Tattoos are stories told through skin. In this conversation, Phil Gabranth sits down with Chris Pincus, owner and artist at Revelation Tattoo, to explore what it really takes to make a life in a creative trade.They unpack the craft, discipline, and business reality behind tattooing—everything from studio standards and client trust to pricing, apprenticeship, and staying inspired after decades of work.If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone balancing creativity with business, this one’s worth a full listen.Most people see tattoos as art. Chris sees them as chapters—moments permanently written into the body.In this episode Chris and Phil talk about the parallels between tattooing and bodywork while exploring therapeutic and creative business owning: how to sustain excellence, manage burnout, handle pricing with integrity, and build a work culture that actually lasts.

They cover:

* What separates a professional studio from a hobbyist setup

* Why tattoos are as much healing and storytelling as design

* The hidden workload behind “just an appointment”

* Apprenticeships, mentorship, and gatekeeping the right way

* Creative fatigue, confidence, and protecting the love of your craft

* Lessons in leadership from years of business operation

* Why reputation compounds—and shortcuts eventually show

Phil draws connections to coaching, training, and bodywork, but the focus stays on the tattoo industry as a master class in creative discipline.

Key Takeaways

* Tattooing is storytelling. Every piece documents a real, lived chapter.

* Craft first, ego last. The artist’s standards define the shop’s success.

* Professionalism is process. Clean environments, clear pricing, reliable execution.

* Apprenticeship still matters. Mentorship protects the culture of craft.

* Running a creative business = balancing art with operations.

* Reputation is slowly-built but instantly lost.

* Sustainability beats hype. Artists who last learn to pace passion.

About the Guest

Chris Pincus is the owner and lead artist at Revelation Tattoo, known for his precision, storytelling approach, and commitment to the craft. With years in the industry, he’s become a respected mentor and creative force — balancing art, business, and integrity inside every session.

📍 Follow Chris on Instagram: @ChrisPincusTattoo📍 Follow his shop Revelation Tattoo on Instagram: @revelation_tattoo

Host

Phil Gabranth – Founder of Stoic Bodywork, author, and creative entrepreneur exploring the intersections of health, wealth and philosophy.🎙 stoicbodywork.com📍Instagram @PhilGabranth

Affiliates

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In this episode of the Stoic Bodywork Podcast, Phil and Octavia sit down with Liz, founder of New Born Families LLC, a lactation consultant and Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) practitioner, to explore how early bodywork interventions can transform both physical and emotional outcomes for new families. From debunking common lactation myths to recognizing tongue-tie patterns and subtle fascial restrictions affecting infant feeding, Liz shares her real-world experience bridging clinical care and intuitive healing.

Whether you’re a parent, practitioner, or simply fascinated by the body’s innate intelligence, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how connection drives recovery.Show Notes (with timestamps):

00:00 – IntroductionPhil and Octavia open the episode, setting the tone for an honest conversation about early challenges in breastfeeding and how fascia-focused approaches support healing.

03:10 – Liz’s Journey into Lactation and BodyworkLiz discusses her path from motherhood to professional practice, and the pivotal moments that revealed the power of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy.

07:45 – What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)?A breakdown of how CFT differs from other modalities and why it’s particularly effective for infants and mothers.

12:20 – Fascia, Function, and FeedingHow fascial tension influences latch, feeding efficiency, and even sleep in newborns.

17:05 – Recognizing Tongue-Ties EarlyLiz explains the subtle cues of tongue-tie and how restrictions in the fascia can directly affect breastfeeding success.

21:40 – Intuition Meets EvidenceA conversation on how to integrate empathy, instinct, and scientific understanding in care for families.

26:15 – Emotional Layers of LactationHow emotional safety, maternal regulation, and practitioner presence play vital roles in milk production and healing.

30:40 – Inside a CFT SessionLiz walks listeners through what a typical postpartum or infant session looks like and how education and comfort build trust.

36:50 – Collaboration in CarePhil and Liz explore how CFT fits within multidisciplinary work—bridging lactation consulting, chiropractic, and bodywork communities.

42:10 – Closing Thoughts: Connection as the Core of HealingA reflection on how true healing happens through connection—between tissue, practitioner, and family.

44:00 – OutroPhil and Octavia close with a reminder: fascia responds to attention, not aggression. Healing begins with presence.

Resources & Mentions:

Guest:👩‍🍼 Liz – Founder of New Born Families LLC🌐 Website: lactationliz.com📸 Instagram: @new.born.families.llc

Mentioned Topics:

* Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) — Dr. Barry Gillespie’s work

* Lactation consulting fundamentals

* Early fascial interventions for infants

* Interdisciplinary collaboration between lactation, chiropractic, and massage therapy

Connect with Stoic Bodywork:🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or your preferred podcast platform🌐 Visit stoicbodywork.com🐾 Follow Octavia’s journey and future guest features on Instagram @stoicbodywork

In this follow-up to our conversation with Cassie, editor at Norse Panda, we step back and explore meditation from a broad perspective. This episode is less about any single method and more about understanding what meditation really is—where the word comes from, what it’s meant to do, and how it shows up in daily practice.

Drawing from years of both teaching and learning meditation, I share insights into:

* The roots and definition of the word “meditation”

* Why there are so many different styles and techniques

* Common misconceptions and mistakes beginners make

* How meditation connects to the brain–body relationship

* Practical advice for finding a method that actually works for you

Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated, mystical, or out of reach. It’s a practice of awareness that anyone can approach in their own way. Whether you’re brand new or refining your practice, this episode will give you a grounded framework for understanding meditation and how to integrate it into your life.

*Note: All claims about yoga in this episode are in reference to the Western practice and style modernized and most widely known in America. We do not dispute that true Yogis and Yoginis exist and have for hundreds of years. The current use of the words have been corrupted as has the word Guru. The statements are meant to push back on that use and force Western minds to look for original roots instead of made up marketable nonsense. If Sadhguru gets to say Shaolin and Taichi come from Yoga then we get to generalize claims towards Western Yoga and not adhering to Ayurvedic practice.*

Cassie is the Chief Editor at Norse Panda LLC and has questions about meditation. She decided to learn more about it and share that experience to help others do the same. This episode covers the basics and some fun tangents along the way.

Covering the vocabulary, recommendations, and information you need to know about creating your own supplement stack. The episode is dedicated to PureBulk.com, use coupon code Stoicbodywork15 on your first order and STOICBODYORK for 10% off any order after that.

The education systems do a poor job of helping us learn about our bodies. In this episode we go over examples of how learning about yourself can lead to better health and wellness outcomes.

Follow up episode to the interview with Dr. Nicole (episode 002)

Dr. Nicole is an oncologist specializing in treating breast cancer. We discuss her career path and advice for future physicians, the current state of treatment and its advancements, as well as advice for prevention and treatment of cancer.

Introduction to the Stoic Bodywork Podcast. General discussions about health and wellness from the creator of the Stoic Bodywork methods. A therapeutic Bodywork and Physical Training system that focuses on balancing the body, opening the mind, and awakening the spirit.