Dr. Sammy Ramsey - Nat Geo's "Secrets of the Bees"

About this episode

Dr. Sammy Ramsey discusses beekeeping, honey bee health, and his work on the documentary series 'Secrets of the Bees'.

Beekeeping Advice from Dr. Sammy Ramsey! In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, host Eric Bennett welcomes Dr. Samuel (Sammy) Ramsey — PhD entomologist, National Geographic Explorer, and producer of the new Disney+ and Hulu documentary series Secrets of the Bees . Dr. Ramsey shares what it was like collaborating with James Cameron and National Geographic, how filmmakers captured never-before-seen footage inside a beehive using endoscopy cameras and high-speed rigs, and what it meant to contribute both as a scientist and a vocalist to the project. The conversation then dives deep into honey bee health: the looming threat of Tropilaelaps mites, the true mechanics of Varroa damage, and the great sugar roll vs. alcohol wash debate — with Dr. Ramsey offering a nuanced, research-backed take on why the sugar roll still has a legitimate place in a beekeeper's toolkit. The episode closes with Dr. Ramsey's top advice for new and experienced beekeepers alike — including a reminder that beekeeping is a team sport — and a hilarious (and instructive) wild beekeeping story involving a bee, an ear canal, and an emergency room visit that ends with a bee named Beyoncé. Video Version of This…

People in this episode

Host: Eric Bennett

Guest: Dr. Sammy Ramsey

Topics covered

• beekeeping
• honey bee health
• Tropilaelaps mites
• Varroa damage
• documentary production
• scientific collaboration

Keywords

• beekeeping advice
• honey bee health
• Tropilaelaps mites
• Varroa damage
• documentary
• James Cameron
• endoscopy cameras

Sponsors

Mann Lake, Primal Bee Hives

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Geographic, Disney+, Hulu

Products: Color Collection hive kits, Primal Bee Hives

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