Chats & Tatts Aaron Della Vedova

In this episode, our guest Matt Clemmer shares a personal story from 1995 when he was on the run facing a lengthy prison sentence while his father was an undercover DEA agent. He describes the intense situation of raids, being on the run, and questioning how long authorities would search for him. Matt reflects on a transformative moment he calls a "God encounter" that changed his path. 
Matt stresses the significance of patience in overcoming trials and tribulations, noting that it fosters personal growth and completeness. He explains that taking action and trusting the process can bring clarity and reveal the next steps. 
The conversation between Matt and Aaron underscores how patience and faith lead to personal growth, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles. They stress the significance of courageously facing difficult situations and trusting in the journey. 
Join Aaron and Matt as they share personal stories and moments of gratitude on this heartfelt episode.
Chat Breakdown:
[00:00:00] Life on the run
[00:04:22] Seeking spiritual and philosophical texts.
[00:10:00] A life-changing encounter.
[00:13:41] Facing consequences of illegal activities.
[00:16:20] Redemption and second chances.
[00:19:17] A powerful family reunion.
[00:22:09] Love and forgiveness.
[00:30:12] Overcoming challenges with patience.
[00:34:17] Faith and taking action.
[00:36:16] Embracing the unknown.
[00:48:23] Higher self and soul.
[00:53:12] True identity and self-discovery.
[00:55:55] The power of daily affirmations.
[00:57:33] Taking control of your life.
[01:00:23] Personal growth and adventure in life.
[01:09:43] The journey to apprenticeship.
[01:13:22] Evolution of tattoo industry.
[01:14:25] Building relationships through tattoo art.
Quotes:
"I experienced a God encounter on my path, almost like God showed up and slapped me."
"It's really easy to walk the walk in life when things aren't so rough, but what do people do when it's really gnarly? Like when the shit really f*****g hits the fan."
"I would rather be with God than so-called free on the outside without him."
"Because of that pivot you were gonna lead this different life, which was gonna be of benefit to a lot of others. And it knew it so well that it just said, it did that"
"The way she looked at me? as if I was the greatest man in the world, and that I could maybe be president of the United States one day."
"Let our lives be our message versus us just saying one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis, and it says, go out into all the world and preach the good news. And if you must, use words. I like that."
"We forgive you, and we hope that you can heal and have a beautiful life, regardless of what happened."
"Some of the greatest pains have been the greatest teachers and who it how it has developed me"
"You don't need faith till you fucking need it."
"We're all gonna f*****g walk through these rings of fire. You can't get out of this game that we're in."
"And man, it is so fucking easy to get lost and forget what you really are and get caught up in the Who"
"Those days are gone and I'm happy to see him gone because it is a beautiful art form that involves someone trusting you with their body, their health, their vision, their dream."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Matt: 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattdclemmer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattclemmer 
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
 
 

Luke Wessman's journey into tattooing began with a traditional apprenticeship, where he learned the ropes of the trade by sweeping, mopping, cleaning windows, and running errands. On this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova introduces this distinguished tattoo artist with a traditional aesthetic rooted in his hippie Tennessee upbringing and Southern California influences. Luke's impressive career includes appearances on TV shows like New York Ink and Ink Master, as well as being featured in Forbes magazine. The conversation delves into Luke's background, his ambassadorship for Monster Energy Drink, and his creation of the Lost Art of the Gentleman.
The episode highlights the connections between the host and guest, who share mutual friends and close proximity in their neighborhoods. Luke's journey serves as a testament to the value of hard work, respect for clients, and flexibility in embracing new developments in tattoo artistry.
Join in as Luke, with a cigar and scotch in hand, shares his journey as a tattoo artist and his passion for spreading love for tattooing around the world.
Chat Breakdown:
[00:03:48] Tattooing for 32 years.
[00:07:09] Hippie commune in Tennessee.
[00:13:18] Tattooing as a form of armor.
[00:16:29] Transition into tattooing career.
[00:21:13] Identity in creative professions.
[[00:28:33] Making a living as an artist.
[00:35:12] Meeting tattoo legend Horiyoshi.
[00:40:14] Horiyoshi's unique tattooing approach.
[00:42:21] Tattooing Marlee Matlin from L Word.
[00:48:11] Tattooing as a therapeutic experience.
[00:58:20] The lost art of the gentleman.
[01:02:44] Promoting chivalry and respect.
[01:05:38] Embracing traditional values in masculinity.
[01:08:40] Cancel culture and forgiveness.
[01:13:18] Judging by character, not race.
[01:16:34] Providing livelihood to community.
[01:29:36] Tattooing and back pain.
[01:42:42] Long-term career planning.
[01:45:00] Building authentic partnerships with companies.
[01:48:00] Discovering peace and joy in golf.
[01:50:25] Taking risks for success.
Quotes:
"There's a saying in Hawaiian proverb, there's two ways to be rich, work more, want less, right?"
"You're living with me and my mom on bunk beds, dude, you're good."
"Getting tattooed for armor."
"I personally was really worried about survival. I was on my own. I was living with my friends and my friend's parents. It wasn't about like, Oh, I love art. I'm going to be a tattooer. I need to fucking make sure I can survive."
"I got in Miami and we were charging $300 for a name tattoo. And I was like, holy shit."
"If I don't stop sucking this tit, I'm going to be attached to it forever."
"Look, man, I don't want to look in the mirror and see the person that did all those things. I want to see somebody else."
"There's a saying I like, and it's instead of bashing what you hate, promote what you love, right?"
"All I can be is myself. That's the most unique thing I have is myself."
"I think it's incredible to be able to employ people and give them livelihood. That is just like, that's an ultimate, man. I think it's beautiful."
"If you can pull it off and it makes you happy, f*****g go do it."
Connect with Luke: 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/lukewessman
Website: https://lukewessman.myshopify.com/
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
 

In this episode of Chats and Tatts,  I had the privilege of interviewing Stevie Randallyn, a tattoo artist who overcame a life-altering stroke. Stevie shared her journey of experiencing a stroke at a young age and how it affected her ability to speak, taste, and even tattoo. Despite facing significant challenges, Stevie's determination and resilience shone through as she navigated the difficulties of relearning how to tattoo with one hand and overcoming the limitations caused by the stroke.
Stevie's story is one of redemption and inspiration, showcasing her unwavering passion for tattooing and her ability to adapt to new circumstances. She highlighted the importance of support from the tattoo community and the impact of her stroke on her personality and perspective on life. Through her experiences, Stevie emphasized the power of gratitude and the ability to find strength in the face of adversity.
Overall, Stevie's journey serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to overcome challenges with determination and a positive mindset. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the ability to find beauty and gratitude in every moment.
Chat breakdown:
[00:02:33] Stevie's love for tattooing.
[00:04:51] Overcoming adversity.
[00:09:33] Stroke recovery and realization.
[00:12:53] Overcoming challenges for two daughters.
[00:16:49] Overcoming self-pity and finding inspiration.
[00:17:41] Tattoo community and support.
[00:29:31] Overcoming language challenges post-stroke.
[00:35:13] Life-changing effects of stroke.
[00:39:57] Lack of gratitude.
[00:42:09] Acupuncture and stroke recovery.
[00:47:00] Juggling motherhood and tattooing.
[00:51:19] Overcoming challenges in motorcycle riding.
[00:58:59] Embracing individuality in tattoo art.
[01:00:08] Drawing on iPad vs. paper.
[01:06:42] Tattooing and personal growth.
[01:11:59] The evolution of tattoo marketing.
[01:14:29] Tattooing traditions and inspiration.
Quotes:
"It's amazing to me what humans can get done when there's no way out."
"Just because you're having an emotion doesn't mean you have to react to that emotion. You can just stand back and look at it and decide what to do with it."
"I feel like we all suffer from a disease as human beings of lack of gratitude"
"If you were a female tattooer, it was like a unicorn."
"I noticed that I'll choose to get tattooed to like, kind of like work through that pain. It is a type of therapy."
"If you don't show up in the algorithm, then no one knows you exist."
"And you can deepen and enrich that experience by having a connection to the human being that's tattooing you."
"Thank you for who you are, for being an inspiration to me. You know, I have my little bitches and whines that I get up with every day. I'm going to bitch and whine a little less after being with you."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Stevie
Website: https://www.stevierandallyntattoo.com/about-me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevierandallyn
Connect with Aaron:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
 
 

The Impact of Social Media and a Deep Dive into Tattoo Artistry with Nikko Hurtado We kick things off by discussing how we celebrate the world of tattooing and creativity with a legendary figure in the tattoo industry, Nikko Hurtado. Nikko's work in photo-realism tattoos has significantly influenced host Aaron Della Vedova's career, and his presence on the show is an honor.
They delve into the addictive nature of social media and its resemblance to slot machines. We explore how algorithms manipulate our behavior, potentially leading to addiction and mental health issues. This topic sets the stage for a broader conversation about the digital age's impact on our lives.
Nikko Hurtado has been tattooing for 22 years and is renowned for his photo-realism tattoos that resemble HD photographs on skin. His talent has led him to tattoo celebrities like Puff Daddy, Drake, and The Rock. He's also a prominent figure on TV shows like "Ink Master" and "LA Ink," a father of three, and the owner of Black Anchor Ink with locations in Hesperia and Hollywood, California.
During our conversation, Nikko shares his journey in the tattoo industry, starting from his apprenticeship at Art Junkies Tattoo to his current status as a respected artist. He reflects on the evolution of his career and the importance of continuous learning, which includes taking classes in different art forms like sculpting and Japanese tattooing to better judge on "Ink Master."
Nikko also delves into his entrepreneurial ventures, such as creating Revolution Ink and Vortex rotary machines. He emphasizes the importance of owning his work and not being tied down by sponsorships or external pressures.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the economics of tattooing, the potential for industry growth, and the importance of staying productive and innovative during slower periods. Nikko's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion for one's craft, and the transformative impact of tattooing on both artists and clients alike.
Join us for this inspiring and insightful conversation with Nikko Hurtado, a true master of the art of tattooing.
Chat breakdown: 
[00:00:09] Social media addiction.
[00:05:27] Tattooing dragon workshop experience.
[00:08:29] Giving back to tattooing community.
[00:12:51] Ink Master competition experiences.
[00:17:09] First tattoo award memories.
[00:20:25] Tattooing as a life changer.
[00:29:53] Tattoo pigment making secrets.
[00:35:39] Facing criticism in the industry.
[00:41:55] The devil in your head.
[00:44:31] Alcohol and self-discipline.
[00:54:55] Addiction to social media.
[01:02:48] Future of tattooing without drawing.
[01:14:08] Mastering art through observation.
[01:16:21] The potential of AI.
[01:33:23] Tattooing advice for beginners.
[01:38:09] Tattoo machine story.
[01:40:42] Tattooing and community values.
[01:53:39] Tattooing and client relationships.
[01:57:04] Bringing back Black Anchor Academy.
Quotes:
"I was terrified, because I'm like, dude, I've been tattooing at that point maybe 20 years. I'm like, if I go on there and lose on the first round, which is very possible, my ego couldn't have handled it."
"And you can tell she really loves tattooing. That's the point, right? It's for the love of tattooing."
"You show up, you show up, dude, you show up and you keep showing up and you knock on that fucking door. And then that door eventually opens, you know what I mean? That's the whole point of perseverance, right?"
"That's my Bible, man, really, is The Four Agreements."
"Honoring your word is a big one, but especially the word you make to yourself."
"I want to look in the mirror and be proud of me. For sure. You know, when you look in that mirror and you're like, oh, you're kind of a, you kind of f****d up yesterday. You knew better. You did it anyway. The guilt. I've had those days and I'm like, I'm sick of this, man. I don't want to look in the mirror and feel that way, you know

Exploring the taboo topic of money in the art world, Aaron Della Vedova and guest tattoo artist and financial coach, Ryan Roi, delve into the importance of artists' relationships with money. Drawing from his experience owning tattoo shops for over 20 years, he highlights how financial stress can hinder artistic growth. Despite the stigma around discussing money, Aaron and. Ryan emphasize the role of financial freedom in pursuing creative passions.
Thank you to Sullen Clothing for their support and collaboration opportunities for tattoo artists. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersection of art and finances, spirituality, and finding balance in a changing landscape.
Chat breakdown:
[00:01:16] Money and artists' struggles.
[00:04:48] The pirate lifestyle in tattooing.
[00:08:25] Overcoming addiction and life changes.
[00:14:23] Ayahuasca experiences and recommendations.
[00:20:21] An ego death experience.
[00:21:58] Deserving self-worth and acceptance.
[00:25:19] Healing through gentle experiences.
[00:30:37] Embracing paradox in spirituality.
[00:34:40] Unbecoming for more money.
[00:37:10] Financial struggles during COVID.
[00:43:40] Scared fearful thoughts of the future.
[00:47:09] The evolution of tattooing.
[00:49:55] Tattooing and financial coaching.
[00:55:42] The growth of tattooing industry.
[01:02:47] Authenticity in marketing.
[01:03:30] Marketing as a lighthouse.
[01:09:33] The psychology behind marketing.
[01:14:31] Self-love and meditation practices.
[01:19:14] The wisdom of primordial sound.
[01:22:04] AI and Spiritual Truth.
[01:30:43] Money and internal struggles.
Quotes:
"You have to let go of control. And when that happens, stuff happens."
"But at its core, the truth God, reality, is paradoxical. And I think I try to embrace that paradox as much as I can."
"Instead of asking, 'how do I make more money?' Start asking, 'who do I need to unbecome to allow more money into my life?'"
"There's that special thing that makes tattooing this weird, strange world that anyone from outside of tattooing could just never fucking get"
"There's a lot of bullshit out there. You should be skeptical of me."
"Creatives are uniquely positioned to be great at marketing."
"It's about building trust. That's what marketing is about building trust."
"That's what they're ultimately demanding right now, at least in the current iteration of the algorithm. They're demanding connection. They're demanding resonance."
Stay connected:
Connect with Ryan: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanroitattoo/?hl=en
The Artful Dollar: https://www.theartfuldollar.com
20% Off Ryans Marketing Course!
https://www.theartfuldollar.com/theartfulmarketer 
Discount Code: chatsandtatts20
 
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
 

The development and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is a topic of great interest and concern. In this podcast episode, host Aaron Della Vedova and guest Charles Lew share their fascination with AI. 
Charles, an attorney, AI advisor, and state coder for California, highlights the importance of addressing the intersection of AI and the law. He emphasizes the need for laws and regulatory frameworks to manage the negative aspects of AI, such as deepfakes and biased algorithms. 
The conversation delves into the potential negative consequences of AI, including job displacement and the misuse of AI technology by dictators or terrorist organizations. However, the conversation also explores the positive aspects of AI. Charles highlights the potential for AI to revolutionize access to justice and provide better solutions than human judges. 
Furthermore, the podcast mentions that these young individuals are more concerned about work-life balance and prioritize their mental well-being. They understand the importance of taking care of oneself and promoting a healthy work-life balance, which is a significant shift from previous generations that often prioritized work over personal well-being. This mindset of the younger generation is crucial in the context of AI.  
Tune in to gain insights into the evolving world of AI and its implications for the future.


 
Chat Breakdown:
[00:04:09] AI and sci-fi fascination.
[00:05:23] Artificial intelligence's increasing prevalence.
[00:09:18] Artificial Intelligence and the Law.
[00:12:07] Robots and artificial intelligence.
[00:16:35] Access to justice.
[00:20:01] The impact of hungry judges.
[00:24:16] Cooperation in a digital age.
[00:29:33] Job displacement and autonomous vehicles.
[00:31:08] Ominous cooperation and AI potential.
[00:34:37] AI's capacity to address complexity.
[00:40:01] Universal enlightenment and cooperation.
[00:43:22] Work-life balance and younger communities.
[00:46:58] AI in the Bible.
[00:51:59] Profit-driven business and corruption.
[00:55:02] Homelessness and data representation.
[00:57:31] UFO phenomenon and hallucinogenics.
[01:02:19] AGI and its implications.
[01:06:08] Sentience and programming issues.
[01:09:51] Hypothesizing the future of AI.
[01:13:33] Unlawful detainer actions.
[01:17:32] Unlawful detainer defense
[01:21:38] Holistic health and treatment.
[01:24:10] AI's potential positive impact.
[01:30:01] Robotic Bill of Rights.
[01:34:31] AI regulation and awareness.
[01:36:56] New tool for homelessness.
[01:41:11] Finding goodness in everyday life.
Quotes:
"We're on the precipice of godlike intelligence, an all-knowing, all-powerful, if you will, entity."
"A dictator gets a hold of this thing, he builds whatever he wants to build, he exterminates the entire human race, then you go over here and you cure f*****g leukemia."
"We really don't have any mechanism to stop it. We don't really have the laws or the regulatory framework in place to do anything about it either."
"Artificial intelligence as it sits right now, chat GPT, which is going to get fine-tuned, we're building a fine-tuned model built off a chat GPT engine, that will provide better access to justice than an army of lawyers ever could."
"You already live in the metaverse. You're in virtual reality. You spend 50% of your day like this, you are digital. You're there, just accept it."
"To hurt another is to hurt yourself."
"We don't even know we're conscious, but I'm going to say that computer is now, that AI is now conscious."
"Let's all visualize the future we want to see for ourselves."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Charles: 
https://charleslew.com/
https://www.instagram.com/charleslew.eth/
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron I