Ever wondered what it's like getting tattoos in Bali from a total stranger's perspective? Meet Aaron, a scaffolder from Plymouth who's turned his three-week Bali escape into an epic ink mission – think full-leg Egyptian designs, astronaut vibes, and heartfelt memorials. This short, hilarious street chat is packed with unfiltered energy that'll have you booking your own adventure (or not) – listen in for the full story.

Ready for some stranger stories? Personal stories of love, resilience & daring unfold in this loveable podcast, as story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill wander the streets of Australia (and sometimes a little further), microphone in hand, chatting to strangers.

It's conversations... with everyday people.

 

 

Episode Summary

Jon hits the rainy streets of Canggu, Bali, and strikes gold with Aaron – a laid-back scaffolder from Plymouth, England, who's out here for three weeks of sun, floods, and serious tattoo action. Celebrating his mate's birthday, Aaron's got big plans: he's booked in at a local shop for the "whole package," including a massive Egyptian piece on his leg front, an astronaut on the back, a memorial arm sleeve for a friend who passed last year, and even some rib work. It's all happening on the 18th – the day before he flies home, which means he'll be bandaged up like a mummy for the long flight back. 

Aaron's passion for getting tattoos in Bali shines through as he chats about the thrill of the look, the confidence boost, and yeah – how the ladies apparently love them. He's no newbie to ink, with his chest and arm already done, but this trip is next-level. Refreshingly honest, he shares that his wife back home (the "love of his life") fully approves, and he's smart about Bali's vibe – steering clear of anything risky that could land him in trouble.

Beyond the tattoos, Aaron paints a picture of his ideal Bali day: wake up, soak in the vibes, and hit a big party in Canggu later. Scaffolding back in Plymouth is tough graft, but the good money funds escapes like this – his first time in Bali after loving Thailand. The conversation flows easy, wrapping up with a quick surf chat (Jon's been hitting G-Land) and a friendly shout-out. 

Clocking in under five minutes, this episode captures the raw joy of spontaneous stranger talks – funny, real, and a teaser for why getting tattoos in Bali might just be the ultimate holiday flex. It's the kind of story that reminds you everyone has a hidden chapter worth hearing.

 

Chapters 

• 00:00 – Intro vibes and approaching the stranger
• 00:22 – Aaron from Plymouth shares his Bali plans
• 00:50 – Detailing the massive tattoo lineup: Egyptian, astronaut, and memorial
• 01:40 – Why he loves tattoos (the look, the feel, and the ladies)
• 02:07 – Married life and wife-approved ink
• 02:48 – Daily Bali goal: sun, floods, and party mode
• 03:27 – Staying safe in Bali (no jail risks)
• 03:55 – Scaffolder life back home and funding the fun
• 04:20 – Surf talk and sign-off

 

Key Moments

• Calls Bali “baby Thailand” on his very first trip
• Booking “the whole package”: full leg sleeve with Egyptian gods on the front + astronaut on the back – peak chaos energy
• Not scared of the needle… but terrified of the flight home: “Gonna be wrapped like a mummy on a 14-hour flight”
• Daily life goal in Bali: “Just get up and get f*cked up every day, bro” (said at 4:30 p.m. like a pro)
• Married & loyal… but still flexes: “The ladies love tattoos, I’ve been told” (then quickly adds the wife approves the new ink)

 

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Music Supervision by Dennis Feletto
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