Podcast
For Flux Sake
Hosted by Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz · EN
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.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why do layered glazes look different every time?
5d ago00:38:34Tap to summarizeToday 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
Transcribe →Can I use ash from a volcano in my glaze?
2w ago00:29:26Tap to summarizeTo 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
Transcribe →What materials should I buy to start mixing glazes?
Apr 800:30:55Tap to summarizeWe 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
Transcribe →Is it best to use the medium or fast fire setting on my kiln?
Apr 100:34:37Tap to summarizeHave 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
Transcribe →Why are my plates cracking?
Mar 1100:37:26Tap to summarizeUnloading 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
Transcribe →What causes carbon coring in clays?
Mar 400:36:46Tap to summarizeWhat 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
Transcribe →Do I really need to sieve my glazes?
Feb 1100:33:59Tap to summarizeGlaze 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
Transcribe →Should I make my own clay?
Feb 400:38:30Tap to summarizeTo 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 doing it yourself save money? 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: EPK, Materials Corner, clay mixing, pug mill, Pioneer Kaolin, Georgia Kaolin
Transcribe →Do kilns really need peep holes?
Jan 1500:33:42Tap to summarizeHave 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 the historic use of graphite as a ceramic sealer. 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: Peep hole, kiln venting, glaze tension, glaze compression, dunting, vitrification
Transcribe →Is there a difference between real and fake ash glazes?
Jan 800:39:37Tap to summarizeHappy 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 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: Ash, Fake Ash, colorant, particle size, holiday sale, brushing glaze, dipping glaze
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