Wheel Talk

Ryan Durbin & Becca Otis

Ryan Durbin (@rdceramics) & Becca Otis (@5linespottery) share their experiences as potters, makers, small business owners, and creatives. Becca is a full time studio potter, while Ryan is a full time website developer and part time potter. We'd love to share our ups and downs along the way as we build our skills as makers and small business owners in an honest, informal manner. We hope to bring you helpful tips we've learned over the years, learn from each other, and share expertise from a number of guests with you also. Please join us for some Wheel Talk!

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Top 10 Wheel Talk Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Wheel Talk episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Wheel Talk for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Wheel Talk episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

#280 - What we're thankful for in the ceramics community

Wheel Talk

12/07/24 • 106 min

In this episode, Ryan and Becca reflect on the many reasons they’re grateful for the ceramics community, from shared knowledge to the friendships formed through clay. They also tackle listener questions about navigating challenging show requirements and making tough choices when sourcing commercial clay bodies. Thanks for your continued contribution to the podcast!
Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I have a show in December and I’m thinking of backing out because they want me to donate 50% of my proceeds to a charity. The show is for the social action committee of a local church. That seems like a pretty steep request from an artist who doesn’t really make that much to begin with. What are your thoughts on this? @jelo.designs
- Hey Becca & Ryan, I love the podcast & have learned so much from you guys and your guests! Question: While I have two clay suppliers nearby, I haven't found a local clay that I am absolutely in love with or that fits my glazes without sounding like wind chimes when opening the kiln. After hearing your interviews with Link from KY Mudworks I decided to give some of their clays a try and of course fell in love with them. Those pieces happen to be the pieces that are selling at local markets as well. My question is, do you learn to work with the local clay you have available, or do you just suck it up and pay for the clay to be shipped in? Price reference: Local clay is about $14 per 25#bag and shipping the KY Mudworks is about $36 per 25# + hatred from my mail delivery person. @lucy.s.ceramics

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

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

#159 - Throwing sh** & talking pots with Diana Adams from Sample Haus

Wheel Talk

08/13/22 • 113 min

Ryan and Becca are joined today by Diana Adams from Sample Haus. She's mostly known for her entertaining Instagram but we get into so much more on today's episode. We cover how she got into pottery, her recent experience at the Clay Challenge in Tacoma, WA, partnership with West Elm, balancing her workload, Patreon, managing Instagram, and a bit more. Thanks to Diana for joining us on another fun episode!
We forgot to talk about the upcoming Clay Con West conference that Diana and we will be presenting at. We hope to see you there in Saint George, Utah in January 2023. Check out the website at https://clayconwest.com/.
-----Find more about Diana's business below-----
Instagram - @sample.haus
Website - https://www.mysamplehaus.com/
Shop - https://sample.haus/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sample.haus
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mysamplehaus/
Resources
Clay Challenge @claychallenge
Phi Pottery @phipottery
West Elm partnership https://www.westelm.com/search/results.html?words=samplehaus
Viral reels https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdoLhiOpkj3/ & https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ccf6ERTpWZN/

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- How do you guys manage your time with regard to working in the studio and marketing (posting studio pics/ videos/ updates/product updates etc) . Do you create content, save it, & post it at the end of the day or do you just go with the flow and post it as and when stuff happens? Do you plan your posts and curate them accordingly or they are more of an impromptu thing? @matibani_pottery

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].
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

#145 - Developing your own style

Wheel Talk

05/07/22 • 100 min

Ryan and Becca go into developing their own styles, evolving their practices, and progressing their businesses over time. Progress can be made little by little or huge shifts in a short period of time. However you develop your own style, enjoy the process along the way and hopefully you have success in finding an audience for it if you rely on this for your small business.
Resources
Sounds Like a Cult podcast
@blackrainbowpottery
@dannymeisinger
@daedal_goods
@renee_lopresti
@kate.schroeder.ceramics
@hammerlyceramics
Listener Questions
On this episode:
- How do you handle family, and close friends requesting pieces that you are sharing on social media right before an update. I work In such Small batches and although I am so honored and grateful that they want my work I just would rather list and sell everything fairly off my website. I also spend a lot of time marketing my pieces before a restock and I feel like if I show it will be available, it should be. It can be a bit overwhelming keeping track and organizing the side hustles. I feel like a jerk on a high horse telling them that though. I also feel the need to offer a discount. Most of my family and friends are on FB so I have started to not even read any messages until after my update. However, some follow my Instagram and always seem to reach out. Most have already purchased something with a discount and I can’t afford to keep giving the discounts when I have so much time involved. This is the shit I lose sleep over 😆. anonymous
- In what ways do you advance your practice? Reading books about technique, watching folks on instagram, going to art shows, or just trying new shapes or glazes? @narwhalandcrow
- Question for Becca: What was your process in switching to the fancy cups? Did you have it as an idea before you started? Were your paintings your inspiration for the line/dotwork? @narwhalandcrow
- How have y’all settled into or changed up the style of products you make? The people I get excited about following create work unlike anyone else and I wonder how artists get there. Y’all talk to a lot of artists so I wonder what knowledge you’ve acquired and can share with listeners. @blacktoothpottery
- What are your favorite things to listen to when alone in your studios? @drbadoro

#283 - Essentials for a small studio

Wheel Talk

12/28/24 • 119 min

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 tips for short workshops". I'm a retired teacher and miss my classes, so I thought I'd give it go with something out of the ordinary, Raku! The first workshop went great, lots of work, but the 7 people who attended had a blast. I've listed 3 other workshops since the and, well, nothing but crickets. I'm working out of a well known artists' studio (he's a painter) who has a large email list, but most of these contacts are at least an hour away. I don't have an email list so I'm reaching out to ya'll for some advice on how to get more local folks out. Loved the idea of Christmas tree decorations and a paint & sip. Should I make flyers and take to business to put up, leave business cards? Anything you may think of will be helpful. Thanks for what ya'll do! -BJ Glick
- What are your go-to’s for storage space in your studio? I’m struggling with how to optimize my space and would love to hear your solutions. @maryclarecarr
- What bare essentials are needed to safely set up a small home studio? Best/most affordable kiln or firing options for someone just doing things on their own? @ali_mac5

#287 - Making progress: From setting goals to staying inspired

Wheel Talk

01/25/25 • 140 min

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 one of Ryan's upcoming bookkeeping workshops Kiln Management and Repair with Becca Otis - February 12th at 1pm EST

Listeners Questions
On this episode:

What POS is most popular? @shawn_reid_pottery
Favorite/least favorite parts of pottery as a whole? @maryclarecarr
When learning pottery, it’s easy to get lost and pulled in a million different ways / from clay types to throwing, slab building to glazing. There’s an insane amount of information to digest - is there a good guideline or a path to follow for better building blocks? @amajorhoax

Did you buy an L&L Kiln recently? Please email us if you bought an L&L Kiln and hearing about their products on the podcast influenced your decision. We're sending something special to the first 9 people who reach out to us.
Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com

#169 - Tim See takeaways

Wheel Talk

10/22/22 • 75 min

Ryan and Becca are fresh off their interview with Tim See to talk about what they got out of the discussion that could be incorporated into their businesses. Hopefully this is a good exercise for you to reflect internally or with a friend after hearing discussions that could make your studio practice or business better.
Resources
#131 - "We're LIVE!" at Clay Con West
Clay Con West - Jan 13-15, 2023
The Maker's Playbook
Tales of the Red Clay Rambler
Brickyard Network
Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].
Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast
Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!
Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery
Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

#156 - The business of community studios with Yellow Door Ceramics Studio

Wheel Talk

07/23/22 • 80 min

Becca visits Yellow Door Ceramics Studio, an Indianapolis ceramic studio, to chat with the owners Felissa King and Amanda Pennington about starting their new community studio. They provide many details about setting up a partnership legally, equipment to start the space, class and membership offerings/pricing, and a few more topics. Thanks to Felissa and Amanda for joining us this episode!
-----Find more about Yellow Door below-----
Instagram - @yellowdoorceramicsstudio
Website - https://www.yellowdoorceramics.com/
Classes - https://www.yellowdoorceramics.com/book-online
Resources
Felissa King @felissajoystudio
Amanda Pennington @amandapenningtonceramics
Ross Shafer @wechoose.themoon

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].
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

#155 - Q&A Part VII

Wheel Talk

07/16/22 • 126 min

Ryan & Becca are back to answer many of your questions related to business and studio practice. Before getting into your questions, we talk about Becca's new wheel consultations and how it's going. Theres some learning and plenty of laughs along the way. Thanks to everyone who continues to send us questions on Instagram and by email!
Resources
Book a throwing consultation with Becca: https://www.5linespottery.com/s/appointments

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].
Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast
Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery
Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com

#154 - Should you move off Etsy? with Danielle from D Whigham Ceramics

Wheel Talk

07/09/22 • 52 min

Ryan is joined by Danielle from D Whigham Ceramics to talk about selling on Etsy. She's been considering moving off of Etsy to her own website and weighing her options. We cover a wide range of questions you may be asking yourself if you are currently an Etsy seller or considering moving off of Etsy. We also get into some specific of the Etsy Star Seller program.
-----Find more about Danielle's business below-----
Instagram - @dwhighamceramics
Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/dwhighamceramics/
Linktr.ee - https://linktr.ee/dwhighamceramics
Resources
Etsy Star Seller - https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/your-star-seller-checklist/1020956976086
Sell on Etsy mobile app - https://www.etsy.com/mobile#seller-module
Local pick ups and Star Seller - https://community.etsy.com/t5/Providing-Great-Customer-Service/local-pick-up-and-star-seller/td-p/135976036
Shipping letters through Etsy - https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039466434-How-to-Ship-First-Class-Flats-and-Letters-with-Etsy-Shipping-Labels

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- How do you have a “star seller” badge? I do everything right as far as shipping on time, answering messages, etc. Here’s what getting me...when I have local pickups. I enter that it’s a local pickup and that there’s no tracking number. It makes my star seller not happen then. Ryan, do you have local pickups? Am I missing something? @sarahcrowleyceramics
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].
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

#200 - Tradesies & artist collabs

Wheel Talk

05/27/23 • 116 min

Ryan shares a scary situation that happened to him recently before Ryan & Becca answer a few listener questions. On today's episode, the questions relate to trading with other artists, a sticky situation for a pottery teacher, and working with other artists on collaborations. Thanks for listening and enjoy!
Listener Questions
On this episode:
- How do you approach other artists about trades? Trading is talked about often and I’m curious. Not that I feel like I want to trade, I just think I’d be too embarrassed to ask if I ever did want to @thistlemoorpottery
- I’m a freelancer and I teach pottery for a few hours every week in a local studio in the city next to mine. I’m a contractor who works on commission basis per student with them . I also have an online business. The studio is asking me to sign a non compete that does not allow me to take up any opportunity that they think it’s competition to them (this is the exact wording) it also does not allow me to work with anyone else within 20 miles of the location for one year , basically they are restraining my employability. Is this even possible for studios to ask for non. Competes with their contractors ? Obviously I refused and waiting to hear their response. It will mostly be termination of contract . I live 10 miles away from the studio in another city and I’m a part of the city’s art group. I don’t want to miss out on opportunities that my city may bring into existence in future. @isanceramics
- First of all I want to tell you that I love your podcast and look forward to the weekly drops. I am going to collab with an artist who will paint on mugs or I’ll have a custom overglaze made with her designs. I have no idea how to compensate her and wondering if you have any advice. @pottery_by_brendalee

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].
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

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FAQ

How many episodes does Wheel Talk have?

Wheel Talk currently has 297 episodes available.

What topics does Wheel Talk cover?

The podcast is about Maker, Art, Visual Arts, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Small Business, Ceramics, Arts and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Wheel Talk?

The episode title '#175 - Post holiday reflection' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Wheel Talk?

The average episode length on Wheel Talk is 100 minutes.

How often are episodes of Wheel Talk released?

Episodes of Wheel Talk are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Wheel Talk?

The first episode of Wheel Talk was released on Aug 22, 2019.

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Wheel Talk

Ryan Durbin & Becca Otis

Top 10 Wheel Talk Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Wheel Talk have?

What topics does Wheel Talk cover?

What is the most popular episode on Wheel Talk?

What is the average episode length on Wheel Talk?

How often are episodes of Wheel Talk released?

When was the first episode of Wheel Talk?

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