How might we steward relationships of generosity, see beehives beyond the human-imposed gaze? This week, guest Ang Roell leads us to better understand bees and our entangled relationship to them. Bees, from the honeybees we may be familiar with to the wide variety of bees local to areas across the world, are a vital participant in our ecosystems in ways that go beyond pollination or agricultural production. Together, Ang and Ayana unpack the often colonial and capitalist assumptions behind the language we use to describe bees (from ideas of “busy bees” to the assumptions Euro-centric views of hives make). The internal workings of the hive are far more complex, more collective, more wild than many have imagined.

It is clear now that bees have suffered significantly due to anthropogenic climate change, industrial agriculture, clear cutting and more, but Ang reminds us there is no single solution to this issue. Rather, we need a more holistic, ecocentric approach. There is a magic to the beehive as a superorganism, and Ang reveals the complex relations within the hive and the multitude of lessons if we listen rather than impose. Rooting into the rich history of beekeeping and the folk traditions of their ancestors, Ang reminds us of the deeply interconnected world humans and bees share and the reciprocity inherent in right relationship. The cycles, rhythms, and rituals of the hive may offer a balm in these times, just as they have before.  

Ang Roell (they/them) is a beekeeper, facilitator and writer who lives and works on the East Coast of the US/Turtle Island. They are the founder and lead beekeeper at They Keep Bees, and a consultant with Mainspring Change Consultants.

Ang's work with bees includes cultivating queen bees who are adaptive to ever changing climates. In their consulting work they support organizations in making lasting change by shifting power structures & creating effective collaboration. In both of these roles Ang seeks to build resilient collaborations designed to stand the test of these transitional and transformative times.

♫ The music featured in this episode is “Medicine Chant” by Anilah (Drea Drury), “Magic Hours” by Alexa Wildish, and “Honey in The Heart” by Violet Bell.

Episode References

Radicalize the Hive by Ang Roell  

Ang Roell’s website– They Keep Bees 

More on the practice of “Telling the Bees” - JSTOR Daily 

Mainspring Change Consultants

Guest Recommendations

“The Lives of Bees” by Thomas Seeley

We aim to be a gathering place for ideas and solutions ensuring that the growing body of work that we steward remains accessible to the public. If you want to see us continue, or perhaps are especially moved by the episode you are listening to today, please become a monthly sustaining member through our Patreon or consider making a one-time donation directly to us through our website. To stay up-to-date on our work, sign up for our newsletter.