Latest Shop Talk

Shop Talk Ep:20
In this episode of Shop Talk, the crew breaks down some of the most unreal tattoos you’ve never seen — from massive, Japanese-inspired epics to surreal multi-image illusions and bold, saturated classics. They dig into the details, the techniques, and the creativity that make these pieces unforgettable.

Shop Talk Ep:18
In this episode of Shop Talk, Chris Fox joins the crew for a rowdy session full of legendary tattoo stories, wild road trips, and next-level art appreciation. From a spontaneous tattoo tour through NYC with Mike Brummett to a wild West Virginia story involving a cat-hunting snake and a Springsteen roadie — this one’s got it all. Plus, deep dives into standout flash pieces, blast-over technique, layout wisdom, and why dragons and tigers still hit hard.

Shop Talk Ep:17
In this episode, the crew welcomes back Chris from Fish Ladder Tattoo Co., and things get real. We break down some of the hardest tattoos out — from biomech panther builds to hand pieces that push limits. If you’re into saturated color, bold structure, and perfect placement, this one’s for you.

Shop Talk Ep:16
The crew spirals into the bizarre case of Natalia Grace—a girl who might be a child or a 30-year-old spy—before diving into some of the wildest tattoos they’ve seen. From black-and-gray elegance by Juan Teyer to mind-bending beasts by Ishmael Johnson, this episode blends true crime rabbit holes with high-level tattoo critique. Get ready for laughs, legends, and a panther with a butthole on its back.
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Nick has over 25 years experience in and around the tattoo industry and has met an unimaginable amount of interesting people. With tales from growing up in a small town in the mountains of Virginia and his journey to owning the successful Alley Cat Tattoo, there's something for everyone. Here you'll also find Shop Talk, where the tattoo discussions are much more involved and the appreciation and love of tattooing is what it's all about.
Episode Three-Hundred and Eighty-One: Sam Yamini
Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:07:44 +0000
Nick and Sam talk tattoos at Pagoda City Tattoo Festival
Duration: 02:04:02
View Episode PageEpisode Three-Hundred and Eighty: J Smalley & Jimmy P
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:34:01 +0000
A couple of past guests return during the Pagoda City Tattoo Festival
Duration: 02:00:24
View Episode PageEpisode Three-Hundred and Seventy-Nine: Dave Capella
Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:39:38 +0000
Capella is back for an episode that comes out this time.
Duration: 03:15:24
View Episode PageEpisode Three-Hundred and Seventy-Eight: Adam Marton
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:56:45 +0000
Nick sits down with Adam Marton and Adam McKowen to talk shop.
Duration: 02:54:40
View Episode PageEpisode Three-Hundred and Seventy-Seven: Kohen Meyers
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:25:56 +0000
Kohen talks with Nick after a killer guest spot at Alley Cat.
Duration: 01:53:37
View Episode Page