PODCAST · arts
For Flux Sake
by Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz
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.
Episodes
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What happens when I rebisque my pots?
We love when our international friends call in and today we have a great question from Colombia. The gang talk about making vitrified clay with South American ingredients, the logistics of changing firing temperatures, and the effect of rebisquing a pot. CMW has a brand spanking new website,...
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Does it matter how fast my kiln cools?
We start today's episode with a trip to Materials Corner to talk about #1 Pottery Plaster. The gang also answer listener questions about converting celsius to fahrenheit and the cooling rates of kilns. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support…
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Can there be too much boron in a glaze?
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 listener questions about the amount of boron glazes, melting in cone 6 mattes, and a safety concern from drinking out of a...
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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 reassuring customers that they don't use lead and using the full range of cobalt and copper sources that are available on the...
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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 clays to cone 10, finding vitrified commercial clays, and the aesthetic origins of cone 10 glazes in the United States. Have you...
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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, altering glazes to fire hotter, dunting in plates, and the decomposition of iron in glazes. A very special thank you to Harvard...
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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 glaze firing, sanding bisque ware, and wheel cleaning. They also start the episode taking a trip to Materials Corner to talk...
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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, refiring in a community studio, particle packing for brushing glazes, and best practices for using Bentonite in glazes. Thanks…
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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 and a discussion about preventing warping in cordierite kiln shelves. On a related but strange note, they also talk about how…
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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 Producer Ben will be ready to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. They also answer listener questions about…
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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 glaze layering. What seems like a simple topic turns out to be quite complex. They also talk about helpful tips for buying and...
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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 keeping pets and children safe in a home studio, and methods for reducing pinholing. Would you like to ask your burning questions...
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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 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...
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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 slow, medium, and fast on Bartlett controllers, and how the rates affect glaze outcomes. They also answer a listener question from...
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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 about how to keep plates from cracking, the best temperature for firing terracotta, and if there is a vegan alternative for...
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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 the gang talk about the phenomenon along with questions about kiln safety, and best studio practices for kids and pets. Do you...
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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 prepare a glaze and why you might not need to sieve as much as you think. They also break down the idea of glazes that fire at…
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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. The gang also answers a listener's questions about the feasibility of making your own clay. What equipment do you need? Does…
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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 glazing only the interior of a pot. They also start the episode talking about the research Kathy is doing at Harvard Ceramics into…
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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 glaze outcomes. They also begin the episode sharing stories about the highs and lows of art center holiday sales. Do you have...
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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 Amazing Glaze: Food Safe Recipes. They discuss the definition of food safety, how to test glazes, and what they learned after…
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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 vitrification. They also discuss a class of clays out of the UK that vitrify at low fire temperatures. Have you checked out the...
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Why is my casting slip hard-panning?
Commercial casting slips are great for their convenience, but what do you do when your recipe hard-pans in the bucket? Today the gang talk about why hard-panning happens and how you can fix it. They also discuss making temp checks, the best bisque temp for commercial glazes, and the controversy...
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Help my clay is plucking!
Have you ever had small pieces of an unglazed foot ring stick to a kiln shelf? This bummer of a phenomenon is called plucking, and today the gang talk about how and why it happens. They also answer a listener's question about increasing plasticity in halloysite porcelains and take a trip to...
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Halloween Extravaganza with Lord Celsius, Wizard of Clays, and Copper Carb
Halloween is our favorite holiday at For Flux Sake. We can't get enough of the costumes, candy, and science! Join the gang this week as they answer listener questions about using wild clays in a community studio, washing dirty clay laundry, and the proper way to open a bag of dry ceramic…
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What are the do's and dont's of working in a community studio?
Joining a new community studio can be exciting, but also a little scary. Today the gang talk about how to be a good community member. They also answer listener questions about clay color changes, using tar paper in the studio, and where to start when you get your first potter's wheel. Do you have...
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How do you convert glazes to European materials?
Have you ever moved and had to convert your glazes to materials from a different continent? Today the gang talk about how you might do that along with why 'S' type thermocouples are the best for accurate firings. They also answer listener questions about upcycling large amounts of casting slip…
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What's the history behind Orton cones' unusual numbering system?
Today's episode starts with a trip to Materials Corner where the gang talk about the likely end of a favorite Kaolin for soda firing. They also answer listener questions about the logic behind Orton cone's numbering system, the cause of scumming in clay, and the lowest temperature that it's ok to...
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Is the bacteria in reclaimed clay a problem?
To start the show Kathy shares about the research being conducted into vanishing historic lusters at the Harvard Art Museum. The gang also answer listener questions about material supply chains, the cleanliness of reclaimed clay, and why Matt and Rose went solar. Do you have questions or need...
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What makes a glaze have a wide firing range?
Have you ever wondered why some glazes have a wide firing range? Today the gang talk about this phenomenon, answer listener questions about adding stains to clay bodies, and discuss underglaze application. This episode also starts with a trip to Materials Corner along with a check in from a...
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What defines low-fire ceramics?
We are back for season 5 of the show with a low-fire themed episode. Today the gang talk about a few parameters that define low-fire ceramics, as well as how de-airing pug mills work. They also start the show talking about the brand new For Flux Sake Patreon. This is a great way to show your...
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How does a kiln sitter work?
Do you remember the joys of using a kiln sitter? Those mini cones were so cute until you dropped one in the bottom of a fully loaded kiln. Even though manufacturers have shifted to computer controlled models, sitters were a key part of electric kilns for decades. Today on the show the gang answer...
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How can you tell if a glaze is fully melted?
Today your favorite glaze experts answer a listener's question about judging the melt of an ash glaze, methods for wet mixing bentonite, and whether or not it's safe to use industrial dinnerware made before lead was regulated. They also open the show talking about why you should never crush...
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Are metallic glazes similar to melted metal?
Have you ever wondered what makes a bronze glaze work? This week on the show the gang answer a listener's question about metallic oxides in glazes, and discuss the finer points of what makes a pinhole a pinhole. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at...
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Can you adjust a cone 6 glaze up to cone 10?
Have you ever found the perfect glaze, but it is formulated for a different temperature? Today the gang talk about adjusting glazes from cone 6 up to cone 10, and how you might tell if your kiln can handle going to cone 10. They also start the episode checking in about their summer plans. Do you...
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Does how tight a kiln is packed affect its final temperature?
Have you noticed how a tight kiln pack can slightly change your cones? In this week's episode the gang talk about why this happens, as well as answer a listener's question about firing a balloon inside of a ceramic sculpture. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at...
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What does vinegar do to clay?
Have you ever wondered why vinegar is added to joining slip? This week on the show the gang talk about the use of vinegar in the studio and the absorption rates of blending reclaimed clays. They also answer a listener's question about glazing terracotta flower pots. Do you have questions or need...
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Fluxed Up with Steven Young Lee
Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Steve Lee! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Steven shares about his path to harnessing...
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Are ceramic sealers safe to use on functional ceramics?
Today we return to the much loved topic of glaze durability on For Flux Sake. Kathy, Matt, and Rose start by talking about the long term durability of Bristol glazes. Then they delve into listener questions about ceramic sealers and substituting for Gerstley Borate in Raku glazes. Do you have...
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Episode 100!
Today we are celebrating the 100th episode of For Flux Sake! We'd like to thank the listeners for their excellent questions and for following along as the show has evolved over the last four years. To start this episode Kathy, Matt, and Rose share a few things they have learned making the show....
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Fluxed Up with Susan Feagin
Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Susan Feagin! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Susan shares funny stories about working at...
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When do glazes actually melt during the firing?
Have you ever wondered when the magic happens during the firing? This week on the show the gang talk about the last 100 degrees C of the firing when glazes generally do their melting. They also answer a listener's question about thermocouples placement, and take a trip to Materials Corner to talk...
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Who are we?
This show has been going on for so long that the gang thought they should reintroduce themselves. Kathy, Matt, and Rose start the show talking about the experiences that lead them into a life of clay. They also answer a listener's question about calcining clay. Do you have questions or need…
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Fluxed Up with Meredith Host
Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Meredith Host! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Meredith shares about working with decals...
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What should we know about cristobalite and quartz inversion?
Cristobalite and quartz inversion are the great boogie men of ceramics, often being used to explain cracking clay, glaze fit issues, and general ceramic mayhem. In this episode the gang sort fact from fiction and explain the changes that silica goes through during firing. They also start the...
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Fluxed Up with Paul Andrew Wandless
Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Paul Andrew Wandless! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Paul shares about making casting...
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Are there budget-friendly black and purple glazes?
Have you ever tried to create budget-friendly glazes? It can be hard, especially when you want rich purples and blacks. This week the gang talk about ways to save money in your glaze lab, and how tariffs might affect the supply chain. They also start the episode commiserating on how cold it is…
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How can I measure thermal expansion?
Have you noticed thermal expansion measurements on your clay or glaze recipes? If so you might be wondering what those measurements mean, and how you use them to predict glaze fit on a clay body. This week the gang discuss thermal expansion and why those numeric values aren't always so helpful....
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How can I get the best firing out of my new kiln?
New kilns bring lots of excitement to the studio, but also a few questions. Should I calibrate my thermocouple? And, Do I need to adjust my firing rate to my new elements? This episode the gang talk about new kilns, ASTM standards for ware, and the difference between K23 and K26 soft bricks. They...
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Fluxed Up with Pattie Chalmers
Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Pattie Chalmers! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Pattie shares a mishap with clay...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does For Flux Sake have?
For Flux Sake currently has 66 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is For Flux Sake about?
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.
How often does For Flux Sake release new episodes?
For Flux Sake has 66 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to For Flux Sake?
You can listen to For Flux Sake on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts For Flux Sake?
For Flux Sake is created and hosted by Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz.
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