In this episode, our guest Matt Clemmer shares a personal story from 1995 when he was on the run facing a lengthy prison sentence while his father was an undercover DEA agent. He describes the intense situation of raids, being on the run, and questioning how long authorities would search for him. Matt reflects on a transformative moment he calls a "God encounter" that changed his path.  Matt stresses the significance of patience in overcoming trials and tribulations, noting that it fosters personal growth and completeness. He explains that taking action and trusting the process can bring ..read more

Luke Wessman's journey into tattooing began with a traditional apprenticeship, where he learned the ropes of the trade by sweeping, mopping, cleaning windows, and running errands. On this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova introduces this distinguished tattoo artist with a traditional aesthetic rooted in his hippie Tennessee upbringing and Southern California influences. Luke's impressive career includes appearances on TV shows like New York Ink and Ink Master, as well as being featured in Forbes magazine. The conversation delves into Luke's background, his ambassadorship for ..read more

In this episode of Chats and Tatts,  I had the privilege of interviewing Stevie Randallyn, a tattoo artist who overcame a life-altering stroke. Stevie shared her journey of experiencing a stroke at a young age and how it affected her ability to speak, taste, and even tattoo. Despite facing significant challenges, Stevie's determination and resilience shone through as she navigated the difficulties of relearning how to tattoo with one hand and overcoming the limitations caused by the stroke. Stevie's story is one of redemption and inspiration, showcasing her unwavering passion for tattooin ..read more

The Impact of Social Media and a Deep Dive into Tattoo Artistry with Nikko Hurtado We kick things off by discussing how we celebrate the world of tattooing and creativity with a legendary figure in the tattoo industry, Nikko Hurtado. Nikko's work in photo-realism tattoos has significantly influenced host Aaron Della Vedova's career, and his presence on the show is an honor. They delve into the addictive nature of social media and its resemblance to slot machines. We explore how algorithms manipulate our behavior, potentially leading to addiction and mental health issues. This topic sets the st ..read more

Exploring the taboo topic of money in the art world, Aaron Della Vedova and guest tattoo artist and financial coach, Ryan Roi, delve into the importance of artists' relationships with money. Drawing from his experience owning tattoo shops for over 20 years, he highlights how financial stress can hinder artistic growth. Despite the stigma around discussing money, Aaron and. Ryan emphasize the role of financial freedom in pursuing creative passions. Thank you to Sullen Clothing for their support and collaboration opportunities for tattoo artists. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the inter ..read more

The development and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is a topic of great interest and concern. In this podcast episode, host Aaron Della Vedova and guest Charles Lew share their fascination with AI.  Charles, an attorney, AI advisor, and state coder for California, highlights the importance of addressing the intersection of AI and the law. He emphasizes the need for laws and regulatory frameworks to manage the negative aspects of AI, such as deepfakes and biased algorithms.  The conversation delves into the potential negative consequences of AI, including job displacement and t ..read more

Zion Clark was born on September 29th, 1997 in Columbus, OH, with a rare birth defect called Caudal Regression Syndrome that left him without legs. Adopted at the age of 17, two weeks before becoming homeless, saved him in many ways.    You might know him. from. America's Got Talent, or on Instagram as Big_z_2020, or as the elite wrestler or from his inspirational documentary on Netflix called Zion. Being born without legs hasn't slowed down our guest today on Chats and Tatts.   Zion, a former Kent State wrestler born with no legs, made his professional MMA debut a success in 20 ..read more

In this touching episode, Aaron and his son share the story of their reunion after years of separation due to an adoption when Aaron was only 16. They are joined by Aaron's wife, Holly, who was a staunch supporter of the reunion and making Dustin a big part of their family life.    Aaron recounts receiving an unexpected email from his son, leading to their joyous reunion. They reflect on the picture that had been their only connection, a young boy in a yellow lumberjack outfit, the immediate connection, Dustin's upbringing,  blending their family, regrets, and more.    ..read more

In this episode of "Chats and Tatts with Aaron Della Vedova," our host shares a remarkable story of Brandie Phillips who sought to cover up burn scars with tattoos. Despite the potential risks, the guest was determined to cover every scar and spent hours in the tattoo shop daily for several weeks. The host discusses the potential dangers of such a rigorous tattooing schedule and how the individual's determination led them to overcome both physical trauma and the tattooing process. Tune in to hear this inspiring journey of resilience and transformation. Chat Breakdown: [00:00:00] Covering up bu ..read more

Finding Purpose and Paying It Forward: A Journey of Recovery   In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vadova explores the theme of recovery with guest Michael Molthan. After 27 arrests, Michael had lost everything except his life to drugs,  alcohol, and the bad decisions that accompany addiction.  When he picked up a book in prison and began reading to his cellmate who could not read, something shifted.  He tapped into the transformative power of serving others.     They discuss how life can be challenging and how some individuals face difficult ..read more