel Pain? Let's Ask the Expert! - Daniel Miksha | ABCC Podcast Find us on: About Bees, Culture & Curiosity Podcast Listen to ABCC Podcast - Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g58fjYX8 Apple - https://lnkd.in/gr8ur8d2 Audible - https://lnkd.in/gYNTfsU2 Rephonic - https://lnkd.in/graAN2cr iHeartRadio - https://lnkd.in/ghJhAb3g

Bees typically begin as foragers, hard at work collecting pollen. So hard at work, their physical appearance changes drastically. - Over time, the intense activity causes their hairs to fall out. - These hairless bees appear older and worn out, unable to collect pollen effectively. This transformation poses a thought-provoking parallel to our own professional lives. How do we adapt when our roles or environments change? Curious to hear your thoughts—have you experienced a dramatic shift in your work that required you to adapt significantly? Share your stories in the comments below! #BeeBehavior #Adaptability #ProfessionalGrowth #Resilience #BusinessLessons #ProductivityHacks

Lenin believed beekeepers were crucial for the economy and food production. One of his earliest laws exempted beekeepers from taxes: - Allowed running commercial businesses. - Exempted from disastrous collectivization rules. He saw this as essential to boosting the economy, making beekeepers vital contributors. #BusinessInsights #ProductivityBoost #EconomicGrowth #Beekeeping #HistoricalWisdom #LeadershipLessons

A a little-known historical event connecting humanitarianism and international refuge. Near the end of his life, Leo Tolstoy assisted the Doukhobors, a religious group facing severe mistreatment in southern Russia, in resettling in Canada and even funding their transit. Key Points: - The Doukhobors were being abused and needed a haven. - They initially found refuge in Georgia. - In 1899, more than 7500 Doukhobors sailed to Canada and settled in modern-day Saskatchewan, where they lived as a community. This story is a remarkable example of compassion and global solidarity. Share your insights of other instances where nations opened their doors to persecuted groups! #Humanitarian #Refugees #History #GlobalSolidarity #Canada #Georgia

1.5% of Ukraine's population is engaged in beekeeping or roughly 1-2 beekeepers for every 100 people! Key Facts: Top Producer: Ukraine is the leading honey producer in Europe, producing over 75,000 metric tons annually (165 million pounds). Diverse Sources: Ukrainian honey benefits from diverse floral sources, with canola contributing to a significant portion of its white honey production, and black locust trees playing a vital role in hilly regions. Economic Impact: The honey industry is a major source of export income for Ukraine, with millions of dollars in annual exports. Resilience: Despite challenges, Ukraine's honey industry has shown remarkable resilience, maintaining its position as a global leader. Given the importance of this sector, it's worth exploring: Potential for Growth: How can the honey industry be further developed to maximize its economic benefits for Ukraine, potentially surpassing the current production figures? Innovation: What new technologies or approaches could enhance productivity and sustainability to maintain Ukraine's competitive edge? Global Markets: How can Ukraine expand its reach in international honey markets and capitalize on growing global demand? Share your insights and expertise in the comments below! #UkraineBusiness #HoneyProduction #EconomicResilience #Agriculture #BeeKeeping #BusinessInsights