Ever wonder how reality tattoo shows like Tattoo Rescue actually get started?

Spoiler alert: it involves a Jersey guy yelling at a film crew and accidentally becoming a TV star. 😂

In this episode, hosts Paul-Anthony Surdi and Chico Cortez sit down with Joey Tattoo—tattoo shop owner, TV personality, emcee, and all-around industry OG—to talk about:

🎬 The wild story behind how Tattoo Rescue got made.

🔥 What it’s really like fixing struggling tattoo shops across the country.

🎤 Joey's journey from tattooer to one of the most in-demand convention emcees.

🖤 Why old-school respect matters in today’s oversaturated tattoo scene.

🏆 And yeah… the truth about trophies at tattoo conventions (he doesn’t hold back 😅).

Joey also shares stories about his time in the industry, mentoring new Tattoo Artists, tattooing 7 days a week, and giving back through his conventions and charity work.

💬 If you care about tattoo culture, history, and hearing it straight from someone who's seen it all, you’re gonna love this one.

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more real talk with tattoo legends and industry leaders.

#TattooRescue #JoeyTattoo #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooPodcast #TattooConvention #TattooIndustry #TattooHistory #TattooArtistLife #TattooCommunity #RealityTattooShow #TattooCulture

Get ready for a wild ride through tattoo history with a living legend. In this unforgettable episode, hosts Chico Cortez and Gabe Jaksich sit down with none other than Gil “The Drill” Montie and his wife Gemma Montie (and Luna, his pet guardian) to talk about everything—from the roots of American tattooing to Tupac, biker life, Hollywood stories, and preserving the soul of the craft.

💥 What’s inside this epic episode:

🖤 Gil’s stories of tattooing legends like Tupac, working with Zeke Owens, and hanging with Philly Eddie.

🎤 Behind the scenes of movies, music videos, and celebrity tattoos (yep, even Biggie).

🔥 The real difference between today’s industry and the OG tattoo culture.

💉 The magic of being a true “tattoo man” vs. just doing tattoos.

📜 Why preserving tattoo history matters more than ever.

This one isn’t just a podcast—it’s a masterclass in tattoo legacy, passion, and respect for the roots. If you care about tattoo culture, you need to hear this.

👇 Drop a comment if Gil’s stories hit home or if you’ve got your own OG memories to share.

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to help us keep real tattoo history alive!

HOST:

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez -  https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Gill "The Drill" Montie - https://www.instagram.com/gillthedrill/

Gemma Montie - https://www.instagram.com/theoneandonly_mrsdrill/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: The Podcast Doctor

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor: Alexandra Voelmle

Producer and Editor: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

CHAPTERS:

00:00 intro

00:27 Gill Montie the Tattoo Man

03:48 Tattoo Tradition

09:08 TAttoo man as the Medicine Man

11:44 Shop Life

17:20 How Gill and Gemma Met

22:23 Being the partner of a tattoo legend/respecting elders

25:47 Art getting better, pay getting worse/documenting history

35:02 Gill's Hollywood Connections

36:29 TuPac and Biggie

40:42 Relationship between Motorcycles and Tattoos

47:45 Other Tattoo Artists from the past Gill admires

48:41 Gill being a tattoo hero, passing on history and the legac

#TattooPodcast #InkDifferentTattoos #GilMontie #TattooLegend #TattooHistory #TupacTattoo#TattooIndustry #TattooLife #GemmaMontie

The tattoo world hasn’t always been welcoming to women, but that’s changing fast, thanks to artists like Peggi Hurley and Lauren Klose. 💪🎨

In this powerful episode, hosts Paul-Anthony Surdi, Chico Cortez, and Gabe Jaksich sit down with these two trailblazing Tattoo Artists to talk about how women are reshaping the tattoo industry from the inside out.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

✨ What it was like being a woman in tattooing "back then" vs. now

💥 Breaking barriers and building respect in the shop

🧠 Owning your space—literally and creatively

💡 Advice for women (and anyone!) looking to thrive in the tattoo world

This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of the industry, female empowerment, and creating inclusive spaces in tattooing.

💬 Tell us in the comments: Who are the women in tattooing that inspire you?

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share for more real talk with tattoo industry pros.

HOST:

Paul-Anthony Surdi - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9eDiHySuB/

Chico Cortez -   https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Peggy Hurley - https://www.instagram.com/peghurley/

Lauren Klose - https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_by_lo/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: HGAB Studios

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor: Matt Kiem

Producer: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

#WomenInTattooing #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooPodcast #TattooIndustry #TattooArtistLife #PeggyHurley #LaurenKlose #TattooShopLife #FemaleTattooArtists #TattooCulture

Think tattoo conventions are just about showing off ink and slingin’ tats? Think again. 👀

In this episode, hosts Paul-Anthony Surdi, Chico Cortez, and Gabe Jaksich sit down with Legion Avegno—tattoo artist, shop owner, and convention runner—to pull back the curtain on the real world of tattoo conventions.

🎪 Here’s what we get into:

🔥 Why every serious tattoo artist should be attending conventions

🎬 What really goes on behind the scenes

💥 The biggest challenges of running a successful event

🎯 What makes a convention stand out—and why some fail

If you’re trying to grow in the tattoo industry, this episode is packed with the kind of insight you can’t Google.

🎥 Watch now and drop a comment with your favorite convention experience—or the one you're dying to attend!

👍 Don’t forget to Like & Subscribe for more tattoo biz tips, artist interviews, and real talk from the industry.

HOST:

Paul-Anthony Surdi - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9eDiHySuB/

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez -   https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Legion Avegno - https://www.instagram.com/legion_avegno/

Orlando Tattoo Show - https://www.instagram.com/orlandotattooshow/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: HGAB Studios

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor: Matt Kiem

Producer: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

Chapters:

Intro 00:00

Who is Legion 00:00

The Orlando Tattoo Convention 03:40

Legion Mentor 06:01

traveling tattoo artists 08:53

Current Shop 10:15

style 14:57

how things have changed 17:18

Physical Media 23:14

Fallen Sparrow 25:19

Keep it CLEAN 29:16

Love for the Craft 33:57

Hand Made Trophies 37:11

The Old Idols 39:12

Buisness Owner Responsibilites and Help 41:32

#TattooConventions #TattooPodcast #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooIndustry #TattooArtistLife #TattooEvents #BehindTheScenes #TattooCulture #TattooShopOwner #ConventionTips

Are you in it for the love of tattooing—or for the likes? 💸🎨

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Chico Cortez and Gabe Jaksich sit down with two world-renowned tattoo legends—Jime Litwalk and Mat Ryan from Eternal Ink—to get real about the motives, mindsets, and future of the tattoo industry.

🔥 We’re diving into:

— Passion vs. Fame: Why did you start tattooing?

— Gatekeeping vs. Holding the Line: Where’s the line between protecting the craft and shutting others out?

— The evolution of tattooing: Where is it headed, and what should Tattoo Artists be thinking about now?

If you're a Tattoo Artist, aspiring apprentice, shop owner, or just someone who lives and breathes tattoos, this episode will hit home.

💬 Drop a comment with your take—Are you about the money or the craft?

👍 Like & Subscribe for more deep dives with the biggest names in tattooing.

HOST:

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez -  https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Jime Litwalk - https://www.instagram.com/jimelitwalk/

Mat Ryan Eternal - https://www.instagram.com/eternaltattooing/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: The Podcast Doctor

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor: Alexandra Voelmle

Producer and Editor: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

CHAPTERS:

Intro 00:00

Industry vs craft 02:00

gatekeeping 04:06

Holding the line, taking good students 11:23

Good artist doesn't mean good tattooer 14:11

Social media creating trends vs a lasting impact 22:05

Hustling for work 28:27

Tough love for longevity 34:04

How ink masters changed their lives 36:59

American Tattoo Society/tattooing on military bases 48:52

Is tattooing going to get better or worse 57:32

Corporations taking over the industry 01:00:35

#InkDifferentTattoos #TattooPodcast #JimeLitwalk #EternalInk #TattooIndustryTalk #TattooArtistLife #TattooApprenticeship #TattooBusiness #TattooCulture #PassionVsProfit #TattooCraft

You ever wonder what’s really in that numbing cream or aftercare lotion you're putting on your fresh ink? Well, we got you! In this episode, hosts Paul-Anthony Surdi, Gabe Jaksich, and Chico Cortez sit down with the one and only Scott Martin—OG Tattoo Artist, tattpp shops owner, and founder of Ikonik Tattoo Care—to dive into the future of tattoo aftercare.

We’re talking:

🧪 Wild new tech in tattoo aftercare & numbing creams

💉 How Scott’s products are changing the game (FDA-approved, y’all!)

🔥 Healing tips, what makes a great aftercare formula, and what to AVOID

⚡ Why blood flow matters more than you think

🧼 The truth about ingredients, derm wraps, and tattoo glide

Scott’s not just making products—he’s solving problems artists and clients have been dealing with for years. Don’t miss this one.

🔔 Like, comment & subscribe for more artist interviews, tattoo tips, and insider industry convos.

HOST:

Paul-Anthony Surdi - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9eDiHySuB/

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez -   https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Scott Martin - https://www.instagram.com/scottmartintattoos/

Ikonik Care - https://www.instagram.com/ikonikcare/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: HGAB Studios

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor: Matt Kiem

Producer: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

Chapters:

Intro 00:00

Scott Martin Good  Vibrations Ink 00:22

Ikonik Numbing cream 03:32

aftercare  10:24

evolution of technology  22:26

numbing cream debate 27:06

Improving the Industry 34:38

balancing the career and the family 41:07

Mark Longnecker Episode 43:13

#TattooAftercare #TattooNumbingCream #TattooIndustry #TattooPodcast #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooShopOwner #IkonikTattooCare #tattooartistlife

Attributions:

record scratch.wav by luffy -- https://freesound.org/s/3536/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

🔥 What’s it REALLY like to compete on Ink Master? Ink Master alumni Roly T-Rex & Mark Longenecker join hosts Gabe Jaksich & Chico Cortez to share behind-the-scenes stories, career lessons, and how they’re giving back to the tattoo community.

💉 Topics Covered:

✔️ Ink Master experience – challenges, wins, and lessons learned.

✔️ How reality TV changed their tattoo careers 🎬.

✔️ Life after Ink Master – what they’re up to now.

✔️ How they support and give back to the tattoo community.

✔️ Advice for aspiring Tattoo Artists & creatives.

If you love tattoos, Ink Master, and inspiring stories from top Tattoo Artists, this episode is a must-watch!

🔔 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more tattoo industry insights, artist interviews, and pro tattoo tips!

HOST:

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez -  https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Roly T-Rex - https://www.instagram.com/roly_tattoos/

Mark Longenecker - https://www.instagram.com/marklongenecker/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: The Podcast Doctor

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Producer and Editor: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

CHAPTERS:

Intro 00:00

Let's talk Ink Masters Baby 00:35

Headgames from the productions 02:25

Yes it was still worth it 06:36

After the show ends 08:44

How is the industry changing now 12:17

Tattooing to Connect 14:19

In Person Hustle 16:31

Charity work and other ways of giving back 21:40

How to reach them 31:39

#InkMaster #TattooArtists #TattooPodcast #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooCareer #TattooCommunity #TattooIndustry #TattooLife

🔥 Women in the Tattoo Industry Speak Out! 🔥

In this episode of the podcast our cohosts Paul-Anthony Surdi and Chico Cortez sit down with Tattoo Model Vany Vicious and Tattoo Artist Taylor Demers to talk about their journeys in the tattoo industry—breaking barriers, facing challenges, and thriving as women in a male-dominated field.

💉 Topics Covered:

✔️ How they got into the tattoo scene and built their careers

✔️ Getting tattooed young – the good, the bad, and the regrets

✔️ Being a teen and mom while navigating the tattoo world

✔️ Sexism and discrimination in the industry – how they handled it

✔️ Standing out as a female entrepreneur in tattooing

✔️ Breaking into the influencer space & growing a personal brand

✔️ AI in the tattoo industry

✔️ Solo tattoo studio workflow & best practices

✔️ Tattoo cover-ups & industry trends

🔔 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more tattoo business tips, industry insights, and inspiring stories from top female Tattoo Artists and influencers!

HOST:

Paul-Anthony Surdi

Chico Cortez -  https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Vany Vicious - https://www.instagram.com/officialvanyvicious/

Taylor Demers - https://www.instagram.com/tay_staytatted/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: Brick Pod

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor: Matt Keim

Producer: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

CHAPTERS:

Intro 00:00

How they got into the tattoo scene 01:14

Being Tattooed YOUNG 03:19

Being a teen and mom in the tattoo scene 06:28

Vany and leaving the shop world 08:45

Dealing with Sexism and Discrimination in the scene 11:21

Regrets about getting tattooed early 17:30

What set you apart from other women in the field? 18:37

Were there other women entrepreneurs? 21:13

What brought you into the influencer world. 23:45

Opinions on AI in the industry 28:15

Workflow for the Solo Studio 33:17

Current Tattoo Coverups 34:30

Advice for young people who want to be in the creative industry 39:48

#TattooEntrepreneurs #WomenInTattooing #TattooArtist #TattooIndustry #TattooBusiness #TattooModel #TattooLife #TattooStudio #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooPodcast

Black & Gray Realism is one of the most sought-after tattoo styles at the moment—but what’s the REAL story behind it? 🤔 In this episode of the Ink Different Tattoos Podcast, we sit down with Black & Gray experts Marcel Oliveira and Anthony Medina to break down the biggest debates, business strategies, and industry insights that every Tattoo Artist (and client) should know! 💉⚡

🚀 In this episode, we cover:

✅ The age-old argument: Is it still Black & Gray if you add white? 🎨

✅ Why consultations are the key to booking big realism pieces 💰

✅ The tattoo styles that are making money right now (and which ones are fading away) 📉

And a lot more...

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more tattoo industry insider tips and artist interviews! 🎤🖤

Chapters:  

Introductions 00:43

Do you get better at tattooing JUST from years of experience 01:23

Do you need an Art Background to do Realism? 04:40

Audience Question!!! Why do Realist SUCK at Line Art?? 08:27

What Makes You Chose Realism?? 10:33

Dealing with Competition 12:58

Audience Question 2: Realist Using Software to Enhace their work 14:55

Black Ink of Choice 17:52

Audience Question 3: Is it True that Realism Tattoos Don't Heal Well 21:32

Once you add white is it no longer black and grey? 26:35

Gabe is a very sweaty man 28:53

How do you deal with errors in realism 30:35

Taking Breaks from Realism 31:17

Subject Preference 32:44

Audience Question: The Realism Wolf with Blue Eyes 34:19

The Brocoli Tattoo 38:14

Carrying Client Emotions 39:35

Realism in thir own words 40:53

Do you research subjects 44:31

What would you tattoo if given the choice 49:12

But WHAT IF it was Gabe's ASS 50:04

Just a forearm this time no ass 52:35

Consultations 53:57

HOST:

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez -   https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Anthony Medina - https://www.instagram.com/amedinaink/

Marcel Oliveira - https://www.instagram.com/marceltattooartist/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: HGAB Studios

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Producer/Editor: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

#BlackAndGrayTattoos #TattooRealism #TattooPodcast #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooIndustry #TattooBusiness

🔥🧛‍♂️ BONUS EPISODE ALERT! 🧛‍♂️🔥

In this special bonus episode, tattooist and vampyre Miguel Valentin spills the tea on one of the most EPIC tattoo experiences of his career at a Philly convention. 🎨✨ From tackling a wild and challenging design to showing how committed he is to his craft, Miguel shares the highs, the challenges, and how it all turned out.

If you love tattoos, bold creativity, and a killer story, this one’s for you. Hit play and find out more! 🎙️💉

HOST:

Paul-Anthony Surdi - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9eDiHySuB/

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez -   https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Miguel Valentin -

Websites:

https://miguelvalentin.com/

https://inkaddictiontat2.com/

Instagram accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/vampyremiguel/

https://www.instagram.com/hellsgatehalo/

https://www.instagram.com/inkaddictiontattoo/

https://www.instagram.com/inkaddiction2/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: HGAB Studios

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor and Producer: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

#InkDifferentTattoosPodcast #TattooPodcast #PodcastBonus #TattooStories #PhillyTattooCon #CreativeChallenges