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PODCAST

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

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

93:52

#332 - Chat GPT Has Questions. We Have Thoughts.

Wheel Talk ·

2025/12/06

Ryan and Becca flipped the format on this episode and answered a set of thought-provoking questions generated by ChatGPT—sparking a really honest conversation about how our businesses have evolved, what we’re learning, and where we’re feeling challenged. We talk about shifts we’ve made this past year, goals that no longer serve us, experiments that surprised us, and the habits we wish more potters would adopt early on. We also reflect on how hosting the podcast has shaped our creative and bus...

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89:48

#331 - What Happens When Pottery Becomes the Day Job

Wheel Talk ·

2025/11/29

Ryan and Becca recap Ryan’s two-week “pottery vacation,” where he stepped away from his day job to experience what full-time pottery could feel like. They talk through the technical challenges he tackled, the shows he prepared for, and the sales strategies he experimented with. Ryan also reflects on managing his health, energy, and work-life balance during the break. They wrap up with how the experience shaped his outlook on future goals and how pottery fits alongside his career as a UX engin...

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82:43

#330 - Building a Creative Business from the Ground...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/11/22

Ryan & Becca sit down with a very special guest — Rachel Durbin, Ryan’s spouse and the creative force behind Decades NKY. Rachel is in the early stages of growing her small business, which focuses on upcycling vintage textiles into unique, handmade goods. In this episode, they talk about how Decades NKY has evolved — from reselling vintage home decor to designing and sewing most items by hand today. Rachel opens up about the challenges of finding the right shows, developing new products, ...

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125:50

#329 - Let's Talk About Clay with Link Henderson from...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/11/15

Ryan & Becca sit down for a conversation with Link Henderson, owner of Kentucky Mudworks & Dirty Girls Pottery Tools, to go in depth about clay & tools. We learn how Kentucky Mudworks begun almost 20 years ago and how Dirty Girls Pottery Tools came about. We also answer a number of listener questions related to finding the right clay body for you, reclaiming clay, properties of various clays, and studio cleanliness. We hope you enjoy Link's entrepreneurial spirit, vast knowledge i...

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75:41

#328 - Pottery Vacations & Exploring New Roles

Wheel Talk ·

2025/11/08

This week, Ryan and Becca catch up on everything happening behind the scenes. Ryan shares highlights from his current pottery vacation and how he’s adjusting his studio routines with a new schedule. Becca opens up about possible career shifts at Speedball, reflecting on her growth goals and the value of stepping up beyond current responsibilities. They also dive into a couple rapid-fire questions, spotlight new Makers of the Moment, and wrap up with fresh updates from this year’s Pot Swap! Ma...

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184:13

#327 - Pricing your work effectively with Heidi...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/11/01

Ryan & Becca welcome back Heidi Fahrenbacher from Bella Joy Pottery while Becca is visiting her up in Michigan for the week. They cover a number of topics but mainly focus on how Heidi manages many wholesale accounts, the collections most suitable for wholesale, and pricing your work to properly account for your materials, labor, and profit. We hope you enjoy today’s in-depth discussion with Heidi. -----Find more about Heidi's business below----- Instagram - @bellajoypottery Website - htt...

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117:52

#326 - Recommending Shows Without Setting Expectations

Wheel Talk ·

2025/10/25

In this episode, Ryan and Becca talk about how they approach recommending shows to other makers who are thinking about applying. They share why they’re careful about offering exact sales numbers and how using comparisons or percentages can paint a more realistic picture of what to expect. The conversation dives into how experience, product mix, and audience fit can all affect results. It’s a thoughtful look at how to give honest, helpful feedback without setting unrealistic expectations. Make...

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70:04

#325 - Planning Ahead for Seasonal Sales Lulls

Wheel Talk ·

2025/10/18

In this episode, Ryan and Becca answer a listener’s question about how to prepare for slow sales months and boost online shop performance during Q1. They share strategies for connecting in-person show customers with online buyers, building momentum for website sales, and navigating seasonal lulls. Ryan also recaps recent pottery events, including successful sales at the Columbus Coffee Festival and upcoming travel plans, while Becca shares about leading a pottery painting event at Speedball t...

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124:18

#324 - When It’s Time to Scale Back (Or Walk Away):...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/10/11

Ryan and Becca continue last week’s conversation by diving into the tough but important topic of scaling back, pivoting, or even closing a business for long-term sustainability. They discuss how to reassess key expenses—like staffing, studio space, and pricing—to keep your business profitable, and share ideas for alternative strategies such as wholesale partnerships and smarter use of social media. The episode also explores financial management for artists and makers, including tips on buildi...

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88:04

#323 - When It’s Time to Scale Back (Or Walk Away):...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/10/04

Ryan and Becca dive into an honest conversation about knowing when it’s time to scale back, pivot, or even close a business. Becca opens up about her difficult decision to shut down her brick-and-mortar studio in 2020 after gaining clarity during the pandemic. This is Part One of the discussion — tune in next week for Part Two, where we go even deeper into navigating big business transitions. Maker of the Moment Stephanie King - @fireandformpotteryIsaac Gilmore - @isaacgilmoreSponsors L&L...

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66:09

#322 - Pot Swap 2025 is coming!!

Wheel Talk ·

2025/09/27

Ryan and Becca are back with a special episode all about #PotSwap2025—our 8th year hosting this global ceramics exchange! There are some exciting updates for this round, and we’re breaking everything down in today’s episode. Registration opens Saturday, October 11th at 12 PM EDT and costs $5. Spots are first come, first served with: 1,200 spots for USA/Canada200 spots for international participantsSet a reminder, because these fill up fast! We’ll also post a heads-up in our Instagram stories ...

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92:35

#321 - Finding Themes in Your Work & Overcoming...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/09/20

Ryan and Becca tackle a wide range of listener questions, from finding themes in your work to navigating self-doubt in the studio. They discuss building kilns big enough for oversized pots, the differences between the terms “potter” and “ceramicist,” and the pros and cons of front-loading vs. top-loading electric kilns. Along the way, they share insights about perfectionism, creative growth, and how to embrace the making process with more joy. Whether you’re troubleshooting technical challeng...

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95:43

#320 - How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

Wheel Talk ·

2025/09/13

Ryan & Becca kick things off by sharing their record-breaking show sales and a funny encounter with a stray kitten before diving into today’s main topic: legacy. They reflect on how we want to be remembered—both through our work and as individuals—and share insights inspired by a recent episode of the Design Discord Podcast. Resources Design Discord Podcast Maker of the Moment Andrea McCaffrey - @bigbarnpotterySarah German - @sarahgermanceramicsSponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln th...

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105:06

#319 - Boy in a China Shop with Taylor Swilley

Wheel Talk ·

2025/09/06

Ryan and Becca return with the sixth chapter of the podcast book club, exploring Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Keith Brymer Jones. Joined by guest Taylor Swilley, they dive into the stories behind Keith’s journey as a potter and TV judge, reflecting on how his experiences with creativity, vulnerability, and perseverance resonate with their own paths in clay and business. Our next book club selection will be announced soon and released near the end of 2025. See all the book...

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80:44

#318 - Amazing Glaze: Food-Safe Recipes with Gabriel...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/08/30

In this episode of Wheel Talk, we chat with potter Gabriel Kline, director of Odyssey Clayworks in Asheville, and chemist Bill Collins, Ph.D., co-authors of Amazing Glaze Food-Safe Recipes. They share how art and science come together to create vibrant, functional, and food-safe ceramics. Whether you’re mixing your first glaze or expanding your library, this episode is full of insights to help you bring beauty and safety to your work. Resources Amazing Glaze Food-Safe Recipes: Innovative, Lab...

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132:00

#317 - A Big Studio Upgrade + How to Host a Pottery...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/08/23

Ryan kicks off the episode by sharing an exciting new addition to his studio! Later, he and Becca dive into a listener question about organizing pottery pop-ups at NCECA. Drawing from his experience running the Backyard Craft Show, Ryan offers practical advice on finding the right venue, recruiting artists, and building effective marketing strategies to make a pop-up successful. Resources The Pot Stars Pop-Up Our next book club selection is Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Ke...

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94:01

#316 - Decorating, Glazing & Sanding: Tools We Trust

Wheel Talk ·

2025/08/16

This week, Ryan & Becca are back with more of their favorite pottery tools—covering everything from decorating to glazing to sanding. Whether you’re setting up a home studio or just curious about what they reach for in theirs, you’re sure to pick up something new. Resources The full list of tools can be found on our website. Sponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com Speedball Ceramics - Try the ne...

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94:53

#315 - From Clay Prep to Trimming: Tools We Love

Wheel Talk ·

2025/08/09

This week, Ryan & Becca share their favorite pottery tools—from clay prep to throwing to trimming. You’ll likely recognize a few of your own go-tos and maybe discover some new ones to try. Plus, they announce an exciting new sponsor joining the Wheel Talk family, perfectly matched to today’s topic. Resources The full list of tools can be found on our website. Sponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns....

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90:36

#314 - Making It Work When Sales Slow Down

Wheel Talk ·

2025/08/02

Ryan & Becca dig into a listener’s question about what to do when your big, higher-priced pieces stop selling—and you don’t want to pivot into teaching. We talk honestly about adapting to shifts in the buying market while staying true to your creative voice, making smaller or different work without feeling like you’re selling out, and share real strategies for makers who want to keep making and selling what they love, even when the market changes. Maker of the Moment Ashley Gaylord - @ash...

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142:22

#313 - Risking the Unknown: Growing Beyond What You...

Wheel Talk ·

2025/07/26

Ryan welcomes back Isaac Shue for an open conversation about taking risks and growing beyond what’s comfortable. They explore the leaps Isaac has made to expand his pottery business — from scaling production and diversifying sales channels to trusting new strategies without knowing exactly how they’ll turn out. Along the way, Isaac shares what he’s learned about balancing quality, customer connection, and work-life priorities while daring to dream bigger in clay. Listen to the end for a speci...

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336 results

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