Episodes

  • The Cost versus Reliability episode
    Jun 10 2026

    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 related but strange note, they also talk about how a popular outdoor grill helped lead the U.S. into our current talc shortage.

    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 Rohde Kilns, 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:

    S-type, K-type, thermocouple, cordierite, advancer, kiln shelf, Big Green Egg, talc

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    40 mins
  • Can I add something to a commercial glaze to change its temperature?
    Jun 3 2026

    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 glaze. They also answer listener questions about what to do when all your glazes mature at a different temperature, and how to identify a mystery white spot in the surface of your fired 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 Rhode Kilns, 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:

    Live show, glaze temperature, Cone 5, Cone 5 ½, Cone 6, crystal formation

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    37 mins
  • Why do layered glazes look different every time?
    May 13 2026

    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 glaze layering. What seems like a simple topic turns out to be quite complex. They also talk about helpful tips for buying and installing your first home kiln.

    Have you ever wanted to be on a For Flux Sake episode? Join the gang in person for a live taping June 5th at the Harvard Ed Portal! Kathy, Matt, Rose, and Producer Ben will be in Boston to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. Do you secretly need even more live shows? June 6th you can join a special Flux U taping at Harvard Ceramics. It's going to be a whole wonderful weekend of clay and glaze mania.

    Flux U, is an exclusive perk for Patreon members. If you'd like to have access to additional episodes like this one and special merch head on over to Patreon and join the For Flux Sake community.

    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 application, kiln, electrician, particle packing, layering

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    39 mins
  • Can I use ash from a volcano in my glaze?
    May 6 2026

    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 keeping pets and children safe in a home studio, and methods for reducing pinholing.

    Would you like to ask your burning questions about clay and glaze to Kathy, Matt, and Rose in person? June 5th the whole gang heads to Boston for a live show. It's going to be a blast! Tickets are available now through the Harvard Ed Portal.

    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:

    Ash Glaze, home studio, silica, silicosis, pinholing

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    29 mins
  • 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

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    37 mins
  • What causes carbon coring in clays?
    Mar 4 2026

    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 the gang talk about the phenomenon along with questions about kiln safety, and best studio practices for kids and pets.

    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:

    Carbon coring, red iron oxide, black iron oxide, reduction, stoneware clay

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    37 mins