#018 Imagine tracing the contours of your identity through the indelible ink of ancestral tattoos, as Sydney, our guest, shares her journey of reconnection and revival. Amid the backdrop of her family's history entwined with the 60s Scoop, Sydney's narrative weaves the art of tattooing with the threads of cultural healing and heritage. As she guides us from the canvas of hides to the living tapestry of skin, we uncover the poignant transformation of personal and collective identity through the time-honored practice of Indigenous tattooing. Join us for an intimate exploration of the power of I ..read more

#017 Carrying the whispers of our ancestors in every line and shade, ancestral skin markings tell stories deeper than the skin they adorn. As I sit with my guest Robin Humphrey, we navigate the intimate labyrinth of Indigenous identity and the revival of our Nlaka'pamux tattoo traditions. This episode is a canvas of cultural awakening, where ink and identity converge to celebrate the resilience and beauty of our heritage. Embarking on this voyage, we unravel the threads of personal and collective healing that are woven through the art of tattooing. It's not just about the markings; it's a spi ..read more

#016 Navigating the vibrant yet complex world of tattoo artistry, I had the privilege of sitting down with the exceptionally skilled Geanna Dunbar, a Plains Cree, Métis tattoo artist who shares her profound insights and personal odyssey within the industry. Our conversation traverses the struggles that artists of color face in mainstream tattooing, from the obstacles of gatekeeping and sexism to the essential act of preserving cultural practices. We peel back the layers of the industry to reveal the importance of mentorship and the imperative of carving out inclusive spaces that allow for Indi ..read more

#014 Step into a world where the lines on skin tell stories of mountains and rivers, of ancestors and identity. Our esteemed guest Que Bidois guides us through the sacred art of Moko, revealing how Māori introductions are deeply rooted in the geography of Aotearoa and reflected in the unique tattoo patterns of each tribe. Que uncovers the unexpected custodians of this tradition, from gang members to prisoners, and their role in a cultural renaissance that intertwines personal significance with communal heritage. Witness the wharenui's carved narratives that have withstood time, and understand ..read more

#013 Embark on a profound exploration of Filipino tattooing with my guest, Natalia Roxas, whose journey from reluctance to becoming a hand-tapped tattoo practitioner unveils the rich tapestry of cultural identity and personal transformation. Natalia's narrative, intertwined with my own experiences as a Hungarian, Metis, and Nlaka'pamux professional tattoo artist, sheds light on the ancestral art that is much more than skin deep. Together, we navigate the teachings of our mentors, the spiritual dimensions of ancestral communication, and the responsibility of wielding traditional bone tools in o ..read more

#012 When the ink settles into the skin, it's not just a tattoo – it's a legacy being etched. Join me and the talented Cree tattoo artist Poppy Del as we traverse the vibrant juncture of cultural tattoo art and Indigenous heritage. Poppy unveils her intimate connection to her contemporary cultural tattoo practices, all the while balancing the beams of social media's double-edged sword. We're stitching together stories of her beloved English Bulldogs, the enduring influence of her father, and how these personal threads are interwoven with the tattoos that mark both skin and soul. Transitioning ..read more

#012 When the ink settles into the skin, it's not just a tattoo – it's a legacy being etched. Join me and the talented Cree tattoo artist Poppy Dell as we traverse the vibrant juncture of cultural tattoo art and Indigenous heritage. Poppy unveils her intimate connection to her contemporary cultural tattoo practices, all the while balancing the beams of social media's double-edged sword. We're stitching together stories of her beloved English Bulldogs, the enduring influence of her father, and how these personal threads are interwoven with the tattoos that mark both skin and soul. Transitionin ..read more

#011 When Heather Kiskihkoman inked her skin, it was more than a tattoo—it was a homecoming. Our journey together in this episode is a deep exploration of identity, heritage, and the transformative power of traditional tattooing. Heather's tale encapsulates her move from a reserve in Alberta to the freeing streets of Europe and back, weaving her Indigenous roots into her very skin. She shares the poignant act of reclaiming her family name, Kiskihkoman and how it kickstarted her passion for the ancestral craft of skin marking. As we share stories, we shed light on the importance of tangible co ..read more

#010 Sitting across from me, Terje Koloamatangi, a Tongan cultural tattoo practitioner, shares his ink-infused wisdom, revealing how each etching on our skin can tether us to our ancestors. As we savor the ceremonial kava, Terje recounts his initiation into tattoo artistry under the tutelage of a Samoan master, igniting a passion for reviving traditional Pacific methods. Our conversation takes you through the heart of Tonga, where the ritualistic kava ceremonies are not just about drink, but about connection, history, and the indelible marks of identity. The late Paulo's legacy casts a long s ..read more

#009 As my fingers danced across the skin, ushering ink into a permanent home, I found a connection deeper than I had ever anticipated. Joining me on today's Transformative Marks podcast journey is Keith Callihoo, whose own hands have crafted stories into the skin, reviving the sacred practice of traditional tattooing. Together, we traverse the intimate paths of ancestral skin marking, discovering how each deliberate mark carries a narrative far beyond its visual appeal. Keith shares his enlightening transition from conventional tattooing to a role steeped in cultural significance and personal ..read more