The Pin Tool Podcast | Pottery | Ceramics | Small Business - podcast cover

The Pin Tool Podcast | Pottery | Ceramics | Small Business

A pottery podcast by artist /owner Al Wayman of Creek Road Pottery in Laceyville, Pennsylvania, next to the cold Tuscarora Creek. Pull up a chair around the wheel as we discuss topics concerning the art and craft of pottery, good books, storytelling, marketing, and creating work that matters for folks who care.
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Episodes

S4E12: Thoughts from the Artist - Bonus Episode

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we delve into the craft, philosophy, and business of creating pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, is a post from a live feed from my substack, The Pottery Dailies The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Jul 02, 202543 minEp. 63

S4E11: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Letting Go.

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss letting go of what's holding you back. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will offer suggestion...

Jun 23, 202517 minEp. 62

S4E10: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Building Community

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss building community with my AI bot, Project Planner Amelia. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode w...

Jun 09, 202521 minEp. 61

S4E9: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Taking Inventory

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bot, Project Planner, Amelia, about Taking Inventory. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this epis...

May 11, 202524 minEp. 60

S4E8: Dealing With Overwhelm

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we're discussing being overwhelmed. I don’t have it all figured out. Most days, I’m just like you, swimming through resistance, elbowing my way through the chaos, and trying to remember why I started making pots in the first place. Overwhelm doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means you care. The hard part is deciding what to c...

Apr 14, 202514 minEp. 59

S4E7: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Creative Risks

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bot Project Planner, Amelia, about taking creative Risks. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this ...

Mar 31, 202540 minEp. 58

S4E6: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Finding Your Purpose.

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bot Project Planner, Amelia, about how to overcome creative blocks by believing your purpose and finding your identity. Whether you’re at the wheel, in ...

Mar 17, 202523 minEp. 57

S4E5: Reduction Firings & Spring Show Review

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. This episode explores the challenges of reduction firings, show prep, and how the Creek Road Pottery Spring Show 2025 went. Website: https://creekroadpottery.com The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

Mar 09, 202526 minEp. 56

S4E4: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop -Admitting Weakness

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today; we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bot Project Planner, Amelia, about how to overcome creative blocks by admitting our weaknesses. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just refl...

Feb 16, 202533 minEp. 55

S4E3: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Introduction

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today; we’re exploring a powerful framework that blends creative recovery, mental resilience, and business strategy. If you've ever felt stuck in your art—whether creatively, emotionally, or even in the way you run your business—this episode is for you. We’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying ...

Feb 02, 202530 minEp. 54

S4E2: On Peopleing

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I discuss with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, the topic of "Peopleing". Understanding people can play an essential role in creating work that matters. Connecting with others through generosity, empathy, and gratitude can be a way forward. It’s not about maximizing revenue but about creating meaningful...

Jan 19, 202523 minEp. 53

S4E1: New Year Planning

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where creativity meets organization. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I have a discussion with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, on the tools that help us stay productive—planners and Google Calendar. Whether you’re managing a pottery studio, balancing creative projects, or just trying to keep your life on track, having the right systems in place makes all the difference. Join me as we expl...

Jan 05, 202526 minEp. 52

S3E24: Holiday Trail & Show Review

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. This episode explores the challenges of organizing a Holiday Trail with other small businesses and how the Creek Road Pottery Christmas show went. Website: https://creekroadpottery.com The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Back Road Christmas Trail https://www.facebook.com/thebackroadchristmastrail...

Dec 09, 202431 minEp. 51

S3E23: Pottery & Politics

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, we explore the challenges of staying focused amid distractions, the importance of taking responsibility for both successes and failures, and the need for empathy and collaboration, especially in shared creative and political spaces. Whether in the pottery studio or in the larger community, it’s crucial to learn from mistakes, take ownership, and work together ...

Nov 10, 202423 minEp. 50

S3E22: Fall Show Review 2024

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. Today, we talk about my Fall show 2024, what went right, and what I may need to work on. I then read one of my posts on the Pottery Dailies. Generosity and Pricing: No One Owes You Anything https://thepotterydailies.substack.com/p/generosity-and-pricing Website: https://creekroadpottery.com The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road P...

Oct 28, 202430 minEp. 49

S3E21: Why Showing Up Matters - Selling Your Pottery

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. Today, we talk about a quiet moment of connection at a rainy Sunday market, capturing the value of showing up, even when the weather and conditions aren’t ideal. Through a chance encounter with a single customer, meaningful exchanges are often worth more than any sale, and the impact of our creative work can ripple beyond the moment. Why Showing Up Matters https://thepotteryda...

Oct 14, 202431 minEp. 48

S3E20: Living Stories - Creating Your Pottery

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. Today, I’m sharing a personal reflection on life, art, and the lessons learned from my father. We’ll dive into moments of creativity, connection, and the challenges of balancing life’s difficult decisions. As you listen, think about the values and principles guiding you in tough times. How do you navigate struggles, whether in life or in your craft? The Pottery Dailies: Living...

Sep 29, 202420 minSeason 3Ep. 20

S3E19: Life & Art Balance Through Suffering - Creating Your Pottery

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Alford Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I have a discussion with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, as we explore Life & Art Balance. At times, we might need to consider, or make hard decisions we might not enjoy. What type of core values and guiding principles do you have to help you make hard decisions? Have you met any type of suffer...

Sep 03, 202433 minEp. 47

S3E18: Screenplay Structure - Marketing Your Pottery

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the topic of using screenplay structure as a project management and promotion tool. In the book Save The Cat by Blake Snyder, there is a great outline that Blake calls a " Beat Sheet ". In this episode, we look at the Blake Snyder "Save The Cat" story structure...

Aug 18, 202430 minEp. 46

S3E17: Concepts & Themes - Building Your Pottery Business

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into concepts & themes. Each project should have a beginning, middle and end. At each project start one should ask "Who's it for?", "What's it for?", "What change are you trying to make?", and "What story are you trying to tell?" The episode ends with my virtual...

Aug 04, 202431 minEp. 45

S3E16: Enjoying the Journey

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of enjoying the journey. Maybe we need to enjoy the journey and not rush and stress about getting to the destination. Sign up for my The Pottery Dailies on substack! The Creek Road Pottery: My Pottery Journal "The Practice: Shipping Creative Work." ...

Jul 22, 202428 minEp. 44

S3E15: Cost Structures: With Chatbot Amelia - Building Your Pottery Business

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I have a discussion with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot. We explore how Cost Structures are crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Today, we're diving into Cost Structures, as outlined in the book " Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers...

Jul 07, 202424 minEp. 43

S3E14: Imposter Syndrome

Welcome to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we shape, mold, and explore the art of pottery and the journeys of creative minds. I'm your host, Al Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC, and today we're diving into a topic that many of us face but seldom talk about—imposter syndrome. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, the feeling of not being 'good enough' can be a significant hurdle. In this episode, we'll uncover what imposter syndrome is, why it happens, and, most importantly, how to o...

Jun 23, 202434 minEp. 42

S3E13: Key Partnerships: With Chatbot Amelia - Building Your Pottery Business

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. In this episode, Alford has a discussion with his virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot. They explore how Key Partnerships are crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Today, we're diving into Key Partnerships, as outlined in th...

Jun 09, 202429 minEp. 41

S3E12: Thoughts On Memorial Day & Sunk Cost

Once we make the changes, we may thank our past selves for dying a death on Memorial Day, as we are so much better off on the new path we chose to take. So run, Alcestis, from that fiery pit. THE POTTERY DAILIES Alcestis Memorial Day and Sunk Cost. https://substack.com/home/post/p-145025893 Written By, Alford Wayman Artist/Owner Creek Road Pottery LLC...

May 28, 20247 minEp. 40

S3E11: Key Activities: With Chatbot Amelia - Building Your Pottery Business

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. In this episode, Alford has a discussion with his virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot. They explore how understanding your Key Activities is crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Today, we're diving into Key Activities, as ...

May 26, 202434 minEp. 39

S3E10: Key Resources: With Chatbot Amelia - Building Your Pottery Business

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. In this episode, Alford has a discussion with his virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot. They explore how understanding your Key Resources is crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Today, we're diving into Key Resources, as ou...

May 13, 202432 minEp. 38

S3E9: Firing The Bill Moon Wood Kiln - Firing Your Pottery

It was a privilege to be there firing with the team at the Bill Moon kiln of Imagine Peace Pottery and learning the more advanced and planned firing techniques rather than simply having the goal of making temperature. Having a plan means thinking about how to influence the pots by even the type of wood or materials burned. In this firing, raku low-fire pots were made by placing them in the rear of the kiln near the chimney. At the correct temperature, a built-in back door was opened, and pots we...

Apr 30, 202435 minEp. 37

S3E8: Customer Relationships - Building Your Pottery Business

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into Customer Relationships, as outlined in the book " Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers. " This episode will explore how understanding your Customer Relationships is crucial for crafting a successful business mode...

Apr 15, 202429 minEp. 36

S3E7: Pottery After Work- Creating Your Pottery

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the idea of pottery as a vocation, as discussed in the video " Elizabeth Gilbert on Distinguishing Between Hobbies, Jobs, Careers, & Vocation | Acumen Academy " This episode will explore how understanding the four terms hobby, job, careers, and vocation is ...

Mar 31, 202424 minEp. 35
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