For Flux Sake Podcast By Kathy King Rose Katz Matt Katz cover art

For Flux Sake

For Flux Sake

By: Kathy King Rose Katz Matt Katz
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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.Ceramic Materials Workshop Art
Episodes
  • What materials should I buy to start mixing glazes?
    Apr 8 2026

    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 glaze lab. The gang also answer a question about cleaning up clay with soap and take a trip to Materials Corner to report on the recent bankruptcy of a major ceramic materials supplier.

    Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today.

    Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

    This week's episode features the following topics:

    Glaze lab, beginner glazes, soap, Materials Corner

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    31 mins
  • Is it best to use the medium or fast fire setting on my kiln?
    Apr 1 2026

    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 slow, medium, and fast on Bartlett controllers, and how the rates affect glaze outcomes. They also answer a listener question from Sweden about Boron sources and why some of them were recently banned. To start the episode Rose and Matt also announce their exciting new adventure into the world of commercial glaze - Ware Glaze.

    Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today.

    Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

    This week's episode features the following topics:

    Firing speed, Bartlett controller, borax, boron, Sweden

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    35 mins
  • Why are my plates cracking?
    Mar 11 2026

    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 about how to keep plates from cracking, the best temperature for firing terracotta, and if there is a vegan alternative for shellac.

    Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Are you coming to NCECA? Look for Matt and Rose at the Ceramic Materials Workshop booth and Kathy at the Harvard Ceramic booth in the expo hall. Hope to see you there.

    Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today.

    Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

    This week's episode features the following topics:

    Compression, particle packing, terracotta, low fire, shellac

    Show more Show less
    37 mins
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For all your burning clay and glaze questions, Matt, Rose and Kathy keep it real. I am forever grateful for kamong other things) permission to flip on all the switches and fire fast, and I haven't looked back - thanks For Flux Sake!

Always a fun listen, and you learn stuff too...

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Love the scientific information that dispels many passed down myths. saving lots of time and learning what really works. Kathy is just hysterical with her off the cuff one-liners.

Dispelling pottery myths!

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I just love for Flux Sake. Excellent information, that is intelligent yet delivered in a manner that is easy to understand. and a super fun and entertaining team!

Flux Sake Rocks!

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I can hardly wait for more! After 20 yrs as a potter I mostly know, how much I don’t know.😁 I love when I can still pick up new knowledge I can trust.

Bing worthy potter’s delight!

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I have learned so much from these podcasts. I'm not an experienced potter, but they explain things at a level that even novices can understand. Highly recommend listening if you're interested in learning about making pottery.

Great Learning Source

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