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HIT US UP!!! Send a message. What happens when two tattoo artists, Derek Billingsley and Kevin Childs, recount their wildest experiences in the unpredictable world of tattoo shops? From the absurdity of washing white wall tires in a bikini to the chaos of dealing with unruly clients, this episode promises a rollercoaster of laughter and jaw-dropping tales. Learn how these artists navigated the challenges of their apprenticeships and managed eccentric mentors, all while forging lifelong bonds ...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Join Kevin Childs and Derek Billingsley, two seasoned tattoo artists with over 30 years of combined experience, as they share their captivating journeys in the ever-evolving world of tattoo artistry on the B2Z Podcast. We celebrate personal milestones and discuss the profound impact of family life on their creative endeavors. Discover the allure of Southern California's vibrant tattoo scene through Derek's eyes, where the perfect motorcycle weather and spirited tr...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever faced a storm of personal and professional challenges and wondered how to keep moving forward? Join us as we kick off Season Two of the B2Z Podcast with reflections on resilience and growth. From Brandon May's battle with landlord issues leading to the closure of his Riverside studio to the emotional rollercoaster of attempting to buy a home, we share how these hurdles have shaped our journey. Through candid discussions, we emphasize the importance of pursuin...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever wondered how childhood inspirations can transform into a lifelong artistic career? Join us as we sit down with James Warf, a veteran tattoo artist with 24 years of experience, who shares his journey from painting rocks in his neighborhood to making a significant impact in the tattoo community. Discover the importance of working in personal spaces, the influence of mentors, and the unique blend of spontaneous and deliberate creative expressions that define his...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever wondered what it takes to transition from skateboarding to becoming a versatile tattoo artist? In this episode, we sit down with Mike McAskill, who takes us on a journey from his early years in Corona, California, to his rise in the tattoo industry. Mike shares his relentless pursuit of artistic perfection, his experiences with various styles like realism, traditional, and neo-traditional tattoos, and the invaluable lessons learned from both supportive and ch...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever wondered how the simplest pleasures can elevate your happiness? We kick off from Brandon's cozy home in Riverside, California, sharing heartwarming responses from our Instagram followers. Family and kids topped the list, sparking a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of relationships, young love's purity, and the complexities that come with age. Let's also take a trip down memory lane with Danielle's insightful episode and our viral YouTube hit featuring Bri...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever wondered how a black and gray palette redefines the canvas of melanated skin? Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Danielle McKnight, a trailblazing tattoo artist whose 16 years of experience has seen her evolve from vibrant color tattoos to the intricate depths of black and gray. This episode isn't just skin deep; we traverse the importance of client education, the personal stories etched in ink, and the broader strokes of permanent makeup – including the...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Embark on an intimate odyssey with Brian Foster, a tattoo virtuoso and Elizabeth Street Tattoo proprietor, whose life story is the stuff of legend—from his days in the armed forces to his battles in the MMA ring. Alongside, we unravel the tapestry of connections that define the tattooing fraternity, a world where artistry and comradeship intertwine. Brian's unguarded revelations about his advocacy for mental health and the visceral appeal of combat sports paint a ...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever found yourself striking that precarious balance between staying true to your art and craving mainstream success? That's the tightrope walk we, Zach Batista and Brandon May, navigate in our latest podcast discussion. From the intricacies of social media to the candid challenges of captivating interviews, we're laying it bare—the triumphs, the missteps, and the 'happy mistakes' that shape our podcasting adventure. Transitioning from a background in mathematics ...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever find yourself captivated by the colorful stories behind a person's tattoos? Nicholas Reichel joins me, bringing a kaleidoscope of anecdotes from his life as a canvas of ink. We journey from the humorous to the profound, as Nick peels back the layers of stigma attached to his extensive tattoos, even those gracing his face. From his first mark of rebellion in juvenile hall to becoming a seasoned collector, Nick's narrative is a testament to the profound connect...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Skateboarding's not just about the tricks; it's about the stories, the culture, and the people that turn the wheels. That's exactly what we capture in our latest chat with Zach Peacock as we meander through the legacies of legends like Spike Jonze, who seamlessly stitched skateboarding into the fabric of film and photography. Our conversation swerves from the spectacle of extreme sports, funded by the likes of Red Bull, to the intimate connections within the motor...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Join us on a captivating journey with the remarkable Zach Peacock, as we celebrate the multifaceted life of a man who's not just a master of the half-pipe but also a maestro with the tattoo gun and a visionary behind the camera. In an enlightening chat, we uncover the true essence of what it means to be a professional skateboarder—beyond the sponsorships and industry accolades. Zach opens up about his personal health battles and the indomitable spirit that led him...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Could you ever imagine the grind and grit it takes to become a masterful tattoo artist without a single day of formal training? This week, we sit across from Ronnie B., whose story reads like an adventure novel, filled with passion, self-discipline, and a relentless chase for artistic excellence. Starting with childhood sketches and navigating the murky waters of online forums, Ronnie's obsession with art led him on an epic quest from inking in solitude to earning...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the intricate dance of a tattoo needle, or wondered about the stories etched in ink on someone's skin? Spike Moore, a maestro of tattooing and a shop owner with a wealth of knowledge, joins us to unravel the rich tapestry behind the art form that's become a symbol of identity for many. Step into Spike's world where Japanese back pieces win awards and where 'adult tattoos' are a testament to an individual's lifetime journe...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever stumbled upon the conundrum of whether to exchange passwords with your partner, or felt the weight of 'good lies' resting on your conscience? We tackle these intricate nuances of modern relationships, offering personal insights and diverse viewpoints. You'll hear us debate the balance between trust and privacy, as we dissect the complex dynamics of sharing our digital keys. Listener contributions add depth to the conversation, prompting us to reflect on the b...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. When the unconditional bond between a service dog and a veteran harmonizes, the melody of healing begins to play. We had the privilege of welcoming Michael Welsh from Working Dogs for Warriors to share this symphony of support and transformation. Michael recounted how Gunny, a loyal family dog, sparked the inspiring idea to train service dogs for alleviating PTSD in veterans and first responders. With heartwarming stories of companionship and the unveiling of the ...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. As April's fresh breezes usher in a season of renewal, Zach Batista and I, Brandon May, share an intimate exploration of personal accountability's profound influence on growth and transformation. Imagine the strength it takes to confront your own missteps and the liberating wave that follows when you do; we delve into these moments with heartfelt transparency. Our candid conversation travels from the therapeutic landscape, where techniques like EMDR's bilateral st...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever wondered how the vibrant, inked world of tattooing meshes with the curated galleries of Instagram? Strap in as we bring the heat, dissecting the intersection of social media and skin art. We're tearing down the fourth wall, engaging directly with you, our Instagram tribe, to stitch together a podcast episode that's as spontaneous as a stick-and-poke tattoo at a house party. Your questions fuel our fireside chat, casting light on the peculiar balance between d...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Ever grappled with the weight of financial worries or felt the pressure of turning your passion into a profitable business? We've got Brandon May on board this week, who gets real about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Our candid conversation takes you through the nitty-gritty of managing finances both personally and professionally. Brandon, transitioning from a tattoo artist at established shops to the proud owner of Empire Tattoo, shares the raw emotions ...
HIT US UP!!! Send a message. Have you ever felt the hum of a tattoo machine and with it, the catharsis of a memory etched in ink? Today, Zach and I invite you to our Urban River studio for a raw and riveting look into tattoo therapy and its profound impact on the human spirit. We'll unpack the emotional odyssey that accompanies the transformation from bare skin to living canvas, and why tattoos are more than just body art—they're milestones of our personal narratives. As the needle pricks the...



