Episode 225 Jesse Smith Tattoos

He told Ink Master producers he'd never do their "stupid show." Then he did it twice and finished second both times. Season 8 and Season 14 Ink Master runner up Gian Karle sits down for a wide open conversation covering everything — from working as a beach attendant and photographer's assistant in Puerto Rico, to traveling the country out of hotels doing conventions, to competing against the best tattoo artists in the world on national TV. Gian breaks down the gunpowder flash challenge that blew fire to the ceiling, the watercolor tattoo that embarrassed him at his own viewing party back home, the moment he cried in an elevator after playing dirty to stay in the competition, the Katie cushion incident that looked meaner on TV than it actually was, and why he genuinely believes the show changed the entire financial landscape of tattooing. Plus — his picks for the scariest artists in an all-star season, which judges were the most and least biased, what DJ is really like off camera, and why his mom's reaction at the Season 8 finale is still one of his most cherished memories. First time hearing this story in long form. Don't miss it. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with people living their passion: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/

He made it to the Ink Master Season 17 finale, cried in front of the judges over a tattoo he made for his wife, protected 6 years of sobriety surrounded by drunk castmates, and is now opening one of Pittsburgh's most anticipated new tattoo shops — Seth Holmes sits down for his very first long-form interview and leaves absolutely nothing on the table. From surviving an abusive childhood and battling addiction, to fronting a metal band, learning to tattoo under Ink Master's Sarah Miller, and competing against some of the best artists in the country — this is the full, unfiltered story of how a self-described "nobody from Pittsburgh" made it onto national TV and came out the other side a changed artist. Plus — the psychological tactics Ink Master producers use to break contestants on camera, the drama with Matt that was both completely real and completely staged, what Ryan Ashley said to him that made him come out swinging, and what's coming next with his brand new shop Sleepwalker Tattoo. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with people living their passion: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/

World renowned new school tattoo artist and 2-time Ink Master contestant Jesse Smith sits down with Chris Johnson on the Passion Pod for one of the most in-depth conversations he's ever had. From getting busted for graffiti in Germany at 17, to selling Flash up and down the East Coast, to getting the call that changed his career forever — this one covers it all. Jesse opens up about why he thinks Ink Master cast him as the "one trick pony" from day one, the real drama behind the cameras, getting flown to Australia with 50 people on a waitlist overnight, building Loose Screw Tattoo, running the Richmond Tattoo Convention through COVID and personal tragedy, and the fictional world of Carkayous — the universe behind every tattoo he creates. Plus timeless advice for artists, clients, and anyone building something from scratch. One of the best we've ever done. Don't skip this one. 🎙️ Passion Pod — Where passion meets conversation. 📲 Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

What happens when a funny rapper keeps going long after a "reasonable person" would quit? You end up with Justin Bieber sharing your music and selling out shows across the country. 🎤 In this episode, Chris sits down with Scoochie Boochie (Michael Ribbens) — the comedy rapper behind viral hits like Carbutt and I Have Sex — to talk about blowing up on social media, building a fanbase from nothing, life on tour, concept albums, the Bible, and why keeping your sailor hat on is always the right call. Topics covered: Going viral with Carbutt and gaining 10K followers mid-flightHow Justin Bieber & SZA sharing his content changed everythingQuitting his architecture tour job to rap full-timeWhy comedy rap is harder to sell than it looksLonely Island, Bible lore, mustaches & more 🎙️ Passion Pod — Real people. Passion-driven careers. Unfiltered stories. 📲 Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 🌐 passionpod.org

Green Bay Packers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler sits down with Passion Pod for one of his most candid interviews yet. From growing up in extreme poverty in Jacksonville to creating the most iconic celebration in NFL history — the Lambeau Leap — LeRoy holds nothing back. In this episode: 🏈 Brett Favre's off-field memories & the Pack Attack TV show 🏈 How Deion Sanders gave him his nickname "Roy Lee" 🏈 The untold story of replacing Deion at Florida State 🏈 Reggie White's impact on the Packers' Super Bowl run 🏈 Battling anxiety, dyslexia & claustrophobia throughout his career 🏈 His new book Locker Room Therapy, Leap 36 Vodka & his upcoming documentary If you love football, real stories, and people who lived life on their own terms — this one's for you. Subscribe & Follow Passion Pod: 🎙️ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/passionpod 🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053 🌐 Website: passionpod.org

Comedy magician Wes Barker aka Stuntmagician joins Passion Pod to talk about viral YouTube success, America’s Got Talent, Pen & Teller, TV shows, live performance, and hilarious magic fails. If you love comedy, magic, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes stories from a professional magician, this episode is for you. Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

In this episode of Passion Pod, Chris Johnson sits down with stand up comedian Ashley Gavin for a candid conversation about comedy, internet fame, podcasting, public backlash, and what it takes to keep going after a career-changing moment. Ashley shares stories from cruise ship comedy, touring, building an audience online, and how her perspective on stand-up has changed over time. Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

In this episode of Passion Pod, Chris Johnson sits down with DC comic book artist Doug Mahnke for a wide-ranging conversation about his career in comics, creativity, and storytelling. Doug shares behind-the-scenes stories from working on Batman, The Mask, Green Lantern, Superman, and more, along with how he broke into the comic book industry and built a career spanning more than 30 years. Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

What’s the difference between hallucinations and delusions—and what does schizophrenia actually feel like day to day? In this episode, mental health advocate and influencer Kody Green (aka “The Schizophrenic Hippie”) shares his story of addiction, incarceration, diagnosis, medication, and recovery—plus the often-misunderstood “positive vs. negative symptoms,” stigma, and how families can support a loved one in psychosis. Featuring: Kody Green aka The Schizophrenic Hippie (motivational speaker, podcaster, author of Minds Over Meetings). Follow Passion Pod + Kody: Instagram: @passionpod TikTok: @passionpodofficial YouTube: Passion Pod Facebook: Passion Pod

Former college baseball player turned baseball influencer Ryan Ellingson joins the Passion Pod at Kwik Trip in La Crosse, Wisconsin to share how he went from travel ball and college baseball to building a creator career—landing brand deals with MLB, the Minnesota Twins, and getting sent to MLB All-Star Week, including on-field access for batting practice just feet from Shohei Ohtani. We also talk Twins fandom, baseball culture, and what it takes to turn baseball content into a real business. Follow Chris / Passion Pod: Instagram: @passionpod TikTok: @passionpodofficial Facebook: Passion Pod YouTube: Passion Pod