In this episode of the Tattoo Budcast, Jimmy and Sanae sit down with Montana tattooer Dana Richards, who Sanae has known since his earliest days as an apprentice in the same California shop they once worked at. Now a successful shop owner in Montana, Dana shares his journey from those humble beginnings to running his own studio, along with the major differences between tattooing in Montana vs California. The conversation dives into everything from shifting testosterone levels to lifestyle changes, shop culture, and what it takes to build a solid career in the tattoo industry.

We also get into why a real tattoo apprenticeship still matters in 2025—how it shapes your craft, your professionalism, and your long-term success. Things get philosophical too, as the crew talks about simulation theory, strange coincidences, and whether we might all be living inside something bigger than we realize. It’s a mix of tattoo talk, mentorship, personal growth, and the kind of weird, honest conversations the Budcast is known for.

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