Wheel Talk

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
The Pot Stars Pop-Up
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 September 6th. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX

Maker of the Moment

• William DePauw - @spilliam72
• Kaitlyn Brennan - @kaitlynabrennan

Listener Questions
On this episode:

• A couple of friends and me are grouping up and want to become a stop on the pottery pop ups at the upcoming NCECA! What would you recommend we do in order to make it happen? Y’all seem to have connections everywhere and are the best to ask! Thanks again and can’t wait to see everyone again at NCECA next year! @coolguy_charlie

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 Boss Ribs debuting soon. Browse their wide selection of products at speedballart.com
Soolla® - Soolla Studio Bags are designed by potters, for potters that come in 25+ colors and equipped with 30 pockets for all you tools, ribs, sponges, and more. Machine washable, durable, and quick drying canvas makes them perfect for wet tools. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK"

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

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
The full list of tools can be found on our website.

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 Boss Ribs debuting soon. Browse their wide selection of products at speedballart.com
Soolla® - Soolla Studio Bags are designed by potters, for potters that come in 25+ colors and equipped with 30 pockets for all you tools, ribs, sponges, and more. Machine washable, durable, and quick drying canvas makes them perfect for wet tools. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK"

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

This week, Ryan & Becca share their favorite pottery tools—from clay prep to throwing to trimming. You’ll likely recognize a few of your own go-tos and maybe discover some new ones to try. Plus, they announce an exciting new sponsor joining the Wheel Talk family, perfectly matched to today’s topic.

Resources
The full list of tools can be found on our website.

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 Boss Ribs debuting soon. Browse their wide selection of products at speedballart.com
Soolla® - Soolla Studio Bags are designed by potters, for potters that come in 25+ colors and equipped with 30 pockets for all you tools, ribs, sponges, and more. Machine washable, durable, and quick drying canvas makes them perfect for wet tools. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK"

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 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