Wheel Talk

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 @pyropo...

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.

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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...

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.

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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 ...

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 wha...

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.

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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. The...

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 chargi...

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 ceram...

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.

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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.

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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 ...

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 o...

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 refl...

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...

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 cha...

Note: This episode is a replay from our archive, originally released in 2021. 

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 ...

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...