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PODCAST

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture

Support Your Local Tattooer is a tattoo podcast for artists, collectors and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, the show brings honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and respected voices in the industry, covering tattoo history, apprenticeship stories, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real experiences shaping tattooing today.Through authentic storytelling and meaningful conversations, each episode is built to keep tattooers connected,

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

41:08

Is Cringe Crashing The Tattoo Artist Industry? The...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/10/04

Tattooers ready to push through visibility anxiety, stay mentally healthy, and build a career on their own terms will find honest company here. Lettie Lynch, Crocodile Jackson, and Jonathan Penchoff join Austin Spencer for a live panel on creative cringe, finding your voice online, and why client praise can quietly stunt your growth. Austin shares how starting this podcast led to a Squire sponsorship. The four also dig into building thick skin, choosing people who actually support you, stay...

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66:26

Full-Time Artist or Full-Time Owner: Joey Hamilton on...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/09/06

Tattoo shop owners juggling multiple locations will want to hear what Joey Hamilton learned running Revolt Tattoos across Las Vegas and Houston: you cannot be a full-time tattoo artist and a full-time business owner without something breaking. Hamilton won Ink Master Season 3, opened his first shop for $12,000, and now faces $250,000 to $500,000 build-outs per location, yet still tattoos six days a week. That contradiction is exactly what he unpacks here, including how casino shop culture tr...

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131:54

The Man Behind GREAT SEX STUDIOS ft. Blaze Ben Brooks...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/08/02

Blaze Ben Brooks designed more than 150 tattoo business cards, branded Maverick, and illustrated Tom Petty's final album. This one is for any artist figuring out how to stay original. Austin sits down with illustrator, graphic designer, and painter Blaze Ben Brooks, the artist behind the Maverick Supply Co brand. They get into the business-card project that opened the entire tattoo world to Blaze, how designing for artists became a trade for most of his tattoo collection, and why he walks aw...

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89:12

The Secret to Surviving the Tattoo Industry ft. Nixx...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/07/05

Tattoo shop owners who treat their business like a lifestyle are losing clients to whoever learns the next trend first. In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, host Austin Spencer sits down with Nixx and Sabina Kelley, husband and wife entrepreneurs, creatives, and co-owners of Smiles and Cries in Las Vegas, for an unfiltered conversation about financial discipline, identity branding, and surviving major industry shifts. Nixx, a 26-year veteran who built Australia's lo...

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62:48

Why Most Tattoo Shop Owners Fail Before They Even Get...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/06/07

What separates a talented tattoo artist from a sustainable tattoo business? In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, Austin Spencer sits down with Brett Rosepiler, Las Vegas tattoo artist, muralist, and co-owner of One Block Tattoo, for a conversation about originality, business ownership, artistic growth, and building something that lasts. After spending more than a decade tattooing at Heritage Tattoo, Brett took the leap into shop ownership and quickly discovered that talent alone ...

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70:17

Nearly 25 Years of Tattooing: What It Really Takes to...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/05/03

What does it really take to build a tattoo shop with soul in the middle of downtown Las Vegas? In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, Austin Spencer sits down with Buddy (Holiday) Orr of Downtown Tattoo Las Vegas, joined by Charlie Spencer, for a wild, funny, and honest conversation about tattoo culture, Fremont Street, American traditional tattooing, shop ownership, sobriety, flash, old Vegas tattoo history, and what it means to build something that lasts. Buddy talks about o...

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80:11

From Vegas Street Shops to Today’s Tattoo Industry...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/04/05

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 sta...

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57:34

Episode 21: Manny Fernandez on Surviving Ink Master...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/03/01

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

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133:03

Episode 20: Wild Tattoo Shop Stories & Vegas Secrets...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/02/01

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

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67:25

Episode 19: Tattooing Before Social Media & Riding...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2026/01/04

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

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74:43

💰 Tattoo Business Finance: LLCs, Taxes, and Partner...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/12/15

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...

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131:23

Episode 17: Philadelphia Eddie: Hit Lists & $2.1M...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/11/02

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....

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81:23

Episode 16: Tattoo Artist Advice: The Key to a...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/10/05

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 attentio...

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66:18

Episode 15: What It's Like to Be a Traveling Tattoo...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/09/07

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 trave...

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68:51

Episode 14: From Gun Scares to Empathy: Chance...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/08/03

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 shap...

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75:30

Episode 13: From Apprentice to Entrepreneur: Russ...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/07/06

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 e...

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54:53

Episode 12: Life As a Tattoo Artist in Las Vegas: The...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/06/01

Think tattooing in Las Vegas is all glam? Think again. We're pulling back the curtain on the wild, often messy, truth of being a tattoo artist in Sin City. If you're an apprentice, or tattoo artist, you won't want to miss this raw look at what it really takes to make it in the Vegas tattoo scene. 📍Studio 21 Tattoo- Las Vegas, NV 👤 Keep up with us: Host- Austin Spencer: @austinsbrain Las Vegas, Nevada Tattoo Artist Guest- Das Frank: @das.frank.ink / das.frank.inc&nb...

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44:58

Episode 11: Tiki, Skulls & Success?! Early Vegas...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/05/04

From tiki to skulls to... well, you know! 😉 Mike Biggs dives into the surprising success of some truly unexpected tattoo combinations he encountered while working in Vegas. Plus, get ready to laugh as he recounts the strange and unusual rules his manager had back in the pre-iPad era! 😂 Trust us, you won't believe some of these stories! 📍 Las Vegas, NV 👤 Keep up with us: Host- Austin Spencer: @austinsbrain Las Vegas, Nevada Tattoo Artist Guest- Mike Biggs: @biggsstu...

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142:00

Episode 10: Clark North's Unbelievable Life- Some Of...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/04/06

Get ready for the incredible Clark North! This episode showcases why he's truly an amazing man, sharing jaw-dropping stories that will leave you stunned & his fascinating beginnings of becoming a tattoo artist. Clark North holds nothing back, delivering raw truths and unforgettable tales. Prepare to be shocked, entertained, and inspired by this truly remarkable individual who has had an amazing story! 📍 Las Vegas, NV 👤 Keep up with us: Host- Austin Spencer: @austinsbr...

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123:19

Episode 9: Noelin Wheeler on Ink Master Behind the...

Support Your Local Tattooer | Wild Stories, Wild Culture ·

2025/03/02

Dive into a massive episode packed with tattoo industry insights! We're tackling everything from the rise of AI in tattooing – is it the future, or a recipe for disaster? – to the wild behind-the-scenes stories of tattoo TV shows like Ink Master. Noelin Wheeler (@noelinwheeler) spills the tea on crazy experiences and what it's really like to be on TV. Plus, we take a moment to reflect on the importance of finding happiness and appreciating what you have, a crucial message for anyone navigatin...

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