Crafting Beauty in Resin: Emily’s Journey from Bulgaria to the Knife-Making World In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Emily from CastingCraft, a talented resin artist known for her stunning custom knife handle scales. Emily shares her incredible journey from growing up in socialist-era Bulgaria to immigrating to the United States after winning the green card lottery in 1999. She opens up about the challenges of starting over in a new country, the importance of perseverance, and how her love of creativity eventually led her into the world of knife-making. Emily discusses her path from working as a veterinary technician to becoming a resin entrepreneur, crafting unique and artistic handle scales that have captured the attention of makers across the globe. From embedding fish scales, ostrich feet, and even pet ashes into her resin designs, to developing more than 500 unique patterns, Emily’s innovation and craftsmanship shine through. Michael and Emily also talk about the supportive knife-making community, the value of collaboration over competition, and her experiences attending Blade Shows across the U.S. Emily reflects on her roots, her daughter’s connection to Bulgarian culture, and her growing business that now feels like a true family within the knife world. Join Michael and Emily for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that celebrates creativity, perseverance, and community—a perfect reminder that every artisan’s story begins with a spark and a willingness to take the first step. Listen now to Episode 21 of Behind The Anvil with special guest Emily from CastingCraft.

Forging Stories and Steel — with Mark Holt... During An Mike's Damascus Knives knife making class for more go to www.mikesdamascusknives.com...

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson wraps up a knife-making class with Mark Holt, a programmer and fantasy novelist from Salt Lake City. What started as a simple search for a blacksmithing class turned into a weekend of sparks, steel, and storytelling. Mark shares how he discovered Michael’s shop through Google Maps, chose to take the class after comparing other local options, and ended up not just making a knife—but rediscovering a love for hands-on craftsmanship. The two dive into Mark’s family’s upcoming move, and even his son’s unusual bedtime routine of watching blacksmithing videos to fall asleep. Mark reflects on the knife-making experience, discussing forging techniques, grinding and beveling tips, and the satisfaction of shaping Purple Heart wood handles by hand. This episode captures the rhythm of the forge and the imagination of storytelling—where metal, fire, and creativity meet. Whether you’re a maker, writer, or dreamer, this one’s about finding meaning in the process of creation itself.

Behind The Anvil Podcast with America Garcia In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson welcomes America Garcia, co-owner of Black Rabbit Tattoo in Richfield, Utah. America shares her remarkable journey from her childhood in Honduras to becoming a respected tattoo artist and entrepreneur in the U.S. — a path shaped by courage, faith, and creativity. America talks about growing up with a love for drawing and art, how a childhood sketch eventually became someone’s tattoo, and how that moment lit a fire inside her to pursue tattooing as a career. After immigrating to the United States, she worked hard to build her skills, eventually changing her name to “America” during her naturalization — a symbolic step in embracing her new life and identity. Guided by a spiritual experience and a strong sense of purpose, she and her business partner Kelly opened Black Rabbit Tattoo, a place that blends artistic expression with professionalism and heart. Michael and America dive deep into the artistry and discipline behind tattooing — from design inspiration and safe tattoo practices to the emotional connections built with clients. They discuss how tattoo culture has evolved from taboo to mainstream, and how artists like America are helping redefine it with integrity, style, and creativity. The two also explore Michael’s own tattooing experiences, stories from the shop, and his ongoing work as a bladesmith, touching on their shared values of craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. Together, they announce plans for future collaborations, including displaying Michael’s custom knives at Black Rabbit Tattoo, joint creative projects, and upcoming community events. This episode is a celebration of art, resilience, and the power of following your calling — no matter where your story begins.

Episode 18: Forging Freedom with Purpose

— Featuring Tim Troyer Behind The Anvil Podcast with Host Michael Peterson In this powerful and inspiring episode, Michael sits down with bladesmith, missionary, and visionary leader Tim Troyer to explore how knife-making and faith can come together to change lives around the world. Tim shares his 24-year journey into knife-making, from being inspired by a Pete Winkler blade to learning under master smith Rick Henderer. What began as a personal craft evolved into a calling — one that now empowers entire communities through his non-profit organization, The Reckoning International. Through The Reckoning, Tim has led life-changing projects — from redeeming slaves in Nepal, to training orphans and blacksmiths in Uganda through Bomba Forge, to helping communities achieve self-sufficiency through tree farming and skills development. He shares miraculous stories of transformation, including a faith-filled harvest in Nepal that brought an entire community to Christ. Michael and Tim also dive into the world of knife-making for charitable impact, discussing how bladesmithing can fuel generosity, build community, and offer “a hand up, not a handout.” They talk about the balance between craftsmanship, faith, and financial stewardship — and how even small acts of giving can ignite global change. The episode wraps up with exciting news about future collaborations, including a potential “Smith vs. Smith” special filmed in Uganda and the Prisoner Freedom Knife Project, which supports rehabilitation through bladesmithing. Whether you’re a bladesmith, missionary, or simply someone seeking purpose through your work, this episode is packed with heart, hope, and hammer hits of wisdom.

In this episode of Behind the Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with host of Double B Creates Kevin Beck and Brad Caughey to reflect on recent tragic events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and how they’ve impacted their lives and communities. Together, they discuss the importance of dialogue over hatred, personal freedom, and accountability, while also diving into topics like faith, parenting, education, and the role of critical thinking in today’s world. With honesty and respect, the conversation explores how to find hope, unity, and positivity in challenging times.

Episode 16: Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform with Richard Kaufman

In this powerful episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with retired disabled veteran, author, and podcast host Richard Kaufman to explore resilience, purpose, and growth after hardship. Richard opens up about his journey from surviving a devastating Humvee accident that left him nearly blind, to battling addiction, homelessness, and eventually rebuilding his life through podcasting and writing. He shares how his show, Vertical Momentum, has grown to over 1,500 episodes and 3 million downloads, with the mission of helping veterans and first responders rediscover their “why.” The conversation weaves through personal stories, from Michael’s knife-making business and teaching experiences, to Richard’s strategies for structuring content, using AI effectively, and building an authentic brand. They dive into topics like: The importance of finding purpose after trauma. Challenges and wins in podcast growth and promotion. Balancing family, technology, and screen time in today’s world. Success philosophies, faith, and the drive to keep moving forward. Plans for collaboration on an upcoming episode about trauma, grief, and healing. With candor, humor, and inspiration, Michael and Richard remind us that success comes not just from grit, but from purpose, humility, and the willingness to keep forging ahead

Episode 15 – Faith, Forging, and Purpose with John Wigger

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson reconnects with longtime friend and fellow blacksmith John Wigger. The two catch up on family life, parenting, and the challenges of balancing work with raising kids before diving into John’s inspiring journey. John shares how his path in blacksmithing led to competing on Forged in Fire—and ultimately winning the title of champion. He opens up about the impact of Christian fellowship within the bladesmithing community, his mission work in Africa, and the development of Bamba Forge and Toro Forge in Uganda—initiatives that are empowering local craftsmen with skills, income, and purpose. Michael and John also explore faith and calling, discussing the importance of living out biblical principles in marriage, business, and service. From John’s Hawthorne Forge Foundation to Michael’s vision of teaching knife-making classes for veterans and youth, both men highlight how blacksmithing can forge more than steel—it can forge lives. The conversation also touches on: John’s experiences on Forged in Fire and how editing misrepresented his testimony. The power of mentorship, faith, and mission work in shaping communities. Michael’s plans for his American Bladesmith YouTube series and future projects. Finding balance between God, family, and work while pursuing meaningful ventures. This episode is a heartfelt mix of blacksmithing, faith, family, and purpose—reminding us that the strongest blades, and the strongest lives, are forged in fire.

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Deke Parker of Parker Knives. Deke shares his journey into bladesmithing—starting out with nothing more than an angle grinder, an old file, and a backyard forge, quenching blades in his kitchen. Living in the far southwest corner of Kansas, Deke didn’t know any other bladesmiths until he began traveling to shows, where he met other makers and eventually competed—and won—on Forged in Fire. From there, Deke forged lasting friendships in the blacksmithing community and pursued his American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith stamp. But chasing production deadlines led him to step back from knife-making as a business, returning to it as a hobby so he could focus on pushing his skills and creating true art. After a trip to Blade Show in Atlanta with Shawn Shropshire, the idea of The Wandering Bladesmith was born. Deke also leaves us with some words of wisdom… BUT Deke's phone dies. As Paul Harvey would say—“stay tuned for the rest of the story” in Part 2!