Free Daily Podcast Summary
Chats & Tatts: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Aaron Della Vedova
Chats & Tatts host, Aaron Della Vedova, is known for pushing the creative boundaries with every artistic medium he works in. However, his full coverage back pieces, rib to legs, and torso tattoos are definitely his specialty. With long hours tattooing well known musicians, athletes, public figures, influencers and many others, Aaron knows that tattooing heavily involves building a relationship, a bond, with his clients. On Chats & Tatts, he dives into those relationships with his clients, helping tell their stories, share their crazy pasts and path, and many times sharing a glimpse into his guests getting a tattoo on the show. Tune in to get a behind the curtain peek at the world of high level artistic tattooing and those who express themselves through this fascinating, diverse medium while radically redefining the art of modern tattooing.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago1h 28m
The Dark Side of Tattooing & Why AI is Ruining Art ft. Kirk Nilsen | Ep. 121
In Episode 121 of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Kirk Nilsen—a pioneer of medieval, woodcut, and architectural ornamental tattooing. In this episode, we discuss: • The early days of ornamental blackwork and overcoming industry backlash • Horror stories from 2000s-era apprenticeships (drug dealers, fake papers, and Sink-or-Swim moments) • The trap of defining your personal identity solely by your job • How AI, Procreate shortcuts, and pattern brushes are eroding original art—and why handmade work will ultimately skyrocket in value • The reality behind 14 years of tattoo shop ownership and making the pivot to Charleston, SC Quotes "Everyone hated it... When the ornamental shit started really going off, every tattooer fucking hated it. I was definitely the new young guy everyone fucking hated." — Kirk Nelsen "Handmade things will increase in value because it's going to become rarer and rarer. When clients see artists bragging about AI, they realize: this guy doesn't give a fuck about your tattoo." — Kirk Nilsen "Potential beats talent if talent doesn't work hard. You've got to be God-given to some degree, but if you're working, getting better, and have that little 'it' thing, it's next level." — Kirk Nilsen "Stop trying to be someone else. That's not how it works. Jackson Pollock was Jackson Pollock—he wasn't trying to be the next guy." — Kirk Nilsen "I don't care about owning a business anymore. I don't want to deal with paperwork or people. I just want to draw pictures, tattoo the pictures, and go home." — Kirk Nilsen
- 3 weeks ago1h 5m
"We Have Enough Tattoo Artists" - Julian Siebert on Apprenticeships & Mastery | Ep. 120
In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with world-renowned tattoo artist Julian Siebert from Munich, Germany. Known globally for his incredible large-scale bodysuits, Julian shares his 21-year journey in tattooing, having completed over 200 backpieces and 100 frontpieces. Together, they dive deep into the mindset of high-level tattooing, the controversy surrounding numbing cream, technical setups for maximum efficiency, the real impact of AI and social media on tattoo culture, and why Julian decided his current apprentice will be his last. 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcoming Julian Siebert 01:43 - 200+ Backpieces & 100+ Frontpieces: Managing Massive Workload 03:16 - The Sacrifice of Passion: Balancing Work, Family & Friends 04:32 - The "Glass of Water" Philosophy: Choosing Not to Have Kids 07:00 - From Slayer & Slipknot to Quitting School After a Car Crash <!
- Aug 12, 20261h 23m
$500K Oil Rig Director Quits Everything For Stand-Up Comedy
In this electric episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with comedian, former directional driller, and internet powerhouse Uncle Laser. Transitioning from high-stakes $500,000-a-year oil rig operations in 120-degree heat to stepping onto the Kill Tony stage for his very first stand-up set ever, Laser shares a raw, unfiltered look into his explosive journey. The conversation dives deep into the parallels between blue-collar labor and high-pressure performance, the harsh reality of burning through savings to chase a dream, and the profound moment a fan's story made him realize comedy is far bigger than money or fame. Beyond the stage antics, Aaron and Laser unpack the mechanics of stand-up writing, navigating crowds without losing authenticity, and lessons learned from comedy heavyweights like Joe Rogan, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Brian Redban. They delve into wild personal stories, high-volume gambling, matrix-like algorithm theories, the existential threat of AI, and why staying true to yourself is the ultimate key to longevity in both life and entertainment. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & Welcoming Uncle Lazar 03:19 - Walking Away From $500K in the Oil Field for Stand-Up 06:34 - The Emotional Reality of Comedy & Fan Impact 11:27 - Directional Drilling vs. Comedy Mental Stress 15:20 - Writing Material vs. Testing Jokes on Stage 21:56 - Tattoo Culture, Business Operations, & Respecting the Craft 31:37 - The Authentic Creative Process 35:56 - How Aaron Tattooed Joe Rogan & Rogan's "No Bullshit" Vibe 37:30 - Brian Redban & The Inception of Modern Comedy Podcasting 41:10 - Deep Dive on Ron White & Finding Your Voice 48:00 - Sobriety, Longevity, & Navigating Comedy's Rockstar Lifestyle 55:48 - AI, Population Control, & Simulation Theories 1:07:21 - Evolving Comedy Style & Connecting with Audiences 1:12:47 - Media Manipulation, Social Algorithms, & Mind Games 1:22:06 - High-Stakes Gambling, Mathematics, & Closing Ou Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron: Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Uncle Lazer: Instagram: instagram.com/uncle_lazer TikTok: tiktok.com/@unclelazer69 Tour Dates & Tickets: punchup.live/unclelazer Podcast: Search "My Drunk Uncle's Podcast" on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts Patreon: pat
- Jul 29, 202659 min
118. Safety and Professionalism in Tattooing ft. Cathy Montie
The tattoo industry has undergone significant transformations in safety and professionalism since the 1960s and 70s, largely due to the efforts of key advocates for health regulations and training. In those early days, tattooing practices were far from the standards we consider safe and professional today. Artists often worked without gloves, used unsanitary equipment, and operated in environments that lacked basic health standards. For example, it was common for tattoo artists to dip sponges into metal buckets of water to clean the skin—a practice that would be deemed unacceptable by today's standards. In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Cathy Montie, a pivotal figure in this transformation, who shares her experiences from those early years, highlighting the chaotic and often unsafe conditions under which tattoos were performed. She recounted how her husband, Gil Montie, tattooed in their living room and later in a makeshift studio within an oil change shop, illustrating the lack of formal training and regulation at the time. Tune in for an insightful look at tattoo history and the ongoing commitment to safety and professionalism in the industry. Chat Highlights: 00:01:06 - Introduction 00:01:06 - Evolution of Tattooing from the 60s to Today 00:01:28 - Importance of Safety in Tattoo Industry 00:02:28 - Challenges of Regulating Tattoo Industry 00:03:31 - Cathy Montie's Bloodborne Pathogen Course 00:06:01 - Moving to Vegas and Tattooing with Doc Dog 00:09:03 - Tattoo Shows and Traveling Lifestyle 00:12:39 - Tattoo Forefathers 00:14:32 - Tattooing on the Carnival Circuit 00:18:14 - Working on the Movie Bound for Honor 00:19:16 - Evolution of Fake Tattoos in Movies 00:20:27 - Influence of Movies on Tattoo Culture 00:22:26 - Early Safety Practices and Needle Sterilization 00:25:01 - Tattooing in the Early 90s in Los Angeles 00:27:14 - Working with Freddy at Ratatatoo 00:29:30 - Leaving Ratatatoo and Moving to Isla Vista 00:32:31 - Opening Absolute Tattoo in San Diego 00:40:13 - Benefits of Retractable Cartridges 00:42:14 - Kathy's Role in Regulatory Changes 00:43:54 - Current Issues with Ink Regulations in Europe and the US Quotes: "How many of you out there would be going into tattoo shops and getting all these tattoos if they were run like they were run in the 60s?" "How crazy is that? Just grabbing someone's bare skin with your hands and cutting into them with a tattoo machine." "All it takes is a handful of really bad shops, somebody gets sick, somebody gets hurt, and now we've got some major problems on many levels." "To enjoy our business. We are in the most amazing business we could be in, working with the public." Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron: Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Cathy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/cathymontie_bbp
- Jul 15, 202633 min
117. Tattooing and Technique: Do It Scared ft Sebastian Kristen
In the tattoo industry, cultivating relationships and fostering a sense of community is essential for artists, as it provides them with support, inspiration, and a platform for growth. This podcast episode highlights the journey of tattoo artist Sebastian Kristen, who initially grappled with insecurities about social interactions and attending conventions. Despite these fears, he discovered that the tattoo community is filled with kind and supportive individuals, ultimately encouraging him to engage more with others in the field. Join host Aaron Della Vedova as he interviews tattoo artists at Mondial du Tatouage tattoo convention in Paris. He introduces listeners to an exciting new artist, Sebastian Kristen, whose incredible work left a lasting impression on him. Tune in for insights into the vibrant world of tattoo art and the connections that make it so special! Chat Highlights: [00:02:22] Self-taught tattooing journey. [00:06:10] Tattoo healing process and techniques. [00:08:18] The client experience. [00:10:23] Tattoo pigment techniques and effects. [00:15:34] Social media's impact on tattooing. [00:19:13] Tattoo history documentation challenges. [00:23:20] Decorative tattoo movement on women. [00:27:53] Future of tattooing trends. [00:32:06] Tattoo artistry and branding. Quotes: "You really have to stick to it and most people can't." "If you put pigment on the left and on the right, and then you put something in between that, the left and the right pigment holds it there." "I was always way too lazy to post a lot and way too scared to go out to conventions." "Since the last 10,000 years, every new generation was worse." "Let's treat the tattoo like a dress." "The sad thing is, I think it will become less interesting before it becomes more interesting." "Social media is breaking us, man." Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron: Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Sebastian: https://www.instagram.com/sebastiankristentattoo IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinweatherholtz/
- Jul 1, 202632 min
116. Tattoo Culture in South Korea ft. Uncogrim
Uncogrim, a tattoo artist with a decade of experience, emphasizes the importance of breaking away from traditional tattooing norms, particularly in the realm of Japanese-style tattooing. In a recent podcast episode, he discusses how his unique approach often involves omitting backgrounds in his designs, allowing the human body to become an integral part of the artwork itself. Host Aaron Della Vedova interviews Uncogrim (Hoon Kim) at the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris. Aaron expresses his admiration for the exquisite detail and composition of Uncogrim's large piece work. Uncogrim shares insights about his journey as a tattoo artist, and despite the relatively short time, his impressive body of work suggests a deep commitment to his craft. Tune in to hear about his artistic inspirations and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of tattooing. For visuals of his incredible work, check out his Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/uncogrim Chat Highlights: 00:00:00 - Extreme Tattoo Sessions 00:01:59 - Uncogrim's Tattooing Journey 00:04:24 - The Concept of No Background in Tattoos 00:05:04 - Artistic Choices and Inspirations 00:07:02 - Breaking Traditional Tattoo Norms 00:10:35 - Tattooing Legality in South Korea 00:12:23 - Uncogrim's Path to Becoming a Tattoo Artist 00:14:12 - Mentorship and Studio Challenges 00:16:00 - Emotional Connection to Tattooing 00:17:23 - Pain Management in Tattooing 00:20:25 - Tattoo Session Structure 00:21:00 - Numbing Cream and Pain Relief 00:23:33 - Anesthesia in Tattooing 00:29:50 - Inspiration and Acknowledgements Quotes: "You don't stop until I die like this." "It's fun for me to see people breaking tradition." "If you can make another person happy with your art, what more do you need to get up every morning and love what you do?" "One of my big dreams, tattoo convention, because, you know, in South Korea, tattoo culture really closed and underground culture." "Your specific artistic aesthetic in the art of tattooing is wildly impressive to me." Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron: Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Uncogrim: IG: https://www.instagram.com/uncogrim
- Jun 17, 202643 min
115. Self-Taught Mastery ft. Gianluca
Gianluca, a talented tattoo artist from Italy, shares a profound philosophy about the journey of tattooing that emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and exploration. He believes that artists should never feel they have fully reached their peak; instead, they should always strive to improve and innovate. This mindset is crucial in an ever-evolving art form like tattooing, where trends and techniques are constantly changing. In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova connects with Gianluca at the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris. With over 420 artists in attendance, Gianluca stands out for his stunning neo-Japanese and illustrative tattoo work, combining vibrant colors with black and gray elements. Aaron and Gianluca discuss his roots in northeastern Italy near Torino, where he continues to work in his hometown. Listeners can expect insights into Gianluca's artistic process and the vibrant tattoo culture at one of the world's premier tattoo conventions. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of high-quality tattoo artistry! Chat Highlights: 04:10 First tattoo experience. 05:30 Self-taught tattooing experiences. 11:34 Tattooing as a personal journey. 17:10 Japanese tattooing and innovation. 18:55 Merging tattoo styles creatively. 25:14 Numbing cream for tattoo pain. 29:46 Tattoo machine efficiency debate. 34:06 Tattoo industry changes and challenges. 40:46 Tattoo artist advice. 42:00 Biomechanical Japanese Tattoo. Quotes: "I like art and every kind linked to art from when I was a child." "If you're going to take the time to mark somebody's body, you should probably have done it to yourself first." "I think the memory's already there. I want something new. Fuck it. Who cares?" "It's not only the session. It's the journey." "Maybe my goal is never have a goal." "If you really want to take your art to the very, very top of the pyramid, you might want to avoid that as long as possible because it does slow you down." "To see these AI generators that are creating things that are quite interesting to look at, it really hurt my heart a lot because I felt like what I am was taken from me." "You only have to be yourself and do it in the best way you can." Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron: Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Gianluca IG: https://www.instagram.com/gdc_tattoo
- Jun 3, 202620 min
114: The Man Behind Inked Abroad ft. Dakota weik
Dakota Weik, a tattoo ethnographer, has embarked on a remarkable journey that transitions him from showcasing tattoo artists around the world through his popular show "Inked Abroad" to becoming a tattoo apprentice in Germany. This shift not only reflects his deep passion for tattooing but also underscores the importance of mastering traditional techniques before advancing to more complex styles. In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova takes us on a journey to the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris, a renowned tattoo convention filled with some of the best tattoo artists in the world. Aaron sits down with Dakota as he shares insights into his mission of discovering and showcasing exceptional tattoo artists globally, highlighting the artistry and significance behind their work. With Dakota's show gaining viral popularity, boasting half a million followers and millions of views, the conversation dives into the evolving landscape of tattoo culture and the challenges of keeping up with emerging talents. Tune in to learn about the intersection of art and culture in the world of tattooing! Chat Highlights: 00:00:00 - Apprenticeship B00:01:00 - Inked Abroad 00:02:14 - The Origin of Inked Abroad 00:03:56 - Transition to Tattoo Apprenticeship 00:05:28 - the 3 day Tattoo Sessions 00:07:07 - The Mental Battle of Enduring Large Scale Tattoos 00:08:23 - Documenting the Apprenticeship Journey 00:10:08 - Discovering Artistic Talent Later in Life 00:12:22 - The Support and Pressure from the Tattoo Community 00:14:19 - The Importance of Realism in Tattooing 00:16:11 - The Global Tattoo Community and Travel Restrictions 00:17:28 - Passion for Preserving Tattoo Craft 00:18:53 - The Impact of tattooing on Personal Relationships 00:19:00 - Continuing Inked Abroad and Future Plans Quotes: "What if I make documentaries on the world's greatest tattoo artists?" "You're probably going to usher in another 10,000 tattooers because of it." "That shows you've got something deep in you. You've got a warrior spirit." "That's a cool new concept, like learning how to draw realism and using it as a backbone for almost anything else you do." "I just became so passionate about what I do, learning about it, and then just trying to protect and make sure this craft lives forever." "Keep bringing me the sickest tattoos in the world." Stay Connected Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron: Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Dakota: IG: https://www.instagram.com/inkedabroad
About Chats & Tatts
Chats & Tatts host, Aaron Della Vedova, is known for pushing the creative boundaries with every artistic medium he works in. However, his full coverage back pieces, rib to legs, and torso tattoos are definitely his specialty. With long hours tattooing well known musicians, athletes, public figures, influencers and many others, Aaron knows that tattooing heavily involves building a relationship, a bond, with his clients. On Chats & Tatts, he dives into those relationships with his clients, helping tell their stories, share their crazy pasts and path, and many times sharing a glimpse into his guests getting a tattoo on the show. Tune in to get a behind the curtain peek at the world of high level artistic tattooing and those who express themselves through this fascinating, diverse medium while radically redefining the art of modern tattooing.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Chats & Tatts in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Chats & Tatts daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Chats & Tatts as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Chats & Tatts podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Chats & Tatts product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Aaron Della Vedova.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Chats & Tatts release new episodes?
Chats & Tatts publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Chats & Tatts cover?
Chats & Tatts covers topics including Arts, Visual Arts. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Chats & Tatts summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.