Best Ryan Durbin Amp Becca Otis Podcasts (2025)

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#302 - What to Make for Spring Shows 2:14:16

3d ago2:14:16

2:14:16

Ryan and Becca catch up on recent life updates and share what’s on the horizon for Ryan’s upcoming shows. They also dive into ideas for spring show inventory, discussing functional and decorative forms that are popular this time of year, plus a few seasonal items to keep in mind for later in the year. Maker of the Moment Maritza Leon @the.introvert…

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#301 - The Jigger and Jolly Journey with Jody Lewis of Good Wheel Ceramics 2:55:39

10d ago2:55:39

2:55:39

Ryan and Becca are joined by Jody Lewis of Good Wheel Ceramics, a Canadian potter whose journey from hobbyist to full-time artist is as thoughtful as his work. Jody shares how he incorporates jiggering and jollying techniques into his process and reflects on what it's been like balancing his growing pottery business alongside his partner’s demandin…

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#300 - The Art of Teaching Workshops with Tzipporah Schvarcz from Sipor Ceramics 2:24:26

17d ago2:24:26

2:24:26

Ryan and Becca welcome back Tzipporah Schvarcz of Sipor Ceramics for her third appearance to dive into the ins and outs of hosting and teaching pottery workshops, both in-person and online. They explore marketing strategies, pricing, the rise of virtual summits, and how workshop formats have evolved. Plus, they reflect on recent NCECA experiences a…

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#299 - Making the Most of NCECA—Without Breaking the Bank 2:28:57

26d ago2:28:57

2:28:57

Ryan and Becca share highlights from their recent trip to Salt Lake City for the annual NCECA pottery conference. They dive into the highs and lows of the experience, explore practical ways to navigate the costs of attending, and reflect on what they’d do differently next time. Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or planning your first NCECA,…

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#298 - Show season strategy with Isaac Shue 2:43:14

1M ago2:43:14

2:43:14

Ryan is back with Isaac Shue to share practical tips for pricing pottery, creating effective displays, and making the most of art fairs and festivals. They also talk through website strategy, studio expansion, and the challenges of balancing a creative business with life’s demands—all while answering listener questions along the way. Maker of the M…

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#297 - Between Two Podcasts with Mike Griffin of Between Two Ewers 2:01:04

1M ago2:01:04

2:01:04

Ryan & Becca are joined by Mike from Mike Griffin Ceramics and the Between Two Ewers podcast to chat about the difference between capital ‘P’ and lowercase ‘p’ potters, Ryan’s day job, bisque mug butts, mid-range soda workshops, and more. Catch the video version on YouTube via Between Two Ewers. -----Find more about Mike's business and podcast belo…

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#296 - Beyond Social Media: Why Your Mailing List Matters with Heidi Fahrenbacher from Bella Joy Pottery 2:23:33

2M ago2:23:33

2:23:33

Ryan sits down with Heidi Fahrenbacher to dive into the world of email marketing and how potters can make the most of their mailing lists. They also chat about time management strategies and the ongoing challenge of balancing productivity with creativity. Plus, they touch on the overwhelm that comes with managing all the moving pieces of a pottery …

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#295 - Craft Show Chaos: Managing the Busy Season 1:50:33

2M ago1:50:33

1:50:33

Ryan and Becca dive into the ups and downs of running their pottery businesses, sharing experiences from craft shows, strategies for managing busy seasons, and the nitty-gritty of pottery production. They swap tips on choosing the right art markets, keeping inventory in check, and making sure the hustle stays fun (and profitable). Plus, they chat a…

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#294 - Mastering ceramic decals with Isaac Shue 2:18:12

2M ago2:18:12

2:18:12

Ryan and Isaac Shue discuss preparations for Gallery Mostasa's spring show, covering pottery production, glaze techniques, and marketing. They dive into ceramic decals for customization, along with pricing strategies, custom order challenges, and future plans for wholesale mug production. Maker of the Moment Austin Riddle @austinriddlepottery Natha…

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#293 - Side hustle or full-time? Weighing the pros and cons 2:09:44

2M ago2:09:44

2:09:44

Ryan and Becca discussed the pros and cons of running a side business versus full-time self-employment, emphasizing the importance of routines and boundaries. They also touched on financial planning, upcoming events, and the differences between working solo and in a team environment. Maker of the Moment Em Gabriel - @emgabrielart Ray Brown - @rlbro…

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#292 - Q&A Part X 1:30:21

2M ago1:30:21

1:30:21

Ryan & Becca are back with another Q&A episode! They answer a range of questions from wedging tables to storing your inventory efficiently to developing new product lines. Thanks to everyone who continues to send us questions on Instagram and by email! Maker of the Moment Sara Tolbert - @saratolbertceramics Preston Tolbert - @preston.tolbert Eric B…

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#291 - Profit First with Taylor Swilley 2:34:25

3M ago2:34:25

2:34:25

Ryan and Becca return for the fourth chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they explore key takeaways and connect the book’s themes to their own businesses. They also discussed various aspects of business management, including client relationships, debt management, and e…

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#290 - Building a ceramic collection, one mug at a time – with Layla Lynn, aka The Mug Maiden 2:07:46

3M ago2:07:46

2:07:46

Ryan & Becca are joined by Layla Lynn, also known as the Mug Maiden, a passionate ceramic mug collector with an impressive collection of over 700 pieces. Layla shares her love for handmade ceramics and dives into her experiences within the ceramics community, from building relationships with artists to buying and unboxing handmade work. They also d…

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#289 - The art & business of ceramic jewelry with Deanna Poelsma from Glazed & Confused Creations 2:30:16

3M ago2:30:16

2:30:16

Ryan & Becca chat with Deanna Poelsma from Glazed & Confused Creations about the art and business of ceramic jewelry. They discuss clay types, firing processes, tools, and materials for crafting and displaying ceramic jewelry. Deanna shares insights on booth setup, marketing strategies, and equipment for powering lights at craft fairs. They also ex…

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#288 - Authentic growth & "The Essential Pottery Notebook" with Kara Leigh Ford 2:24:09

3M ago2:24:09

2:24:09

Ryan & Becca are joined by Kara Leigh Ford, a potter based in the United Kingdom, to discuss her journey from a full-time career in marketing to building a thriving pottery business. Kara shares her insights on pricing handmade ceramics, selling at markets, and navigating online sales. They also dive into the realities of running a pottery studio, …

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#287 - Making progress: From setting goals to staying inspired 2:20:02

4M ago2:20:02

2:20:02

Ryan and Becca kick off the episode by answering listener questions about point-of-sale systems and the enjoyable (and less enjoyable) parts of their making process. Then, they dive into the topic of the day: setting achievable goals to improve your pottery skills for the long term. Along the way, they share practical tips for staying realistic and…

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#286 - Simple steps to organize your business finances 2:02:07

4M ago2:02:07

2:02:07

Ryan and Becca dive into the importance of maintaining separate bank accounts for business transactions, efficiently tracking expenses, and staying on top of quarterly tax payments. They also discuss the value of understanding business structures and managing finances, sharing helpful resources for every stage of your business journey. Maker of the…

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#285 - New year, new focus 2:33:09

4M ago2:33:09

2:33:09

Ryan and Becca kick off the new year by sharing their personal and professional goals for 2025. They dive into strategies for improving time tracking in their small business, discuss aspirations like securing a role with Speedball, and outline financial and marketing goals. They also explore potential collaborations with consignment shops and the o…

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#284 - Reflections on 2024: Business Wins and Challenges 2:31:18

4M ago2:31:18

2:31:18

Ryan and Becca reflect on their 2024 business journeys, sharing the highs and lows and evaluating whether they met their goals. They dive into their financial strategies, the importance of tracking expenses and income, and the lessons learned along the way. The episode wraps up with a discussion of their unique skills, perspectives, and Ryan’s insi…

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#283 - Essentials for a small studio 1:59:43

5M ago1:59:43

1:59:43

Ryan and Becca share some strategies for boosting attendance at upcoming workshops, emphasize the value of clear communication and marketing, and offer tips for optimizing studio spaces. They also explores affordable kiln firing options for beginners and introduces an exciting new podcast segment spotlighting emerging potters. Maker of the Moment C…

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#282 - Handling problematic customers & soda kiln visions 1:22:39

5M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

Ryan and Becca share candid experiences with challenging customers and explore how their personalities and appearances can shape these interactions. Wrapping up the episode, they discuss the dream of Ryan building a soda kiln in the backyard and the logistics of installing a gas line for the project. Listeners Questions On this episode: - What are …

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#281 - Teaching, digital art & craftsmanship with Bryan Wilkerson 2:18:49

5M ago2:18:49

2:18:49

Ryan and Becca chat with Bryan Wilkerson, a professor of art and design, about his journey in teaching, digital art, and the Impostors Cup Show. They dive into the challenges of firing techniques, behind the scenes of the Impostors Cup Show, why he likes attending NCECA over the years, and how Bryan uses digital tools to refine his craft while stay…

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#280 - What we're thankful for in the ceramics community 1:46:58

5M ago1:46:58

1:46:58

In this episode, Ryan and Becca reflect on the many reasons they’re grateful for the ceramics community, from shared knowledge to the friendships formed through clay. They also tackle listener questions about navigating challenging show requirements and making tough choices when sourcing commercial clay bodies. Thanks for your continued contributio…

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#279 - Worth it or not worth it 2:15:28

6M ago2:15:28

2:15:28

In this episode, Ryan and Becca discuss a range of tools, techniques, and business practices that have tried and whether they have been worth it or not worth it. These range from buying a pug mill to mixing your own glazes to selling at pop up events to taking on commission orders. Thanks to Caroline from @revisioniststudio for the topic idea! List…

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#278 - Hands-on tips for teaching short workshops 1:58:41

6M ago1:58:41

1:58:41

Ryan & Becca share advice about hosting your own 2 hour workshops. Becca has been hosting a number of these recently and has so much to share! Questions include: how much should I charge, what’s reasonable to complete in 2 hours, and how should I structure the class. They both have some good life updates to share as well. Enjoy! Resources #240 - Mo…

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#277 - How do you feel about preorders? 2:06:56

6M ago2:06:56

2:06:56

In this episode, Ryan and Becca answer a few listener questions before diving into the topic of preorders. Inspired by an Instagram story series from @themugmaiden, they discuss Ryan's experience as a customer of a preordered ceramic piece. They also explore the ins and outs of selling preorders, including tips for success and scenarios where offer…

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#276 - Turning Ideas into Art: Steal Like an Artist with Taylor Swilley 1:43:49

6M ago1:43:49

1:43:49

Ryan and Becca return for the third chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they explore key takeaways and connect the book’s themes to their own lives and businesses. We'll announce our next book club selection later in …

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#275 - Exploring Etsy HQ and brewing success at the Cincy Coffee Festival 1:31:16

6M ago1:31:16

1:31:16

In this episode, Ryan and Becca recap their time at the Cincinnati Coffee Festival, comparing sales, discussing what changed from last year, and exploring the new items Becca introduced. They also share highlights from Ryan’s recent trip to Brooklyn, New York, where he visited Etsy headquarters and attended the in-person Etsy Holiday Pop-Up event i…

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#274 - Big city, small business with Sarah Hussaini from Not Work Related 2:21:21

7M ago2:21:21

2:21:21

Ryan and Becca chat with Sarah Hussaini of Not Work Related about the challenges of growing her ceramics business in NYC. Sarah shares her journey of hiring and trusting others to maintain quality, balancing high overhead costs, and prioritizing sustainable growth. She also discusses how she evaluates large opportunities, using her Instagram as a p…

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#273 - Commissions, business startup tips, and Michiana Pottery Tour recap 1:52:59

7M ago1:52:59

1:52:59

In this episode, Ryan and Becca recap their time at the Michiana Pottery Tour before answer a few listener questions. Questions include handling commission inquiries and the best way to turn them down, business startup basics (registering a business name and setting up a bank account), and pricing for custom wholesale requests, like adding a stampe…

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#272 - Listener Q&A: Perfecting mystery boxes and kiln programs 1:52:56

7M ago1:52:56

1:52:56

In this episode, Ryan and Becca tackle a range of listener questions, offering valuable insights for potters with varied years of experience. They start by sharing their experience with mystery boxes—how many pieces to include, what types of pottery work well, and why they’re such a hit with customers. The discussion then shifts to kiln firing prog…

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#271 - Countdown to Pot Swap 2024: what’s new this year 1:18:29

7M ago1:18:29

1:18:29

Ryan & Becca are back with a special episode all about #PotSwap2024, our 7th year hosting this global event! We’ve got some exciting changes this year, and we’re covering all the details in today’s episode. Registration opens on Sunday, October 13th at 12 pm EDT and costs $5. It’s first come, first serve, with 1,000 spots for USA/Canada participant…

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#270 - Creating monumental installation art with Jackie Head 2:22:54

8M ago2:22:54

2:22:54

In this episode, Ryan and Becca welcome Jackie Head, a ceramic artist based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jackie shares insights from her journey through her BFA at Indiana University Bloomington and her MFA at Alfred University, as well as her experiences in ceramics residencies. Now a working artist, Jackie discusses her large-scale installation proj…

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#269 - Workshops, sales, and solving glaze problems 1:29:38

8M ago1:29:38

1:29:38

In this episode, Ryan and Becca catch up on Ryan's recent shows and his soda-firing workshop, while Becca shares details about her upcoming workshop. They also dive into a discussion on this year's sales trends so far. Later, they shift focus to the topic of the day: Ryan's recent struggles with a couple of problematic glazes. They explore potentia…

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#268 - Blending military life and ceramics with Delvin Goode from D Goode Art 2:29:09

8M ago2:29:09

2:29:09

Ryan and Becca welcome Delvin Goode of D Goode Art to share his creative evolution while balancing a military career the past 20+ years. We discuss his experience getting an MFA from Fort Hays State University while still serving before getting into his process as well, from blending wheel-thrown and slipcasting to his evolving use of mixed media. …

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#267 - Embracing a Creative Life: Big Magic with Taylor Swilley 2:20:02

8M ago2:20:02

2:20:02

Ryan and Becca return for another chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. They’re joined by Taylor Swilley—voice actor by day, potter by night, and cat snuggler in between. Together, they explore key takeaways from the book, discuss thought-provoking concepts, and highlight areas th…

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#266 - Creating through health struggles with Aleatha Aiken-Sherrer from aleathabean (Pt 2) 1:38:10

9M ago1:38:10

1:38:10

Ryan and Becca are back to finish their chat with Aleatha Aiken-Sherrer. Aletha flips the interview a bit and starts asking the hosts questions as we get deeper into topics ranging from commission orders to developing a style to being prepared for a busy show schedule. Enjoy! -----Find more about Aleatha's business below----- Instagram - @aleathabe…

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#265 - Creating through health struggles with Aleatha Aiken-Sherrer from aleathabean (Pt 1) 1:24:00

9M ago1:24:00

1:24:00

Ryan and Becca welcome back Aleatha Aiken-Sherrer from Aleathabean to chat on a range of topics. Aletha has some insights on using a cheap Amazon pottery wheel to sustain her business the past few years. We also get to hear more about how Aletha lives with Crohn's disease the past few years and how it impacts her business. Come back next week for t…

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#264 - Spaghetti brain or box brain? 2:08:28

9M ago2:08:28

2:08:28

Ryan & Becca get into an interesting discussion sparked from a human psychology thought experiment Ryan had recently. We get into the weeds about the differences between those who are flexible focusers ("spaghetti brained") and priority focusers ("box brained"). The discussion ensues and provides some context to how both Ryan & Becca manage their b…

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#263 - Cohesion vs. creativity in your pottery 1:48:39

9M ago1:48:39

1:48:39

Ryan & Becca tackle a listener question today about the importance of having a cohesive style in pottery. Two Sisters Pottery includes a sibling duo creating work in varying styles today. We discuss the balance between creative freedom and branding, offering insights on how diverse styles can coexist within a single pottery business. Thanks for lis…

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#262 - Lessons from The E-Myth Revisited 2:10:18

10M ago2:10:18

2:10:18

Ryan & Becca discuss some lessons learned after Ryan recently listened to some of The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. They specifically focus on the idea of the entrepreneur, the manager, and the technician and dive a little bit into franchising as the author explains as well. We share some insights related to our own businesses as we converse.…

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#261 - Virtual teaching milestones & new horizons with Tzipporah Schvarcz from Sipor Ceramics (Pt 2) 1:32:06

10M ago1:32:06

1:32:06

Ryan & Becca finish up our conversation with Tzipporah from Sipor Ceramics to hear more about packing for a big international move and a big project she's hosting this August. Tzipporah is bringing together 5 artists for Modern Clay: A Live Virtual Summit to help attendees learn a range of topics from wheel throwing, hand building, surface decorati…

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#260 - Virtual teaching milestones & new horizons with Tzipporah Schvarcz from Sipor Ceramics (Pt 1) 1:44:37

10M ago1:44:37

1:44:37

Ryan & Becca welcome back Tzipporah from Sipor Ceramics to catch up on what's happening with her virtual workshops since we last talked. Virtual teaching was in it's very early stages the last time we talked in August of 2023 for Tzipporah and she's come a long way since. In the midst of balancing family life and the business, she's moving out of h…

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#259 - Q&A Part IX 1:47:25

10M ago1:47:25

1:47:25

Ryan & Becca are back after a long time since their last Q&A episode nearly a year ago. They answer many of your questions related to business, studio practice, and a few random ones. Thanks to everyone who continues to send us questions on Instagram and by email! Listener Questions Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking a…

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#258 - A new start for Bluebird Clay with Jordan Kloppe (Pt 2) 1:23:59

10M ago1:23:59

1:23:59

Ryan and Becca are back with Jordan Kloppe, owner of Bluebird Clay, for part two of our discussion. He shares more about new product development, manufacturing challenges, experiences at pottery conferences (Clay Con West & NCECA), fulfilling orders efficiently, building a small pug mill, and the future of Bluebird. Thanks to Jordan for chatting an…

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#257 - A new start for Bluebird Clay with Jordan Kloppe (Pt 1) 1:22:33

11M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Ryan and Becca introduce listeners to Jordan Kloppe, new owner of Bluebird Clay. Bluebird is a name that’s been around our industry for decades and are most known for manufacturing pugmills, clay mixers, and Soldner pottery wheels. Jordan shares his outsider perspective as he recently purchased the business, brings it into a new era of manufacturin…

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#256 - Moving out of a studio 2:24:37

11M ago2:24:37

2:24:37

Ryan & Becca come ready to chat all about what's involved in moving out of a studio, no matter the size. I think we can all agree, moving sucks! Both have experience in moving to larger and smaller studios over the years. With Becca's recent move, she's got a lot to say about selling equipment, tools, clay, etc so someone else can get a second life…

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#255 - Adapting to uncertain times with Link Henderson from Kentucky Mudworks (Pt 2) 1:19:30

11M ago1:19:30

1:19:30

Ryan and Becca welcome back Link Henderson, the owner of Kentucky Mudworks and Dirty Girls Pottery Tools, for part two of our conversation from last week. They discuss switching to Shopify as a sales platform, running marketing campaigns/sales throughout the year, online and print resources for staying up-to-date on changes in our industry, and som…

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#254 - Adapting to uncertain times with Link Henderson from Kentucky Mudworks (Pt 1) 1:32:12

11M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

Ryan and Becca welcome back Link Henderson, the owner of Kentucky Mudworks and Dirty Girls Pottery Tools, for an in-depth conversation. They discuss the significant adjustments Link's businesses have made since their last chat 3 years ago, particularly in response to the uncertainty surrounding raw materials. Link also shares insights into their ri…

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#253 - Becca's next challenge 2:07:49

12M ago2:07:49

2:07:49

Ryan & Becca are back to chat about Becca's next challenge as she's made her way back east for the summer. She's planning ahead for diving head first into online teaching in clay. It's not something too foreign for her, but she's been planning for months (maybe even years) to get to this point. There's a lot of unknowns still, but the plan is set i…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ryan Durbin Amp Becca Otis Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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