PODCAST

The Riley Black Project

Riley Black

Where we talk about lasers, life and all the ish in between!

arts design

All Episodes

64:10

On the Road to Next Level: Snacks, Lasers & AI

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/09/08

Send us a text Hit the road with us for this special Riley Black Project episode, recorded on the way to the Next Level Laser Conference 2025! 🚗✨ We cover everything from road trip snacks and travel stories to how fast laser technology is evolving, the rise of UV printing, and how makers can use these new tools to test markets and grow their businesses. Plus, we dive deep into AI in content creation, sharing how we use tools like ChatGPT and automation in our podcast, video editing, and

63:53

The TroVan Life: Frankie from Trotec Shows Us Inside

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/09/01

Send us a text On this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Frankie from Trotec to talk about life on the road with the TroVan. Frankie shares how he’s turning a ProMaster into a mobile demo hub, traveling from Florida to Michigan, Miami, Atlanta, and beyond—bringing the Trotec Speedy 360 right to makers’ doors. We dive into: What it’s like running laser demos out of a van (yes, even in bank parking lots!) Frankie’s transition from electrical engineering and defense contrac...

66:20

Social Media Made Simple – Without the Burnout

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/08/25

Send us a text This week on The Riley Black Project, we’re joined by Sara, the virtual assistant who has been saving businesses (and our sanity) one task at a time — and now she’s taking it to the next level with her new subscription service, My Social Companion. We talk about: How a VA can free up your time and streamline your business Why most makers and small business owners post sporadically (and how to fix it) The real benefits of batching content vs. posting daily Why email marketi...

57:32

From Creative Chaos to Financial Clarity: Bookkeeping...

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/08/18

Send us a text This week on The Riley Black Project, we’re hanging out with Jess & Alex from JT Financial Studio — the power duo helping makers, laser owners, and small business hustlers finally get their books, taxes, and finances in order. From filing your LLC without falling for scams, to knowing when to switch from an LLC to an S-Corp, to avoiding the most common (and costly) tax mistakes — they break it all down in plain English. We talk: The real startup headaches no one tells yo...

70:42

From Middle School to Manufacturer: The MakerFlo Journey

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/08/11

Send us a text In this wild episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with John and Mark of MakerFlo — two longtime friends turned laser biz legends. From being held at gunpoint at an international border (yes, really!) to building a thriving supply business for makers, their journey is full of laughs, lessons, and a little chaos. We dive into: Their insane border story (and how they got out of it 😳) How their business started by accident (and what they learned the hard way) The

66:39

David vs. Blake: Laserland’s Most Chaotic Bromance

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/08/04

Send us a text In this wild and hilarious episode of The Riley Black Project, we're bringing together two laser world favorites—Blake and David—for a bromantic showdown like no other. From Keychain Thingies to booth-building tips, trade show antics, crafting confessions, and an actual beard vs. beard charity battle, this one is packed with laughs, ideas, and behind-the-scenes hustle. We dive into: The origin of David joining the Keychain Thingies dealer squad (and announcing it... months la...

76:45

Branding So Good It’s Easy Peasy – Alyssa Tells All

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/07/28

Send us a text In this juicy episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Alyssa of Lemon Squeezy Brands, a powerhouse branding expert who helps small business owners turn chaos into clarity through bold brand strategy and killer websites. 🍋 Alyssa shares her wild journey from leaving the news industry to launching a wood sign business, going viral for all the wrong reasons on TikTok, and turning it all into a thriving branding studio that makes it easy peasy for makers, creatives,

60:17

From Jigs to Retail: Daniel’s Journey with Customz It

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/07/21

Send us a text In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we catch up with the king of laser jigs and 3D-printed precision: Daniel of Alive Pixel Creates and Customz It! Daniel joins us fresh off launching his new brick-and-mortar maker shop—and let's just say, it's been a wild ride of jig design, shop setup surprises, and all the “what-the-heck” moments you only discover after opening your doors. We dive deep into: The unexpected lessons from launching a laser + maker retail space How Da...

80:20

This Episode Deserves a Trophy (Luckily, Megan Makes...

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/07/14

Send us a text This week on The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Megan of Raymond’s Trophies — APA Volunteer of the Year, laser badass, and longtime industry pro. We dive deep into her journey from photography and corporate life to running a family-owned awards business, how Raymond’s evolved through decades of innovation, and why adaptability is the secret sauce to longevity in any maker business. We talk gatekeeping in the early laser days, the Glowforge “lightbulb” moment, COVID-era ...

53:31

Work Boots, Glasses & Business Moves – Meet D’ondra!

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/07/07

Send us a text In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with D’ondra of Work Boots & Glasses, a self-taught maker whose business journey started by kicking her husband's car out of the garage—literally. From building furniture to launching a fresh line of earrings and glassware, D’ondra shares how she turned her DIY spirit into a full-blown brand. We talk chocolate stashes, market wins and fails, creative chaos, and how documenting your journey (even the messy parts) build...

62:42

Real Talk on Etsy, Shopify & Pivoting Like a Pro:...

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/06/30

Send us a text In this week’s episode of The Riley Black Project, we welcome back our acrylic plug, Melody from CMB, for a long-overdue catch-up! 🎉 We dive into how her business has transformed since her first appearance (way back in Episode 78!), including her shift into Shopify expertise, scaling to a massive 14,000 sq ft space, and embracing the unpredictable pivots of entrepreneurship. 💼 We talk shop about the importance of diversifying beyond Etsy, the power of community and

44:05

Live from the Jamboree! Chaos, Laughs & Real Talk

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/06/23

Send us a text Live from the Jamboree! This episode of The Riley Black Project is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes chaos, and real talk as Crystal and John host a special live recording during a laser maker Summer Camp. We’re sharing takeaways from teaching classes, navigating tech fails, and connecting with the incredible maker community IRL. Hear about the unexpected moments, what worked (and what really didn’t), and the magic that happens when online friends become in-person family. ...

59:32

Let’s Go, Laser Maker Con! Emily’s Back with Big Energy

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/06/16

Send us a text Interested in Laser Maker Con? Use our link to become a VIP and take advantage of the fast action pass! Discount lasts just 20 mins, so act fast! Https://www.lasermakercon.com/?affiliate=crystal_aguila This week on The Riley Black Project, we welcome back the one and only Emily — better known as That Mom With a Laser! In this episode, we dive deep into the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of juggling life, content creation, and raising little makers in the laser ...

44:44

When the Universe Hands You a Key… You Build a Studio

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/06/09

Send us a text In this Episode of The Riley Black Project, Crystal and John drop a huge update — they're launching a brand-new rentable podcast & content creation studio in Sebastian, Florida! 🎉 This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the wild journey that led to Riley Black Studios — from a simple DM to securing the perfect space, making hard decisions, investing in a dream, and planning for the grand opening. It’s all about chasing passion, trusting timing, and taking smart risks

85:54

Cut, Spray, Repeat: The Stencil Hustle You Didn’t...

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/06/02

Send us a text 🎙️ In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Collin from Stencil Stop to dive into the art and business of laser-cut stencils, custom designs, and viral content. From humble beginnings to creating jaw-dropping multi-layered stencil art that’s turned heads on social media, Collin shares the evolution of his laser journey and how he’s built a full-time business around creativity, licensing integrity, and pure stencil mastery. We explore: 🔥 The leap from side

72:35

Inside MBZ Designs: UV Printing, Lasers & Creative Chaos

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/05/26

Send us a text In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we welcome Bill and Anne of MBZ Designs to talk shop — from navigating laser upgrades and UV printing to the chaos of Amazon box piles and unexpected spider roommates. 🕷️ We dive deep into: -The real-life realities of creating content when you don’t feel like it 🎥 -How the Glowforge “gateway drug” led to serious business upgrades 🔥 -Fiber internet woes, tech fails, and why backups save your sanity 💾 -Bus...

70:31

From Teacher to Laser Boss: Jess of Script & Grain...

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/05/19

Send us a text In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Jess of Script & Grain — a former teacher turned full-time laser business owner, mom of five, and early riser (seriously... 4am!). She shares her journey from calligraphy and wedding signage to launching her own creative laser brand, all while juggling a big family and building a life of freedom. We dive into: -Her bold leap from teaching to entrepreneurship -How maternity leave (or lack of it) shaped her decisi...

86:47

Behind LBX: How LightBurn Turned a Software Brand...

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/05/12

Send us a text In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we reconnect with Jason from LightBurn to talk all things LBX—the LightBurn Experience that blends community, learning, and laser innovation like never before. We dive into what makes LBX unique (spoiler: it’s not your typical expo), the evolution of LightBurn’s software, and what it takes to keep users excited and empowered in the maker world. Plus, we share stories from past events, talk awkward fan encounters, parenting with a sid...

57:23

Printers, People, and PDS Vibes – That's UV Energize!

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/05/05

Send us a text This week on The Riley Black Project, we're joined by the unforgettable Steve from PDS — a man who's done everything from accidentally hooking his lip to his nose while fishing 🪝, to becoming the top Mimaki dealer in the U.S. five years in a row, and recently being crowned Supplier of the Year at APA! We dive deep into: 🎣 Wild stories (African water buffalo, anyone?) 🖨 The UV printer boom and how to prep for success 📦 The real talk behind small-scale vs. production-grade

64:21

Summer Camp for Makers-And Kim & Garrett Are Your...

The Riley Black Project ·

2025/04/28

Send us a text This week on The Riley Black Project, we’re hanging out with the dynamic duo Kim and Garrett — returning guests and makers turned event planners — as they drop the details on their upcoming Laser Jamboree 🎉 We talk all things: -How their cruise meetup inspired a full-on summer camp-style maker event (complete with loot bags and karaoke) -What it’s really like running a business with your spouse 👫 -Behind-the-scenes planning chaos and the beauty of keeping things casual

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The Riley Black Project

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