Lick The Brain

Ray sits down with actor and comedian Tim King for a real, open conversation. Tim talks about what it was like growing up in a big family, going to school year-round, and how that all shaped who he is. They get into some deep stuff—like pushing limits in acting, the growing interest in psychedelics for mental health, and personal experiences that shift your whole perspective. Ray shares a story th...

Ray sits down with comedian Mark Brady to explore what it takes to transform personal interests into sustainable careers. Ray shares his vision for online tattoo education, while Mark opens up about the challenges of comedy today, the loss that led him to the stage, and the story behind his first performance. Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markbradyyy Follow LTB on Instagram at w...

This week, Ray sits down with stand-up comedian Mark Brady for a fun, honest chat about the ups and downs of comedy. They get into how bombing on stage is part of the grind, what it means to be your own toughest critic, and how Mark’s approach to writing jokes has evolved over the years. Mark also shares how winning a comedy contest early in his career added unexpected pressure. Plus, they dive in...

In this episode, Andrew gets real about the ups and downs of running a studio and how the hustle started draining his creativity. He talks about the tough call to step away from ownership so he could get back to his roots as an artist—and put his family first. Andrew also drops some hints about cool new projects he’s creating to highlight talented from his hometown, Jersey City. It’s an honest, la...

In this episode, Andrew shares his journey through the world of tattooing—from growing up around it, to the wild ride of being an apprentice, to finding his own style and voice in the industry. He talks about tattooing abroad, taking an unexpected break, and making a comeback by owning his own studio. It’s a fun and honest conversation about the ups, downs, and everything in between. Andrews Insta...

This week, Ray is joined by Carolina comedian and certified ray of sunshine, Isatu—the very person who suggested him to try stand-up . They dive into Isatu’s wild new tattoo ideas, why her mom traded NYC’s chaos for North Carolina’s slower charm, and her time navigating Minnesota ignorance. Isatu also drops a jaw-dropping bomb about her sex life, and somehow things get deep as she and Ray share a...

In this episode, Ray sits down with Carolina comedian Isatu—the vibrant personality who first inspired him to try stand-up comedy. The two dive into Isatu’s unique collection of tattoos and the stories behind them, reflect on how their city has evolved over the years, and converse about the unusual contact sport Isatu was into when they first met. Together, they share insights, laughs, and real ta...

In this episode, Drew and Ray dive into the moment when a tattoo begins to truly come together and the trust that is involved in that creative process. Ray opens up about the challenges and insights he’s gained from doing cover-up tattoos. Ray shares some of the things he’s learned about comedy and the relationship with the crowd. Drew notices the surprising similarities between the crafts of come...

In this episode, Ray sits down with Drew to talk about his first tattoo and what inspired his passion for collecting unique and intriguing tattoo designs. Drew opens up about what he values most in Ray's tattoo process. Ray also shares what continues to fuel his excitement for tattooing at this stage of his career. Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us!...

When will an apprentice be ready to travel for tattooing? What does a tattoo apprentice do for fun? Is it possible to manage your time in the early stages of tattooing? Jordyn answers all of these questions and more in this episode. Episode Shoutouts: www.instagram.com/rachel_johanningsmeier www.instagram.com/littlejohnstattoo Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up wi...

This episode is part one of a two part episode where Ray chats with Jordyn Bury.  Jordyn is currently in a tattoo apprenticeship but tattooing has been apart of her entire life. Jordyn shares the struggles of pursuing an apprenticeship to working her first tattoo convention.  Follow and connect with Jordyn on instagram at: www.instagram.com/Jordynburytattoos Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagra...

Vanesa shares a pick up line someone tried to use on a first date and Ray checks in on her broken wrist’s recovery. Progress is being made! Vanesa learns a lesson in patience, and Ray offers support and encouragement. Tune in for story time with Ray about his trip to Florida! A bunch of skydivers, thrifted outfits, buzzards, crystal clear water, a spontaneous campfire comedy show, and good times a...

Ray’s running out of ink and coming up with solutions. On New Year's Eve Vanesa plays confrontational musical chairs! Would you watch a tattoo live? Ray’s learning new skills and discusses wanting to stream in multiple ways.  Our hosts “Reflect” on why they are trained on details, especially when it comes to Facebook Marketplace. Vanesa and Ray became friends… on Co–Star. Artist Shout Out: ww...

Tune in to the life-focused episode for updates about our hosts! Vanesa thought it would be a good idea to go ice skating.. alone… where she fell and broke her wrist! Vanesa recalls the experience for Ray and he comments on the difficult road ahead, as well as how moments like this help him take a step back to look at life. Vanesa doesn’t make new year resolutions and Ray doesn’t feel like the new...

Ray has had multiple people reach out to him seeking apprenticeships! What steps can you take to get your foot in the door with the tattoo industry? What do you need to be able to do as an artist in general before you can consider tattooing? What’s the timeline for growing as a tattoo artist? Both Vanesa and Ray like to take the time to share general advice, even when they aren’t in a position to...

Vanesa and Ray decorate for the holidays, and both of them kept things minimal. Vanesa has personal beef with Christmas, Ray is getting settled in at his new apartment and is going to start streaming video games. Vanesa attends her first hockey game and doesn’t know how to talk about sports. Is an OnlyFans account in Vanesa’s near future? Does Ray actually sell feet pics online?? Tune in to find o...

Vanesa and Ray have to work on saying “like” and “um” less but it’s difficult to notice the habit when you’re in the moment. Ray touches up a tattoo that reminded him how difficult tattooing actually is. How can different skin types affect the application of a tattoo? What types of video games do Vanesa and Ray each enjoy playing? How do our hosts each handle tough times when they have a client sc...

Ray is trying new things with his personal art and Vanesa misheard a keyword during his story. Ray and Vanesa take time to talk more about their trip to Dublin! Please excuse Vanesa’s cough as she is still recovering from ‘lack of sleep’ sickness. Our host’s went to an art museum together, Vanesa got her face tattooed, meanwhile Ray interviewed a few artists at the shop! Why is it difficult for in...

This episode falls under all things related as Vanes and Ray talk about their travels! Tune in to hear about your host’s first experiences with international travel to Europe. Ray is already planning a trip to visit Iceland and Vanesa is preoccupied with finding good food. What happy accident did our hosts decide to embrace? What plans do they have for exploring Dublin? Artist Shout Out: www.insta...

Ray and Vanesa talk about their intuition and hunches around clients canceling or rescheduling. Sometimes it works out better for everyone involved! Vanesa mentions letting go of control and trusting that everything will fall into place as it needs to. Both hosts discuss selling their homes, and their feelings around transitioning from owning back to renting. Is there a correct way to place a tatt...

Vanesa has a symphony of tinnitus in her head 24/7 but being in Colorado helped it go away??? A rare no call/no show left Vanesa with a new client to add to her blacklist, and she is considering scheduling a guest spot in Colorado at Glass Moon Tattoo. Ray confronts his fears around the industry progressing and worries about feeling left behind in the process. Does Vanesa worry about her style of...

Vanesa starts us off with some silly ASMR and Ray circles back to thoughts around vulnerability and authenticity. Vanesa gives us an update about her therapy journey and the skills she’s working on. Ray and Vanesa discuss their personal art, how it translates into tattooing, and art in general. Will Vanesa and Ray actually start sharing their artists' processes on social media? How does conte...

Ray has a Coke habit and Vanesa has a crush?? Our hosts are making the most of having more free time and share some advice around doing guest spots as a tattoo artist. A lot of variables come into play when considering guest spots, especially around where and when! How can an artist’s level of experience affect being able to secure guest spots at other studios? What is the reason behind doing a gu...

Vanesa admits to missing snow and is taking a trip to a (hopefully) snowy place! Ray and Vanesa share stories about their experiences driving in snow and some of one client’s snowy encounter. Where do Vanesa and Ray stand when it comes to tattooing the names of significant others? What about getting tattoos for or from your partner?  Ray revisits the idea of reformatting the podcast after getting...

Tune in to hear Ray react to a one star review that excluded Vanesa by name and conversation around giving and receiving feedback! When is a good time to leave a review for a tattoo artist? Should you review immediately or wait for the tattoo to age? If you’ve been tattooed by Ray or Vanesa, leave an honest review on google ** heart emoji Being tattoo artists and business owners has helped our hos...