Shows
Lick The BrainMark Brady Ep.2: Passion Into ProfessionRay sits down with comedian Mark Brady to explore what it takes to transform personal interests into sustainable careers. Ray shares his vision for online tattoo education, while Mark opens up about the challenges of comedy today, the loss that led him to the stage, and the story behind his first performance.Mark's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markbradyyyFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail...2025-05-1950 minLick The BrainMark Brady Ep.1: Bombing, Breakthroughs, and Being Your Own CriticThis week, Ray sits down with stand-up comedian Mark Brady for a fun, honest chat about the ups and downs of comedy. They get into how bombing on stage is part of the grind, what it means to be your own toughest critic, and how Mark’s approach to writing jokes has evolved over the years. Mark also shares how winning a comedy contest early in his career added unexpected pressure. Plus, they dive into what “clean” and “dirty” comedy really mean—and Ray talks a bit about rebooting his studio and coverup tattoos.Mark's Insta...2025-05-121h 08Lick The BrainAndrew James Ep.2: Letting Go to GrowIn this episode, Andrew gets real about the ups and downs of running a studio and how the hustle started draining his creativity. He talks about the tough call to step away from ownership so he could get back to his roots as an artist—and put his family first. Andrew also drops some hints about cool new projects he’s creating to highlight talented from his hometown, Jersey City. It’s an honest, laid-back chat about change, growth, and finding your creativity again.Andrew's instagram:www.instagram.com/andrewjamestatsF...2025-05-0540 minLick The BrainAndrew James Pt.1: Art,Grit, and A ComebackIn this episode, Andrew shares his journey through the world of tattooing—from growing up around it, to the wild ride of being an apprentice, to finding his own style and voice in the industry. He talks about tattooing abroad, taking an unexpected break, and making a comeback by owning his own studio. It’s a fun and honest conversation about the ups, downs, and everything in between.Andrews Instagram: www.instagram.com/andrewjamestatsFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep...2025-04-2840 minLick The BrainIsatu Kamara Pt.2: From The Big Apple to BiscuitvilleThis week, Ray is joined by Carolina comedian and certified ray of sunshine, Isatu—the very person who suggested him to try stand-up . They dive into Isatu’s wild new tattoo ideas, why her mom traded NYC’s chaos for North Carolina’s slower charm, and her time navigating Minnesota ignorance. Isatu also drops a jaw-dropping bomb about her sex life, and somehow things get deep as she and Ray share a surprisingly uplifting convo about his past sexual trauma.Episode Shoutout:www.instagram.com/yedoye_Follow L...2025-04-2154 minLick The BrainIsatu Kamara Pt.1: Contact Sports to ComedyIn this episode, Ray sits down with Carolina comedian Isatu—the vibrant personality who first inspired him to try stand-up comedy. The two dive into Isatu’s unique collection of tattoos and the stories behind them, reflect on how their city has evolved over the years, and converse about the unusual contact sport Isatu was into when they first met. Together, they share insights, laughs, and real talk about the ups and downs of the stand-up journey and what keeps them coming back to the mic.Follow LTB on Instagram at www.inst...2025-04-141h 03Lick The BrainDrew Long Pt.2In this episode, Drew and Ray dive into the moment when a tattoo begins to truly come together and the trust that is involved in that creative process. Ray opens up about the challenges and insights he’s gained from doing cover-up tattoos. Ray shares some of the things he’s learned about comedy and the relationship with the crowd. Drew notices the surprising similarities between the crafts of comedy and tattooing, leading into a fascinating discussion on both art forms.Episode shoutouts:www.instagram.com/noahbissiFo...2025-04-0755 minLick The BrainDrew Long Pt.1In this episode, Ray sits down with Drew to talk about his first tattoo and what inspired his passion for collecting unique and intriguing tattoo designs. Drew opens up about what he values most in Ray's tattoo process. Ray also shares what continues to fuel his excitement for tattooing at this stage of his career.Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or an...2025-03-3158 minLick The BrainJordyn Bury Pt.2When will an apprentice be ready to travel for tattooing? What does a tattoo apprentice do for fun? Is it possible to manage your time in the early stages of tattooing? Jordyn answers all of these questions and more in this episode.Episode Shoutouts:www.instagram.com/rachel_johanningsmeierwww.instagram.com/littlejohnstattooFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d...2025-03-2440 minLick The BrainJordyn Bury Pt.1This episode is part one of a two part episode where Ray chats with Jordyn Bury. Jordyn is currently in a tattoo apprenticeship but tattooing has been apart of her entire life. Jordyn shares the struggles of pursuing an apprenticeship to working her first tattoo convention. Follow and connect with Jordyn on instagram at:www.instagram.com/JordynburytattoosFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if...2025-03-1746 minLick The BrainFloridian FarewellVanesa shares a pick up line someone tried to use on a first date and Ray checks in on her broken wrist’s recovery. Progress is being made! Vanesa learns a lesson in patience, and Ray offers support and encouragement. Tune in for story time with Ray about his trip to Florida! A bunch of skydivers, thrifted outfits, buzzards, crystal clear water, a spontaneous campfire comedy show, and good times all around! Listen thru until the end for updates about Lick The Brain from our hosts Vanesa and RayFollow LT...2025-03-1049 minLick The BrainLife's A StreamRay’s running out of ink and coming up with solutions. On New Year's Eve Vanesa plays confrontational musical chairs! Would you watch a tattoo live? Ray’s learning new skills and discusses wanting to stream in multiple ways. Our hosts “Reflect” on why they are trained on details, especially when it comes to Facebook Marketplace. Vanesa and Ray became friends… on Co–Star.Artist Shout Out: www.instagram.com/golden___mind Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain2025-03-0347 minLick The BrainForced HibernationTune in to the life-focused episode for updates about our hosts! Vanesa thought it would be a good idea to go ice skating.. alone… where she fell and broke her wrist! Vanesa recalls the experience for Ray and he comments on the difficult road ahead, as well as how moments like this help him take a step back to look at life. Vanesa doesn’t make new year resolutions and Ray doesn’t feel like the new year affects him enough to be re-motivated. Vanesa and Ray discuss changing their work schedules and how it’s nice to have tim...2025-02-2458 minLick The BrainA Pencil & A DreamRay has had multiple people reach out to him seeking apprenticeships! What steps can you take to get your foot in the door with the tattoo industry? What do you need to be able to do as an artist in general before you can consider tattooing? What’s the timeline for growing as a tattoo artist? Both Vanesa and Ray like to take the time to share general advice, even when they aren’t in a position to teach someone themselves. Tune in to hear more about the steps you could take to become a tattoo apprentice!2025-02-171h 07Lick The BrainMoving To OnlyfansVanesa and Ray decorate for the holidays, and both of them kept things minimal. Vanesa has personal beef with Christmas, Ray is getting settled in at his new apartment and is going to start streaming video games. Vanesa attends her first hockey game and doesn’t know how to talk about sports. Is an OnlyFans account in Vanesa’s near future? Does Ray actually sell feet pics online?? Tune in to find out!Artist Shout Out: www.instagram.com/snow.graffiti.scottFollow LTB on I...2025-02-1554 minLick The BrainLeveling UpVanesa and Ray have to work on saying “like” and “um” less but it’s difficult to notice the habit when you’re in the moment. Ray touches up a tattoo that reminded him how difficult tattooing actually is. How can different skin types affect the application of a tattoo? What types of video games do Vanesa and Ray each enjoy playing? How do our hosts each handle tough times when they have a client scheduled??Artist Shout Out: www.instagram.com/simonster.inkFollow LTB o...2025-02-031h 06Lick The BrainAbroad Part Two!Ray is trying new things with his personal art and Vanesa misheard a keyword during his story. Ray and Vanesa take time to talk more about their trip to Dublin! Please excuse Vanesa’s cough as she is still recovering from ‘lack of sleep’ sickness. Our host’s went to an art museum together, Vanesa got her face tattooed, meanwhile Ray interviewed a few artists at the shop! Why is it difficult for international tattoo artists to guest spot within Ireland? Why did Ray feel like he needed to be “mean-mugging” while walking around the city?Jess- ...2024-12-091h 07Lick The BrainAbroad Part One!This episode falls under all things related as Vanes and Ray talk about their travels! Tune in to hear about your host’s first experiences with international travel to Europe. Ray is already planning a trip to visit Iceland and Vanesa is preoccupied with finding good food. What happy accident did our hosts decide to embrace? What plans do they have for exploring Dublin?Artist Shout Out: www.instagram.com/isnardbarbosaFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ra...2024-12-0241 minLick The BrainWorks Out...Right?Ray and Vanesa talk about their intuition and hunches around clients canceling or rescheduling. Sometimes it works out better for everyone involved! Vanesa mentions letting go of control and trusting that everything will fall into place as it needs to. Both hosts discuss selling their homes, and their feelings around transitioning from owning back to renting.Is there a correct way to place a tattoo stencil? Do tattoos need to face a specific direction? How can time slip away from the artist while tattooing?Artist Shout Out: 2024-11-2540 minLick The BrainColorado WhisperVanesa has a symphony of tinnitus in her head 24/7 but being in Colorado helped it go away??? A rare no call/no show left Vanesa with a new client to add to her blacklist, and she is considering scheduling a guest spot in Colorado at Glass Moon Tattoo.Ray confronts his fears around the industry progressing and worries about feeling left behind in the process. Does Vanesa worry about her style of tattooing going out of style? How might things shift for tattooers when they reach the five year mark in their careers? Lick...2024-11-1848 minLick The BrainEnjoying The ProcessVanesa starts us off with some silly ASMR and Ray circles back to thoughts around vulnerability and authenticity. Vanesa gives us an update about her therapy journey and the skills she’s working on. Ray and Vanesa discuss their personal art, how it translates into tattooing, and art in general. Will Vanesa and Ray actually start sharing their artists' processes on social media? How does context influence our perception of art?Ray admits that he doesn’t want to be known for tattooing. Will Lick the Brain get official office space? Ray reacts to some...2024-11-1258 minLick The BrainGuest UnexpectedRay has a Coke habit and Vanesa has a crush?? Our hosts are making the most of having more free time and share some advice around doing guest spots as a tattoo artist. A lot of variables come into play when considering guest spots, especially around where and when! How can an artist’s level of experience affect being able to secure guest spots at other studios? What is the reason behind doing a guest spot in the first place?Ray is really enjoying a new brand of ink and Vanesa joins Ray in a...2024-11-0444 minLick The BrainCold FontVanesa admits to missing snow and is taking a trip to a (hopefully) snowy place! Ray and Vanesa share stories about their experiences driving in snow and some of one client’s snowy encounter. Where do Vanesa and Ray stand when it comes to tattooing the names of significant others? What about getting tattoos for or from your partner? Ray revisits the idea of reformatting the podcast after getting feedback from some listeners. Vanesa shares her appreciation for being able to trade service work.Artist Shout Out: www.instagram.com/vic...2024-10-2846 minLick The BrainGold Retrieving CatTune in to hear Ray react to a one star review that excluded Vanesa by name and conversation around giving and receiving feedback! When is a good time to leave a review for a tattoo artist? Should you review immediately or wait for the tattoo to age? If you’ve been tattooed by Ray or Vanesa, leave an honest review on google **heart emojiBeing tattoo artists and business owners has helped our hosts develop better communication skills and Ray opens up about going from identifying as an introvert to an extrovert. Ha...2024-10-2158 minLick The BrainOk But Why?Will Lick the Brain stay tattoo focused or lean into ‘all things related’? (Vanesa couldn’t eat her candy quietly and apologizes for any plastic bag sounds you might be able to hear) We’ve heard about how Vanesa and Ray got into tattooing but never discussed why! What were our host’s driving factors to become tattoo artists and why do they want to be good at what they do? Do tattoos make people feel better about themselves? How can taking a step away from your art help reset the way you perceive it?...2024-10-1444 minLick The BrainNostrils & NipsRay got his nose pierced and Vanesa tagged along for moral support! Can you guess what Ray’s first ever piercing was? What type of piercing was Vanesa’s favorite to do? Our hosts discuss their experiences with piercing, getting pierced, and why Vanesa decided to just focus on tattooing. Is there a way to balance being a tattoo artist and body piercer? Ray starts networking with other business owners and enjoys being around other growth minded individuals. Vanesa briefly considered the idea of hiring someone to help create content.Shout Out: https://clar...2024-10-0748 min