Apiary Chronicles Introduction

Standing on the seat of my dad’s old pickup, peering through the rear window, I watched as his hands carefully tended to his beehives. It was in those early, honey-filled days that my love for bees took root—a passion that has now blossomed into the Apiary Chronicles podcast. In our debut episode, we embark on a journey to uncover the heartwarming and sometimes challenging stories of beekeepers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper, beginner, or simply fascinated by these incredible creatures, you'll find yourself immersed in the tales of those who have made beekeeping an integral part of their lives.

Join me, Cal Hardage, as I reconnect with my beekeeping roots and share the experiences of inspiring individuals—from commercial operators to backyard hobbyists and keen conservationists. Through these conversations, we tackle real issues like pesky mites, winter hive preparations, and the sheer joy of tasting that first batch of homegrown honey. We’re building a community, a cozy space around the hive, where we can share knowledge, laughter, and maybe a sting or two. So, get comfortable and prepare to be inspired as we step into the world of beekeeping together—one story at a time.

What is Apiary Chronicles : Sharing Stories of Beekeeping?

Apiary Chronicles is the podcast where the world of beekeeping comes alive. Hosted by Cal Hardage, this show explores the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of beekeepers from all walks of life. From backyard enthusiasts to commercial apiarists, each episode dives into the unique stories and invaluable insights that make beekeeping both an art and a science.

Discover tips on hive management, pollinator health, and honey production while learning about the dedication and passion behind each beekeeper’s journey. Whether you’re an experienced apiarist, a beginner, or just curious about the buzzing world of bees, Apiary Chronicles offers inspiration, education, and community.

Join us weekly as we celebrate the people and pollinators shaping a sustainable future, one hive at a time. Subscribe now and step into the world of Apiary Chronicles!

Cal: Welcome to Apiary Chronicles, where
we dive deep into the world of beekeeping

and the people who make it all happen.

I'm Cal Hardage your host
and fellow be enthusiast.

In this podcast, we're exploring the
vibrant, sometimes challenging and

always fascinating world of beekeeping.

Through the unique stories
of beekeepers themselves.

In each episode, we'll meet different
beekeepers from various backgrounds,

regions, and approaches to raising bees.

We'll uncover their personal journeys,
what inspired them to get started, the

challenges they faced along the way,
and the memorable moments that have

shaped their experiences in the apiary.

Now, if you're new to the world
of beekeeping, let's start

with a quick introduction.

The idea for the Apiary Chronicles
was bore out of a desire to connect

with these stories and share
them with a broader audience.

Whether you're a longtime beekeeper,
a hobbyist, or just someone curious

about the world of bees, you're going
to find a lot to learn and love here.

Every episode will offer something new.

We'll talk to people who run
commercial operations, backyard

beekeepers, hobbyists, conservationist
working to protect wild bee

populations and researchers diving
into the science of hive health.

And we'll explore some common issues
that beekeepers face, like dealing

with mites, preparing hives for winter,

and of course the unforgettable
first taste of homegrown honey.

But this podcast is more than a resource.

It's a journey.

My goal for Apiary Chronicles is
to feel like a conversation with

friends, a gathering around the
hive, where we can share knowledge,

experiences, and maybe a few laughs.

So whether you're driving, tending
your own hives or just relaxing.

I invite you to join me each week
as we step into the apiary together.

As we get started.

I'd love to hear from you.

Is there a particular
topic you're curious about.

Or if you'd like to share
your own beekeeping story.

You can reach us through our
website at apiarychronicles.com

and click on be our guest.

Also, you can reach us
through our social media.

Because this is as much about building a
community as it is exploring beekeeping.

So don't hesitate to
join the conversation.

And when you're ready to dive
in, our first episode will be

released, the first week in 2025.

So not too long.

And we've already recorded
some great episodes.

And they will be even
better ones coming more.

But first before we leave,
let's talk about my bee journey.

Just a little.

And then we'll just give you a
brief overview of my bee journey.

It started with me standing in the seat
of my dad's pickup, looking out the back

window, as he tended his own beehives.

Early in the journey.

I can remember the honey supers being in
our kitchen and our house smelling of it.

And dad and mom

uncapping the frames

and we got to hand crank the extractor,
and without fail, mom always got

stung, which she did not enjoy.

However that set me on
a lifetime love of bees.

In fact, when I got to
high school joined FFA.

I needed a project and why I had
other ideas for a project, and I did

do other things on my project, one.

Aspect of my project was beekeeping.

So I got four hives, and I tended
them and tried to be more than

a bee however and make progress.

It was the late eighties.

So Varroa mites was not a problem.

Um, but wax mobs were a problem for me.

And quickly after I left for
college, the wax moths won.

Then I took a hiatus.

From beekeeping, the
lasted a couple of decades.

I guess not quite a couple of
decades, a decade and a half.

So about 15 years, I did not have bees.

And then.

You know, it's kinda interesting.

One day I woke up thinking
why don't I have bees?

I remember loving having bees.

Why have I not got some hives?

You know, life gets busy.

And, those hobbies fall by the wayside.

But I picked back up.

I started with some top bar
hives and some Russian bees.

To give them a try because of those
were new things to me, you know,

I've always used a Langstroth hive.

And so I did that for
a little bit and, and.

And over the years since I've
continued my beekeeping habit up.

To be honest, I'm more of a
bee haver than a beekeeper.

But I'm working to become
a better beekeeper.

And I hope in these conversations,
they'll help all of us to be better.

Uh, currently I've just got a
couple hives in the backyard.

So throughout the years, usually I
have a few hives in the backyard.

I've had as many as a dozen.

Um, just a backyard beekeeper.

Uh, I do think I need to expand my apiary.

So.

That's one of my first goals.

And in fact, our very first
episode that will be released

in the first week of January.

We'll cover the topic of splitting
hives, and I'll leave you wondering

about the guests, because I think,
you'll really enjoy the conversation.

Until then be sure to
subscribe on social media.

And like you said earlier, if you want
to share your journey reach out to me.

Uh, we need to get the word out
about this and I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Talk to you soon.

Until next time.

Keep on beekeeping.