What are the best pottery podcasts right now? Well that’s argumentative , but I will share my favorite podcasts with you.
Spoiler alert: they are all American podcasts. I listen to Dutch, German and English podcasts, but at the moment I only know podcasts about pottery and ceramics in the English language.
Why now a blog about pottery podcasts? Because in the current corona crisis it is good to also focus on other things. Stay tuned on the advice of of your government (RIVM in the Netherlands) to prevent the spread of the virus. When you’ve done that (and keep doing that) then there’s time for other things!
And what better way to spend your time than listening to podcasts about pottery, ceramics and ceramists around the world? If you are not yet a frequent listener of pottery podcasts, now is the time to start…
What is a podcast?
“A podcast is an episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that a user can download to a personal device for easy listening.” (Wikipedia)
Okay, a nice definition, but .. uh .. what exactly is it?
For me, a podcast is a radio program, which I can listen when it suits me. You can listen to a podcast on the creator’s website, but it’s easier to play an episode with a special podcast program or app.
On my PC or laptop Gpodder is my favorite. On my phone or tab I use Google Podcasts. But there are numerous apps for the different platforms to listen to podcasts.
These are recommended apps of my favorite broadcast company (VPRO):
Pottery Podcasts: my top three
And if you’re ready to listen to a podcast, what should you choose? If you’re a ceramics enthusiast like me, you should listen to my top three pottery podcasts.
1. The Potters Cast
The Potters Cast is Paul Blais’ podcast. He has already posted more than 600 (!) interviews online in recent years. He focuses on the entrepreneurship of the ceramists he interviews.
“Picking up where the art degree ends”
He has a friendly interview style and a keen eye at the commercial side of the ceramics profession. He became part of my work process. With my hands in clay, I like to listen to his podcasts. With usually two interviews a week it’s like working with a friend in the studio.
2. Tales of a Red Clay Rambler
The Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast has been made by Ben Carter for years. He interviews ceramists, artists and other “culture makers“.
He focuses more on the art and culture impact his guests have on their surroundings and the “community“. The role of the creator in our society in this moment of time are central themes.
He has interviewed artists and art teachers all over the world. He records culture that’s currently “being made” for our generation and the generations to come.
His podcasts have broadened my horizon of the ceramics profession while I’m behind the wheel.
3. The Jonescast
The Jonescast was a podcast of Brian R. Jones. Unfortunately, “was” because he quit this podcast in 2014. Fortunately, the interviews can still be found on Sticher.
Brian Jones made more personal podcasts. He interviewed ceramists, but also told a lot about his own situation as a contemporary maker. He was also the first to create a real podcast for ceramists about contemporary ceramics.
I still enjoy listening and re-listening to his podcasts. Among other things, he has a made memorable Interview with the recently deceased ceramist Paulus Berensohn.
Other pottery podcasts
Unfortunately, I don’t know other pottery podcasts in other languages (which I can understand). But I do know other pottery podcasts in English:
I can recommend everyone to listen to pottery podcasts. In recent years I have become very addicted to them.
If you know any other podcasts, leave a comment at the bottom of this page. And if you’re going to start one: let me know, I’m always available for an interview 🙂
So broaden your horizon … uh… ears during these difficult times to come. Take care of your loved ones, prevent the virus from spreading and stay safe. Together we get through it and in the same time we can learn about pottery and ceramics!
Learned something from this blog? Give me a cup of coffee so I can write the next with new energy!
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