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
  • 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

    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • Do I really need to sieve my glazes?
    Feb 11 2026

    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 multiple temperature ranges, and answer a listener's question about bubbling in a clear glaze.

    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.

    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:

    Sieving, bubbling, clear glaze, low fire, mid range, high fire

    Show more Show less
    34 mins
All stars
Most relevant
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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