1. 1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together your active sourdough starter, warm water, honey, olive oil, and salt until well combined. The mixture should look slightly milky and the honey fully dissolved.

2. 2. Add Flours and Form Dough: Gradually add the whole wheat flour and then the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix with a sturdy spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should spring back slightly when poked.

3. 3. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has visibly increased in size (about 50%). The exact time will depend on the warmth of your kitchen and the vigor of your starter.

4. 4. Shape the Bagels: Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. To form the bagel shape, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your thumb and gently stretch the dough to create a 1-inch opening. Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. 5. Boil the Bagels: Preheat your oven to 425 F (220 C). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Boil for 30 seconds on each side. This boiling step gives bagels their signature chewy crust.

6. 6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Using a slotted spoon, remove the boiled bagels and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with your chosen toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. 7. Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the baked bagels to a wire rack to cool completely. While tempting to eat them immediately, allowing them to cool helps the texture set properly.