Wheel Talk

Hosted by Ryan Durbin & Becca Otis

Business Arts EducationInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

371

Latest episode

Nov 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

November 7, 2026Episode 62 hr 6 min

Knowing When to Take the Leap with Isaac Shue

Isaac Shue of Gallery Mostaza joins Ryan to discuss taking big risks and making difficult decisions as a creative business owner. Isaac shares his journey from leaving a full-time teaching career to pursue pottery, opening a 2,000-square-foot gallery, and relocating his business in search of new opportunities. Together, they explore the importance of financial preparation, trusting your instincts, and knowing when to take a leap toward building the business and life you want. Thanks to Jamie from 7 Ferns Studio for the topic request. ----- Find more about Isaac's business below----- Instagram - @isaacshueisart & @gallery.mostaza gallerymostaza.com 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - Getting ready for the holiday rush? L&L kilns are built for reliable, consistent firings and designed to be easy to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair, helping you minimize downtime when your firing schedule gets busy. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com , making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball – Stock up on the NEW Speedball Studio Plus 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

October 31, 2026Episode 51 hr 26 min

Surviving the Holiday Season as a Potter

Ryan and Becca discuss gearing up for the busy holiday season and finding a balance between production demands, creative work, and personal time. They share practical tips for preparing your studio, keeping your kiln running, planning seasonal workshops, and managing holiday sales. Along the way, they catch up on recent events, studio projects, and the importance of recognizing the value of handmade pottery during the gift-giving season. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - Getting ready for the holiday rush? L&L kilns are built for reliable, consistent firings and designed to be easy to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair, helping you minimize downtime when your firing schedule gets busy. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com , making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball – Stock up on the NEW Speedball Studio Plus 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

October 24, 2026Episode 42 hr 12 min

What’s the Best Way to Sell Pottery? with Curt Hammerly

Curt Hammerly of Hammerly Ceramics returns to Wheel Talk to share how his pottery business has evolved over the past eight years. He discusses moving away from high-demand product drops toward a more diversified sales model, including permanent inventory, collection launches, made-to-order work, and wholesale. The conversation also explores how his new home studio, growing team, and social media strategy have helped streamline production, manage demand, and build a more sustainable pottery business. ----- Find more about Curt's businesses below----- Website - hammerlyceramics.com Instagram - @hammerlyceramics Past Episodes with Curt - #50 , #137 , #215 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 Registration open until October 31st on our website . 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - Getting ready for the holiday rush? L&L kilns are built for reliable, consistent firings and designed to be easy to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair, helping you minimize downtime when your firing schedule gets busy. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com , making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball – Stock up on the NEW Speedball Studio Plus 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

October 17, 2026Episode 31 hr 22 min

Talking Honestly About Depression (with Taylor Swilley)

Becca and Taylor share their experiences with depression and the challenges of navigating mental health as artists and small business owners. Becca reflects on a recent severe depressive episode and hospitalization, while Taylor shares their own experiences with treatment, therapy, and managing depression. Ryan joins the conversation from the perspective of someone without firsthand experience, asking questions about better understanding depression and how friends and loved ones can offer meaningful support. 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 Registration open until October 31st on our website . 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - Getting ready for the holiday rush? L&L kilns are built for reliable, consistent firings and designed to be easy to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair, helping you minimize downtime when your firing schedule gets busy. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com , making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

October 10, 2026Episode 21 hr 45 min

Building a Pottery Business That Fits Your Life with Jon Schmidt

Jon Schmidt returns to Wheel Talk seven years after his first appearance to share how his pottery business, content creation, and priorities have evolved. He discusses shifting his social media strategy to reach a broader audience, balancing creativity with sales, and navigating brand partnerships. The conversation also explores running multiple businesses, hiring studio assistants, pricing pottery, and building a sustainable career that leaves room for life outside the studio. ----- Find more about Jon's businesses below----- Website - themochamonkey.com Instagram - @jonschmidtpottery YouTube - www.youtube.com/jonthepotter Wheel Talk #14 - What's Up Guys?! with Jon Schmidt aka Jon The Potter 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 Registration open until October 31st on our website . 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - Getting ready for the holiday rush? L&L kilns are built for reliable, consistent firings and designed to be easy to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair, helping you minimize downtime when your firing schedule gets busy. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com , making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

October 3, 2026Episode 11 hr 57 min

Rethinking Where We Spend Our Time and Energy

Ryan and Becca are back for the fall season of Wheel Talk and taking a look at what they want to make more (and less) room for in their creative lives. They reflect on what took up too much energy this summer, what feels most satisfying right now, and the parts of their businesses that may not be sustainable long term. They also talk about what they're ready to let go of, what they want more time for, and what they're choosing to prioritize as they head into the final stretch of the year. 📦 Sign up for Pot Swap 2026 Registration open until October 31st on our website . 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - Getting ready for the holiday rush? L&L kilns are built for reliable, consistent firings and designed to be easy to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair, helping you minimize downtime when your firing schedule gets busy. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft - The Dragonfly Complete Carving Kit from BuschKraft includes all of their current Dragonfly carving blades, 3 handles, and 3 alternate grips bundled together for $134. Get 15% off your order with code BKWHEELTALK26 at buschkraft.com , making the complete kit an even better deal for Wheel Talk listeners. 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

September 19, 202637 min

Everything You Need to Know About Pot Swap 2026

In this special bonus episode, Ryan is joined by new Pot Swap team members Tzipporah of Sipor Ceramics and Rachel Durbin to kick off Pot Swap 2026! They cover everything you need to know about this year’s pottery exchange, including an extended sign-up period, rolling assignments, domestic-only shipping, weekly giveaways, the Pot Swap Design Contest, and more. Whether you’re a returning participant or joining Pot Swap for the first time, tune in to hear what’s new and what to expect for 2026. Resources Pot Swap website Pot Swap Official Instagram 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

August 29, 2026Episode 91 hr 36 min

Wheel Talk Book Club: We Need Your Art (with Taylor Swilley)

Ryan and Becca return with another chapter of the Wheel Talk Podcast book club, exploring We Need Your Art by Amie McNee. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they reflect on the book’s ideas around giving yourself permission to be an artist, overcoming creative resistance, and building a sustainable creative practice. Together, they discuss why the book resonated so strongly with them and how its lessons apply to finding your creative identity, making space for meaningful work, and navigating life as a working artist and creative business owner. Our next book club selection will be announced in the coming months and released in the next season. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX ----- Find more about Taylor’s business below----- Instagram - @backyardkiln Website - backyardkiln.com 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft - 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

August 22, 2026Episode 81 hr 8 min

Motivation as a Maker (Replay)

Replay Episode: To celebrate another year of Wheel Talk, we’re going all the way back to where it started! This week, we’re replaying our very first episode and revisiting our 2019 conversation about motivation as makers. A lot has changed since then, but many of the challenges we talked about—staying motivated, setting goals, overcommitting, and making time for the work you love—still feel just as relevant today. In our very first episode, Ryan and Becca discuss motivation as makers from two different perspectives: Becca as a full-time potter and studio owner and Ryan as a part-time maker working a traditional 9–5. They share their experiences with overcommitting, list-making, goal-setting, selling at shows, and figuring out how to spend more time doing the parts of your creative work you actually love. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here 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

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 List Get occasional updates, listener questions, book club picks, and giveaways from Wheel Talk. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns – The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com BuschKraft – 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/Wheeltalkpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @wheeltalkpodcast @rdceramics @5linespottery Visit our website: www.wheeltalkpotcast.com Wheel Talk YouTube Channel