Studio Sessions (A Pottery Podcast)

Most pottery tools are stuck in the past. Nikolai Busch, a former engineer turned ceramic innovator, reveals how he's bringing groundbreaking design, craftsmanship, and affordability to the ceramic world with his new line of modular, razor-sharp tools. If you're ready to upgrade your studio with tools built to perform, last, and evolve with your craft, this is the episode for you. Nikolai...

Dive into the vibrant world of ceramics with Will Donovan as he sits down with Summer Whiteside! In this captivating episode, Summer reveals her artistic journey from college curiosity to a thriving full-time studio. Discover the secrets behind her mastery of underglazes and surface decoration, and learn about her groundbreaking course, "Pottery in Modern Media: Turning 2D Concepts into 3D Cr...

In this episode, Julie and Will discuss the importance of holiday preparations for potters, emphasizing the need for early planning and effective marketing strategies. They explore the benefits of text marketing, balancing wholesale and retail, and innovative customer service practices. The conversation also touches on creative holiday ideas, navigating art markets, and identifying green and red f...

Join hosts Will and Julie as they delve into the world of pottery wholesale, sharing insights on how to transform your studio practice into a thriving business. Discover strategies for managing large orders, maintaining creative freedom, and ensuring profitability. Whether you're a seasoned potter or just starting out, this episode offers valuable tips on navigating the challenges and rewards...

In this conversation, Delvin shares his journey from a military career to becoming a product marketer for Speedball ceramics. He discusses the slow evolution of pottery tools, the importance of community feedback in product development, and how education plays a crucial role in ceramics. Delvin also highlights the intersection of art and functionality, particularly in the context of military exper...

In this episode of Studio Sessions, host Will interviews Hope Limyansky-Smith, a high school ceramics teacher and studio potter. Hope shares her artistic journey, her mission to inspire joy through her work, and the evolution of her artistic voice. She discusses her creative process, teaching philosophy, and the balance between teaching and making pottery. Hope emphasizes the importance of communi...

In this episode of the Pottery Podcast, hosts Will and Julie discuss the journey of becoming a full-time potter, emphasizing the importance of setting clear and realistic goals, navigating the transition from part-time to full-time work, and exploring various revenue streams. They also touch on the significance of outsourcing, maintaining a balance between creativity and business, and avoiding bur...

In this episode of Studio Sessions: A Pottery Podcast, hosts Julie and Will discuss the challenges potters face with material shortages, particularly in clay and glazes. They explore the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in finding alternatives, testing new materials, and embracing change in their creative processes. The conversation highlights the significance of community support an...

In this captivating episode, we explore the world of professional pottery with Jon Puzzuoli, a master potter with over two decades of experience. Dive into the challenges and triumphs of turning a passion for clay into a sustainable career. Jon shares his journey, from the early days of balancing multiple jobs to becoming a recognized name in the pottery community. Discover: Why pricing your potte...

In this episode of Studio Sessions, hosts Julie and Will engage with Todd Hickerson from Mayco, exploring his ceramic journey, the mission of Mayco, and the versatility of their glazes. Todd shares insights into the trends in glaze development, the impact of recent acquisitions, and the importance of community engagement with artists. The conversation also covers practical tips for using Mayco gla...

In this episode of Studio Sessions: A Pottery Podcast, hosts Julie and Will share their personal pottery journeys, discussing how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the importance of community and mentorship in the pottery world. They emphasize the significance of play in the creative process, the need for aspiring potters to find their own path, and the value of sharing knowledge an...

In this episode, we explore the various types of pottery wheels you might consider for your own studio setup. Plus, Will shares highlights from his trip to NCECA 2025, including the inspiring things he saw along the way!

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of kiln control—specifically the difference between manual kiln sitters and the newer digital touchscreen controllers like the Skutt KMT or L&L’s Genesis. Whether you’re setting up your first home studio or upgrading your setup, this episode breaks down: 🔧 The pros and cons of old-school kiln sitters (hello, hands-on learning and vintage charm...

Join hosts Will Donovan and Julie Hamer as they chat with potter Mike Mahon—aka Muddy Mike—in this down-to-earth episode. Mike dives into his personal pottery journey, spills the beans on his work with Clay King, and dishes out honest advice for aspiring potters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this conversation is packed with creative insights, real-world tips, a...