Austin Smith joins us to talk lasers. Real ones, not the pointer you had in fourth grade. His beam is visible from 11 miles out, and he's put it into weddings, private events, and major productions.

We get into how Austin got here, starting in the Oklahoma City club scene and working up to Coachella, David Guetta, and Jennifer Lopez. He walks us through building custom laser setups for marquee events, what it actually costs to own gear at this level, and why safety and legal compliance aren't optional once you're playing with something this powerful.

FAA rules, laser zones, licensing, and how to actually talk to the authorities who sign off on this stuff. Setup time, cooling systems, safety protocols, and how to mask a laser effect so the audience gets the show without the risk.

Creative side too: projecting a logo, building interactive effects, going outdoor with building mapping. If you're a DJ, producer, or venue owner thinking about adding lasers, this is the episode that tells you what's actually involved before you spend the money.

Takeaways

• Austin's path from Oklahoma City clubs to Coachella, David Guetta, and Jennifer Lopez

• Building custom laser architecture for marquee events

• FAA rules, laser zones, and getting licensed the right way

• Setup time, cooling systems, and safety protocols on site

• Masking laser effects to keep the show safe for the crowd

• Creative applications: logo projection, interactive effects, building mapping

• What it costs, in money and knowledge, to own gear at this level