The Riley Black Project
Where we talk about lasers, life and all the ish in between!
Episodes
Next Level is back… but this year, it’s bigger than lasers.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Will and Mark to talk all things Next Level Maker Con 2026, the shift from Next Level Laser Conference to a broader maker-focused event, and why this year’s theme of “Refreshed” matters more than ever.
We dive into:
• Why the event changed from laser-focuse...
Running a business is hard enough…
Now try doing it while your co-host is out of state, your kids are running wild, and you’re juggling multiple businesses at once 😅
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John holds it down solo (barely 😂) before being joined by Srishti & Arpit from Esenay Digital — a global agency helping makers and small businesses scale online the right way.
From ...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal record from two different states while juggling real life, real business, and everything in between.
But this episode isn’t just a life update…
We’re joined by Sumita & Anuj to break down UV Ink Fest, a brand-new virtual conference designed to bring real education to makers—without the need to travel.
We dive into:
•...
What does it really take to scale a creative business… without burning out or losing everything?
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Chantz from Custom Grains to talk about the real side of growth — the wins, the stress, the risks, and the lessons that come with building multiple businesses at once.
From losing a massive TikTok following overnight…
to investing hundreds...
What happens when frustration turns into innovation… and that innovation turns into an entire company?
P.S. We lost Power at the end
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Jenna from AP Lazer to break down how their machines were born out of a real problem engraving massive granite pieces that simply wouldn’t fit into traditional laser beds.
That frustr...
What happens when two creators turn chaos into content… and accidentally build a movement?
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Kim & Garrett to talk about their journey building a brand through live content, community, and a little bit of “figure it out as we go” energy.
From late-night prep sessions and sweaty live streams… to launching their Loot Box subscription and ...
What happens when you stop trying to be everything… and finally lean into what makes you different?
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Jordan from Oak & Embers to talk about her journey from sewing business → laser artist → full-time creator building a brand rooted in custom, one-of-a-kind work.
This isn’t just a maker story… it’s a masterclass in finding your lane, tr...
Five canceled flights.
Getting stranded in Baltimore.
…And somehow, it was still worth it.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal break down their full experience traveling to and from the Michigan Maker Summit—including one of the most chaotic travel stories they’ve ever lived through.
But this isn’t just a travel horror story…
It’s about community, showing up, teaching, and why events like t...
From pyrotechnics at Universal Studios to becoming President of the Awards & Personalization Association (APA) — Justin’s journey is one you don’t hear every day.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Justin Varn of Awards4U to talk about growing up in the awards industry, stepping into a family business, and eventually becoming APA President.
But the story ...
Breaking news in the laser world… and a powerful conversation you don’t want to miss.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Brandon of Szuch Design to talk about:
• The acquisition of Aeon Laser USA by Aeon China — and what it could mean for the industry
• Building a woodworking and CNC business from scratch
• Turning upcycled black walnut rounds into sc...
We’re back at APA Expo 2026 — and this year hits different.
In this special on-location episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Josh Perry to talk about what can happen in just one year when you show up, shake hands, and lean into community.
Last year, Josh walked into APA alone, looking for direction.
This year?
He’s speaking.
He’s upgrading machines.
And he’s up for Retailer ...
J.R. is back.
In this special episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with their son J.R. for a follow-up conversation years after his first appearance on the podcast. What follows is equal parts hilarious, emotional, and eye-opening.
From talking about school, Pokémon cards, football dreams, and YouTube creators like MrBeast… to opening up about what makes him proud, nervous, and excited for the...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Victoria of The Bar Society for a deep, honest, and surprisingly relatable conversation about starting in the laser world, overcoming fear, finding your niche, and building a business rooted in community—not comparison.
Victoria shares her journey from feeling completely overwhelmed by her first laser (the beeps, the keys, the nerves...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Blake from Great Lakes Laser Supply to talk about the Michigan Maker Summit—how it started, why smaller meetups matter, and what really happens when makers get in the same room without the pressure of massive expos.
What began as an idea on a 17-hour drive home from Next Level turned into a full-blown summit planned in just three wee...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Becky of Get On Board Signs & More for a heartfelt, practical, and surprisingly funny conversation about community, creativity, resilience, and building a business that fits real life.
Becky shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to creative entrepreneur, running mobile sign parties, opening a brick-and-mortar studio, navig...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal dive into a real-life business and mindset update after returning from a private maker meetup in Amelia Island, Florida—where content creation, follow-up, and community took center stage.
This episode is a mix of life, business, teaching, anxiety, growth, and clarity, as John reflects on stepping into more content-creation authority, navigating an...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal are joined once again by Megan of Raymond’s Trophies & Awards to talk all things APA Expo, maker events, community, and why showing up in person still matters.
With APA right around the corner, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually makes industry events valuable beyond just buying supplies. From procrastination confessions ...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down for a raw, unscripted conversation about real life, business pressure, community, grief, and navigating uncertainty when things don’t go according to plan.
What starts as a casual catch-up quickly turns into a deep reflection on survival vs thriving, the emotional weight of January, and the reminder that nothing is guaranteed. From losing...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Tanastadi for a powerful, honest conversation about identity, reinvention, sobriety, and building multiple businesses without losing yourself along the way.
From growing up immersed in music, landing a number-one radio show for nearly two decades, and DJing massive clubs and festivals… to watching everything disappear during COVID an...
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Whitney of Whitney's Crafty Tings for a wildly inspiring conversation about resourcefulness, maker growth, and doing whatever it takes to get started—even if that means using a magnifying glass before you ever own a laser. 🔍🔥
Whitney shares her journey from burning designs by hand to running a full laser setup out of her garag...
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