In this episode, tattoo artist & coach Reese Hilburn gets radically honest about her journey from TV fame and public cancellation to rebuilding her life and business through spiritual growth. She shares how she now earns 10K+/month tattooing only 6 days, and the mindset shifts that made it possible. We dive into overcoming self-sabotage, turning your shadows into strengths, and why being polarizingly authentic is the best marketing strategy.

A powerful episode on healing, entrepreneurship, and building a life of freedom.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aqjYSJUryKg

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

TIMA https://tima-tattoo.org

INKTEGRITY https://inktegrityproject.org

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Reese Hilburn on IG @theartofreese

In this episode, we’re joined by Mick O'Herien, President of the APT and owner of the legendary Shotzi's Tattoo, for a crucial conversation about the state of the industry.

Mick shares his incredible journey from being Shotzi's last apprentice to leading the fight for tattooers' rights. We discuss the looming threat of federal regulation, the importance of organizations like the APT and TIMA, and why "strengthening the gates" is essential for the future of our craft.

This is a powerful episode about legacy, advocacy, and uniting to protect the industry we love.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nEmR-ToeyVg

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

TIMA https://tima-tattoo.org

INKTEGRITY https://inktegrityproject.org

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Mick O’Herien on IG @mickmetal

In this episode, we’re back on the LIVE stage! Recorded on August 31, 2025, at the Macabre Tattoo & Arts Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, this episode marks the return of our raw, convention-floor conversations, and it was worth the wait.

Join Rob as he sits down with Adam Stoner, artist, documentarian, and host of The Adam Stoner Show, for a wildly unpredictable chat.

This isn’t your typical tattoo podcast. This is a deep dive into art, life, loss, legacy, and what it means to truly simplify your world - told by two guys who’ve lived it all under the buzzing lights of the industry.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jVao61fcuOk

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

INKTEGRITYPROJECT.ORG

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Adam Stoner on IG @adam_stoner

In this episode, shop owner, renowned artist, and real estate agent Kevin Becvar joins the podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation about the evolution of his career and the tattoo industry at large.

We kick things off by catching up on life, fatherhood, and the unique challenges of living and working in Temecula, California. Kevin opens up about the shifting landscape of tattooing, discussing why he feels the industry has gotten "softer," the pros and cons of its oversaturation, and why he'll never turn down a Pinterest tattoo.

We dive deep into his dual career in real estate, exploring the surprising synergies (and conflicts) between the two fields, and he reveals the unique incentive he offers clients that you have to hear to believe.

This episode is packed with stories, from the nightmare of modern air travel and getting “Becvared,” to unforgettable moments like tattooing Bruce Campbell and working catering at WWE events. We also tackle heavier topics, including the impact of social media algorithms, the legacy of our late friend Mark Medford, and the real health concerns behind trends like blackout sleeves.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WHFJXi6EDVA

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

INKTEGRITYPROJECT.ORG

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Kevin Becvar on IG @kevinbecvar

In this episode, Rob is joined by Selina Medina, tattoo artist, VP of the Alliance for Professional Tattooists (APT), and a leading expert on tattoo industry regulations.

This is a critical conversation about the existential threats facing the tattoo industry. They pull back the curtain on the dangers of cheap, imported products and the looming specter of government oversight. Selina breaks down the high-stakes battle to change the term "injection" in regulatory language, a fight that could determine if tattooing remains an accessible craft or becomes a cost-prohibitive medical procedure.

They also analyze the damaging impact of Europe's REACH regulations and issue a powerful call to action for artists and manufacturers to get educated and unite. This episode serves as an essential guide to understanding the forces shaping your business and how to safeguard the future of tattooing.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7tQ3sHWqR18

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

INKTEGRITYPROJECT.ORG

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Selina Medina on IG @girlytattoos

girlytattoos.com

In our landmark 20th episode, we sit down with James Gaither (Art Noir) for a crucial industry talk. We recap the inaugural Raven's Nest event at Sturgis before diving into the existential threats from Amazon and direct Chinese manufacturing. We break down the lessons from the fall of CTS and the urgent new mission of the Tattoo Industry Manufacturers Alliance (TIMA) to create safety standards and protect the industry's soul. Get ready for a raw conversation about legacy, responsibility, and the future of tattooing.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UAtFX9R4ucI

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

INKTEGRITYPROJECT.ORG

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

James Gaither on IG @jimmi_jazz

Raven’s Nest @ravensnestproductions

Art Noir @artnoir_bodyart

In this episode, we sit down with Hal Sawyer, the owner of Helheim Tattoo in Fayetteville, NC, for a raw, unfiltered conversation on tattooing’s evolving landscape, from pricing struggles and guest artist frustrations to AI’s looming threat. We also dive into wild tangents: handmade trophies, doomsday prepping, and why hugging trees might save your sanity. Whether you’re an artist or just love ink, this episode blends industry insights with unexpected philosophy.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Cv9Aco9dGI

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Hal Sawyer on IG @halsawyersart

https://helheimtattoo.com/

In this episode, we chat with Amy Ward, tattoo artist, shop owner, and industry advocate, about her 26-year journey in tattooing, from apprenticeship to championing safety standards. Amy dives into the importance of transparency in ink manufacturing, the differences between U.S. and EU regulations (REACH vs. MoCRA), and why collaboration between artists and manufacturers is key to the industry’s future. Whether you're an artist or ink enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on professionalism, safety, and elevating tattooing as a craft.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZMZl8S-fDHI

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Amy Ward on IG @aoktattoo

In this episode, tattoo artist Lu Skywalker joins the show to chat about his 18-year journey, from chaotic convention days to prioritizing health and creativity. We dive into industry challenges (Pittsburgh’s lack of regulation, AI ethics), the power of community, and why tattooing needs better education. Plus, Lu’s passion for card games and his dream of merging nerd culture with tattoo shops!

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2phzHr5iDn8

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Lu Skywalker on IG @lu_skywalker

Pittsburgh Gaming Expo https://pittsburghgamingexpo.com

In this episode, we talk with Kris Lachance of Splash of Color Tattoo about building a culture of safety, structure, and accountability. From shop management to safety standards, this episode offers critical insight into what it takes to run a successful and safe tattoo studio in 2025.

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/aFDGTQRV6Yo

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Kris Lachance on IG @splashtattoos