For Flux Sake

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Can there be too much boron in a glaze?

#47 trending · Visual Arts

This week's show starts with a discussion of a recent viral ceramic video and the merits of a potter dipping pots in water immediately after glazing. The gang also answer

Sep 9
39 min

How do I reassure customers that I don't use lead?

We start off season six of the podcast with a great question about customer service around ceramics. The gang answer a question from a paint-you-own pottery studio about

Sep 2
36 min

Why do cone 10 reduction glazes all look similar?

We start the episode with a quick trip to Materials Corner to hear good news about the mining of Red Art. The gang also answer listener questions about firing cone 6 clay

Aug 12
41 min

For Flux Sake Live in Boston!

For the first time ever the whole gang gathered in Boston for a live show at Harvard Ceramics. In this episode they answer listener questions about finding inspiration, a

Aug 5
56 min

Do things ever explode in a glaze firing?

Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year's conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about explosions in a

Jul 8
33 min

Do all glazes need Bentonite?

Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year's conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about using hot wax,

Jul 1
43 min

The Cost versus Reliability episode

Today the gang compares cost versus reliability when buying kilns and kiln shelves. The episode starts with a question about purchasing S-type thermocouples for new kilns

Jun 10
40 min

Can I add something to a commercial glaze to change its temperature?

To start today's episode the gang talk about their upcoming live show in Boston. We hope you will join us June 5th at the Harvard Ed Portal, where Kathy, Matt, Rose, and

Jun 3
36 min

Why do layered glazes look different every time?

Today we have a special Flux U episode where the gang dive deep into glaze application to answer a listener's question about the chemical and physical limitations of glaz

May 13
38 min

Can I use ash from a volcano in my glaze?

To start today's explosive episode a listener writes in wondering about using ash from Mt. St. Helens in a glaze. The gang also talk about best cleaning practices for kee

May 6
29 min

What materials should I buy to start mixing glazes?

We love questions from our educator friends. Today's episode starts with a question from a high school teacher who wondered what the best materials are for starting a gla

Apr 8
30 min

Is it best to use the medium or fast fire setting on my kiln?

Have you ever wondered what the firing rates are for the pre-programmed kiln schedules in modern kilns? In today's episode the gang talk about the differences between slo

Apr 1
34 min

Why are my plates cracking?

Unloading a kiln can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if it's filled with a new ceramic form that gives you trouble. Today the gang answer a listener question ab

Mar 11
37 min

What causes carbon coring in clays?

What is carbon coring, and should we care about it? The term is actually a misnomer, with the real culprit being iron, a common ingredient in reduction fired clays. Today

Mar 4
36 min

Do I really need to sieve my glazes?

Glaze preparation is a necessary part of the ceramic process, but have you ever wondered why sieving glazes is important? Today the gang talk about various ways to prepar

Feb 11
33 min

Should I make my own clay?

To start today's episode we take a ride to Materials Corner to talk about the situation with EPK, as well as, if there is an easy substitute to use in clay and glazes. Th

Feb 4
38 min

Do kilns really need peep holes?

Have you ever wondered why kilns have peep holes? Today Matt, Rose, and Kathy debate the function and necessity of peep holes, while also tackling a question about glazin

Jan 15
33 min

Is there a difference between real and fake ash glazes?

Happy New Year! To start 2026 the gang answer listener questions about ash glazes, mixing brushing and dipping glazes, and how the particle size of colorants affects glaz

Jan 8
39 min

Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins on food safe glazes

Have you wondered what makes a glaze food safe? Today we are happy to welcome Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins to the show to talk about the topic, and their new book Amazi

Dec 11 2025
43 min

Why is the last 200 degrees of the firing the most important?

Do you fire your kiln fast or slow? And does it really matter? Today the gang answer a few listener questions about the relationship between temperature, glaze melt, and

Dec 3 2025
28 min

Chart trend

Position in the Visual Arts chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#27#52JunJulAugSep

all-time peak

days in the top 3 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where For Flux Sake ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 16, 2026).

#25 ▲ 5 Visual Arts US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

I love the podcast. Great information and people. I’d even like to hear more from Ben on low firing. Whether or not I like the “rants” about supplies and suppliers depends upon my mood. No one can know it all, but the research is invaluable and much appreciated from the whole team.

Lil4! · Apr 2026

This informative podcast has helped me solve a few problems and it’s just great fun! Kathy’s quick wit provides laugh out loud moments.

nick name throwthedice · Sep 2025

I am an avid listener of this podcast. It’s both informative and entertaining. If you work in ceramics, and love to talk shop, this is the place for you. Each episode deals with issues that have been sent in by listeners. If you want to learn more about ceramics, covering a wide variety of topics with an emphasis on problem solving, the science of ceramics and glazes, and educating listeners about the raw materials that we use, you owe it to yourself to listen this podcast. A wide variety of topics are discussed all of interest to potters and others working with clay and glazes. Several complex topics are discussed in an informative yet lighthearted manner. Listeners are invited to ask questions about clay, glazes, raw materials, faults and their remedies, Between them, the hosts have a breadth of knowledge and information to share. The hosts also have a wonderful rapport and their banter can be entertaining. (There are moments in the podcast where one might consider that the hosts could conceivably be under the influence of nitrous oxide. It can be that much fun.) I’m a huge fan the podcast and I am forever grateful that it exists. I have learned a lot.

DonKopy · Aug 2025

I love this show, so much that I relisten to episodes and on second listens I feel like I learn even more. Kathy is a great host and really creates a welcoming feeling while Rose and Matt bring the science. All together is a magic combination that makes me miss new episodes when they’re on “break.”

Melodie22 · Aug 2025

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.