Find partners
Biz & Tech Podcasts — Collaboration Platform
Menu
Submit Podcast
Wheel Talk

Wheel Talk

Hosted by Ryan Durbin & Becca Otis

BusinessArtsEducationInterviews guestsExplicit
WebsiteRSS feed

Episodes

361

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 15, 2026Episode 71 hr 54 min

The Realities of Making and Selling Pottery

Ryan and Becca are back with another listener Q&A, tackling questions about the realities of making and selling pottery. They discuss wholesale pricing, communicating the value of handmade ceramics, finding your place at NCECA, expanding your product line, and making enough work to fill your market booth. They also dig into pottery burnout, getting out of a creative rut, and a listener question about their use of AI as working artists.📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns – The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft – The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Speedball – Stock up on your ceramic studio essentials with Speedball's line of glazes, underglazes, bats, and pottery tools. Get 25% off eligible items with code WheelTalkSB2026 at speedballart.com/shop/ceramics/. Offer valid through December 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

August 8, 2026Episode 62 hr 3 min

Leaving the Studio Better Than You Found It with Erica Kilroy

After four and a half years as Ryan’s studio assistant, Erica Kilroy returns to Wheel Talk to reflect on her time in the studio before starting a new chapter in Cleveland. Ryan and Erica discuss how her role evolved, the skills and confidence she developed, and the honest feedback that came out of her exit interview. They also look ahead to Erica’s plans for her own home studio and where her career might take her next.-----Find more about Erica below-----Instagram - @erica_irene_k📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Speedball – Stock up on your ceramic studio essentials with Speedball's line of glazes, underglazes, bats, and pottery tools. Get 25% off eligible items with code WheelTalkSB2026 at speedballart.com/shop/ceramics/. Offer valid through December 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

August 1, 2026Episode 52 hr 2 min

Life on the Road as a Ceramic Artist with Laura Williams

Laura Williams joins the podcast to share her experience as a traveling ceramic artist, teaching workshops and exhibiting her work across the country while living on the road. She discusses her hand-built pottery practice, embracing imperfection, and how travel has influenced her artistic voice. The conversation also explores creativity, teaching, and the meaningful connections handmade ceramics create between artists and collectors.-----Find more about Laura's business below-----Website - laurawilliamsstudio.comInstagram - @laura.williams.studioUpcoming Workshops - laurawilliamsstudio.com/workshops📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Speedball – Stock up on your ceramic studio essentials with Speedball's line of glazes, underglazes, bats, and pottery tools. Get 25% off eligible items with code WheelTalkSB2026 at speedballart.com/shop/ceramics/. Offer valid through December 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

July 25, 2026Episode 41 hr 56 min

The Questions Every Ceramic Artist Eventually Asks

Ryan and Becca are back with another listener Q&A, answering your questions on everything from finding your artistic voice and balancing creativity with profitability to handling commissions, returns, and managing inventory for Etsy and in-person shows. They also share their thoughts on favorite glazes, workshop dream picks, pottery market gear, and even imagine what the future of ceramics might look like. It's a wide-ranging conversation filled with practical advice, honest opinions, and a few fun detours along the way.📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns – The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft – The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Speedball – Stock up on your ceramic studio essentials with Speedball's line of glazes, underglazes, bats, and pottery tools. Get 25% off eligible items with code WheelTalkSB2026 at speedballart.com/shop/ceramics/. Offer valid through December 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

July 18, 2026Episode 31 hr 2 min

Building Successful Gallery Relationships with Michelle O'Brien

Michelle O'Brien joins the podcast to share the story behind Elliot Fouts Gallery and what it takes to build lasting relationships between galleries and artists. She discusses the gallery's partnership with ceramic artist Jeff Nebeker, managing high-demand releases, and the logistics of selling and shipping fragile ceramic work. The conversation also explores pricing, consignment, and practical advice for artists interested in working with galleries.-----Find more about Michelle below-----Website - efgallery.comInstagram - @efgallery and @the.gallery.girlFacebook - Elliott Fouts Gallery📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

July 11, 2026Episode 21 hr 43 min

How to Grow Your Art Business Close to Home

Ryan and Becca discuss practical ways artists can build stronger connections within their local communities and create lasting opportunities for their businesses. From farmers markets and local Facebook groups to workshops, collaborations, and community events, they share ideas for growing a local audience and why showing up consistently can be more valuable than chasing the next big art fair.Maker of the MomentMel Casey - @embodiedceramicsCasey Ann Hanrahan - @caseyannhanrahan📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

July 4, 2026Episode 12 hr 3 min

Building BuschKraft Tools with Nicholai Busch

Nicholai Busch joins the podcast to share his journey from developing tools at DiamondCore to launching his own company, BuschKraft Tools. He discusses the decision to build a new brand from the ground up, his approach to designing pottery tools, and the challenges of manufacturing, testing, and growing a small business. The conversation also explores the importance of relationships within the ceramics community and how conferences like ClayCon and NCECA helped shape the company's early growth.-----Find more about Nicholai below-----Website - buschkraft.comInstagram - @buschkraftstudioFacebook - BuschKraftTikTok - @buschkraftstudio📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

May 30, 2026Episode 111 hr 18 min

Designing Better Planters (with Taylor Swilley)

In this episode, Becca and Taylor Swilley answer listener questions about plants and pottery, covering everything from drainage holes and planter design to succulent care and specialized pots for different types of plants. They also share thoughts on making and selling planters, common challenges potters face, and why the plant community can be such a strong market for ceramic work.-----Find more about Taylor’s business below-----Instagram - @backyardkilnWebsite - backyardkiln.com📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.shop. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

May 23, 2026Episode 101 hr 38 min

Reviving a Community Ceramics Program with Natalie Wagner

Natalie Wagner joins the podcast to share her efforts to revive and expand the ceramics program at the Peterson-McCormick Boys & Girls Club in Chicago. She discusses rebuilding the program after the original kiln failed, how community support helped fund its return, and her long-term vision for creating sustainable opportunities for students through ceramics education and apprenticeships.-----Find more about Natalie below-----Go Fund Me for Boys and Girls Club ChicagoInstagram - @big_feeling_ceramicsWebsite - https://www.bigfeelingceramics.com/📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.shop. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

May 16, 2026Episode 91 hr 38 min

Scaling Your Pottery Business Without Breaking It (with Heidi Fahrenbacher)

Ryan is joined by Heidi Fahrenbacher for a conversation about balancing growth, production, and sustainability while building a ceramics business. Prompted by listener questions about burnout, workflow, and scaling a pottery side hustle, they discuss structuring making schedules around kiln cycles, managing inventory and multiple sales channels, and recognizing when momentum is supported versus unsustainable. Together, they reflect on the realities of building a long-term creative business without letting every opportunity push the rest of life to a breaking point.Maker of the MomentRachael DePauw - @depauwpotteryJohn Brown - @johnbrown.ceramics -----Find more about Heidi's business below-----Instagram - @bellajoypotteryWebsite - bellajoypottery.com📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email ListGet occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk.👉 Sign up hereSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comBuschKraft - The Dragonfly System is a versatile carving setup with interchangeable blades and affordable replacements, available as a single tool or a 3-handle, 8-blade Starter Kit. Get 15% off with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.shop. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts

One moment, please...

BusinessInvesting

One moment, please...

Business

Swallow Your Pride Podcast

BusinessCareersInterviews guests

One moment, please...

Business

One moment, please...

Business
MACRA

MACRA

MACRA Website

Business