For Flux Sake

For Flux Sake

Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz

Episodes 84
Avg. Duration 35m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 4.8 (183)
Since Sep 2023
Latest Episode Jun 2026

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Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
46%
Hosting
rss.libsyn.com

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

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.

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Recent Episodes

S5E131 The Cost versus Reliability episode

Jun 10, 2026 40m

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…

S5E130 Can I add something to a commercial glaze to change its temperature?

Jun 03, 2026 36m

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…

S5E129 Why do layered glazes look different every time?

May 13, 2026 38m

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…

S5E128 Can I use ash from a volcano in my glaze?

May 06, 2026 29m

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…

S5E127 What materials should I buy to start mixing glazes?

Apr 08, 2026 30m

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…

S5E126 Is it best to use the medium or fast fire setting on my kiln?

Apr 01, 2026 34m

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…

S5E125 Why are my plates cracking?

Mar 11, 2026 37m

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…

S5E124 What causes carbon coring in clays?

Mar 04, 2026 36m

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…

S5E123 Do I really need to sieve my glazes?

Feb 11, 2026 33m

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…

S5E122 Should I make my own clay?

Feb 04, 2026 38m

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…

S5E121 Do kilns really need peep holes?

Jan 15, 2026 33m

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.…

S5E120 Is there a difference between real and fake ash glazes?

Jan 08, 2026 39m

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…

S5E119 Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins on food safe glazes

Dec 11, 2025 43m

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.…

S5E118 Why is the last 200 degrees of the firing the most important?

Dec 03, 2025 28m

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…

S5E117 Why is my casting slip hard-panning?

Nov 20, 2025 38m

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…

S5E116 Help my clay is plucking!

Nov 12, 2025 32m

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…

S5E115 Halloween Extravaganza with Lord Celsius, Wizard of Clays, and Copper Carb

Nov 01, 2025 33m

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…

S5E114 What are the do's and dont's of working in a community studio?

Oct 15, 2025 33m

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,…

S5E113 How do you convert glazes to European materials?

Oct 08, 2025 39m

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…

S5E112 What's the history behind Orton cones' unusual numbering system?

Oct 01, 2025 33m

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…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does For Flux Sake have?

For Flux Sake has published 84 episodes since September 2023, covering topics in Arts, Design.

Is For Flux Sake still active?

For Flux Sake is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 35m.

How do I contact For Flux Sake for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for For Flux Sake, including email and social media links.

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