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...
Jul 12, 2025•2 hr 35 min•Ep. 311
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 spo...
Jul 05, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 310
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/Wheeltalkpodcas...
Jun 28, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 309
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, ...
Jun 21, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 308
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 ...
Jun 14, 2025•2 hr 16 min•Ep. 307
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 grate...
Jun 07, 2025•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 306
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...
May 31, 2025•2 hr 23 min•Ep. 305
In this episode, Ryan and Becca dive into the nitty-gritty of participating in art shows—from understanding different fee structures to handling logistics and boosting your profits. They break down common models, including flat booth fees, low table fees with commissions, and hybrid setups. Plus, stick around for a listener question about surviving rainy art shows and drying out your work and display afterwards. Maker of the Moment Meredith Bradley - @cityinbloomceramics Rachel DePauw - @depauwp...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 304
Ryan & Becca welcome back Heidi Fahrenbacher of Bella Joy Pottery to catch up on her new studio build and share advice on a few business topics. They dive into Ryan’s current work hours and revenue from pottery as a side hustle, and how tracking these metrics can offer valuable insights for your own business. The conversation also covers Etsy sales strategies and tips for providing great customer service. Lastly, Becca proposes an interesting challenge for the group. Maker of the Moment Autu...
May 17, 2025•2 hr 32 min•Ep. 303
Ryan and Becca catch up on recent life updates and share what’s on the horizon for Ryan’s upcoming shows. They also dive into ideas for spring show inventory, discussing functional and decorative forms that are popular this time of year, plus a few seasonal items to keep in mind for later in the year. Maker of the Moment Maritza Leon @the.introverted.potter Dani Chevalier @asketchypotteryshop Sponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find you...
May 10, 2025•2 hr 14 min•Ep. 302
Ryan and Becca are joined by Jody Lewis of Good Wheel Ceramics, a Canadian potter whose journey from hobbyist to full-time artist is as thoughtful as his work. Jody shares how he incorporates jiggering and jollying techniques into his process and reflects on what it's been like balancing his growing pottery business alongside his partner’s demanding career as an ER doctor. The conversation also explores his future plans for expanding the studio with the help of an assistant. A big thanks to Jody...
May 03, 2025•2 hr 56 min•Ep. 301
Ryan and Becca welcome back Tzipporah Schvarcz of Sipor Ceramics for her third appearance to dive into the ins and outs of hosting and teaching pottery workshops, both in-person and online. They explore marketing strategies, pricing, the rise of virtual summits, and how workshop formats have evolved. Plus, they reflect on recent NCECA experiences and teaching approaches. Maker of the Moment Feldi @feldistudios Jon Stein @jsteinpottery Mostly Kosher @mostlykosher ----- Find more about Tzipporah's...
Apr 26, 2025•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 300
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. Maker of the Moment Scott Jones - @sj_ceramics Carrol Harris - @carolharris91...
Apr 19, 2025•2 hr 29 min•Ep. 299
Ryan is back with Isaac Shue to share practical tips for pricing pottery, creating effective displays, and making the most of art fairs and festivals. They also talk through website strategy, studio expansion, and the challenges of balancing a creative business with life’s demands—all while answering listener questions along the way. Maker of the Moment Charlotte Grenier @ateliergrenier Kate Marotz @kate.marotz ----- Find more about Isaac's business below----- Instagram - @isaacshueisart & @...
Apr 12, 2025•2 hr 43 min•Ep. 298
Ryan & Becca are joined by Mike from Mike Griffin Ceramics and the Between Two Ewers podcast to chat about the difference between capital ‘P’ and lowercase ‘p’ potters, Ryan’s day job, bisque mug butts, mid-range soda workshops, and more. Catch the video version on YouTube via Between Two Ewers . ----- Find more about Mike's business and podcast below----- Instagram - @mike_griffin_ceramics & @betweentwoewers YouTube - Between Two Ewers Website - Mike Griffin Ceramics Sponsors L&L Ki...
Apr 05, 2025•2 hr 1 min•Ep. 297
Ryan sits down with Heidi Fahrenbacher to dive into the world of email marketing and how potters can make the most of their mailing lists. They also chat about time management strategies and the ongoing challenge of balancing productivity with creativity. Plus, they touch on the overwhelm that comes with managing all the moving pieces of a pottery business. Maker of the Moment Carter Pasma - @cartersclay Julia - @uglyduckpottery ----- Find more about Heidi's business below----- Instagram - @bell...
Mar 29, 2025•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 296
Ryan and Becca dive into the ups and downs of running their pottery businesses, sharing experiences from craft shows, strategies for managing busy seasons, and the nitty-gritty of pottery production. They swap tips on choosing the right art markets, keeping inventory in check, and making sure the hustle stays fun (and profitable). Plus, they chat about kiln maintenance, booth setups, and what makes different pottery events worth the effort. Maker of the Moment Oliver Estes - @estes.ceramics Donn...
Mar 22, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 295
Ryan and Isaac Shue discuss preparations for Gallery Mostasa's spring show, covering pottery production, glaze techniques, and marketing. They dive into ceramic decals for customization, along with pricing strategies, custom order challenges, and future plans for wholesale mug production. Maker of the Moment Austin Riddle @austinriddlepottery Nathan Bray - @braypottery ----- Find more about Isaac's business below----- Instagram - @isaacshueisart & @gallery.mostaza Listeners Questions On this...
Mar 15, 2025•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 294
Ryan and Becca discussed the pros and cons of running a side business versus full-time self-employment, emphasizing the importance of routines and boundaries. They also touched on financial planning, upcoming events, and the differences between working solo and in a team environment. Maker of the Moment Em Gabriel - @emgabrielart Ray Brown - @rlbrown1995 Listeners Questions On this episode: When using underglaze, do you prefer to paint on greenware, or do you paint on bisque? Are there advantage...
Mar 08, 2025•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 293
Ryan & Becca are back with another Q&A episode! They answer a range of questions from wedging tables to storing your inventory efficiently to developing new product lines. Thanks to everyone who continues to send us questions on Instagram and by email! Maker of the Moment Sara Tolbert - @saratolbertceramics Preston Tolbert - @preston.tolbert Eric Beavers - @ericbeaverspottery Resources The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors by Ben Carter Sponsors L&L Kilns - ...
Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 292
Ryan and Becca return for the fourth chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they explore key takeaways and connect the book’s themes to their own businesses. They also discussed various aspects of business management, including client relationships, debt management, and employee management, and considered implementing the profit-first accounting method. Our next book club selection is Art & Fear: Observations on th...
Feb 22, 2025•2 hr 34 min•Ep. 291
Ryan & Becca are joined by Layla Lynn, also known as the Mug Maiden, a passionate ceramic mug collector with an impressive collection of over 700 pieces. Layla shares her love for handmade ceramics and dives into her experiences within the ceramics community, from building relationships with artists to buying and unboxing handmade work. They also discuss packaging practices, the potential for exhibiting collections, and a unique fundraising initiative Layla is currently pursuing. Plus, she h...
Feb 15, 2025•2 hr 8 min•Ep. 290
Ryan & Becca chat with Deanna Poelsma from Glazed & Confused Creations about the art and business of ceramic jewelry. They discuss clay types, firing processes, tools, and materials for crafting and displaying ceramic jewelry. Deanna shares insights on booth setup, marketing strategies, and equipment for powering lights at craft fairs. They also explore the challenges and rewards of selling handmade jewelry and tips for standing out in a competitive market. ----- Find more about Deanna's...
Feb 08, 2025•2 hr 30 min•Ep. 289
Ryan & Becca are joined by Kara Leigh Ford, a potter based in the United Kingdom, to discuss her journey from a full-time career in marketing to building a thriving pottery business. Kara shares her insights on pricing handmade ceramics, selling at markets, and navigating online sales. They also dive into the realities of running a pottery studio, from workspace setup and workflow to shipping logistics. The conversation explores Kara’s approach to Patreon, her evolving relationship with soci...
Feb 01, 2025•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 288
Ryan and Becca kick off the episode by answering listener questions about point-of-sale systems and the enjoyable (and less enjoyable) parts of their making process. Then, they dive into the topic of the day: setting achievable goals to improve your pottery skills for the long term. Along the way, they share practical tips for staying realistic and making meaningful progress in your creative journey. Maker of the Moment Lisa Zolandz - @lisazolandz Yu Tanaka - @Yutanaka89 Resources Sign up for on...
Jan 25, 2025•2 hr 20 min•Ep. 287
Ryan and Becca dive into the importance of maintaining separate bank accounts for business transactions, efficiently tracking expenses, and staying on top of quarterly tax payments. They also discuss the value of understanding business structures and managing finances, sharing helpful resources for every stage of your business journey. Maker of the Moment Hayden Swanson - @livinthedreampottery Ishara Sweeney - @I.e.ceramics Resources Kiln Management and Repair with Becca Otis - February 12th at ...
Jan 18, 2025•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 286
Ryan and Becca kick off the new year by sharing their personal and professional goals for 2025. They dive into strategies for improving time tracking in their small business, discuss aspirations like securing a role with Speedball, and outline financial and marketing goals. They also explore potential collaborations with consignment shops and the opportunities offered by platforms like Faire for expanding their sales. Tune in for an inspiring start to the year! Did you buy an L&L Kiln recent...
Jan 11, 2025•2 hr 33 min•Ep. 285
Ryan and Becca reflect on their 2024 business journeys, sharing the highs and lows and evaluating whether they met their goals. They dive into their financial strategies, the importance of tracking expenses and income, and the lessons learned along the way. The episode wraps up with a discussion of their unique skills, perspectives, and Ryan’s insights from working with the soda kiln this year. Resources Try Hurdlr with Becca's referral code Join Ryan's waitlist for a bookkeeping workshop Maker ...
Jan 04, 2025•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 284
Ryan and Becca share some strategies for boosting attendance at upcoming workshops, emphasize the value of clear communication and marketing, and offer tips for optimizing studio spaces. They also explores affordable kiln firing options for beginners and introduces an exciting new podcast segment spotlighting emerging potters. Maker of the Moment Casia Joy - @casiajoyart Ali Schorman - @ali_schorman Listener Questions On this episode: - Just started listing and my first one was the "Hands-on tip...
Dec 28, 2024•2 hr•Ep. 283
Ryan and Becca share candid experiences with challenging customers and explore how their personalities and appearances can shape these interactions. Wrapping up the episode, they discuss the dream of Ryan building a soda kiln in the backyard and the logistics of installing a gas line for the project. Listeners Questions On this episode: - What are you most proud of accomplishing in each of your pottery journeys? @paisleysoulpottery - Can you share some examples of past problematic customers? @bl...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 282
