Episode Summary
What can a tiny insect teach us about resilience, community, and the art of slowing down? When Russell Zabel first caught a swarm of bees in a chaff bag in the late 1960s, he didn’t realize it would spark a 50-year journey of discovery. In this episode of Animals & Us, Natalie Stockdale sits down with Russell to explore the fascinating world of Australian native bees. From the adrenaline of the first sting to the meditative peace of a thriving hive, Russell shares how these extraordinary creatures have shaped his life and why they are vital to our own wellbeing and the planet’s future.
Episode Pillars
The Chaff Bag Beginning: A look back at the 1960s encounter that turned a curiosity into a lifelong passion.
Native vs. Honeybees: Understanding the unique beauty of Australia’s stingless bees and their role in our ecosystem.
The Hive as a Teacher: Lessons in persistence, cooperation, and how nature provides a blueprint for human recovery.
Gardening for Good: Practical, actionable steps to transform your backyard into a sanctuary for pollinators.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Animals & Us: Meet Russell Zabel.
02:15 – The 1960s: Catching the first swarm in a chaff bag.
08:40 – Why Australian Native Bees are the “unsung heroes” of the garden.
14:20 – Getting stung: The reality of a life with bees.
22:10 – How to set up your first hive and what to avoid.
30:05 – The Kintsugi moment: Finding peace in the “white noise” of the hive.
34:37 – Where to find Russell and his transition to retirement.
💡 The “Gold” Quote
“If you’ve got livestock, you’ve also got dead stock—it’s the same with bees. Proper management and care is how we keep the cycle of life going.” — Russell Zabel
📚 Resources Mentioned
Website: Zabel.com.au – For native bee products and education.
Music: Follow the Sun by Xavier Rudd (Used with permission).
🤝 Guest Social Handshake
Connect with Russell and follow his work in the bee community:
Website: www.zabel.com.au
The Kintsugi Connection
To see the visual story of Russell’s hives and explore more episodes of resilience, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes/videos
If Russell’s story moved you, explore these related Hero conversations:
Connection to Nature? Listen to how the Australian bush helped our heroes find peace after trauma.
Seeking Purpose? Discover how transition and retirement can become a new chapter of community service.
About Kintsugi Heroes
Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. We believe that lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden.
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