The Riley Black Project

Riley Black

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

  1. 5D AGO

    Inside APA Expo with Josh Perry

    Send a text 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 of the Year. This episode dives into: • How attending APA changed the trajectory of Josh’s business  • Why connections — not machines — are the real investment  • The unexpected power of sand carving vs laser engraving  • What it feels like to go from attendee → speaker → award nominee  • Why events like APA set the tone for your entire year  • The difference between your first APA and your second  • Behind-the-scenes of vending, content creation, and collaboration  • Launching new sports-based product lines at the show  • How partnerships and wholesalers are expanding Keychain Thingies  • The reality of building momentum in the personalization industry You’ll also hear John share what it’s like working APA as a videographer this year instead of being stuck behind the booth—and why capturing the story matters just as much as living it. If you’ve ever wondered whether attending events like APA is worth it… this episode is your answer. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    31 min
  2. MAR 2

    He’s Back on the Podcast… And Some Things Changed

    Send a text 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 future… this episode captures something rare: a real, unfiltered time capsule of childhood in motion. You’ll hear J.R. talk about: • His favorite subject in school (and why math somehow won)  • His dream of becoming a DJ, content creator, and football player  • Why owning a business sounds better than working for someone else  • His thoughts on money, mansions, and secret rooms  • The influence of friends, gaming, and YouTube culture  • What makes him proud, nervous, and happy  • His favorite memories with mom and dad  • The reality of growing up in a creative household This episode is funny, honest, and deeply meaningful for any parent, creator, or entrepreneur trying to balance business and family. It’s not just a podcast. It’s a snapshot in time. And one day, J.R. will listen back to this. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    36 min
  3. FEB 23

    Building The Bar Society from the Ground Up

    Send a text 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 😅) to growing The Bar Society into a trusted space for vendors, makers, and small businesses—while constantly balancing the temptation to “just buy one more machine.” We dive into: How Glowforge made lasers feel less scary for beginners The jump from hobby machines to industrial lasers (and that panic moment) ADHD crafting and the fear of investing too much too soon Why comparison on social media is dangerous for makers The truth behind “effortless” content you see online Why testing off-camera matters more than perfect posts Supporting other makers instead of doing everything yourself When it does make sense to outsource vs buy new equipment Combining mediums (laser, sand carving, UV, print & cut) to stand out Finding unexpected niches that completely change your business Building a vendor society based on trust, intention, and real relationships This episode is for makers, engravers, and creative entrepreneurs who: ✔️ feel overwhelmed by options ✔️ compare themselves too much online ✔️ want to grow without burning out ✔️ believe community beats competition Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    1h 4m
  4. FEB 17

    From Idea to Reality: The Michigan Maker Summit 2026

    Send a text 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 weeks—and it worked. This conversation digs into the power of community, intimate breakout sessions, real conversations, and why these smaller events often create bigger breakthroughs than giant conferences. We cover: How the Michigan Maker Summit came together in record time Why smaller, more intimate events create safer spaces to ask questions The difference between learning online vs learning in person Why not everyone can make it to Vegas, APA, or massive expos How meetups help newer makers avoid feeling “stupid” asking questions Why teachers learn just as much as attendees The hardest part of events: implementing what you learn after you get home Maker burnout, travel exhaustion, and real-life constraints This episode is for makers, creatives, and small business owners who want real growth, real connection, and real implementation—not just motivation that fades when you get home. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    59 min
  5. FEB 9

    From Teacher to Studio Owner | A Real Small Business Story

    Send a text 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, navigating COVID pivots, and even walking through a cancer journey while continuing to show up for her customers and community. This episode covers: Transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship Pivoting during COVID with DIY kits, virtual parties, and mobile workshops Opening a studio and learning what actually works Why community support matters more than algorithms Running a business through illness and uncertainty Building a studio model that works for families and real life Paying yourself, setting systems, and avoiding burnout Why Facebook still matters for local small businesses The value of in-person connection over faceless online orders Balancing growth, joy, and sustainability as a creative business owner This is an honest look at what success really looks like when you stop chasing someone else’s version of it and start building a business around your life, not the other way around. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    1h 1m
  6. FEB 2

    We Had to Rethink Everything!!!

    Send a text 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 identity shift, and realizing that knowing what to do isn’t the same as actually doing it. We talk about: Teaching a content workshop and watching makers take action immediately Why you don’t need to post every day to grow The relief of permission: 2–3 posts per week is enough Analysis paralysis and the fear of sounding salesy Why follow-up is everything (and how not doing it costs you money) This episode is for makers, creatives, and small business owners who feel stuck between knowing better and doing better—and are ready to move forward without burning themselves out. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    53 min
  7. JAN 26

    If You’re Skipping Events, Listen to This First!!!

    Send a text 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 and teaching classes, to discovering new vendors, building real relationships, and learning things you never would’ve found online—this episode is a must-listen for makers, engravers, and creative business owners. We cover: Why APA is a cornerstone event for the laser and awards industry The difference between seeing products online vs in person Why community beats competition every time How trade shows lead to real collaborations and unexpected opportunities Teaching classes, learning on the fly, and embracing how you actually work Vendor vs attendee perspectives and what each one offers Why deadlines are sometimes the only cure for procrastination How conferences validate struggles you thought were “just you” The long-term business value of relationships, not transactions Why events often spark your next big idea If you’ve ever debated whether events like APA are worth the time, money, or energy—this episode explains exactly why they continue to shape businesses, careers, and communities year after year. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    1h 19m
  8. JAN 19

    Vendor Shows: What We Learned

    Send a text 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 someone whose message still echoes loud, to questioning every next move, this episode captures what it feels like to keep showing up when the path forward isn’t clear yet. We talk about: Why last year felt like survival mode — and the desire for less panic, less stress, more abundance Losing someone important and carrying their message forward The danger of “I’ll live later” thinking Vendor shows: what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned Using what you already have instead of over-spending Booth setup mistakes, display clarity, and engagement tips Pricing, pivoting, and adapting in real time This episode is honest, reflective, and deeply relatable for creators, makers, and small business owners who feel like they’re constantly adjusting while trying to stay hopeful. If you’ve ever questioned your direction, felt stuck in a pivot, or wondered if you’re being pushed toward something bigger—you’re not alone. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack Want more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful, and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

    1h 29m
5
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

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

You Might Also Like