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Episodes
Go to the roots, not to the fruits.
I’m your host, Stef Bastiàn, tattooer with over twenty years of experience, traveler, painter, coach. Join me to improve your artistic, personal and professional journey through the stories and insights of inspiring guests, within and outside the tattoo world.
Learn more about my different projects and programs at https://www.stefbastian.com/
Episodes
Aug 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
1 hr 19 min
Today I sit down with Lil B to trace the global journey, artistic evolution, and mindset shift behind his achievements.
From his roots doing graffiti in France and learning fine-line Chicano black-and-gray at the legendary Low Rider Tattoo, to completely reinventing his career in Japan, he shares the grit it takes to start over and establish himself as a respected practitioner of traditional Japanese tattooing and Tebori techniques.
In this episode, we dive into:
- The Pivot to Japanese Style: how he stepped away from fine-line to build a brand-new reputation around bold, classic Japanese.
- Perfecting the Craft: The challenge of understanding organic background flow, learning traditional techniques, and drawing inspiration from traditional masters.
- Cultural Shifts & Studio Life: Comparing social norms between France and Japan, plus the unique reality of running a private studio in Okinawa.
- Hyperproductivity vs. Rest: Unpacking burnout, reducing social media noise, and learning to balance a relentless work ethic with actual life enjoyment.
Follow Lil B on Instagram
Aug 5, 2026
Aug 5, 2026
53 min
As the owner of Truly Yours Tattoo in Mannheim, Germany, and organizer of the Truly Yours Tattoo Fest, Clemens is a tattoo artist respected for his bold, powerful, and creative designs. The convention he organizes quickly rose to international fame among artists and audiences alike as one of the best events of its kind.
What I admire most about Clemens, besides his solid skills, is the discipline he brings to his daily routine and his innovative mindset. That allows him to spearhead fresh, high-quality initiatives while honoring the foundations of the craft.
In this episode, I try to peek inside his head to see how he pulls it all off.
Follow Clemens on Instagram
Truly Yours Tattoo Fest on Instagram
Aug 1, 2026
Aug 1, 2026
1 hr 15 sec
In this open conversation at Chica Pantera, a new landmark for tattooing in Barcelona,I got to know Rafa a bit more. The creative sources he taps in for his countless projects, his progressive view on styles and shop relationship, and his deep sense of organic contribution. I’m sure you’ll leave this conversation as inspired as I did leaving the shop.
Follow Rafa on Instagram
Jul 24, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
45 min
Burnout. Loss of spark for what we used to love. Lack of motivation and creativity. I have had this conversation a few times recently, this is what I would recommend to get to the other end of a crisis.
Recommended books and videos:
Joe Dispenza on YouTube - ‘Manifest a new reality with the power of your mind’ (A powerful explanation of how thoughts influence body and reality)
Marisa Peer on Ted Talk (How to rewire your brain)
‘Letting go’ - David R. Hawkins (The one book I would bring to a deserted island)
‘Irresistible’ - Adam Alter (Interesting look at how Social Medias are designed to hijack brain chemistry)
‘Bhagavad Gita’ by Eknath Easwaran (A manual of instruction for your head)
‘The Obstacle is the way’ - Ryan Holiday (Simple and concise introduction to Stoicism)
’Meditations’ - Marcus Aurelius (A cornerstone of Stoicism)
‘Clear thinking’ - Shane Parrish (Understanding of the brain tricks us into bad decisions and how to avoid it)
’The Power of Now’ - Eckart Tolle (A classic to understand the mechanisms of the ego and how to be fully present and aware)
’The heart of the Buddha’s teaching’ - Thich Nhat Hanh (The basic principles of Buddhism)
Jul 3, 2026
Jul 3, 2026
47 min
With a master’s degree in History and Library Science, Amelia Klem Osterud is recognized as a leading scholar in tattoo history and 19th-century sideshow performers. Author of The Tattooed Lady: A History and contributor to The World Atlas of Tattoo and Tattoo Histories, Amelia just published a new book: The 388 Tattoos of Captain George and the 389 Tales of How He Got Them.
Her new book is fun, pretty and informative. Beside entertaining with the stories we all like - pirates, circus at the turn of the century, crazy self-proclaimed adventures - it paints the picture of how tattooing came to be what it is today, and how people like Captain George helped shape it.
Sit down, relax, and enjoy the tales of a a world of wonders from 100+ years ago.
Follow Amelia on Instagram
Get the book
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
49 min
Escoda is a third-generation family business and an industry icon, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a testament to true craftsmanship, community, and, above all, a profound love for the craft. Backed by some of the world's finest watercolor artists - such as Joseph Zbukvic and Alvaro Castagnet - the Escoda family continues to strive for excellence and innovation, keeping the people who make it all possible at the very heart of what they do.
On a lovely Spanish morning, I sat down with Giovanna and Josep to discuss how every single brush is crafted by hand, how the company was born from one man’s dream, and how innovation thrives within simplicity.
Follow Escoda on Instagram
May 22, 2026
May 22, 2026
1 hr 16 min
Eckel’s name speaks for itself. Over the years he inspired countless artists with his drawings, tattoos, and paintings, establishing himself as a main reference in the neotraditional style.
In this fun, honest and inspiring talk we discussed the importance of the artistic journey, the evolution of style, and some details on his personal approach to process, reference and inspiration.
Follow Eckel on Instagram
May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
1 hr 5 min
Today we sit down with Jason Kundell, a veteran tattoo artist with an inspiring 30-year career. We trace his journey from his roots in Southern California’s skateboarding and graffiti scenes to his foundational years in the Bay Area, with the influence of artists of the caliber of Eddie Deutsche, Marcus Pacheco, Grime and many more.
Jason breaks down the philosophy behind his work, drawing fascinating parallels between his decades of training in judo and jiu-jitsu and his approach to tattooing—focusing on movement, composition, and the discipline required to achieve true mastery.
Follow Jason on Instagram
artworkrebels.com
Apr 13, 2026
Apr 13, 2026
51 min
Welcome into a captivating journey through the hidden and historical world of Japanese tattooing with journalist, author, and cultural expert, Manami Okazaki.
In this episode, we explore the dramatic evolution of tattoo media, tracing the shift from the expertly curated pages of traditional magazines to the fast-paced landscape of social media. Manami eloquently explains how the profound, artisanal essence of this craft is often distorted by modern online trends, where popularity rarely reflects true skill and young artists frequently copy designs without understanding their culturally deep source material.
Drawing from over two decades of experience, she shares her incredible stories of documenting Japan's vibrant tattoo boom, navigating a complex underworld of shifting characters.
Our conversation delves into the deeply rooted philosophy of downtown Tokyo’s artisans. We discuss the intense atmosphere of local celebrations like the Torigoe Matsuri and the vital, living connections between traditional Wabori, religious practices, and seasonal folklore. Manami also offers a refreshing and fascinating perspective on cultural exchange.
Finally, we explore the rich historical context of her work, including her books "Tattoo in Japan" and her newest "Fights and Fires of the Flowers of Edo." She unpacks the transient, high-spirited nature of Edo-period firefighters, carpenters, and Yakuza, highlighting a culture historically intertwined with the constant consciousness of death.
This conversation is a vital and humbling reflection on what it takes to truly preserve the heritage, depth, and community spirit of Japanese artisanal tattooing well beyond mere visual appeal.
Follow Manami on Instagram
Manami’s new book ‘The Japanese Tattoo’
Apr 13, 2026
Apr 13, 2026
1 hr 9 min
Step into a humbling reflection on dedication that echoes the slow, deliberate rhythm of the traditional Tebori techniques we discuss.
In this episode, I sit down with Roberto Borsi, a traditional Japanese tattoo artist based in Milan, to explore what it truly means to submit to an ancient craft. Roberto breaks down why tattooing is not just a profession, but an immersive lifestyle akin to a martial art that demands lifelong, continuous study.
Our conversation traces Roberto's fascinating journey, starting from his childhood awe of sailors' shark and mermaid tattoos to experimenting with homemade machines in the late 1970s. He shares his experience studying art at the Academy of Brera in Milan, where he became one of the first to bring tattooing into an Italian academic setting, relying on imported books long before the internet made reference materials easily accessible.
Roberto, as a member of the Horitoshi I family, explains to us the value and uniqueness of the Tebori technique he practices, and the absolute necessity of respecting seasonal rules, mythology, and correct color combinations rooted in folklore to maintain the integrity of the art form.
Those are the words of an experienced and extremely committed artist that bring incredible value to the journey of every tattooer interested in this style.
Follow Roberto on Instagram