Rephonic
Artwork for For Flux Sake
Ceramics
Glazes
Clay Bodies
Pottery
Glaze Chemistry
Thermal Expansion
Clay
Glazing Techniques
Ceramic Materials Workshop
Cone 6
Vitrification
Electric Kilns
Clay Recycling
Porcelain
Cone 10
Pottery Glazing
Glazing
Art History
Bentonite
Bristol Glazes

Matt and Rose Katz of the Ceramics Materials Workshop and Kathy King of the Ceramics Program at Harvard University discuss listener questions about clay and glaze. This show will have you laughing and learning about the chemistry behind ceramics in no time.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes125Founded5 years ago
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ArtsVisual ArtsDesign

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Artwork for For Flux Sake

Latest Episodes

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 glaze firing, sanding bisque ware, and wheel cleaning. They also start the epis... more

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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, refiring in a community studio, particle packing for brushing glazes, and best p... more

YouTube

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 and a discussion about preventing warping in cordierite kiln shelves. On a rela... more

YouTube

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 Producer Ben will be ready to answer your burning questions about clay and glaz... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Claire from London
Listener who attended Nceca and called in? (guest segment)
Nceca attendee
Episode: Do things ever explode in a glaze firing?
Ian Tanner
Owner of Silverton Pottery Company, listener asking about firing fast vs medium
Silverton Pottery Company
Episode: Is it best to use the medium or fast fire setting on my kiln?
Gabriel Kline
Co-author of Amazing Glaze: Food Safe Recipes
Episode: Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins on food safe glazes
Bill Collins
Co-author and PhD Chemistry Professor
Episode: Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins on food safe glazes
Steven Young Lee
Ceramic artist and former director of the Archie Bray Foundation
Brickyard Network
Episode: Fluxed Up with Steven Young Lee
Susan Feagin
Clay manager at the Penland School of Crafts and solo artist
Penland School of Crafts
Episode: Fluxed Up with Susan Feagin
Meredith Host
Ceramic artist specializing in mid-range glazes and functional pieces
Episode: Fluxed Up with Meredith Host
Paul Andrew Wandless
Chicago-based artist, educator, and author
Author of Image Transfer on Clay
Episode: Fluxed Up with Paul Andrew Wandless
Pattie Chalmers
Ceramic artist with a diverse practice
Episode: Fluxed Up with Pattie Chalmers

Hosts

Kathy King
Host of For Flux Sake, affiliated with Harvard Ceramics Program; brings extensive ceramics education and lab-based insights.
Rose Katz
Co-host; Ceramic Materials Workshop; provides glaze chemistry and studio practice perspectives.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 459 ratings
  • Love the science!

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Lil4!
    United States4 months ago
  • The best ceramics podcast

    Great info presented in an entertaining and engaging way. I do have to say that while Kathy and Rose are a delight, I sometimes have to take a break from the podcast because Matt rubs me the wrong way — comes across very arrogant and condescending.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pixar4Prez
    United States4 months ago
  • Worth my time!

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nick name throwthedice
    United Statesa year ago
  • Not to be missed

    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 o... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DonKopy
    United Statesa year ago
  • Fun, engaging and educational

    Love this show, I learn something in every episode. As soon as I hear the jingle I feel happy.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nitchi0999
    Australiaa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans value depth on glaze safety, materials, and problem-solving across studio scales.
Listeners praise rigorous science behind ceramics topics and practical usefulness of testing advice.
Many appreciate host chemistry banter and approachable delivery, with some noting occasional audio issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#44
United States/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#86
Canada/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#159
United Kingdom/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#72
Australia/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#196
Italy/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#216
Germany/Arts/Visual Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Do things ever explode in a glaze firing?
Q: Can anything explode after this firing, during glaze firing?
Explosions are rare and usually involve trapped moisture turning into steam; more commonly, failures come from internal stresses like dunting or improper glaze distribution, not chemical explosions.
Do all glazes need Bentonite?
Q: What's the safe way to handle waxing bottoms with hot wax?
The panel cautions that wax handling can be dangerous and potentially fire-prone; use safer methods like electric equipment with proper temperature control, and avoid improvisations that could lead to fires.
Do all glazes need Bentonite?
Q: Is refiring a pot worth it if you're unhappy with the first firing?
In general, refiring is not relied upon to fix flaws; better to re-glaze or remake the piece. Only in rare cases might a limited refire address minor issues, but it's often ineffective for major problems like crawling or pinholes.
The Cost versus Reliability episode
Q: I basically try to find every moment that I can to play with mud... I have a question about thermocouples and whether upgrading to S-type is worth it given Cone 6 firings.
The panel explains that K-type thermocouples degrade with use, causing varying readings and unreliable firings, and that upgrading to S-type improves long-term accuracy and consistency, especially for multiple zones; wiring and controller settings must be updated accordingly.
Can I add something to a commercial glaze to change its temperature?
Q: Karen asks about white spots on surfaces after using Val Cushing Turquoise glaze and whether the crystals indicate degradation or formation.
They explain the white spots are crystals formed in crystalline glazes, not degradation; the phenomenon depends on glaze chemistry, glaze body, and firing conditions, and understanding the chemistry helps predict when crystals will form.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About For Flux Sake

What is For Flux Sake about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A technically focused show centered on ceramics chemistry, glazes, firing, and studio practice, driven by in-depth Q&A and practical testing guidance. Listeners routinely get actionable tips on glaze formulation, material sourcing, kiln control, and troubleshooting, balanced with accessible banter and host expertise. Noteworthy threads include debunking myths in materials science, testing-driven approaches to reliability, and how supply-chain issues shape what makers can buy. The format consistently blends science with hands-on studio know-how, making complex topics approachable for both hobbyists and professionals seeking problem-solving guidance and up-to-date material insights.

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How many listeners does For Flux Sake get?

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Which podcasts are similar to For Flux Sake?

These podcasts share a similar audience with For Flux Sake:

1. Tales of a Red Clay Rambler: A pottery and ceramic art podcast
2. The Maker's Playbook
3. The Potters Cast
4. Wheel Talk
5. Ologies with Alie Ward

How many episodes of For Flux Sake are there?

For Flux Sake launched 5 years ago and published 125 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on For Flux Sake?

Recent guests on For Flux Sake include:

1. Claire from London
2. Ian Tanner
3. Gabriel Kline
4. Bill Collins
5. Steven Young Lee
6. Susan Feagin
7. Meredith Host
8. Paul Andrew Wandless

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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