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Beneath The Skin

A podcast about the history of everything told through the history of tattooing.
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Episodes

Reconstructive Tattooing with Tanya Buxton

On this episode of Beneath the Skin we are joined by tattooist and educator Tanya Buxton to talk about her work as an artist, as well as her work as founder of the Mastectomy Tattoo Alliance. Follow Tanya on Instagram Buy Ikasaki Vol.1 London Tattoo Society Coffee Table Book Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Jul 09, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 126

*UNLOCKED* Tattooing in a WW2 Prison Camp

On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about British tattooist Charlie Dick and his time tattooing while interned in a Nazi prisoner of war camp in Poland during WW2. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear a rare brief interview with Charlie London Tattoo Society Coffee Table Book Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Jun 24, 202559 minEp. 125

Egg or No Egg?: Christian Warlich with Dr. Ole Wittmann

On this week's episode of Beneath the Skin, we're joined by Dr. Ole Wittmann to talk about early German tattooist Christian Warlich, as well as his unique Warlich rum brand Follow Ole Online Ole's Campaign Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

May 30, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 124

The Eunuch Maker with Alice Snape

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by writer, journalist, and all round brilliant person Alice Snape to discuss the shocking Eunuch Maker case, as well as her work in the TattooMeToo movement. Follow Alice on Instagram Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

May 08, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 123

Scottish Tattoo History with Terry Manton

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by the wonderful Terry Manton to talk about Scottish tattoo history and his work as a tattoo historian Follow Terry on Instagram Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Apr 29, 202548 minEp. 122

Jobstoppers with Joakim Steyls (@job.stoppers)

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by Joakim Steyls, the photographer behind the incredible Jobstoppers project to discuss his work and what a jobstopper means in 2025. Follow Jobstoppers on Instagram Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Apr 03, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 121

Tattooing and the American Far Right feat. Dr Claire Aubin

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by historian Dr. Claire Aubin to discuss tattooing among the American far right. Dr. Aubin is the host of the newly launched podcast This Guy Sucked , a show where historians and scholars explore guys who sucked throughout history. Follow This Guy Sucked on Spotify Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can em...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 120

*UNLOCKED* What's In The Inks?

On this episode of Beneath the Skin we spoke to Dr. John Swierk about his recently published research into what really is in tattoo inks. The paper is Kelli Moseman, Ahshabibi Ahmed, Alexander Ruhren, and John R. Swierk "What’s in My Ink: An Analysis of Commercial Tattoo Ink on the US Market". Analytical Chemistry 2024 96 (9), 3906-3913. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05687 and is attached below. Beneath the Skin Store Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Da...

Mar 06, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 119

Australia's Tattooed Lady: Cindy Ray

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by returning guest and friend of the pod MJ Forrest to talk about the world famous Cindy Ray (real name Bev Nicholas) Follow MJ on Instagram Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Feb 19, 20251 hrEp. 118

Cash Cooper feat. Paul ‘Rambo’ Ramsbottom

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by Paul 'Rambo' Ramsbottom to talk about the legendary British tattooist Cash Cooper. Paul is the owner of Rambo's Tattoo Parlour and Rambo's Tattoo Museum in Manchester's historic Northern Quarter and recently published his phenomenal book on Cash Cooper AVAILABLE HERE Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you c...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 117

Tattoo Mike Wilson: The Illustrated Man

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by Ethan Hill to discuss the famous Tattoo Mike Wilson Ethan is a photographer and filmmaker producing an upcoming documentary about the life of Tattoo Mike Wilson Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Jan 29, 202556 minEp. 116

The History of Tattoo Prices

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the history of tattoo pricing Bonus Episodes Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Nov 30, 202458 minEp. 115

Art in the Aquarium: The Story of Tom Reilly

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about early British tattoist Tom Reilly Bonus Episodes Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Nov 20, 202457 minEp. 114

The Tools of The Trade feat. Benoit Robitaille

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by Archaeologist, Researcher, and returning guest, Benoit Robitaille, to discuss his studies of pre-modern tattooing tools, his research on Otzi the Iceman, and his current work uncovering the hidden histories of the tattooed mummies of the central Peruvian coast. Bonus Episodes Follow Benoit on Instagram Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If ...

Oct 11, 20241 hr 31 minEp. 113

The Failed Tattoo Videogame: Tattoo Assassins

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the unreleased (officially) video game Tattoo Assassins Bonus Episodes Webshop Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Sep 26, 202459 minEp. 112

The History of Lettering

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the history of lettering, it's origins in Chicano graffiti and mural culture, and how it has evolved over time. Webshop Bonus Episodes Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Sep 11, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 111

UNLOCKED: Tattooing's Missing Link: Greg Irons

On this episode of Beneath the Skin we cover the life of painter, comics artist, and tattooist Greg Irons Bonus Episodes Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro Music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Sep 04, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 110

Dark Ink in The Great White North

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we are joined by Dr. Jamie Jelinski to discuss the history of tattooing in Canada and his new book 'Needle Work: A History of Commercial Tattooing In Canada'. Bonus Episodes Buy Jamie's book here Follow Jamie on Instagram Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Aug 28, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 109

Tattoos: The Untold History of a Modern Art

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we bring you Matts preview of his new book from the BMX.net conference in Berlin Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Aug 14, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 108

Bodies of Subversion: An Interview With Margot Mifflin

On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we were honoured to be joined by writer and journalist Margot Mifflin. Margot is the author of the seminal Bodies of Subversion, as well as The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman, and Looking for Miss America. Bonus Episodes Buy Bodies of Subversion Buy The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman Buy Looking for Miss America Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McK...

Aug 01, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 107

*PREVIEW* Tattooing Robots

Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 tier on Patreon On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the history of tattooing robots, what it means for the practice of tattooing, and the big tech company Black Dot Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Jul 24, 202410 minEp. 106

Unconventional Rituals: Jamie Summers

On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt talks about tattooist, sculptor, and psychic Jamie Summers, who's radical approach to tattooing was too far out there for even those on the bleeding edge of the scene. Bonus Episodes Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Jul 17, 202447 minEp. 105

Tattooing Down Under with MJ Forrest

On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by friend of the show MJ Forrest to talk about the history of tattooing in Australia. Follow MJ on Instagram Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Jun 26, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 104

I Want Your Skulls

On this week's episode of Beneath the Skin Matt spoke to Danielle Bioardi, custodian of the Lyle Tuttle collection about her upcoming exhibition in New York called Skull Sessions. We discuss the histories of skulls in tattooing and in art more generally, and dive into stories of pirates, submariners and pilgrims, as well as Lyle Tuttle and his remarkable collection. Bonus Episodes Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro mu...

Jun 12, 202457 minEp. 103

*PREVIEW* Your Questions Answered

Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon On this episode of Beneath the Skin we answered your questions! Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Webshop Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Jun 05, 202411 minEp. 102

*UNLOCKED* The Failed Travelling Tattoo Show

On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the short-lived Tattoo The Earth travelling tattoo and music festival. Beneath the Skin Store Bonus Episodes If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

May 31, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 101

*PREVIEW* Til Death Do Us Part

Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt discusses tattooing and death. Apologies for the recent delays on episodes, Tom suffered a death in his family at the beginning of the month so we had to pause production for a couple of weeks but we'll be back on schedule next week. Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can ema...

May 22, 20248 minEp. 100

*PREVIEW* This Is Not A Grass Skirt: Tattooing In Fiji

Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 or above tier on Patreon On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt discusses some interesting stories from the history of tattooing in Fiji. Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

May 01, 202411 minEp. 99

Radical Tenderness and Radical Tattooing with Caro Ley

On this episode of Beneath the Skin we spoke to Hamburg based artist Caro Ley about her radical approach to tattooing, connection, and art. Follow Caro on Instagram Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Apr 24, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 98

*PREVIEW* The Tattoo History That Never Was

Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at any tier on Patreon On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk about two tattoo history books that never came to be LIVE SHOW TICKETS Get more Tattoo History on Instagram Production by Thomas O'Mahony Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art) Intro music by Dan McKenna If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on beneaththeskinpod@gmail.com...

Apr 17, 202411 minEp. 97
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