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Artwork for TATTOO TALES

TATTOO TALES

Stef Bastiàn
Tattooing
Japanese Tattooing
Japanese Mythology
Martial Arts
Social Media
Mentorship
Buddhism
Tattoo Art
Mental Health
Kojiki
Japanese Art
Artistic Identity
Traditional Tattooing
Redpoint
Family
Shinto
Folklore
Addiction Recovery
Tattoo Industry
Tattoo Techniques

Go to the roots, not to the fruits. I’m your host, Stef Bastiàn, tattooer with over twenty years of experience, traveler, painter, coach. Join me to improve your artistic, personal and professional journey through the stories and insights of inspiring guests, within and outside the tattoo world. Learn more about my different projects and programs at www.stefbastian.com/

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes83Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Visual ArtsArts

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Artwork for TATTOO TALES

Latest Episodes

Welcome into a captivating journey through the hidden and historical world of Japanese tattooing with journalist, author, and cultural expert, Manami Okazaki.

In this episode, we explore the dramatic evolution of tattoo media, tracing the shift from... more

Step into a humbling reflection on dedication that echoes the slow, deliberate rhythm of the traditional Tebori techniques we discuss.

In this episode, I sit down with Roberto Borsi, a traditional Japanese tattoo artist based in Milan, to explore wh... more

Today, I’m sitting down with Rue from Ruethless Irons for a conversation that gets right to the heart of things.

Rue has been in the game since the late 90s, coming up in San Francisco and Amsterdam before finding his true calling in machine buildin... more

In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I sit down with a man who has spent over three decades navigating the deep waters of our craft with utmost dedication: Pino Cafaro.

This talk felt very inspiring as Pino brings both tradition and a progressive mindse... more

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Recent Guests

Manami Okazaki
Author, journalist covering Japanese culture and artisanal crafts
Freelance journalist and author
Episode: 83. MANAMI OKAZAKI - Japan’s tattoo underworld and artisanal heritage
Roberto Borsi
Tattoo artist invited onto the show
Horikoshi family member / traditional Japanese tattooing expert
Episode: 82. ‘HORIBUDO I’ ROBERTO BORSI - Traditional Japanese Tattooing, Tebori, and Lifelong Mastery
Tabby Booth
Artist, co-owner of a gallery, and founder of a successful children's art school
Episode: 77. TABBY BOOTH - Create for the sake of creating
Paul Simo 'Kelu'
Tattoo artist transitioning to painting
Episode: 72. PAUL SIMO ‘KELU’ - Go to the roots, not to the fruits
Isaac Nichols
A tattooer from Alaska focused on his historical art project.
Episode: 70. ISAAC NICHOLS - The Water Margin: 108 heroes
Alex Rusty
Tattoo artist at Lighthouse Tattoo, Sydney
Lighthouse Tattoo
Episode: 67. ALEX RUSTY - Japanese tattooing at Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney (part 2)
Joshua Frydman
Associate Professor of Japanese at the University of Oklahoma specializing in Japanese myths, literature, and ancient poetry.
University of Oklahoma
Episode: 66. JOSHUA FRYDMAN - Japanese mythology and folklore
Paula Castle
Tattoo artist with over a decade of experience, focused on mental and physical health in relation to the art of tattooing.
Black Sheep Bristol
Episode: 59. PAULA CASTLE - Simplifying everything is the way forward
Alex Reinke
A legendary figure in the world of Japanese tattooing, known for his deep understanding of the culture and art.
Episode: 58. ALEX ’KŌSEI’ REINKE - The Kokoro spirit

Host

Stef Bastiàn
Host of Tattoo Tales; tattooer with over twenty years of experience; traveler, painter, coach

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 494 ratings
  • Great podcast

    Love the vibe and style of this podcast, I just got her as my brother Alex Reinke was guest and love to talk to him and hear his stories! Will follón from now on

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    miguelangeltattoo
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Golden eagles

    I’m very new to getting tattooed, and this pod is all I need to learn about the history and all of the greats. Cheers!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jonFrias
    United States2 years ago
  • Stef Bastian is a gem

    As a listener and one of the guests on his show, Stef Bastian is one of those tattooers who is always giving back more than he takes from tattooing. This podcast is like a tomb of wisdom, experience and history all in one. All tattoo apprenticeships should make listening to every episode a mandatory requirement.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    d2fan
    United States4 years ago
  • I love the Old stories !

    Thanks for a cool podcast !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chanettzki
    Denmark4 years ago
  • Stories Stories Stories

    As someone who is sitting in the chair rather than holding the machine I too enjoy listening to Tattoo Tales. Preferably hearing the stories of the older gents and how they were introduced to tattooing. Being from Cincinnati I truly enjoyed the Dana Brunson episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nobletruth8
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A must-listen for apprentices and seasoned artists who want context for the craft.
Audio quality varies; still worth listening for the history and mentorship.
Appreciate the wide range of guest backgrounds and the emphasis on roots over hype.
Community-focused and informative, with strong storytelling from veterans of the trade.
Engaging host with deep knowledge; guests share legendary stories and practical insights.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#226
United States/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#240
Canada/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#169
Australia/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#237
Germany/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#22
Mexico/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#75
Belgium/Arts/Visual Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

83. MANAMI OKAZAKI - Japan’s tattoo underworld and artisanal heritage
Q: What did you get when you started meeting masters as a young interviewer, and how did those experiences shape your work?
The guest recalls meeting Hori Toku as a teenager, a pivotal moment that demonstrated the importance of direct access to source material and personal introductions in a world where connections could open doors to high-level craft and traditional practices.
83. MANAMI OKAZAKI - Japan’s tattoo underworld and artisanal heritage
Q: Where does that come from? Have you always been interested in that stuff?
The guest explains that the artisanal mindset in Japan comes from a long tradition and that their work is tied to a culture where craft has social and spiritual significance, not just aesthetics, which shaped their lifelong interest.
79. TERRY MCKENNA - The Karuizawa Mokuhanga School of woodblock printing
Q: How has teaching influenced you?
Terry McKenna noted that teaching has allowed him to learn from his students and expand his own skills.
79. TERRY MCKENNA - The Karuizawa Mokuhanga School of woodblock printing
Q: What attracted you of Japanese art?
Terry McKenna was fascinated by Japanese prints since high school and was drawn to the cleanliness and beauty of the Mokuhanga process.
77. TABBY BOOTH - Create for the sake of creating
Q: How do you maintain a balance between your art and being a parent?
It has been challenging, but now that both kids are in school/nursery, I have a better work-life balance and can focus on my art.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About TATTOO TALES

What is TATTOO TALES about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep dive into tattoo history, craft, and culture, weaving stories from seasoned artists with a focus on roots over trends. Conversations explore how traditional techniques, mentorship, and independent communities shape the art form, while also examining the industry's evolution amid social media and corporate interests. The show shines a light on the journeys of legendary practitioners, the ethics of mentorship, and the ongoing dialogue between heritage and innovation, making it a rich resource for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts who care about authenticity, craft, and community.

Noteworthy is the consistent emphasis on mentorship, authentic storytelling, and preserving the art's integrity in the face of commercialization, plus a h... more

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Which podcasts are similar to TATTOO TALES?

These podcasts share a similar audience with TATTOO TALES:

1. Chats & Tatts
2. Honest Tattooer Podcast
3. Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
4. HardLore
5. Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast

How many episodes of TATTOO TALES are there?

TATTOO TALES launched 7 years ago and published 83 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on TATTOO TALES?

Recent guests on TATTOO TALES include:

1. Manami Okazaki
2. Roberto Borsi
3. Tabby Booth
4. Paul Simo 'Kelu'
5. Isaac Nichols
6. Alex Rusty
7. Joshua Frydman
8. Paula Castle

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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