Secrets of the Bees with Dr. Sammy Ramsey

About this episode

Chris interviews Dr. Sammy Ramsey about the intelligence of bees and the challenges they face.

Chris welcomes Dr. Sammy Ramsey (“Dr. Bugs”), entomologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, to discuss Secrets of the Bees (National Geographic, Disney+/Hulu). They explore surprising bee intelligence—from navigation using the sun to puzzle-solving, teaching, and even play—alongside fascinating behaviours like the waggle dance and swarm decision-making. Ramsey debunks common myths about honeybees and explains why they’re less aggressive than wasps. The episode also tackles colony collapse, ongoing hive losses, and the impact of varroa mites. He shares simple, practical ways people can help protect pollinators at home. Tune in on Nat Gro March 31, 2026 Disney+/HULU April 1, 2026 Dr. Ramey's website and socials can be found HERE Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:12 Why Bees Amaze Us 01:46 Tiny Brains Big Intelligence 02:52 Secrets of the Bees Visuals 04:03 Bees vs Wasps Misconceptions 07:24 Colony Collapse Explained 09:58 Annual Losses and Data Confusion 14:09 Bumblebee Lab Play and Puzzles 18:42 Insect Culture and Conservation 20:25 Inspiring Future Scientists 21:46 Why Bees Deserve Spotlight 22:01 Secrets Series Perspective Shift 23:39 Waggle Dance Explained 25:21…

People in this episode

Host: Chris

Guest: Dr. Sammy Ramsey

Topics covered

• bee intelligence
• colony collapse
• pollinator protection
• myths about honeybees
• varroa mites
• insect culture
• conservation

Keywords

• bee intelligence
• honeybees
• colony collapse
• varroa mites
• pollinators
• waggle dance
• insect culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Colorado Boulder, National Geographic, Disney+, Hulu

Books & works: Secrets of the Bees

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