Best Stef Bastian Podcasts (2025)

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77. TABBY BOOTH - Create for the sake of creating 51:09

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10d ago51:09

51:09

Today I sit down with the wonderful artist Tabby Booth to pick her brain on her evolution as an artist, how she balances creativity with parenthood, and the intuitive way she approaches illustration, painting, and inspiration. Tabby shares openly about finding her style, navigating collaborations, and building a life around art that feels true, sus…

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76. MICHELLE VESTERGÅRD - Art, healing, and legacy 1:03:23

26d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity. We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and values that define a career. We get into the search for t…

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75. BILL CANALES - Challenge yourself 1:34:28

1M ago1:34:28

1:34:28

Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on drawing directly on the skin, the value of constantly c…

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74. LUKE ATKINSON - Japanese tattooing at its finest 52:12

2M ago52:12

52:12

Live from the 2025 Aachen Tattoo Convention—one of the world’s finest tattoo gatherings—we bring you a conversation with the legendary Luke Atkinson. A master of Japanese tattooing with over 40 years of experience, Luke has crossed paths with some of the most influential artists of our time, including Horiyoshi, Filip Leu and many more. In this epi…

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73. PRIMORDIAL MAGAZINE - A new project in the tattoo community 57:45

3M ago57:45

57:45

Primordial Magazine is an exciting new project brewing within the tattoo community that blends sci-fi, fantasy, comics and tattoos. Personally I love this kind of initiatives, based on collaboration, skills and vision. It also serves as inspiration for countless others in bringing their own ideas and dreams to life. Alex De Francesca and Junior exp…

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72. PAUL SIMO ‘KELU’ - Go to the roots, not to the fruits 1:03:20

3M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s. He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins…

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71. DIAMANTE MURRU - Meaningful connections 1:06:37

5M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Diamante is a tattoo artist well known for her black work and ornamental style. She also created her own line of clothing and a tattoo supply focused on sustainability. As fellow Italian I can relate to this need for different creative outlets, proper of the Renaissance artist. It’s been fun, heartwarming and inspiring to spend an afternoon talking…

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70. ISAAC NICHOLS - The Water Margin: 108 heroes 49:18

5M ago49:18

49:18

Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting. We discussed the motivations and process behind his new book, a little bit of advice for painting and tattooing, and the background story of one of the most celebrated novels in Chinese and Japanese…

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69. Learn to draw and paint like a Japanese master: the Kanō school method 1:00:48

6M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Are you a fan of Japanese traditional painting and tattooing? In this episode I share my findings on the rigorous training methods of Japanese painters during the Edo and Meiji periods, emphasising how expertise was forged through discipline and observation, not just innate talent. It delves into the traditional apprenticeship system, with the Kano…

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68. COREY MILLER - We’re all glorified carnies 1:42:00

6M ago1:42:00

1:42:00

Corey is well known worldwide—he’s been tattooing for over 40 years, and his technique and experience are widely respected. Over the course of his long career, he has reached significant personal milestones and professional accomplishments. You might remember him from LA Ink, tattooing James Hetfield, and working closely with legendary artists like…

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67. ALEX RUSTY - Japanese tattooing at Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney (part 2) 1:06:20

6M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

One of Australia’s top artists, Alex is one half of the iconic Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, alongside Ryan Ussher. Well known for his striking large-scale Japanese work, Alex is a highly dedicated and exceptionally productive artist who speaks with intention and clarity about his practice and direction. In addition to his commitments at the shop an…

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66. JOSHUA FRYDMAN - Japanese mythology and folklore 1:23:35

8M ago1:23:35

1:23:35

Would you like to learn more about Japanese character like yōkai, Buddhist deities and Kami gods? Are you interested in finding out where the original stories come from? How all of that relates to tattooing? We got you covered. In this very informative episode with Joshua Frydman, associate professor of Japanese at the university of Oklahoma, speci…

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65. CLEVER - Focus on what matters 57:58

8M ago57:58

57:58

Clever doesn’t need much introduction, his career is well known, as his collaborations with artists of the caliber of Juice Wrld, Post Malone and Justin Bieber. In this open-hearted talk we get a glimpse of how music came into his life and topics many of us can relate to. What it means to be a parent for an artist, the responsibility of a creative,…

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64. MAURO CARDOSO - Honoring Japanese tradition 1:26:20

8M ago1:26:20

1:26:20

Mauro Cardoso, better known as “Mario from the hills”, is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in traditional Japanese tattooing. Also a high level BJJ black belt, Mauro embodies the resilient and flexible spirit of the ‘Arte Suave’, while contributing to the preservation and diffusion of traditional Japanese tattooing through the study and respect of …

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63. RYAN USSHER - Japanese tattooing at Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney (part 1) 1:05:47

9M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Ryan Ussher is one of Australia’s top artists. Together with Alex Rusty he runs Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, a shop that established itself as a reference in the country. He specializes in large scale Japanese tattooing with emphasis on powerful and evocative imagery. Beyond craftsmanship he’s considered a reference also for the volume of high qual…

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62. CHRIS FERNANDEZ - American Traditional in NY 58:09

9M ago58:09

58:09

Chris Fernandez is a tattooer specialized in American Traditional with a solid, distinctive style. He’s not only incredibly productive but, as everyone working with him at the prestigious King’s Avenue in New York, also committed to a standard of excellence, in the process as much as in the result. In this talk, which I really enjoyed, he told us a…

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61. TAMMY KIM - True to yourself 54:10

10M ago54:10

54:10

Tammy Kim is an Australian tattoo artists who worked and lived in Toronto for the last 15 years, and is now transitioning into an exciting new phase of her career. She traveled the world, collaborating with major artists and brands, to shape a vision that is unique to her. Her story is a very inspiring one to all of us trying to connect with a deep…

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60. CLAY DECKER - The death of a craft, the birth of an industry. 1:20:55

1y ago1:20:55

1:20:55

Clay has been tattooing for 35 years, crossing path with some of the biggest names in tattooing. His passion for the craft brought him to explore every aspect of the process, witnessing the change that tattooing went through as it opened to a wider audience globally. We talked about these changes, as Clay enters a new phase of his life, having to d…

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59. PAULA CASTLE - Simplifying everything is the way forward 50:39

1y ago50:39

50:39

Paula is an experienced British tattooer that I’m lucky to call a friend. She’s sensitive, intelligent, driven and curious, a beautiful mix. We had many interesting talks, as we share various passions, especially the love for reading, so I thought it would be a shame not to share one of them. Today we touched on many topics, from gender gaps, to ps…

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58. ALEX ’KŌSEI’ REINKE - The Kokoro spirit 1:18:54

1y ago1:18:54

1:18:54

Another great live episode from the Aachen Tattoo convention, one of the best shows on the planet. Today’s guest is Alex Reinke: Horiyoshi III former apprentice; exhibitions curator; owner of the iconic publishing company Kofuu Senju Publications (now KŌSEI publications) and zen practitioner. He also creates beautiful ceramics and handmade Tebori t…

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57. DAVE REGAN - Horimono 1:10:50

1+ y ago1:10:50

1:10:50

If you’re into Japanese tattooing, especially in relation to its cultural connotations, you’re gonna love this one. Dave is a tattooer specialized in Americana and Japanese with extensive international experience. His passion for gardening - he works with the Denver Botanic Garden on cultivating their renowned Japanese garden program, as well as ma…

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56. CAPEX - Never give up 45:14

1+ y ago45:14

45:14

I have know Capex for about 15 years now, we clicked right away at a show in Finland, as we come from the same place in Italy. With his 30+ years of experience he’s one of those characters from a different time in tattooing, with working ethics, humor, resilience and love for the craft at the forefront of everything he does. I’m happy to introduce …

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55. HORITEN - Living by the Bushido 43:30

1+ y ago43:30

43:30

Horiten the 1st is a female traditional tattooer from Nara, Japan. In this honest and enlightening talk she shed some light on what creates authentic Irezumi, the qualities that can help in this path and the value of Horikyo’s legacy. Her words are a beautiful manifesto about the way art relates to the core identity of the culture that produced it.…

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54. ZAC SCHEINBAUM - The magic of books 58:47

2y ago58:47

58:47

I love Zac. We met years ago during one of his guest spots and I remember him having the same qualities that characterize him today: well articulate, talented, dedicated, always trying to make every word count. The difference between then and now is that, apart from increasing even more his artistic abilities and experience, he created a publishing…

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53. BIG MEAS - Lettering and work ethic 1:08:20

2y ago1:08:20

1:08:20

What makes up a successful career? It takes vision, courage, confidence and a few more ingredients. Today Big Meas, a global reference in the world of lettering, shares with us what brought him where he is today. He talks about the importance of cultivating not only the tecnical aspect but also, and perhaps more importantly, the human connection. Y…

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52. CREZ - Japanese tattooing 1:21:55

2y ago1:21:55

1:21:55

With 30 years of tattooing under his belt and an intimate knowledge of Japanese culture, Crez is a reference in Italy for Japanese tattooing. What I like about him the most, beside his expertise, is his genuine honesty and coherence, uncommon values that I personally treasure. In this cozy December afternoon we talked about what shaped him into the…

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51. CLAUDIA DE SABE - The fight is within 1:03:50

2y ago1:03:50

1:03:50

It’s been a privilege to sit down with Claudia De Sabe in this beautiful autumn afternoon to listen to her story and pick her brain on her own process. Over the course of this interview we learn how the beautiful work we all love her for is second only to her mindset. Unweavering work ethic, resolve and dedication are the foundations of her success…

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50. SWASTHIK IYENGAR - Indian tradition meets western tattooing 1:02:04

2y ago1:02:04

1:02:04

I’m really happy to have had the chance to chat with Swasthik, she is such a beautiful presence in the tattoo world. Known as gunga_ma, for Swasthik tattooing runs deep in her blood. Her grandma, called Paccai Kutta Ma (tattoo mama), has been sticking and poking tattoos for over 40 years. Together with the spiritual practice she inherited growing u…

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49. Dr. SOPHIE MORT - Taking care of your mental health 58:22

2+ y ago58:22

58:22

Have you ever struggled with feelings of inadequacy? Self-doubt? Do you set impossible standards that bring anxiety when unmet? Dr. Sophie Mort is here to help. Sophie is a clinical psychologist with a master’s in neuroscience, Her work with the science of habit has helped many understand the patterns of behaviour that get you in your own way. In t…

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48. MARCUS PACHECO - Inventing Newschool 1:03:39

2+ y ago1:03:39

1:03:39

“Influential. “Pioneer”. “Contribution”. These are the words that you see most commonly associated with Marcus’ name in books, magazines and when talking to veteran tattooers. A great influence, Marcus started experimenting in the 90’s, with a few others, to find a new take on subject and tecnique in tattooing. And so, Newschool was born. An innova…

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47. LORENA MORATO - Connecting with your roots 1:00:01

2+ y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Lorena Morato is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in neotraditional. Well known not only for her tattoos but also her beautiful paintings, Lorena shares with us how she came to reinvent herself, rediscovering a new sense of authenticity which is well transmitted in her art. I have personally found great value in her journey and I’m sure you can der…

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46. JORDAN SIGNORELLI - How to deal with pain from tattooing 1:01:49

2+ y ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Have you ever had problems with your neck, lower back, tingling fingers that lose sensitivity, wrist or elbow? Especially as tattooers we all had to deal with some of these at some point and in the worst cases we have been forced to take time off due to the pain. As with many other things, knowledge is power. If we want to keep doing what we love f…

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45. KELLY ANNE POWERS - Learn to paint 48:17

2+ y ago48:17

48:17

Do you like to paint? Have you ever struggled with any part of the process and wish you had some sort of guidance? This week’s episode features Kelly Anne Powers, third generation artist and host of the Learn to Paint podcast. In her show Kelly talks to some of the best painters in the world, sharing with her audience their process, systems and ins…

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44. PASCAL BAGOT- The Tattoo Writer: Akimitsu Takagi 1:08:19

2+ y ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Pascal Bagot is a French journalist who’s been writing for specialized press for twenty years. His passion for Japanese culture led him to get a full backpiece by Horitoshi I and cross paths with other legends such as Horiyoshi III, Gifu Horihide, Horitada and more. In 2017 he decided to venture into the world of Akimitsu Takagi, a journey that wil…

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43. RINTO - A good story 1:07:13

2+ y ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Rinto celebrated this year his 40 years career. In Holland he’s well known as one of the old timers but, if you met him, you know that his humbleness matches his experience and dedication. Natural born storyteller, Rinto shared with us some grounding words, valuable especially to young tattooers in this age where the digital medias shape the distri…

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42. TIMOTHY HOYER - Beyond formalism 54:03

3y ago54:03

54:03

Like many of you I have been following Timothy’s career for many years, getting lost in his beautiful impossible worlds. I’m naturally fascinated by good draftsmanship, but Tim’s paintings go beyond that. Apart from the privilege of peeking into his studio, filled with sketches, artworks and painting supplies, I feel grateful for his insights about…

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41. EDDY DEUTSCHE- The dream of a kid in Detroit 54:55

3y ago54:55

54:55

Eddy has been part of the tattoo Renaissance in the San Francisco area in the 90’s, together with other key figures like Freddy Corbin, Juan Puente, Scott Sylvia, Marcus Pacheco… it’s because of him that a whole trend started and evolved in countless interpretations. As the motto of this show says, “Go to the roots, not to the fruits”, we want to h…

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40. SHANE TAN- Chewing gum & Gangsters 1:25:27

3y ago1:25:27

1:25:27

If you follow Shane you’re familiar with his work: bold, striking, elegant in its simplicity. His painting a reference in the industry. I recommend you to meet him and his crew if you cross them at some convention, you won’t be disappointed. What I like most of Shane is his ethics and his contagious energy, which make his tattooing 100 times better…

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39. MICHELLE MYLES- NYC Tattoo history 53:01

3y ago53:01

53:01

Are you interested in tattoo history? Get your pen and notebook because this episode is packed with goodies. Once again live at the Aachen’s tattoo convention, I had the pleasure of sharing an afternoon with Michelle Myles from Daredevil Tattoo. Her professional journey goes all the way back to the days of New York’s ban on tattooing. As she crosse…

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38. ANDREW STORTZ & NICK SWARTZ- Tattoo podcasts 1:09:39

3y ago1:09:39

1:09:39

What do podcasts bring to the tattoo world? What to do with haters? Will Andrew produce Nick’s new career into the videoverse? And will I ever try Nick’s power barbecue? I sat with Andrew Stortz and Nick Swartz, hosts of the two best tattoo podcasts around, to answer these and other deep philosophical questions. Find Nick’s podcast on Instagram and…

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37. RYAN ROI- The spiritual side of money 49:02

3+ y ago49:02

49:02

For tattooers and creatives the artistic side is not the only factor in running a successful business and giving life to our vision. Money is often a painful note that can stress us out and rob us of creative and productive energy. Ryan, tattooer and financial advisor, teaches us that it doesn’t have to be. What I find particularly valuable in Ryan…

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36. MICHAEL MORILD- Art supplies: why it’s better to invest in quality 1:07:52

3+ y ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Michael is a Danish abstract painter that has been represented at the Van Gogh Art Gallery and the danish Creative Mind Art&Design. I’ve know Michael for over ten years, through his previous job managing one of Copenhagen best art supply. I’ve always believed that if you really wanna know more about specific paints, brushes and paper you just have …

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35. RUSS ABBOTT- Innovation within tradition 46:10

3+ y ago46:10

46:10

Tattooing and everything connected to it changed profoundly in the last years: the rise of social medias; the opening of a once underground world to a wider audience, with a controversial spectrum of consequences; the distribution of information. These and more aspects of this art form are being redefined and one of them is particularly present in …

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34. BERNIE LUTHER- The smile of a kid in an old timer 49:27

3+ y ago49:27

49:27

For this episode we found ourselves in Aachen at the Kaiserstadt Tattoo Expo, as always flawlessly organized by Andreas Coenen. The show opened with a pre-party exhibiting the life work of Bernie Luther, a mind-blowing array of flashes produced over four decades of traveling the world. On the following day I had the pleasure of recording this inter…

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33. FREDDY CORBIN -When kindness meets talent 48:16

3+ y ago48:16

48:16

There is a reason if everybody likes Freddy Corbin. His experience and contribution made him well known all over the world but that only doesn’t bring you that type of respect. His kind personality makes him connect joufully with people, instantly making you feel at ease. Even from a brief chat you can sense that he cares. Needless to say it was an…

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32. NICK COLELLA & ROBERT RYAN- The Off The Wall Project 29:18

3+ y ago29:18

29:18

This episode is part of the OFF THE WALL project, an initiative to put the spotlight back on flashes as foundation of traditional tattooing. Learn more at @stef_bastian_presents Today’s guests are Nick Colella and Robert Ryan. Two veterans of traditional tattooing, these artists give us an insightful look on what it means to immerse yourself in the…

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31. OMAR EDMISON & BOBEUS- The Off The Wall Project 43:47

3+ y ago43:47

43:47

This episode is part of the OFF THE WALL project, an initiative to put the spotlight back on flashes as foundation of traditional tattooing. Learn more at @stef_bastian_presents In these interviews we talk with Omar and Bobeus about their own personal approach and experience and how to make the most of flashes in the learning process. We mention ta…

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30. LAL HARDY & DR. OLE WITTMAN- The Off The Wall Project 37:43

3+ y ago37:43

37:43

This episode is part of the OFF THE WALL project, a new art project within the tattoo community to celebrate the flash as foundation of traditional tattooing, while raising money for those families affected by the war in Ukraine. In this series of short interviews we ask our guests a little bit about tattoo history and the origin of the flash, what…

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29. DAVID SPEED from Creative Rebels 54:54

4y ago54:54

54:54

David Speed is the co-host of the Creative Rebels podcast. His rich personal experience in the creative world(David has tattooed for a few years and has been a graffiti artists for two decades) enabled him to understand what it takes to build the best version of yourself and your business, often one being a reflection of the other. What gave birth …

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28. HOLLY ELLIS, CHAD KOEPLINGER, ROBERT RYAN, ANDREAS COENEN- American Traditional 51:17

4y ago51:17

51:17

Today I want to introduce you to a new series that I’m incorporating in what we normally do in the podcast. This series of extra episodes is called PANEL, and it will feature multiple guests at once, breaking down a specific topic. Each artist with their own unique experience and perspective. For the first panel, I sat down with four of the most in…