No Regerts: A Tattooing Podcast

Josh presents the myth and Leah smashes it. That’s what we’re doing in this, our 13th episode. From the absurd proposition that tattoos shouldn’t bleed to the common misconception that white ink hurts more, we cover it all this week. We take a detour into a chat about the relationship between tattoo artists/heavily tattooed persons to other persons in society. The show wraps with Leah sharing a story about an elderly woman and her first tattoo.

This week we turn our attention to traditional tattoos, and more specifically American traditional. We describe the traditional style, explain the origin of the style, and chat a little about the origin of tattooing itself. We talk about the original meaning behind many of the popular traditional tattoos, and the fact that tattoos don’t necessarily have to have a meaning.

Episode 11 - Tattoo Regerts

We all have regrets in life (except for Leah) and one thing we regret are tattoos. This week we discuss tattoo regret, and the cover ups that eventually follow. Josh shares a story from his college days, and we discuss specific tattoo regrets from religious tattoos to racist ones. Leah talks about how to get a tattoo covered up, and we wrap with a discussion on the art form that is covering tattoos with tattoos.

You don’t want to miss this one! In our 10th episode we share one of Leah’s most interesting tattoo stories. Beginning with an intriguing request, Leah takes us through all the twists and turns of what is now (famously) known as the Bridget story. Once the story concludes, we end off with a discussion of why getting your lover’s name tattooed almost always ends in disaster.

This week it’s all about the ladies. More specifically, we cover all of the nonsense that (some) women in the industry have to endure. From sexist assumptions (which are annoying) to sexual harassment (which is abhorrent), we chat about all of it in this week’s episode. Leah shares some personal stories and recalls accounts of inappropriate behavior from clients and other artists. We close with some advice for female clients, and lay out what is and isn’t ok when you are being tattooed.

The struggle is real! In episode 8 we interview Anna, Leah’s apprentice. She talks about exactly how tough an apprenticeship is, and about the sacrifice involved. We chat about the difference between drawing and tattooing, and discuss the fact that tattooing is more complicated than most people think. Leah and Anna spend some time on scratchers and celebrity tattooers. We wrap up with the story of the first time Leah tattooed Anna, and the hijinks involved.

Ever wonder how one becomes a tattoo artist? Wonder no more! This week we shift gears from getting tattooed to being the one who tattoos. Leah and Josh discuss the importance of treating tattooing like a serious career. Leah gives some advice on what to do if you think you are tattoo artist material. She and Josh discuss the importance of apprenticeships and how to approach shops when you are ready to apprentice. Leah describes her own apprenticeship, and has some insight on what to expect as an apprentice.

We get real this week so get ready for some tough love. Your brand new tattoo is something you do not want to mess up, and Leah has a whole list of things to do (and NOT do) after getting your tattoo. Josh sounds off about the importance of listening to your tattoo artist, and Leah details all of the aftercare supplies you will need. She then gives a step-by-step detailed run down of her preferred aftercare regimen and we chat about the healing process with tattoos.

This week we’ll be discussing all the things you should do (or NOT do) before getting your tattoo. We break it down for you step by step from the night before, all the way up to moments before, your tattoo begins. Leah shares the story of a client who tried to blame her for his mistake, and we wrap up with three things to do during your tattoo.

We’re on to episode three where we continue discussing how much tattoos cost. We talk about why quoting prices over the internet is difficult, and the importance of in person consultations. Josh gets a little worked up when discussing how to go about contacting a tattoo artist, and then we cover everything from the deposit to the tip. Leah shares the story of the exact moment she decided to become a tattoo artist. We wrap up with the dangers of thinking someone else can “do it cheaper”.

In episode four we are all about how to find the tattoo artist for you, but first, we have a major bone to pick with tattoo scenes in movies and tv. Topics for today include how to choose an artist who shares your aesthetic, how to evaluate portfolios, and how to tell the good from the bad (and ugly). We talk about the importance of finding an artist who holds themselves to a high standard, and we wrap up with another sounding off on contacting the artist in the manner in which they prefer.

Our first episode revolves around the most commonly asked question: Does it hurt? We introduce ourselves to you, the kindly listener, and discuss just how badly tattoos hurt. (They hurt, and people who say they don’t are lying). We talk about managing the pain while getting tattooed and some common misconceptions people have about tattoo pain. Leah and her apprentice do some suspicious math, and finally, for those listeners without tattoos, we chat about exactly what getting tattooed feels like.

Ep 2: How Much Does a Tattoo Cost (Part 1)