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Episodes
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
In our landmark 20th episode, we sit down with James Gaither (Art Noir) for a crucial industry talk. We recap the inaugural Raven's Nest event at Sturgis before diving into the existential threats from Amazon and direct Chinese manufacturing. We break down the lessons from the fall of CTS and the urgent new mission of the Tattoo Industry Manufacturers Alliance (TIMA) to create safety standards and protect the industry's soul. Get ready for a raw conversation about legacy, responsibility, and the future of tattooing.
Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UAtFX9R4ucI
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
INKTEGRITYPROJECT.ORG
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
James Gaither on IG @jimmi_jazz
Raven’s Nest @ravensnestproductions
Art Noir @artnoir_bodyart
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Hal Sawyer, the owner of Helheim Tattoo in Fayetteville, NC, for a raw, unfiltered conversation on tattooing’s evolving landscape, from pricing struggles and guest artist frustrations to AI’s looming threat. We also dive into wild tangents: handmade trophies, doomsday prepping, and why hugging trees might save your sanity. Whether you’re an artist or just love ink, this episode blends industry insights with unexpected philosophy.
Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Cv9Aco9dGI
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Hal Sawyer on IG @halsawyersart
https://helheimtattoo.com/
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
In this episode, we chat with Amy Ward, tattoo artist, shop owner, and industry advocate, about her 26-year journey in tattooing, from apprenticeship to championing safety standards. Amy dives into the importance of transparency in ink manufacturing, the differences between U.S. and EU regulations (REACH vs. MoCRA), and why collaboration between artists and manufacturers is key to the industry’s future. Whether you're an artist or ink enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on professionalism, safety, and elevating tattooing as a craft.
Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZMZl8S-fDHI
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Amy Ward on IG @aoktattoo
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
In this episode, tattoo artist Lu Skywalker joins the show to chat about his 18-year journey, from chaotic convention days to prioritizing health and creativity. We dive into industry challenges (Pittsburgh’s lack of regulation, AI ethics), the power of community, and why tattooing needs better education. Plus, Lu’s passion for card games and his dream of merging nerd culture with tattoo shops!
Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2phzHr5iDn8
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Lu Skywalker on IG @lu_skywalker
Pittsburgh Gaming Expo https://pittsburghgamingexpo.com
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Kris Lachance of Splash of Color Tattoo about building a culture of safety, structure, and accountability. From shop management to safety standards, this episode offers critical insight into what it takes to run a successful and safe tattoo studio in 2025.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/aFDGTQRV6Yo
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Kris Lachance on IG @splashtattoos
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee’s own Cody Gower to discuss the impact of AI in tattooing, what it takes to be a successful traveling artist, and the challenges associated with sponsorship models. From staying loyal to your roots to navigating the noise of social media, Cody shares raw insight, stories from the grind, and why showing up matters more than showing off. And of course, we talk a little wrestling too!
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/yNygm3nneIU
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Cody Gower on IG @codygower88
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
This week on The Business of Tattooing, we sit down with the legendary Durb Morrison, tattooer, founder of Hell City Tattoo Festival, and lifelong creative. From his early roots in tattooing to building one of the industry’s most respected events, Durb shares powerful insights on longevity, mental health, pour painting, and what it means to grow both as an artist and an entrepreneur.
Watch the full video on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/x7YCVuGOzgg
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Durb Morrison on IG @durbmorrison
HELL CITY: https://hellcity.com
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
In this week's powerful episode, we dive into the sacred side of tattooing with Michelle and Eain Varga of Varga Medical Art and Stacie-Rae, pioneer of trauma-informed tattooing.
We explore tattooing as ancient medicine, how it can help clients heal emotional wounds, reclaim identity, and reconnect with their bodies.
This conversation reminds us that tattooing isn’t just art, it’s human, vulnerable, and deeply transformative.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ncHZlKnHGQw
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Michelle Varga on IG @michellevargaink
Eain Varga on IG @eain_varga_tattoo
Varga Medical Art on IG @varga_medical_art_inc
Stacie Rae on IG @stacierae.art
Artschool Ink on IG @artschool.ink
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
In this week's episode, we sit down with the incredible Mary Blake, hailing from Golden Yeti Tattoo in Franklin, Tennessee. Mary is a powerhouse in the tattoo industry, known for her stunning and versatile work, her commitment to excellence, and her leadership in cultivating a client-first studio environment.
We dive deep into her journey from aspiring artist to industry standout, exploring the lessons she’s learned, the philosophies she lives by, and the creative boundaries she's constantly pushing. Mary talks candidly about artist burnout, the importance of self-care, and how to foster a healthy, growth-minded shop culture. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just breaking into the industry, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and real talk.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/k7aiobinkUc
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR - USE CODE "PODCAST10" https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Mary Blake on IG @maryblake
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
In this episode of The Business of Tattooing, Rob sits down with Villain Arts founder Troy Timpel—apprentice to Philadelphia Eddie and mastermind behind one of the world’s largest tattoo convention circuits. They dive into Troy’s roots, his work ethic, and what it takes to build a lasting legacy in the tattoo world.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to operate on a global scale while staying true to tattoo culture, this is the episode to catch.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4gQEjtfkJII
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Troy Timpel on IG @troytimpel
Villain Arts on IG@villainarts
https://villainarts.com