What happens when tattoo culture, old Vegas stories, stand-up comedy, and real shop talk all collide in one conversation? 

In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, Austin Spencer sits down with Jason Paxman of Bad Apple Tattoo and welcomes back Phil Luck for a wild, funny, and honest conversation about tattooing, comedy, community, social media, and how the industry has changed over the years. From street shop chaos and unforgettable Vegas stories to the pressure of getting on stage and dealing with gatekeeping online, this episode is packed with the kind of real tattoo world perspective that artists and collectors come here for.

Jason opens up about building Laughter Day Saints Comedy, stepping into stand-up, and how tattooing and comedy both come with community, cliques, support, and pressure. The conversation also digs into old-school Vegas tattoo shop stories, the realities of today’s tattoo economy, social media toxicity, and the kinds of experiences younger tattooers rarely get to hear about firsthand.

Connect with the guests:
Phil Luck
Jason Paxman
Jason’s comedy page

Connect with the host: 

Austin Spencer

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an incredible conversation with Manny Fernandez (@mannysrevolution) as he takes us behind the scenes of high-stakes television, the precision of Japanese artistry, and the mental game required to stay at the top of the Vegas tattoo scene!

In this episode, Manny shares his unique creative process where he spends time creating multiple versions of a large-scale piece before he ever commits to the final piece. 🎨 Manny breaks down the intense mental and physical toll of competing on Ink Master, the reality of tattooing under the bright lights of national TV, and the surreal experience of having his own favorite artists tattoo him.

We also dive into his life in the desert, holding it down at Revolution Tattoo in Las Vegas. Manny discusses his mastery of Japanese, Traditional, and New School styles, and how he balances technical precision with the raw, custom soul of his work.

Hear more from Manny Fernandez and host Austin (@austinsbrain) on this month’s episode of "Support Your Local Tattooer."

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Listen now and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel: @supportyourlocaltattooer.

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an incredible conversation with Phil Luck & J Swarm (@darthswarm / @philluckluckofficial) as they take a deep dive into the gritty history of the tattoo industry, the evolution of the "hustle," and why some things are better left off social media

Hear more from Phil, Swarm and host Austin Spencer (@austinsbrain) on this month’s episode of "Support Your Local Tattooer."

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an incredible conversation with Bob Lackner (@bicycle_bobs_tat2) as he takes us on a journey through the open roads, high-stakes guest spots, and the sheer grit of a coast-to-coast tattoo adventure!

In this episode, Bob shares the mind-blowing story of his 40th birthday ride—a 3,940-mile trek from San Francisco to New York with nothing but his camping gear on his back. 🤯 Bob breaks down the mental and physical toll of averaging 100+ miles a day and the homesickness that almost broke him before reaching the California desert.

We also dive into the "pre-social media" era of tattooing, where getting a guest spot meant being invited into the inner circle. Bob recounts his first trip to Maui in 2003, working with legends in Lahaina, and how those early experiences shaped his perspective on the global tattoo community.

Hear more from Bob Lackner and host Austin Brain (@austinsbrain) on this month’s episode of "Support Your Local Tattooer."

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Listen now and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel: @supportyourlocaltattooer.

#tattoostories #bicypletour #boblackner #tattooculture #crosscountry #oldschooltattoo #podcast #newepisode #supportyourlocaltattooer #mauitattoo #roadtrip

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join host Austin Spencer (@austinsbrain) this month for an incredibly fun and insightful conversation with Megan Comfort (@meganthebanker/@nevadastatebank) and Matt Bontrager (@mattbontrager/ @truebookscpa) as they dive deep into the crucial financial and legal strategies every tattoo business owner needs to know.
This episode tackles the big questions around business structure, breaking down the benefits of setting up an LLC versus operating as a sole proprietor. Matt and Megan emphasize the very real dangers of commingling personal and business funds- a mistake that could cause you to lose the liability protection an LLC provides if you get sued.

The conversation gets candid as Austin (@austinsbrain) and Matt discuss the emotional and financial realities of a business partnership breakup They also cover the critical tax implications of the 1099-K form for those who are trying to "fly under the radar." Finally, Megan shares a powerful message about the "addiction" of watching your money grow through smart savings and investments like an IRA- a lesson that can help entrepreneurs build generational wealth by getting an early start.

This conversation is a must-listen for any tattoo artist, shop owner, or creative entrepreneur looking to protect their assets, minimize taxes, and build a financially secure future.

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Sponsored by: Maverick Supply Co. 🐧 @mavericktattoomercantile Use Code: 'SYLT' for 10% off your Maverick order 🐧

Thank you for listening!



 #TattooBusiness #LLC #SCorporation #SmallBusinessFinance #TaxStrategy #FinancialLiteracy #EntrepreneurTips #MattBontragerCPA #MeganComfort #TattooArtistLife  #BusinessPartnership #SupportYourLocalTattooer #MaverickSupplyCo #FinancialFreedom

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for a mind-blowing conversation with returning guests Phil Luck (@phillucktattoo) and Eric Foemmel (@eric.foemmel) as they pull back the curtain on the truly lawless, legendary, and expensive history of tattooing!

This episode is packed with stories about the intimidating world of Philadelphia Eddie and other old-school legends. Phil and Eric detail the dark realities and the incredible grit it took to be a tattooer decades ago, revealing a world where $200,000 (that’s $2.1 million today!) was spent just to fight a ban, and a casual conversation could reveal that "we used to k*ll people back then." 🤯

This conversation gives an unforgettable glimpse into the lawless world of early tattooing, proving that the foundation of the modern tattoo industry was built on unbelievable sacrifice, fear, and a lot of grit.

Hear more from Phil Luck, Eric Foemmel, and host Austin Brain (@austinsbrain) on this month's episode of "Support Your Local Tattooer."

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Listen now and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel: @supportyourlocaltattooer.

#tattoohistory #philadelphiaeddie #tattoolegends #tattoostories #oldschooltattoo #tattooculture #podcast #newepisode #ericfoemmel #philluck #supportyourlocaltattooer

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an incredibly fun and insightful conversation with Crocodile Jackson, a talented tattoo artist who shares his unique perspective on the art world and the importance of supporting your local tattooer.

This episode dives into the realities of working as a professional artist, and how your ability to pivot is the key to survival and success. Crocodile Jackson shares a powerful message about the under documented history of tattooing and why it's so important to pay attention to your local legends before their stories are lost.

In a candid moment, he reveals his biggest inspiration, Alex Pardee, and recounts a touching story about an email he sent to him as a kid, a simple act of reaching out that meant the world. The episode also touches on the power of networking in the age of social media, proving that a simple DM can open doors to amazing connections. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about tattoo stories, the artist's journey, or the resilience of the tattoo community.

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Sponsored by: Maverick Supply Co. 🐧 @mavericktattoomercantile Use Code: 'SYLT' for 10% off your Maverick order 🐧

Thank you for listening!

#CrocodileJackson #AlexPardee #TattooPodcast #TattooArtist #TattooStories #TattooCommunity #TattooCulture #ArtistJourney #NetworkingTips #InkLife #BodyArt #ArtistInterview #BehindTheScenesTattoo #SupportYourLocalTattooer #MaverickSupplyCo #ArtBusiness #CreativeCareer

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an intense and incredibly insightful conversation with a tattoo artist who has truly seen it all, Gian Karle from Ink Master. This episode dives deep into the realities of tattooing all over the US, from the profound experience of touring to the simple joys of hanging out with friends on the road. 

Learn how tattooing isn't just about ink on skin; it's about the deep human connections forged through shared experiences and artistic expression. Gian shares how traveling as a tattooer in cities like Las Vegas, his favorite tour stop, has taught him to never judge a book by its cover. Discover how every custom tattoo creates a unique exchange, offering both the tattoo artist and client an opportunity to learn about community, empathy, and different walks of life. This powerful discussion reminds us to always stay open and learn from others in the ever-evolving tattoo culture. If you're passionate about artist interviews, tattoo stories, or the tattoo lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen!

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Sponsored by: Maverick Supply Co. 🐧
@mavericktattoomercantile
Use Code: 'SYLT' for 10% off your Maverick order 🐧

Thank you for listening!

#InkMaster #GianKarle #TattooPodcast #TattooArtist #TattooStories #TattooCommunity #TattooCulture #LasVegas #TravelingTattooer #TattooLife #BodyArt #InkLife #ArtistInterview #BehindTheScenesTattoo #LearnFromArtists #Empathy #HumanConnection #MaverickSupplyCo

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join host Austin Spencer this month for an intense and incredibly insightful conversation with a tattoo artist who has truly seen it all in the tattoo industry, Chance Gomez. This podcast episode dives deep into the realities of tattooing, from alarming encounters with a man bringing a gun into the shop and intimidating bike club members, to the profound experience of tattooing someone who challenges initial judgments. Discover the unfiltered stories and behind-the-scenes challenges that shape a tattooer's journey.

Learn how tattooing isn't just about ink on skin; it's about the deep human connections forged through shared experiences and artistic expression. Hear how every custom tattoo, from the smallest tattoo design to a full bodysuit, creates a unique exchange, offering both the tattoo artist and client an opportunity to learn about community, empathy, and different walks of life. This powerful discussion reminds us to always stay open, learn from others, and never judge someone's journey in the ever-evolving tattoo culture. If you're passionate about body art, artist interviews, or tattoo lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen!

👤 Keep up with us:
Host- Austin Spencer: @austinsbrain
Guest-Chance Gomez: @cgrowmez

🔔 Make sure to subscribe to Support Your Local Tattooer to keep up with new tattoo podcast episodes every first Sunday of the month! Hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Sponsored by: Maverick Supply Co. 🐧
@mavericktattoomercantile
Use Code: 'SYLT' for 10% off your Maverick order 🐧

Thank you for listening!


#TattooPodcast #TattooArtist #TattooStories #SupportYourLocalTattooer #TattooCommunity #BodyArt #InkLife #ArtistInterview #TattooIndustry #PodcastLife #TattooCulture #CustomTattoo #TattooDesign #ArtisticJourney #BehindTheScenesTattoo #TattooLife #LearnFromArtists #Empathy #HumanConnection #MaverickSupplyCo #SYLT

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join host Austin Spencer as he sits down with the legendary Russ Abbott for a deep dive into the tattoo industry's fascinating evolution. Russ pulls back the curtain on everything from market shifts like microbladers taking on tiny tattoos to the gritty realities of early apprenticeships. 

Discover how Russ navigated the business of tattooing from a simple "Now Available Tattoos" sign to mastering income splits, and hear hilarious stories about the challenges of self-taught hygiene and equipment cleaning in a less-documented era. Don't miss this insightful conversation that highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication required to thrive in the tattoo world!

Keep up with us!

Host: Austin Spencer @austinsbrain

Guest: Russ Abbott @russabbott

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek