The Riley Black Project podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 229

Live at Next Level Laser: Beards, Bonding & Big Impact
Send us a textThis episode of The Riley Black Project is unlike any other—we’re live on the road from Next Level Laser Conference 2025! 🙌Join us as we share the behind-the-scenes of our 17-hour road trip, connect with amazing makers, and rally together for a powerful cause. From beard-off fundraising to surprise donations, this episode is packed with laughs, heartfelt stories, and community spirit.We dive into:✨ Supporting our friend Mario as he battles stage 4 cancer—raising funds in the most creative ways possible✨ The power of community at maker conferences and why showing up matters✨ First-time attendee experiences and making real-life connections✨ Hilarious beard-off moments and a live shave for charity✨ How events like Next Level fuel motivation, friendships, and growth in the laser & maker communityWhether you’re a seasoned maker or brand new to the industry, this episode will leave you inspired, laughing, and maybe even a little emotional. 💪❤️👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment sharing your favorite maker conference memory or how community has impacted your business.Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant 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.
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On the Road to Next Level: Snacks, Lasers & AI
Send us a textHit 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 daily workflow.You’ll also hear:🎒 Our favorite road trip hacks & snacks⚡ How entry-level machines like Glowforge evolved into today’s powerhouse lasers (xTool, Thunder, and more)🖨️ Why UV printing is becoming the next big thing for makers🤖 Practical ways AI is reshaping small business and content creation💡 Tips on how to get noticed when you’re just starting out in business🎨 The story behind our red + black branding and the meaning of “Riley Black”Whether you’re a maker, small business owner, or just love a good road trip vibe, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and real talk about navigating growth, creativity, and entrepreneurship.Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant 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.
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The TroVan Life: Frankie from Trotec Shows Us Inside
Send us a textOn 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 contracting to lasersThe future of mobile laser education and demosWhy events like Next Level Laser Conference, Printing United, and Grand Prix are must-attend for makersReal talk on AI design, content creation, and building your own niche in the laser worldThis episode is packed with stories—from crazy Florida headlines to whiskey stone engraving to why content doesn’t always need to be fancy to work. If you’re into laser engraving, small business growth, or just love hearing unique maker journeys, this one’s for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment about the wildest place you’ve ever seen a laser demo!Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant 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.
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Social Media Made Simple – Without the Burnout
Send us a textThis 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 businessWhy most makers and small business owners post sporadically (and how to fix it)The real benefits of batching content vs. posting dailyWhy email marketing is still king — and how it can save your businessPricing, planning, and perks of a done-for-you social media content calendarThe behind-the-scenes reality of creating and managing contentPlus, plenty of laughs, a few dog stories (shoutout to Joel 🐶), and some eye-opening talk about finding time for marketing when you’re running everything else.If you’re a maker, entrepreneur, or small business owner looking to stay consistent online without losing your mind — this episode is for you.Website: www.MySocialCompanion.comFB: @MySocialCompanionIG & TikTok: @My.SocialCompanion Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant 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.
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From Creative Chaos to Financial Clarity: Bookkeeping for Makers
Send us a textThis 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 you aboutHow to protect yourself from “official looking” business scamsMissed deductions makers are leaving on the tableWhy bookkeeping isn’t just for “big” businessesWhat it’s really like starting a new business with your bestiePlus… a few laughs, a MySpace throwback, and some very questionable bikini marketing ideas.📌 If you’re a maker, small business owner, or creative entrepreneur who hates dealing with numbers — this episode will save you time, money, and sanity.🎧 Listen, learn, and laugh with us — and maybe get inspired to finally get those finances handled.Website: WWW.JTFinancialStudio.comSocials: @JTFinancialStudioSupport the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant 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.
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