Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast

Check out the first episode of my good friend Jared of Onetribe's new podcast focusing on independent makers within the industry. The first episode is with Alan of Origins Handmade. Support those that support our industry. Give them a follow and a listen! Shared with permission from the Sore Hands Club.

In this episode, we sit down with former guest and jewelry maker, Jared Karnes of Onetribe Jewelry. Jared and I discuss how his new line of jewelry coming out is made of a material we don’t see very often. Clay. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics and Amory Body Arts. Find out more at https://real-talk--a-piercing-podcast.pinecast.co

In this week’s episode, we are trying something different. This episode we asked the community a question and are hearing their responses. The topic is supporting companies that support the industry and everything that comes with it. Listen in as we hear from the community itself, we hear if backgrounds have influenced responses and how what we do today can shape tomorrow. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics, Amory Body Arts and Jewelry This Way. Find out more at https://real-talk--a-piercing-podcast.pinecast.co

In this episode, we revisit our very first topic, The Ask A Professional Piercer Facebook Group. Since our first discussion, the group has had a surge in growth. Listen in as we talk about why piercers volunteer their time, why people recommend who they do and how the toll of helping out others can weigh heavy on your conscience. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics, Amory Body Arts and Jewelry This Way. Find out more at https://real-talk--a-piercing-podcast.pinecast.co

In this episode, we sit down with two of my favorite people within the industry, Nic Fox and Alan Vedge, to talk about how a jewelry company in your studio can completely change your business. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics, Amory Body Arts and Jewelry This Way. Find out more at https://real-talk--a-piercing-podcast.pinecast.co

In this week’s episode, we wanted to focus on a topic that I am very passionate about, Community Outreach. Listen in as my guest, Woodstock Bader and I discuss the effects kindness can have, how to break the mold of being “that business” in your community and how not to donate yourself out of business. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics, Jewelry This Way and Amory Body Arts. Complete show notes can be found on RealTalkaPiercingPodcast.com Find out more at https://real-talk--a-piercing-podcast.pinecast.co

In this week’s episode, we talk about one of our most requested topics, Apprenticeships. Jef Saunders and I discuss how to get one, when you should change mentors, and why asking for one over Instagram is a bad idea. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics, Amory Body Arts and Jewelry This Way. Find out more at https://real-talk--a-piercing-podcast.pinecast.co

In this week’s episode, we have a discussion with makers of jewelry and products in our industry to discuss what it is like for them in the current climate of long production times and shipping issues. Listen is as we talk about what they wish customers knew, what happens behind the scenes and how they handle our constant demand. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics, Amory Body Arts and Jewelry This Way. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we cover our favorite thing every year, the annual Association of Professional Piercers convention in Las Vegas. Listen in as we talk about how to survive for first timers, what’s new for repeat attendees and what amazing things are in store for you. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics, Amory Body Arts and Jewelry This Way. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we host a brutally honest roundtable with Perry Doig, Colin O and Mike Knight to have a frank discussion about the ever-constant problem of personas and representations of character on social media. This episode sponsored by PunkMedics and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, We sit down with the forever-charming Paul King and Devin Ruiz-Altamura, to discuss the Body Piercing Archive. Listen in as we talk about the mission of the archive itself, how I now imagine Paul as the “Indiana Jones of Porn” and the future of the body piercing archive. Contains Spoilers for APP 2019 Piercing Archive Exhibit This episode sponsored by PunkMedics and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Christy Lillard to talk about revamping shops and businesses. Listen in as we talk about creative ways to build and create a new space, what we learned in the process and transiting into a new shop family. This episode sponsored by Amory Body Arts and PunkMedics. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we talk about one of the most dreaded things in our industry, negative customer reviews and unhappy customers. We sit down with Nick SanGregory and Brianna Sheehan to discuss if we should fight back, to grin and bear it or do we look at ourselves and try to improve? This episode sponsored by Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we talk about a topic that comes up every year in our industry, the annual Association of Professional Piercers board elections. Listen in as we talk about what it takes to be a board member, the APP helicopter and what we would like to see in future candidates. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

Our election nominee’s continue, this episode we feature Paul Rainer of Bound for Glory Tattoo. Listen in as we learn about each candidate, hear their unique responses to our questions and why that person deserves your vote. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

Our election nominee’s continue, this episode we feature Barron William of Boundless Tattoo Company. Listen in as we learn about each candidate, hear their unique responses to our questions and why that person deserves your vote. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

Our election nominee’s continue, this episode we feature Ryan Ouelletteof Precision Body Arts. Listen in as we learn about each candidate, hear their unique responses to our questions and why that person deserves your vote. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

Our election nominee’s continue, this episode we feature Luis Garcia of NoKaOi . Listen in as we learn about each candidate, hear their unique responses to our questions and why that person deserves your vote. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

Our election nominee’s continue, this episode we feature Cale Belford of Piercing Emporium. Listen in as we learn about each candidate, hear their unique responses to our questions and why that person deserves your vote. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In the first of several mini episodes, we will be featuring candidates for the upcoming APP board election. This episode we feature Becky Dill of Cold Steel. Listen in as we learn about each candidate, hear their unique responses to our questions and why that person deserves your vote. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we have a casual discussion on the topic of freehand piercing versus using tools. Listen in as we talk about if tools are the devil, if one is better than the other, and what happens when your attitude writes a check that your skills can’t cash. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we talk about an obvious problem that many people do not want to discuss. Racism in the industry. Listen in as we talk about what it’s like to be a person of color in our industry, catering to different clientele, and what we can do to help heal the industry and change our outlooks. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Brett Graham.We discuss how communication evolves and adapts in our industry. Listen in as we talk about shared meanings, how we are old men drinking lemonade on the porch, and how language can change overnight. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we pick up right where we left off last time with Nick Sangregory of Six16 and Adam and Shelby of Amory Body Arts. Continuing our conversation on what some business owners look for with pure honesty. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode we held a roundtable with individuals that are currently looking for employees to join their teams. So without further ado, listen in as we talk about what desirable skills an employer looks for, how we can burst the employer bubble and why the explications as an owner are so high. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode we talk with jewelry maker, Jared Karnes of Onetribe. Listen in as we talk about how an idea moves from concept to reality, the new designs being shown at conference and how important supporting your community is. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we decided revisit an important topic, the Annual Association of Professional Piercers Conference. What do I need to bring? What should I not miss? Well this episode is here to help make you feel a little more at ease by answering some of these questions and hopefully some you didn’t think about. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we speak to Derek Lowe of Saint Sabrina’s. Listen in as we talk about managing a team of employees, how the people you surround yourself with can influence your success and the passion our industry has for its livelihood. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we discuss gender fluidity. Gender fluidity recognizes no borders or rules of gender. Not only is it important to recognize this as a sign of respect to those individuals but it is equally important to make potential clients and coworkers feel comfortable within your studio. Listen is as we discuss the differences in pronouns, how to approach conversations about the topic and the comfort that someone can feel from just asking a question. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we are going to discuss a trend we are seeing more and more of in this industry. Being a business owner. We sit down with Christina Shull of Integrity Piercing and we ask ourselves “Does going into business for yourself solve all your problems? Or just create new ones?” This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we host a roundtable with Jake Hardman, Colin O and Oscar Sandoval to talk about a topic that many people in our industry consider taboo to discuss in the open, wages. , Listen in as we talk about knowing your value as an employee, what hard decisions we face as a workforce and dispelling the smoke screen surrounding this topic. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with one of our industries best dressed veterans, Mr. Miro Hernandez. We take some time to talk about the hottest new trend, Curated Piercings. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry, Gold Heart Woodworks and Amory Body Arts. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Rob Hill of Prysm Body Piercing. Listen in as we discuss why asking questions is never a bad thing, the pros and cons of having a studio in the mall and the things they did not tell you. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry and Gold Heart WoodWorks. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, I decided to spend some time reflecting how social media impacts us. Tobias Vallone of Pure Body Arts and I discuss how social media can be a valuable tool to your business, what things come with online notoriety and how to tear down the invisible wall that it creates around you. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry and Gold Heart WoodWorks. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, our guest Adam Richins and I discuss the three most commonly heard reasons for complacency, why those are just excuses and how the podcast earned its name. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry and Gold Heart WoodWorks. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we get to interview our most requested guest. Alan of Bella Fine Jewelry and Piercing and his company, Origins Handmade. So listen in as we discuss how having a jeweler at your studio can affect your business, how classic jewelry styles are being used in modern pieces and how sharing information is key to our success as an industry. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we wanted to take some time to talk about an important thing in our industry that is largely skipped over when we reflect on our careers and ourselves. That thing is Self-Care and knowing when to stop burning the candle at both ends. So listen in as our guest, John Joyce of Scarab Body Arts and I discuss the hardships that come from always working, and learning when it is ok to have a day off. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we wanted to take some time to talk with someone who ive looked up to for many years, Luis Garcia. His recent success with his youtube channel has been a refreshing take on what many piercers view as a negative for the industry. Listen in as we discuss how visual media can positively reach clients, a reminder of where modern piercing came from and how to handle difficult customers. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry and Gold Heart WoodWorks. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, we wanted to take some time to talk about something that is a very important part of our businesses and careers. That is Business Branding. I ask my longtime friend, Sara Czernowski from Dorje Adornments back onto the show to give us an expert opinion on this topic. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry and Gold Heart WoodWorks. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this week’s episode, I wanted to take some time to time to speak with another body piercer turned jewelry maker. We sit down with the forever smiling, Mateo Way. Being a former studio owner, Mateo sold his business a few years ago and begin investing his time into his other passion, creating stone body jewelry. His stonework is well known throughout the industry for not only its quality but for his thoroughness in ensuring the piece is perfect. We take some time to discuss the trial and error of crafting stone, the transition of becoming a jewelry maker, and the how the unique perspective of being a piercer can possibly make better body jewelry. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this weeks episode, we speak with a familiar face and voice in our industry, Stephen DeToma. Stephen's worked in our industry as a body piercer and as an employee of Anatometal for nearly a decade. Recently, he made the decision to step away from the industry to pursue his other passion in life, working out and inspiring others. We take some time to discuss good jewelry ordering practices, bonding through physical suffering, and  the importance of realizing that there is another person on the other end of the line. This episode sponsored by Other Couture Jewelry. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this weeks episode, we are trying something slightly different. We speak with Colin O of Laughing Buddha Tattoo & Body Piercing and Matt Bavougian of Onyx Body Piercing about a topic that is hotly debated between body piercers. That topic is "Is Piercing Art?". We take some time to listen to different views of the topic, discuss technical skills & color theories and get passionate about something that means so much to all of us.

In this weeks episode, we speak about a  topic that is gaining quite a bit of momentum in the industry. That topic is being a Traveling Body Piercer. As we see, the demand for a unique individual that can seamlessly cover days, or even weeks at high end studios. It is becoming clear that this is a  viable option for a body piercer. That brings us to this weeks guest, the journeyman himself, Nicholas Adams. Nicholas has been exclusively traveling the country working in some of the most well-known studios across America. We take some time to discuss the pros and cons of traveling, what we both think is best for your social media and what it takes to be a rambling man in this industry. Find out more on the Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast website.

In this weeks episode, we speak with owner of Gold Heart Wood Works and Bella Fine Jewelry & Piercing, Derek Ian. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Derek hand crafts beautiful, unique displays alongside his family while trying to balance being a dad, owning a studio and being a woodworker. We take some time to talk about starting from scratch, the birth of designs and the heart and soul that goes into every hand crafted piece.

In this episode, we sit down with the owner and lead jewelry maker of Other Couture Jewelry, Mike Knight. We take some time to talk about current trends in gold body jewelry, some of our favorite jewelry lines, and what it takes to make all those wonderful golden smiles.

In this episode, we sit down with Florida's very own King of the Swamp. Jake Hardman of Drift Piercing Studios joins us as we discuss being a younger piercer, shadowing,how to make tough decisions and listen to things you don't want to hear.

Episode 5 - Queen Bees: The people behind the counter In our second conference special episode, Danny Greenwood of Cold Steel America, Sara Czernikowski of Dorje Adornments and I discuss how important the role they fill is, where we hope the industry is headed, and how they rule their hives. Support Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast by donating to the tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/real-talk--a-piercing-podcast

In this special post conference episode, i had the chance to sit down with my friends, Tom Gottschalk of Dorje Adornments and Andy Dunn of SouthShore Adornments. We talked about how jewelry is made, ivory from the bottom of the ocean and christmas poppers. Visit RealTalkapiercingpodcast.com for show notes. Support Real Talk : A Piercing Podcast by donating to the tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/real-talk--a-piercing-podcast

In this special episode, I really earn the nickname Will VonDAD with my co host Cale Belford of the Piercing Emporium in Worcester,MA. We discuss what to pack, what to do, and how to have the best time in Las Vegas at the Association of Professional Piercers Annual Conference.

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Beall of Cowpok Piercing & Tattoo to discuss nipple piercings. We answer a few listener questions and also discuss #firenudes.

On our first episode, we sit down with A.J Goldman of 12oz Studios to discuss the Ask a Professional Piercer Forum and how to handle clients in a time when information is abundant but not always right. We will also answer a few questions and talk about hugs.