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How should you actually pay a studio assistant—and what’s fair? In part two of this conversation, Ryan & Becca break down different compensation options, from hourly pay to studio access, and the tradeoffs that come with each. We also talk about how to set clear expectations, avoid common mistakes, and put simple structures in place so the working relationship is clear from the start. Maker of the Moment - Sophie Bays @pyropotteryllc - Alexie Smith @lxceramix 📬 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.shop. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball Ceramics - New Speedball Studio Plus glazes coming soon. Available in 16 colors and firing range from cone 06 to 6. Explore the full Speedball Ceramics lineup at speedballart.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

Thinking about hiring a studio assistant—but not sure if you’re actually ready? In Part One of this conversation, we break down how to identify bottlenecks in your studio, when better systems might be the real solution, and how to decide if it’s time to bring someone on. We also talk through how to find the right person, what to prioritize when hiring, and how to delegate and train in a way that genuinely frees up your time. 📬 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.shop. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Speedball Ceramics - New Speedball Studio Plus glazes coming soon. Available in 16 colors and firing range from cone 06 to 6. Explore the full Speedball Ceramics lineup at speedballart.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

Laura Hall shares her experience with grant writing and offers insight into how artists can approach grants with more confidence. The conversation covers key parts of a strong application, including mission statements, budgets, letters of intent, and how to clearly communicate your story and purpose. Laura also discusses different types of grants and what artists should know before applying. Resources from this episode (PDFs + links): Grant Writing Resources for Artists: https://www.wheeltalkpotcast.com/s/stories/grant-writing-for-artists-with-laura-hall Additional resources mentioned: Storytelling for Grantseekers: A Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising by Cheryl A. Clarke GrantWatch Laura's Instagram @ibelaura 📬 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 Speedball Ceramics - New Speedball Studio Plus glazes coming soon. Available in 16 colors and firing range from cone 06 to 6. Explore the full Speedball Ceramics lineup at speedballart.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

Liz Cohen joins the podcast again nearly four years later to talk about the evolution of her ceramics business. She shares her experience managing a shared studio space in Denver, her decision to move away from wholesale and dinnerware, and how her making process has shifted toward higher-value work. Liz also discusses her ongoing experiments with slip casting and developing a speckled underglaze technique. -----Find more about Liz’s business below----- Instagram - @lizcohenceramics Website - https://lizcohenceramics.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LizCohenCeramics/ Last Wheel Talk appearance - #140 Building a home studio with Liz Cohen 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. 👉 Sign up here Sponsors L&L Kilns - Stop by booth 223 in the Resource Hall at NCECA to see their kilns in-person. The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com Speedball Ceramics - Stop by booth 301 in the Resource Hall  at NCECA to see their brand new lineup of glazes. Available soon in multiple colors. Explore the full Speedball Ceramics lineup at speedballart.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

Replay Episode: In this replay, Ryan and Becca discuss their trip to NCECA 2025 and share insights on navigating the conference experience. 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. 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

Ryan and Becca are back behind the microphones to kick off a new season of Wheel Talk. In this episode, they share updates from their studios and businesses since taking a break from recording, including Becca’s hand surgery recovery and her plans for the coming months. Ryan talks about what the start of the year has looked like in his studio and some of the systems and priorities he’s focusing on this season. They also discuss what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes for the spring season. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. 👉 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 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

Ryan and Becca announce a shift to a seasonal podcast format, moving from weekly episodes to three seasons per year with planned breaks in between. They outline what listeners can expect in each season, including interviews, book club episodes, and special stand-in co-hosts. Becca also shares updates on her upcoming hand surgery and a new clay cigarette project. 📒 Join the Bookkeeping Workshop Waitlist Get notified when new bookkeeping workshops for makers open. 👉 Sign up here 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. 👉 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

Becca sets a bold short-term goal: earning $15,000 over the next four months, and Ryan helps her break it down into realistic, actionable steps. Together, they explore multiple income paths—from producing small, repeatable items like mini mugs and fidget stones to teaching classes and designing stickers/shirts as passive income. The episode focuses on balancing creativity with practicality, emphasizing momentum over perfection. They wrap up by committing to a near-term check-in to track progress and refine the plan. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. 👉 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 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

In this episode of Wheel Talk, Ryan and Becca talk with artist, author, and educator Megan Auman about the business lessons behind Try It and See. Megan shares how her revenue streams and pricing strategies have evolved since publishing the book, along with insights on production volume and communicating value to customers. They discuss what it means to ask for the sale outside of wholesale, how artists can know when they’re charging the right price, and how tools like ChatGPT and social media fit into today’s creative businesses. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. 👉 Sign up here -----Find more about Megan’s business below----- Website: https://shop.meganauman.com/ & https://artistsandprofitmakers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganauman 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

Ryan and Becca return with the seventh chapter of the Wheel Talk Podcast book club, exploring Try It and See: How to Get Sh*t Done While Overanalyzing Everything by Megan Aumen. Joined by guest Taylor Swilley, they reflect on the book’s encouragement to experiment, ship every day, and release perfectionism, discussing how a “try it and see” mindset shows up in their own studio practices, creative decision-making, and evolving ceramics businesses. Our next book club selection will be announced in the coming months and released in the spring. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOX 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

Ryan and Becca reflect on the past year’s highs and lows, from personal challenges to major business milestones. Becca opens up about mental health, burnout, and the impact of a 9-to-5 job, while Ryan shares hitting a six-figure sales milestone and rethinking how he spends his time. Together, they discuss setting boundaries, supporting each other, and focusing on what matters most moving forward. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. Sign up by mid-January for a chance to win our first giveaway. 👉 Sign up here Maker of the Moment Maree and Paul Allitt - @mapmapartAya Tortosa - https://www.instagram.com/orangeboy.ceramicsSponsors 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

Note: This episode is a replay from our archive, originally released in 2024.  Ryan and Becca welcome back Will Donovan of Donovan Pottery to discuss a range of topics, including: sharing end of year recaps, growing your business with help, using paid ads to sell your work, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings. We learn a ton from Will's second time on the podcast and we hope you take some good nuggets into your own practice. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. Sign up by mid-January for a chance to win our first giveaway. 👉 Sign up here Previous episode with Will Wheel Talk #181 - Meeting customer demand with Will Donovan of Donovan Pottery -----Find more about Will’s business below----- Instagram - @donovanpottery Website - https://www.donovanpottery.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/donovanpottery/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@donovanpots Clay King - https://www.clay-king.com/ Sponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com Soolla® - The brand-new Studio Pouch from Soolla is the perfect sidekick to your studio bag, designed to keep your favorite tools organized and close at hand. Available in eleven colors and durable, machine-washable canvas. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK" (exclusions may apply). 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

Ryan and Becca open with personal updates before shifting into a deeper conversation about generating consistent Etsy sales over time. Ryan breaks down a repeatable listing strategy designed for makers who aren’t driving their own traffic, emphasizing the importance of creating evergreen listings built around a single form with multiple color variations rather than one-off products. He explains how strong photos, thoughtful titles and descriptions, and positioning items as highly giftable can help listings gain early momentum. The discussion also covers using Etsy’s Marketplace Insights and strategic sales as visibility tools to build trust with the algorithm, earn reviews, and steadily improve search ranking. Ryan shares how these approaches have played out in his own shop this year and how they’re shaping his Etsy strategy heading into 2026. 📬 Join the Wheel Talk Email List We’re starting a new email list to share occasional updates, listener questions, and book giveaways. Sign up by mid-January for a chance to win our first giveaway. 👉 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 Soolla® - The brand-new Studio Pouch from Soolla is the perfect sidekick to your studio bag, designed to keep your favorite tools organized and close at hand. Available in eleven colors and durable, machine-washable canvas. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK" (exclusions may apply). 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

In continuation of our ChatGPT-led conversation, we go deeper into the human side of running creative businesses, talking openly about burnout, balance, and the tools and habits that have helped us stay grounded. We share what’s improved our workflows and the boundaries that make juggling making and real life more sustainable. We also get more personal—touching on lingering insecurities, overlooked parts of our identities outside of clay, and a few big ideas we’re considering but haven’t shared publicly yet. Sponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com Soolla® - The brand-new Studio Pouch from Soolla is the perfect sidekick to your studio bag, designed to keep your favorite tools organized and close at hand. Available in eleven colors and durable, machine-washable canvas. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK" (exclusions may apply). 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

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 business growth. It’s a candid, wide-ranging chat that pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes. Sponsors L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com Soolla® - The brand-new Studio Pouch from Soolla is the perfect sidekick to your studio bag, designed to keep your favorite tools organized and close at hand. Available in eleven colors and durable, machine-washable canvas. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK" (exclusions may apply). 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