The Riley Black Project
Where we talk about lasers, life and all the ish in between!
Episodes
Next Level is almost here, and we are officially in conference prep mode.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal go live in the Riley Black Project Community to talk all things Next Level Maker Conference, booth prep, content creation, networking, health updates, and how we’re trying to stay consistent even when life keeps getting chaotic.
We talk about what we’re brin...
We’re finally back!
After a short break, The Riley Black Project returns with a guest who has been dodging us for years: Kristen Thompson of Kristen Thompson Designs.
Kristen joins John and Crystal to talk about her journey from corporate work at Lowe’s, to Cricut crafts, Etsy digital designs, sublimation tumblers, laser engraving, full wrap tumbler designs, Photoshop mockups, and building ...
Crystal bought a new laser… so naturally, we had to talk about it.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down for a life update episode packed with maker business pivots, laser talk, content creation lessons, ADHD updates, travel plans, and a major Riley Black Studios website refresh.
Crystal shares her first impressions of the xTool F2, why she chose it for jewelry an...
The rivalry is BACK.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal welcome back David and Blake for David vs. Blake: Round 2.
What started as a friendly feud in the Michigan maker community has turned into one of the funniest ongoing rivalries in the laser world. This year, the battle is headed back to Next Level, where votes, bragging rights, giveaways, and embarrassing ads are all on the line.
We talk ...
What do epoxy cups, DTF transfers, UV DTF, lasers, entrepreneurship, and pet monkeys all have in common?
Apparently… 143 MTD. 😂
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Ashley and Bethany from 143 MTD for one of the most unexpected and entertaining conversations we’ve had yet.
Ashley shares how her business started as a side gig making epoxy cups, ...
Sometimes business growth looks less like a huge breakthrough…
…and more like admitting, “I don’t want to keep doing it this way.”
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down for a no-guest, real-life update episode about pivoting, product ideas, custom order stress, laser business decisions, and figuring out what actually feels sustainable.
...
Braden from GS2 Awards is back on The Riley Black Project!
In this episode, we dive into the world of custom awards, sandblasting, UV printing, laser engraving, and the growing demand for premium personalized products. Braden shares how a simple shift into awards helped transform his business, why sandblasting remains one of the most powerful tools in the industry, and how the new Beyond the Beam Learning Cen...
She showed up wearing a mask...
And somehow things got MORE chaotic from there. 😂
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we're joined by none other than Emily That Mom with a Laser for a conversation that starts with Laser Maker Con 2025 and quickly turns into entrepreneurship, burnout, creativity, health, ADHD, community, and one of the wildest stories we've heard in the maker space.
We d...
Want better content without spending hours editing, stressing over algorithms, or trying to go viral?
In this special compilation episode of The Riley Black Project, we're bringing together two incredible conversations from Facebook Live appearances with Emily (That Mom With A Laser) and Will (Crazy Laser Dad).
The focus?
Content creation that actually works for makers and small business owners....
Life hit HARD this week.
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal finally sit down after a whirlwind couple of weeks involving a totaled car, injuries, family loss, traveling to Virginia for Jamboree, teaching content creation classes, and somehow still trying to keep business moving forward.
This episode gets real.
We talk about:
• Crystal’s car accident and rec...
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 ...
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...
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 di...
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 inv...
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.
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...
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...
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, s...
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.
...
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 r...
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