Shows
The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 17 - LU SKYWALKERIn 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
J...2025-07-3057 minThe Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 16 - KRIS LACHANCEIn 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 @busi...2025-07-231h 57The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 15 - CODY GOWERIn 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/
...2025-07-172h 14The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 14 - DURB MORRISONThis 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
2025-07-092h 23The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 13 - MICHELLE & EAIN VARGA w STACIE RAEIn 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...2025-07-022h 08The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 12 - MARY BLAKEIn 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. Wh...2025-06-251h 51The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 11 - TROY TIMPELIn 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...2025-06-182h 03The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 10 - SKIZZY SCOTTIn this raw and real episode, tattoo artist and muralist Skizzy Scott returns to talk about what it really takes to last in the game. From authenticity vs. imitation to burnout, business, and mental health, this one’s all heart, hustle, and hard-earned truth. A must-listen for anyone trying to build something real in the tattoo world.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/I2FV4w-88Vs
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https...2025-06-112h 25The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 09 - SHAUN KAMAThis week, we sit down with the one and only Shaun Kama, a legendary tattoo artist, punk rock rebel, and the undisputed King of Halloween Tattoos. From apprenticing under Mark Mahoney to tattooing at the Punk Rock Museum and launching the mobile tattoo empire Ravens Nest Productions, Shaun shares his journey through horror, hustle, and artistic legacy.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/5A754Er_8-0
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
T...2025-06-042h 15The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 08 - CHRIS ALLEN TAYLORChris Allen Taylor joins Rob Smead to discuss preserving tattoo history, building the Indy Tattoo Expo, and honoring the legacy of his mentor, Rabbit Sanders. From walk-in shop grit to big-picture vision, this episode is packed with stories and heart.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/CHB04lHFPXY
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...2025-05-201h 41The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 07 - SEAN BROWNSean Brown joins Rob Smead to talk leadership, regulation, and the future of tattooing, from his days at Eternal Ink to lobbying on Capitol Hill. MoCRA, REACH, artist safety, and corporate transparency, this is the episode every artist and brand needs to hear.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/KR-SmIa-7Ts
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
2025-05-141h 53The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 06 - RYAN ROIRyan Roi joins Rob Smead to discuss money, marketing, and mindset... from tattooing to building a million-dollar coaching business helping artists grow wealth, create freedom, and take control of their careers. This is real talk, real strategy, real growth.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/p08SWmxXn_c
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
R...2025-05-061h 29The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - SPECIAL LIVE FROM HELL CITY WITH SCOTT VERSAGOTook The Business of Tattooing podcast back on the road this weekend…
For the first time since 2020 (thanks, Covid), I went mobile and recorded live at Hell City—which felt pretty damn full circle. Hell City is actually where I launched my very first podcast, Electrum Radio, back in 2018. So recording here again? Nostalgic as hell.
This time, I sat down for a bonus episode with someone who’s not just an industry powerhouse, but a close personal friend: Scott Versago, owner of Skin & Ink magazine.
I’ve known Scott way before he ever too...2025-05-051h 18The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 05 - JOSEPH SWANSONEpisode 5 – Elevating the Industry: Art, Ethics & Innovation with Joseph Swanson
Joseph Swanson joins Rob Smead to talk shop, soul, and systems—from tattoo ethics and AI to client experience, education, and building a career that lasts. A real-deal conversation with one of the most thoughtful voices in the industry.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ntjUhcV5GBE
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
Tattoo Pro https://tattoopro.io/try
The...2025-04-301h 58The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 04 - MICHAEL GETZEpisode 4 – Focus, Faith & the Future: A Deep Dive with Michael Getz
Michael Getz joins Rob Smead to talk discipline, mindset, and the mission behind Force of Focus. From addiction and burnout to leadership, clarity, and building a purpose-driven tattoo career, this episode is packed with candid insights and powerful perspectives.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/HqjzkmA_esY
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG...2025-04-231h 48The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 03 - JOE CAPOBIANCOEpisode 3 – Old School, New Rules: A Raw Sit-Down with Joe Capobianco
Joe Capobianco joins Rob Smead for a raw, unfiltered convo on machines, mentorship, regulation, and the state of tattooing today. From coil vs. rotary to corporate takeover and old-school values, this is a masterclass in real talk from one of the industry's most iconic voices.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ohPa8G7C4OU
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
The Business of Tattooing on IG @bus...2025-04-162h 17The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 02 - ROBBIE RIPOLL & JAYVO SCOTTEpisode 2 – Blood, Ink, and Brotherhood: A Raw Conversation.
Brothers Robbie Ripoll and Jayvo Scott join Rob Smead for a raw, emotional conversation about brotherhood, healing, and their journey from rivalry to reconnection. From Ink Master drama to real-life growth, this is a powerful story of redemption, forgiveness, and finding purpose beyond the pain.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/KVSRvef5fjM
DRIVEN BY HEART - FIGHTING BREAST CANCER TOGETHER https://drivenbyheart.org/
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on...2025-04-091h 57
The Business of TattooingTHE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 01 - BEN SHAWIn the premiere episode of The Business of Tattooing podcast, Rob Smead sits down with industry leader Ben Shaw to discuss the current state of tattooing. They discuss hot topics like the 'Tattpocalypse,' AI's impact on the craft, the controversial Black Dot tattoo robot, and the future of tattoo regulation. Join them for an unscripted, thought-provoking conversation about the evolving tattoo landscape. Don't miss this insightful kickoff to the series!
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Rc9-vTvl5U0
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW S...2025-04-021h 55
The Business Spotlight SeriesHOW I GENERATED A MOVEMENT WITH MY BUSINESS | With Rob Smead and Mike Ronchetti | The Business SpotlightAs founder of One Ink Seven, LLC and President of Electrum’s family of brands, Rob Smead has been in the tattoo industry since he was 17. Hailing from Elkhart, IN., Rob has become an industry leader as well as an Indiana State Representative for the Alliance of Professional Tattooists. His mission has always been simple: empower artists with innovative, high-quality tools. With global distribution and sponsorship of 70+ artists, Rob has built more than a supply company—he’s generated a movement. Through the company’s podcast, The Business of Tattooing, and his Skin & Ink Magazine columns, Rob guides artists in turni...2025-02-0418 min