Explore every episode of the podcast Wheel Talk
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What’s the Best Way to Sell Pottery? with Curt Hammerly | 24 Oct 2026 | 02:12:15 | |
Curt Hammerly of Hammerly Ceramics returns to Wheel Talk to share how his pottery business has evolved over the past eight years. He discusses moving away from high-demand product drops toward a more diversified sales model, including permanent inventory, collection launches, made-to-order work, and wholesale. The conversation also explores how his new home studio, growing team, and social media strategy have helped streamline production, manage demand, and build a more sustainable pottery business. -----Find more about Curt's businesses below----- 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com, making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball – Stock up on the NEW Speedball Studio Plus line of glazes, underglazes, bats, and pottery tools. Get 25% off eligible items with code WheelTalkSB2026 at speedballart.com/shop/ceramics/. Offer valid through December 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Talking Honestly About Depression (with Taylor Swilley) | 17 Oct 2026 | 01:22:37 | |
Becca and Taylor share their experiences with depression and the challenges of navigating mental health as artists and small business owners. Becca reflects on a recent severe depressive episode and hospitalization, while Taylor shares their own experiences with treatment, therapy, and managing depression. Ryan joins the conversation from the perspective of someone without firsthand experience, asking questions about better understanding depression and how friends and loved ones can offer meaningful support. 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com, making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Building a Pottery Business That Fits Your Life with Jon Schmidt | 10 Oct 2026 | 01:45:55 | |
Jon Schmidt returns to Wheel Talk seven years after his first appearance to share how his pottery business, content creation, and priorities have evolved. He discusses shifting his social media strategy to reach a broader audience, balancing creativity with sales, and navigating brand partnerships. The conversation also explores running multiple businesses, hiring studio assistants, pricing pottery, and building a sustainable career that leaves room for life outside the studio. -----Find more about Jon's businesses below----- 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com, making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Rethinking Where We Spend Our Time and Energy | 03 Oct 2026 | 01:57:18 | |
Ryan and Becca are back for the fall season of Wheel Talk and taking a look at what they want to make more (and less) room for in their creative lives. They reflect on what took up too much energy this summer, what feels most satisfying right now, and the parts of their businesses that may not be sustainable long term. They also talk about what they're ready to let go of, what they want more time for, and what they're choosing to prioritize as they head into the final stretch of the year. 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com, making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Everything You Need to Know About Pot Swap 2026 | 19 Sep 2026 | 00:37:07 | |
In this special bonus episode, Ryan is joined by new Pot Swap team members Tzipporah of Sipor Ceramics and Rachel Durbin to kick off Pot Swap 2026! They cover everything you need to know about this year’s pottery exchange, including an extended sign-up period, rolling assignments, domestic-only shipping, weekly giveaways, the Pot Swap Design Contest, and more. Whether you’re a returning participant or joining Pot Swap for the first time, tune in to hear what’s new and what to expect for 2026. Resources Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Wheel Talk Book Club: We Need Your Art (with Taylor Swilley) | 29 Aug 2026 | 01:36:13 | |
Ryan and Becca return with another chapter of the Wheel Talk Podcast book club, exploring We Need Your Art by Amie McNee. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they reflect on the book’s ideas around giving yourself permission to be an artist, overcoming creative resistance, and building a sustainable creative practice. Together, they discuss why the book resonated so strongly with them and how its lessons apply to finding your creative identity, making space for meaningful work, and navigating life as a working artist and creative business owner. Our next book club selection will be announced in the coming months and released in the next season. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX -----Find more about Taylor’s business below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors BuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Motivation as a Maker (Replay) | 22 Aug 2026 | 01:08:27 | |
Replay Episode: To celebrate another year of Wheel Talk, we’re going all the way back to where it started! This week, we’re replaying our very first episode and revisiting our 2019 conversation about motivation as makers. A lot has changed since then, but many of the challenges we talked about—staying motivated, setting goals, overcommitting, and making time for the work you love—still feel just as relevant today. In our very first episode, Ryan and Becca discuss motivation as makers from two different perspectives: Becca as a full-time potter and studio owner and Ryan as a part-time maker working a traditional 9–5. They share their experiences with overcommitting, list-making, goal-setting, selling at shows, and figuring out how to spend more time doing the parts of your creative work you actually love. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| The Realities of Making and Selling Pottery | 15 Aug 2026 | 01:54:54 | |
Ryan and Becca are back with another listener Q&A, tackling questions about the realities of making and selling pottery. They discuss wholesale pricing, communicating the value of handmade ceramics, finding your place at NCECA, expanding your product line, and making enough work to fill your market booth. They also dig into pottery burnout, getting out of a creative rut, and a listener question about their use of AI as working artists. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Leaving the Studio Better Than You Found It with Erica Kilroy | 08 Aug 2026 | 02:03:14 | |
After four and a half years as Ryan’s studio assistant, Erica Kilroy returns to Wheel Talk to reflect on her time in the studio before starting a new chapter in Cleveland. Ryan and Erica discuss how her role evolved, the skills and confidence she developed, and the honest feedback that came out of her exit interview. They also look ahead to Erica’s plans for her own home studio and where her career might take her next. -----Find more about Erica below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Life on the Road as a Ceramic Artist with Laura Williams | 01 Aug 2026 | 02:02:12 | |
Laura Williams joins the podcast to share her experience as a traveling ceramic artist, teaching workshops and exhibiting her work across the country while living on the road. She discusses her hand-built pottery practice, embracing imperfection, and how travel has influenced her artistic voice. The conversation also explores creativity, teaching, and the meaningful connections handmade ceramics create between artists and collectors. -----Find more about Laura's business below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| The Questions Every Ceramic Artist Eventually Asks | 25 Jul 2026 | 01:56:33 | |
Ryan and Becca are back with another listener Q&A, answering your questions on everything from finding your artistic voice and balancing creativity with profitability to handling commissions, returns, and managing inventory for Etsy and in-person shows. They also share their thoughts on favorite glazes, workshop dream picks, pottery market gear, and even imagine what the future of ceramics might look like. It's a wide-ranging conversation filled with practical advice, honest opinions, and a few fun detours along the way. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Building Successful Gallery Relationships with Michelle O'Brien | 18 Jul 2026 | 01:02:54 | |
Michelle O'Brien joins the podcast to share the story behind Elliot Fouts Gallery and what it takes to build lasting relationships between galleries and artists. She discusses the gallery's partnership with ceramic artist Jeff Nebeker, managing high-demand releases, and the logistics of selling and shipping fragile ceramic work. The conversation also explores pricing, consignment, and practical advice for artists interested in working with galleries. -----Find more about Michelle below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| How to Grow Your Art Business Close to Home | 11 Jul 2026 | 01:43:30 | |
Ryan and Becca discuss practical ways artists can build stronger connections within their local communities and create lasting opportunities for their businesses. From farmers markets and local Facebook groups to workshops, collaborations, and community events, they share ideas for growing a local audience and why showing up consistently can be more valuable than chasing the next big art fair. Maker of the Moment
📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Building BuschKraft Tools with Nicholai Busch | 04 Jul 2026 | 02:03:47 | |
Nicholai Busch joins the podcast to share his journey from developing tools at DiamondCore to launching his own company, BuschKraft Tools. He discusses the decision to build a new brand from the ground up, his approach to designing pottery tools, and the challenges of manufacturing, testing, and growing a small business. The conversation also explores the importance of relationships within the ceramics community and how conferences like ClayCon and NCECA helped shape the company's early growth. -----Find more about Nicholai below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Designing Better Planters (with Taylor Swilley) | 30 May 2026 | 01:18:13 | |
In this episode, Becca and Taylor Swilley answer listener questions about plants and pottery, covering everything from drainage holes and planter design to succulent care and specialized pots for different types of plants. They also share thoughts on making and selling planters, common challenges potters face, and why the plant community can be such a strong market for ceramic work. -----Find more about Taylor’s business below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Reviving a Community Ceramics Program with Natalie Wagner | 23 May 2026 | 01:38:58 | |
Natalie Wagner joins the podcast to share her efforts to revive and expand the ceramics program at the Peterson-McCormick Boys & Girls Club in Chicago. She discusses rebuilding the program after the original kiln failed, how community support helped fund its return, and her long-term vision for creating sustainable opportunities for students through ceramics education and apprenticeships. -----Find more about Natalie below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Scaling Your Pottery Business Without Breaking It (with Heidi Fahrenbacher) | 16 May 2026 | 01:38:34 | |
Ryan is joined by Heidi Fahrenbacher for a conversation about balancing growth, production, and sustainability while building a ceramics business. Prompted by listener questions about burnout, workflow, and scaling a pottery side hustle, they discuss structuring making schedules around kiln cycles, managing inventory and multiple sales channels, and recognizing when momentum is supported versus unsustainable. Together, they reflect on the realities of building a long-term creative business without letting every opportunity push the rest of life to a breaking point. Maker of the Moment
-----Find more about Heidi's business below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Finding success with Tim See (Replay) | 09 May 2026 | 03:16:57 | |
Replay Episode: In this replay, Ryan and Becca are joined by Tim See to discuss a range of topics including: workshops, selling at shows, social media, and more. Ryan and Becca have a great time chatting today with Tim See from Tim See Ceramics. He is known for his robotic illustrative work, Facebook commentary in the Clay Buddies group, & hilarious personality. We cover such a wide range of topics across our 3 hours of discussion and it was such a fun ride. We hope you enjoy! Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Wheel Talk Book Club: The Creative Act (with Taylor Swilley) | 25 Apr 2026 | 01:38:42 | |
Ryan and Becca return with another chapter of the Wheel Talk Podcast book club, exploring The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they reflect on the book’s perspective of creativity as a way of being, discussing awareness, intuition, and making work without attachment to outcomes, and how those ideas translate or don’t translate into their own studio practices, creative decision-making, and running a ceramics business. Our next book club selection will be announced in the coming months and released in the next season. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX -----Find more about Taylor’s business below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Paying a Studio Assistant (Part 2) | 18 Apr 2026 | 02:21:35 | |
How should you actually pay a studio assistant—and what’s fair? In part two of this conversation, Ryan & Becca break down different compensation options, from hourly pay to studio access, and the tradeoffs that come with each. We also talk about how to set clear expectations, avoid common mistakes, and put simple structures in place so the working relationship is clear from the start. Maker of the Moment 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors BuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.shop. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball Ceramics - New Speedball Studio Plus glazes coming soon. Available in 16 colors and firing range from cone 06 to 6. Explore the full Speedball Ceramics lineup at speedballart.com. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Before You Hire a Studio Assistant… (Part 1) | 11 Apr 2026 | 02:15:21 | |
Thinking about hiring a studio assistant—but not sure if you’re actually ready? In Part One of this conversation, we break down how to identify bottlenecks in your studio, when better systems might be the real solution, and how to decide if it’s time to bring someone on. We also talk through how to find the right person, what to prioritize when hiring, and how to delegate and train in a way that genuinely frees up your time. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors BuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.shop. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball Ceramics - New Speedball Studio Plus glazes coming soon. Available in 16 colors and firing range from cone 06 to 6. Explore the full Speedball Ceramics lineup at speedballart.com. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| How to Write Better Grant Applications with Laura Hall | 04 Apr 2026 | 01:42:16 | |
Laura Hall shares her experience with grant writing and offers insight into how artists can approach grants with more confidence. The conversation covers key parts of a strong application, including mission statements, budgets, letters of intent, and how to clearly communicate your story and purpose. Laura also discusses different types of grants and what artists should know before applying. Resources from this episode (PDFs + links): Additional resources mentioned: 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Adapting Your Work and Business Over Time with Liz Cohen | 21 Mar 2026 | 02:09:45 | |
Liz Cohen joins the podcast again nearly four years later to talk about the evolution of her ceramics business. She shares her experience managing a shared studio space in Denver, her decision to move away from wholesale and dinnerware, and how her making process has shifted toward higher-value work. Liz also discusses her ongoing experiments with slip casting and developing a speckled underglaze technique. -----Find more about Liz’s business below----- 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| Making the Most of NCECA—Without Breaking the Bank (Replay) | 14 Mar 2026 | 01:44:22 | |
Replay Episode: In this replay, Ryan and Becca discuss their trip to NCECA 2025 and share insights on navigating the conference experience. Ryan and Becca share highlights from their recent trip to Salt Lake City for the annual NCECA pottery conference. They dive into the highs and lows of the experience, explore practical ways to navigate the costs of attending, and reflect on what they’d do differently next time. Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or planning your first NCECA, this episode offers insight, tips, and a candid look behind the scenes. Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| We’re Back: Studio & Business Updates | 07 Mar 2026 | 01:25:44 | |
Ryan and Becca are back behind the microphones to kick off a new season of Wheel Talk. In this episode, they share updates from their studios and businesses since taking a break from recording, including Becca’s hand surgery recovery and her plans for the coming months. Ryan talks about what the start of the year has looked like in his studio and some of the systems and priorities he’s focusing on this season. They also discuss what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes for the spring season. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #340 - A Reset for the Podcast | 31 Jan 2026 | 01:10:54 | |
Ryan and Becca announce a shift to a seasonal podcast format, moving from weekly episodes to three seasons per year with planned breaks in between. They outline what listeners can expect in each season, including interviews, book club episodes, and special stand-in co-hosts. Becca also shares updates on her upcoming hand surgery and a new clay cigarette project. 📒 Join the Bookkeeping Workshop Waitlist 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #339 - Chasing $15K in 4 months | 24 Jan 2026 | 01:06:01 | |
Becca sets a bold short-term goal: earning $15,000 over the next four months, and Ryan helps her break it down into realistic, actionable steps. Together, they explore multiple income paths—from producing small, repeatable items like mini mugs and fidget stones to teaching classes and designing stickers/shirts as passive income. The episode focuses on balancing creativity with practicality, emphasizing momentum over perfection. They wrap up by committing to a near-term check-in to track progress and refine the plan. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #338 - Building a Sustainable Creative Business with Megan Auman | 17 Jan 2026 | 01:41:46 | |
In this episode of Wheel Talk, Ryan and Becca talk with artist, author, and educator Megan Auman about the business lessons behind Try It and See. Megan shares how her revenue streams and pricing strategies have evolved since publishing the book, along with insights on production volume and communicating value to customers. They discuss what it means to ask for the sale outside of wholesale, how artists can know when they’re charging the right price, and how tools like ChatGPT and social media fit into today’s creative businesses. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. -----Find more about Megan’s business below----- Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #337 - Try It and See with Taylor Swilley | 10 Jan 2026 | 02:02:48 | |
Ryan and Becca return with the seventh chapter of the Wheel Talk Podcast book club, exploring Try It and See: How to Get Sh*t Done While Overanalyzing Everything by Megan Aumen. Joined by guest Taylor Swilley, they reflect on the book’s encouragement to experiment, ship every day, and release perfectionism, discussing how a “try it and see” mindset shows up in their own studio practices, creative decision-making, and evolving ceramics businesses. Our next book club selection will be announced in the coming months and released in the spring. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #336 - Looking Back to Move Forward | 03 Jan 2026 | 01:42:47 | |
Ryan and Becca reflect on the past year’s highs and lows, from personal challenges to major business milestones. Becca opens up about mental health, burnout, and the impact of a 9-to-5 job, while Ryan shares hitting a six-figure sales milestone and rethinking how he spends his time. Together, they discuss setting boundaries, supporting each other, and focusing on what matters most moving forward. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. Sign up by mid-January for a chance to win our first giveaway. Maker of the Moment
Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #335 - Is paid advertisement worth it? with Will Donovan from Donovan Pottery | 27 Dec 2025 | 02:23:25 | |
Note: This episode is a replay from our archive, originally released in 2024. Ryan and Becca welcome back Will Donovan of Donovan Pottery to discuss a range of topics, including: sharing end of year recaps, growing your business with help, using paid ads to sell your work, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings. We learn a ton from Will's second time on the podcast and we hope you take some good nuggets into your own practice. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. Sign up by mid-January for a chance to win our first giveaway. Previous episode with Will Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #334 - Building Consistent Etsy Sales Without Driving Your Own Traffic | 20 Dec 2025 | 01:54:48 | |
Ryan and Becca open with personal updates before shifting into a deeper conversation about generating consistent Etsy sales over time. Ryan breaks down a repeatable listing strategy designed for makers who aren’t driving their own traffic, emphasizing the importance of creating evergreen listings built around a single form with multiple color variations rather than one-off products. He explains how strong photos, thoughtful titles and descriptions, and positioning items as highly giftable can help listings gain early momentum. The discussion also covers using Etsy’s Marketplace Insights and strategic sales as visibility tools to build trust with the algorithm, earn reviews, and steadily improve search ranking. Ryan shares how these approaches have played out in his own shop this year and how they’re shaping his Etsy strategy heading into 2026. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. Sign up by mid-January for a chance to win our first giveaway. Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #333 - Chat GPT Still Has Questions. We Still Have Thoughts. | 13 Dec 2025 | 01:35:51 | |
In continuation of our ChatGPT-led conversation, we go deeper into the human side of running creative businesses, talking openly about burnout, balance, and the tools and habits that have helped us stay grounded. We share what’s improved our workflows and the boundaries that make juggling making and real life more sustainable. We also get more personal—touching on lingering insecurities, overlooked parts of our identities outside of clay, and a few big ideas we’re considering but haven’t shared publicly yet. Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #332 - Chat GPT Has Questions. We Have Thoughts. | 06 Dec 2025 | 01:33:52 | |
Ryan and Becca flipped the format on this episode and answered a set of thought-provoking questions generated by ChatGPT—sparking a really honest conversation about how our businesses have evolved, what we’re learning, and where we’re feeling challenged. We talk about shifts we’ve made this past year, goals that no longer serve us, experiments that surprised us, and the habits we wish more potters would adopt early on. We also reflect on how hosting the podcast has shaped our creative and business growth. It’s a candid, wide-ranging chat that pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes. Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #331 - What Happens When Pottery Becomes the Day Job | 29 Nov 2025 | 01:29:48 | |
Ryan and Becca recap Ryan’s two-week “pottery vacation,” where he stepped away from his day job to experience what full-time pottery could feel like. They talk through the technical challenges he tackled, the shows he prepared for, and the sales strategies he experimented with. Ryan also reflects on managing his health, energy, and work-life balance during the break. They wrap up with how the experience shaped his outlook on future goals and how pottery fits alongside his career as a UX engineer. Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #330 - Building a Creative Business from the Ground Up with Rachel Durbin | 22 Nov 2025 | 01:22:43 | |
Ryan & Becca sit down with a very special guest — Rachel Durbin, Ryan’s spouse and the creative force behind Decades NKY. Rachel is in the early stages of growing her small business, which focuses on upcycling vintage textiles into unique, handmade goods. In this episode, they talk about how Decades NKY has evolved — from reselling vintage home decor to designing and sewing most items by hand today. Rachel opens up about the challenges of finding the right shows, developing new products, and what she’s learned from years of working alongside Ryan’s pottery business. It’s a thoughtful conversation about building a handmade business from the ground up, pivoting with purpose, and embracing the messy, exciting early stages of growth. -----Find more about Rachel’s business below----- Maker of the Moment
Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #329 - Let's Talk About Clay with Link Henderson from Kentucky Mudworks | 15 Nov 2025 | 02:05:50 | |
Note: This episode is a replay from our archive, originally released in 2021. Ryan & Becca sit down for a conversation with Link Henderson, owner of Kentucky Mudworks & Dirty Girls Pottery Tools, to go in depth about clay & tools. We learn how Kentucky Mudworks begun almost 20 years ago and how Dirty Girls Pottery Tools came about. We also answer a number of listener questions related to finding the right clay body for you, reclaiming clay, properties of various clays, and studio cleanliness. We hope you enjoy Link's entrepreneurial spirit, vast knowledge in our clay space, and many laughs that she shares with us. Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #328 - Pottery Vacations & Exploring New Roles | 08 Nov 2025 | 01:15:41 | |
This week, Ryan and Becca catch up on everything happening behind the scenes. Ryan shares highlights from his current pottery vacation and how he’s adjusting his studio routines with a new schedule. Becca opens up about possible career shifts at Speedball, reflecting on her growth goals and the value of stepping up beyond current responsibilities. They also dive into a couple rapid-fire questions, spotlight new Makers of the Moment, and wrap up with fresh updates from this year’s Pot Swap! Maker of the Moment
Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #327 - Pricing your work effectively with Heidi Fahrenbacher from Bella Joy Pottery | 01 Nov 2025 | 03:04:13 | |
Note: This episode is a replay from our archive, originally released in 2023. Ryan & Becca welcome back Heidi Fahrenbacher from Bella Joy Pottery while Becca is visiting her up in Michigan for the week. They cover a number of topics but mainly focus on how Heidi manages many wholesale accounts, the collections most suitable for wholesale, and pricing your work to properly account for your materials, labor, and profit. We hope you enjoy today’s in-depth discussion with Heidi. -----Find more about Heidi's business below----- Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #326 - Recommending Shows Without Setting Expectations | 25 Oct 2025 | 01:57:52 | |
In this episode, Ryan and Becca talk about how they approach recommending shows to other makers who are thinking about applying. They share why they’re careful about offering exact sales numbers and how using comparisons or percentages can paint a more realistic picture of what to expect. The conversation dives into how experience, product mix, and audience fit can all affect results. It’s a thoughtful look at how to give honest, helpful feedback without setting unrealistic expectations. Maker of the Moment
Listener Questions
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| #325 - Planning Ahead for Seasonal Sales Lulls | 18 Oct 2025 | 01:10:04 | |
In this episode, Ryan and Becca answer a listener’s question about how to prepare for slow sales months and boost online shop performance during Q1. They share strategies for connecting in-person show customers with online buyers, building momentum for website sales, and navigating seasonal lulls. Ryan also recaps recent pottery events, including successful sales at the Columbus Coffee Festival and upcoming travel plans, while Becca shares about leading a pottery painting event at Speedball that drew over 70 participants. They also touch on the launch of PotSwap, pottery business strategies like pricing and inventory management, and the importance of balancing studio time with marketing, rest, and setting boundaries for long-term sustainability. Maker of the Moment
Listener Questions
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| #324 - When It’s Time to Scale Back (Or Walk Away): Part Two | 11 Oct 2025 | 02:04:18 | |
Ryan and Becca continue last week’s conversation by diving into the tough but important topic of scaling back, pivoting, or even closing a business for long-term sustainability. They discuss how to reassess key expenses—like staffing, studio space, and pricing—to keep your business profitable, and share ideas for alternative strategies such as wholesale partnerships and smarter use of social media. The episode also explores financial management for artists and makers, including tips on building an emergency fund (with a little incentive to get you started). Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #323 - When It’s Time to Scale Back (Or Walk Away): Part One | 04 Oct 2025 | 01:28:04 | |
Ryan and Becca dive into an honest conversation about knowing when it’s time to scale back, pivot, or even close a business. Becca opens up about her difficult decision to shut down her brick-and-mortar studio in 2020 after gaining clarity during the pandemic. This is Part One of the discussion — tune in next week for Part Two, where we go even deeper into navigating big business transitions. Maker of the Moment
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| #322 - Pot Swap 2025 is coming!! | 27 Sep 2025 | 01:06:09 | |
Ryan and Becca are back with a special episode all about #PotSwap2025—our 8th year hosting this global ceramics exchange! There are some exciting updates for this round, and we’re breaking everything down in today’s episode. Registration opens Saturday, October 11th at 12 PM EDT and costs $5. Spots are first come, first served with:
Set a reminder, because these fill up fast! We’ll also post a heads-up in our Instagram stories over at @potswapofficial. We’re also shouting out the incredible volunteers who help make Pot Swap run smoothly every year—we couldn’t do it without you! Sign up for our mailing list at: https://mailchi.mp/9f63876316d3/interested-in-pot-swap Get all the details at: https://www.wheeltalkpotcast.com/potswap Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #321 - Finding Themes in Your Work & Overcoming Creative Doubt | 20 Sep 2025 | 01:32:35 | |
Ryan and Becca tackle a wide range of listener questions, from finding themes in your work to navigating self-doubt in the studio. They discuss building kilns big enough for oversized pots, the differences between the terms “potter” and “ceramicist,” and the pros and cons of front-loading vs. top-loading electric kilns. Along the way, they share insights about perfectionism, creative growth, and how to embrace the making process with more joy. Whether you’re troubleshooting technical challenges or reflecting on your creative identity, this conversation is packed with relatable stories and practical advice. Maker of the Moment
Listener Questions
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| #320 - How Do You Want to Be Remembered? | 13 Sep 2025 | 01:35:43 | |
Ryan & Becca kick things off by sharing their record-breaking show sales and a funny encounter with a stray kitten before diving into today’s main topic: legacy. They reflect on how we want to be remembered—both through our work and as individuals—and share insights inspired by a recent episode of the Design Discord Podcast. Resources Maker of the Moment
Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #319 - Boy in a China Shop with Taylor Swilley | 06 Sep 2025 | 01:45:07 | |
Ryan and Becca return with the sixth chapter of the podcast book club, exploring Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Keith Brymer Jones. Joined by guest Taylor Swilley, they dive into the stories behind Keith’s journey as a potter and TV judge, reflecting on how his experiences with creativity, vulnerability, and perseverance resonate with their own paths in clay and business. Our next book club selection will be announced soon and released near the end of 2025. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #318 - Amazing Glaze: Food-Safe Recipes with Gabriel Kline & Bill Collins | 30 Aug 2025 | 01:20:44 | |
In this episode of Wheel Talk, we chat with potter Gabriel Kline, director of Odyssey Clayworks in Asheville, and chemist Bill Collins, Ph.D., co-authors of Amazing Glaze Food-Safe Recipes. They share how art and science come together to create vibrant, functional, and food-safe ceramics. Whether you’re mixing your first glaze or expanding your library, this episode is full of insights to help you bring beauty and safety to your work. Resources -----Find more about Gabriel and Bill below----- Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #317 - A Big Studio Upgrade + How to Host a Pottery Pop-Up at NCECA | 23 Aug 2025 | 02:12:00 | |
Ryan kicks off the episode by sharing an exciting new addition to his studio! Later, he and Becca dive into a listener question about organizing pottery pop-ups at NCECA. Drawing from his experience running the Backyard Craft Show, Ryan offers practical advice on finding the right venue, recruiting artists, and building effective marketing strategies to make a pop-up successful. Resources Maker of the Moment
Listener Questions
Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||
| #316 - Decorating, Glazing & Sanding: Tools We Trust | 16 Aug 2025 | 01:34:01 | |
This week, Ryan & Becca are back with more of their favorite pottery tools—covering everything from decorating to glazing to sanding. Whether you’re setting up a home studio or just curious about what they reach for in theirs, you’re sure to pick up something new. Resources Sponsors Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast | |||