Ryan & Becca dig into a listener’s question about what to do when your big, higher-priced pieces stop selling—and you don’t want to pivot into teaching. We talk honestly about adapting to shifts in the buying market while staying true to your creative voice, making smaller or different work without feeling like you’re selling out, and share real strategies for makers who want to keep making and selling what they love, even when the market changes.

Maker of the Moment

• Ashley Gaylord - @ashley.g.pottery
• Brad & Jess - @elmstonestudio

Listeners Questions
On this episode:

• I've made a flan dish with grogged cone 6 clay plus glazed it at cone 6 and have done tests cooking vegetable quiche and have had no cracks. I would love to know more about cookware as I have just made a small frying pan, but I don’t think I can glaze that with the expansion rates of the clay and glaze? I’m in the UK and my pottery supplier really can’t help. Have you both had any experience with making your own cookware? As I’m finding it very exciting to have dishes and pans that I can use in my own home. Many thanks Melanie @handthrownpottery
  • Resource: https://ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/podcastepisode/episode-86-how-do-you-make-ceramic-bakeware/
• The past year I've seen a sharp, and I mean SHARP drop off in sales of my big pieces (I used to sell at least 3-5 big, sculptural vases per market and now it's zero) I've had to pivot to making more small, cheaper things. Might be a good topic for the podcast, how we adapt to changes in the buying market. The first thing people always suggest is alternate income streams (ie teaching etc), but I'd love to hear more of what people like me are doing, who have no interest in teaching, to be able to keep making and selling their work. @revisioniststudio

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Speedball Ceramics - Try the new Speedball Boss Base tool to open your wheel thrown work consistently and with ease, now available in pink and purple to match their plastic bats. Look out for their new centering ribs debuting soon. Browse their wide selection of products at speedballart.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan welcomes back Isaac Shue for an open conversation about taking risks and growing beyond what’s comfortable. They explore the leaps Isaac has made to expand his pottery business — from scaling production and diversifying sales channels to trusting new strategies without knowing exactly how they’ll turn out. Along the way, Isaac shares what he’s learned about balancing quality, customer connection, and work-life priorities while daring to dream bigger in clay. Listen to the end for a special offer from Isaac just for our listeners.

Maker of the Moment

• Jesse Woodworth - @riverwoodpottery
• Amy Troester - @cultivaregoods

-----Find more about Isaac's business below-----
Instagram - @isaacshueisart & @gallery.mostaza

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
The Ceramic Shop - Trusted by potters everywhere for fast shipping, great prices, and expert support. Explore more at theceramicshop.com and use "Wheeltalk10" for $10 off your order of $75 or more.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan & Becca welcome back Trevor Daugherty to dive into the story of the Northern Indiana Clay Alliance — from its founding vision and organizational structure to the events it organizes, including the renowned Michiana Pottery Tour. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a nonprofit, strategies for funding, and the Alliance’s commitment to supporting emerging artists through scholarships and exposure. The conversation also explores shifts in individual pottery practices, evolving techniques, and the vital role of community within clay.

Maker of the Moment

• Brett Sauve - @brettsauveart

-----Find more about NICA & Trevor's business below-----
Instagram - @indianaclayorg, @michianapotterytour, @trevorclayworks
Website - indianaclay.org, michianapotterytour.com, www.trevorclayworks.com, awarehouseshop.com
#122 - Atmospheric firing with Trevor Daugherty from Trevor Clayworks

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.
The Ceramic Shop - Trusted by potters everywhere for fast shipping, great prices, and expert support. Explore more at theceramicshop.com and use "Wheeltalk10" for $10 off your order of $75 or more.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan & Becca discuss the realities of balancing work and life as artists, sharing thoughts on preventing burnout and navigating career transitions. They also highlight the importance of self-care, building support systems, and offer strategies for coping with art show rejections.

Maker of the Moment

• Tara Underwood - @tara.underwood
• Tanya Everard - @tanyaeverard

Listener Questions
On this episode:

• How do you handle not getting accepted into markets? I recently got rejected from 5 events and I’m at a loss. My work sells in the stores I’m in, I can sell $2-3k at my regular market events, I’m a nice person! I don’t get it. I looked at other potters who were accepted and in a few cases- I get it, but often I think my work is on par. What do you do to push through in the face of rejection and not let it steal your self worth? Thanks! Also - Becca’s jingles are the best! @jennywoodarts

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.
The Ceramic Shop - Trusted by potters everywhere for fast shipping, great prices, and expert support. Explore more at theceramicshop.com and use "Wheeltalk10" for $10 off your order of $75 or more.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

As Wheel Talk approaches its 6-year anniversary, Ryan and Becca reflect on the podcast’s growth and the incredible community that’s formed around it. Ryan shares highlights from his recent anniversary trip to Hawaii, and the conversation shifts to social media—what's working, what's not, and how they're each approaching content creation and engagement. They break down their current posting strategies, including the continued success of Ryan’s Mug Monday series. Plus, they welcome a brand-new sponsor to the podcast!

Resources
The Community: https://www.makersplaybook.com/community
EtSEO: https://sellerevents.etsy.com/events/details/etsy-shop-optimization-presents-etseo-live-listing-critique-panel-optimize-your-shop-for-spring/ 

Maker of the Moment

• Jeanette Leroux - @jeanette_leroux_ceramics
• Jessie Bailey - @beanandbaileyceramics

Listener Questions
On this episode:

• I would love to hear your thoughts on SEO, specifically how did you guys come up to speed on it, resources you use or used, etc. @jelo.designs
• I was hoping you could explore how potters develop their voice and aesthetic, especially online. As a potter, I’m currently in the “posting my work and hoping the algorithm is feeling generous. Just trying to figure out how to share my story and style without overthinking every caption. Just a thought from someone elbow-deep in clay and Instagram drafts. @shawn_reid_pottery

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
The Ceramic Shop - Trusted by potters everywhere for fast shipping, great prices, and expert support. Explore more at theceramicshop.com and use "Wheeltalk10" for $10 off your order of $75 or more.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan & Becca explore the realities of small business finances—from paying livable wages and employee compensation to navigating the shift from salaried work to self-employment. This episode follows a slightly different format, and we hope you enjoy the conversation.

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca kick off with a recap of Ryan’s recent Nashville workshop. The episode then centers on a listener question about converting social media engagement into actual sales—especially when platform limitations make linking to your shop tricky. They share practical tips for navigating those challenges, Becca’s van upgrades, and marketing strategies.

Maker of the Moment

• Jessica Guerrero - @pottedbyjess
• Ronan Kyle Peterson - @caterboy

Listener Questions
On this episode:

• How does Instagram, or Social in general, convert to sales? I sell on Etsy and Instagram doesn’t allow me to add a link to my Etsy page. @jelo.designs

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

In this episode, Ryan shares his recent visit to Isaac Shue's gallery opening in Kansas and offers practical advice on building and maintaining a soda kiln—including materials, costs, and construction tips. He also discusses upcoming pottery workshops, sourcing studio equipment, and the value of sharing knowledge within the ceramics community.

Resources
Sign up for Ryan's soda workshop

Maker of the Moment

• Maddie Sawatzky - @maddiemadepottery
• Becky - @hawthorn_ceramics

Listener Questions
On this episode:

• I'm looking for advice on wholesale-ing. Specifically, how to approach a brick and mortar or online business with my ceramics. What are the must do's/haves -samples, line sheets, photographs? How best to be prepared to make a positive impression? Would love to hear from a small business on what makes them want to sell an artists goods. @YKSceramics
• What is the best way to afford building a soda kiln like Ryan's?@coolguy_charlie

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

In this episode, Becca opens up about her recent transition into a new job and the mental health challenges that came with it. She shares her experience stepping away from pottery and social media, reflecting on how that break impacted her creativity, identity, and personal relationships. Ryan joins the conversation with thoughtful questions about Becca’s evolving work life, her approach to personal growth, and the strategies she’s using to support her mental and physical well-being. We're grateful to Becca for sharing with such honesty and vulnerability.

Maker of the Moment

• Michael Millam - @mikenightmare
• Jared Zehmer - @jared.zehmer.pottery

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca return for the fifth chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they unpack key takeaways and reflect on how the book’s themes resonate with their own creative practices and businesses.

Our next book club selection is Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Keith Brymer Jones with plans to release the episode in July or August. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Speedball Ceramics - Try the new mid-fire glazes, artist-collaboration plastic bats, and browse their wide selection of products at speedballart.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel