There's a new Ward in town! Jose Luis Guardiola is being sworn in as the new Commerce City Ward 1 City Council Member, and we wanted to check in with him about the current political climate. In this conversation, we break down local politics in a digestible way while taking a look back at his roots from his education at CSU to his work as the Executive Director of College and Career for the Sheridan School District.

On May 1st, I took part as a judge at Wheat Ridge High School for their senior Capstone presentations. Each student shared a four year passion project, blending math, reading, and writing into something that mattered to them. Just in my room the topics ranged from car mechanics to the mental ripple effect a head trauma can have on immediate family and relatives. For 15 years, this tradition has connected students with their community in powerful ways.

In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Bureau, the Instructional Coach behind Capstone. She shares how the program shapes students, parents, and teachers alike, and how her own love for coaching and supporting young people fuels the work she does. This conversation is about education, community, and the spark we all carry to make a difference.

This special edition of Dreambent brings together the voices of our community of volunteers, tattoo artists, participants, and vendors; each offering their own stories, encouragement, and messages of hope. Woven together, these voices create a living testament to resilience and connection, honoring the spirit of HOPE;ink 2025, a semicolon tattoo event dedicated to suicide awareness. Like protons that are small yet essential, steady in their charge; we explore what it means to carry strength within, to show up for one another, and to remind ourselves that even the smallest presence can hold the power to keep us together.

Joy Wishtun is the Directory of Philanthropy for Jefferson Center for Mental Health and co-creator of HOPE;ink Suicide Awareness Semicolon Tattoo Event (SASTE). 

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the journey that gave rise to HOPE;ink. From its roots and the stories that sparked it, to the partners and communities who’ve carried it forward. You’ll hear not just the logistics, but the heart and  impact this event has had on us, on the shops who stand with us, and on thousands of people who's lives have been touched over the past 9 years.

It’s part history, part testimony, and a reminder of why this event is so important for community and why it continues to grow. Vulnerable, inspiring, and unforgettable. 

HOPE;ink takes place Sat. September 6th at all our participating shops in the Denver Metro area and surrounding cities. Doors to tattooing open at 10am. 

If you feel like you can't make a living playing music, think again. Daniel is the founding member of James Band a Denver native rock band that has cemented a legacy in the covers music scene with their long tenure as one of the most sough after Rock en tu Idioma bands. In this episode we dive into his success as musician and the band's storied career as well as what it took to serve the Mexican American community who just wants to relive and enjoy our beloved Spanish rock roots.

Adam is part of the iconic Spanish rock band James Band here in Colorado who's not only made a name for themselves for their highly energetic shows, but have helped propel rock en tu idioma for the better part of 11 years. We talk about the music industry of the early 90s & 2000s and the many changes the industry has seen as well as his trajectory as a Mexican/American musician.

We flip things around as my friend Rob interviews me and take a trip down memory lane to my childhood, my hometown of Juarez/El Paso and the trajectory to what is now Dreambent Studios Tattoo. In-between we share stories and anecdotes in our storied friendship along with a shit ton of laughs. Enjoy

Originally from Chicago OG Slow Death has made a name for himself in the tattoo industry in his 21 years of a storied career. In this episode we take you back to how things were and how much they've changed from conventions, to running a studio, to the future of tattooing in the new emerging world of Ai. 

Soulful and majestic are just a few of the things that drive Kayla Marque's music straight to the senses. Growing up in a family of musicians she has made it her life's work to share her creations with the world. Discover more of what's behind the voice in this candid interview where we touch on the importance of BIPOC communities and the impact music can have on a young teenager when trying to find answers and purpose on this world.

Adam Rose is the owner of Fallen Owl Tattoo in Lakewood, CO 
On a tattoo guest spot (business trip) to Vietnam he got to ride an ostrich and shoot from a bazooka while spending 6 weeks immersed in the culture. As an advisor and advocate for skin health, he got to be in a group of tattoo consultants for a cancer prevention committee. We talk about being a young pup and an old put inside the industry and the many other things we've done thanks to tattooing.