Skin Deep Stories

Skin Deep Stories
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Skin Deep Stories with Kirsten and Mel is where ink meets life. Hosted by Montreal tattoo artists, moms, and longtime friends Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger, this podcast dives beneath the surface to explore the art of tattooing and the stories that shape the people behind it. From their own journeys into the tattoo world to the pieces of art etched on their skin, Kirsten and Mel open up about life as creatives, entrepreneurs, and mothers. They share candid conversations about the tattoo industry, the balance between passion and parenthood, and the personal stories that fuel their craft.

  1. 3d ago

    So... How Was Your Summer?

    Mel is back! In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger reunite for a good old-fashioned catch-up after a VERY busy summer. They talk about balancing work, kids, travel, and trying to squeeze a little time for themselves into the mix. From family cottage trips and summer tattoo appointments to realizing how much easier traveling with kids gets as they grow up, Kirsten and Mel reflect on where the summer went and what they've been up to while life kept moving at full speed. Kirsten also shares a pretty wild manifestation moment from her tattoo career. After spending hours researching and sketching artwork inspired by painter William Waterhouse, a brand-new client unexpectedly reached out asking for a tattoo sleeve based on one of the exact paintings she'd been studying. Coincidence? Manifestation? Either way, Kirsten is taking it. Meanwhile, Mel shares a vacation story involving Hampton Beach, Boston, a baseball batting cage, and a 110 km/h baseball that nearly resulted in a VERY different ending to her trip. Thankfully, an unlikely hero saved the day: her ring. The two also look ahead to upcoming adventures, including Kirsten's trip to Indonesia, underwater photography gear, possible sports road trips, and all the questionable "girl math" required to justify buying the things you definitely, absolutely need for vacation. It's a laid-back catch-up episode about summer memories, family life, creative inspiration, travel, close calls, and all the random stories you save up for the next time you finally get to sit down with your friend. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

  2. Aug 19

    Tattoos Run in the Family

    In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Kirsten Diachidos is hosting solo again and welcoming someone who has known her a LOT longer than most of her guests: her cousin Rebecca. Kirsten and Rebecca grew up spending summers together and traveling back and forth between Montreal and the Maritimes, creating the kind of childhood memories that have kept them close well into adulthood. They look back on summers at their grandparents' house, family traditions, and what it's like to have a cousin who has always felt more like a sister. They also reflect on how their family has evolved over the generations. Once relatively conservative and straight-laced, the family has slowly become a little more tattooed thanks to Kirsten and her generation. That includes Kirsten's own mom, Rebecca's aunt, who decided at 70 years old that it was finally time to get tattooed by her daughter. Of course, there is plenty of tattoo talk along the way. Kirsten and Rebecca discuss their own tattoos, creative pursuits within the family, and make a compelling case for officially rebranding the infamous lower back tattoo as a "cake topper." Beyond the laughs and nostalgia, they talk about maintaining close family relationships despite living far apart, balancing work and parenthood, raising teenagers, and learning to appreciate the simple things as life gets busier. It's a funny, nostalgic, and heartfelt conversation about cousins who became sisters, the family traits that get passed down through generations, and the new traditions we create along the way. Plus, Kirsten and Rebecca may have just come up with their next great idea: a "Tattoos on Tour" RV adventure. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

  3. Aug 12

    Tattooing: Then vs. Now with Robin Labreche

    In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, host Kirsten Diachidos sits down one-on-one with her mentor, fellow tattoo artist, and Wild Magnolia owner Robin Labreche to look back on more than two decades in the tattoo industry. Robin shares how his fascination with tattooing began when he was just 14 years old, and what it took to break into an industry that looked VERY different in the early 2000s. From old-school coil machines and hand-soldering needles to today's wireless machines and ready-to-use cartridges, Kirsten and Robin reflect on just how much the tools, technology, culture, and business of tattooing have changed. They also talk about Robin's journey as an artist, the apprenticeship that launched his career, and how he found his place specializing in black and gray realism. Having gone from apprentice to mentor himself, Robin shares his perspective on learning the craft, putting in the work, and navigating a tattoo industry that has become increasingly crowded and competitive. But some of the most meaningful parts of a tattoo career have nothing to do with technique. Robin shares the story of François, a client living with multiple sclerosis whose tattoos became a deeply personal representation of his experiences, struggles, and desire for freedom. After François died through medical assistance in dying, Robin learned that the artwork they had created together was prominently featured at his funeral. It was a powerful reminder that a tattoo can become much more than something created on someone's skin. It can become part of their story, their identity, and ultimately, the way they are remembered. From how tattoos are made to why they matter, this episode is a thoughtful look at a lifetime spent creating permanent art and the people who make that work meaningful. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Follow Robin Labreche on Instagram: robinlabreche Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

  4. Aug 5

    We're Judging You (With Love)

    In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger are letting their inner critics loose... all in good fun, of course. From everyday annoyances to questionable social etiquette, nothing is off limits as they share the little things that drive them absolutely crazy. The conversation covers everything from shopping cart etiquette and slow walkers to road rage, speakerphones in public, and the disappearing art of basic manners. Kirsten and Mel debate the habits they simply can't ignore and the behaviours that instantly leave a bad first impression. They also dive into parenting in the age of social media, discussing the pressure to present a picture-perfect life online while questioning where the line should be when it comes to sharing children's lives on the internet. Along the way, they touch on kindness, respect, and why the way someone treats service workers can tell you everything you need to know about their character. Of course, no lighthearted debate would be complete without tackling controversial food opinions, household pet peeves, and the annual argument over when it's socially acceptable to decorate for Christmas. Whether you find yourself nodding along or defending your own habits, this episode is guaranteed to make you laugh, cringe a little, and maybe even rethink where you leave your shopping cart. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

  5. Jul 29

    The Life We Never Planned with Tami Clark

    In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger are joined by fellow tattoo artist Tami Clark, whose career path has been anything but ordinary. Before picking up a tattoo machine, Tami spent more than a decade climbing the corporate ladder before making another unexpected pivot into restaurant management. Eventually, an apprenticeship opportunity changed everything and led her to a career in tattooing, where she discovered a passion for creating art and connecting with clients in a completely different way. The conversation takes an adventurous turn as Tami shares what inspired her family to leave Canada and start over in the Dominican Republic. During their three years abroad, she opened both a tattoo studio and a café while navigating the realities of running businesses in a new country. She talks openly about the rewards, the challenges, and the lessons that came with building a life so far from home. After returning to Montreal, Tami found herself seeing the city through fresh eyes. She reflects on what she missed most while living abroad, why coming home felt like the right decision for her family, and how she's rebuilt her tattoo career from a private home studio. It's an inspiring conversation about reinvention, taking risks, embracing change, and realizing that sometimes the biggest adventures lead you right back to where you started. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Follow Tami on Instagram: tami.inks Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

  6. Jul 22

    Can we bring back 90s summers?

    In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger take a nostalgic trip back to the unforgettable summers of the 1990s, when bikes were our transportation, the neighborhood was our playground, and nobody knew where we were until the streetlights came on. From backyard obstacle courses and endless afternoons at the pool to freezies, garden hose water, and tomato sandwiches, Kirsten and Mel reminisce about the little moments that made childhood summers feel so magical. They also reflect on iconic 90s movies, the friendships that shaped them, and the freedom of growing up in a world without smartphones, social media, or constant notifications. The conversation naturally turns to how childhood has changed over the years. They discuss how screens, packed schedules, and technology have transformed the way kids spend their summers, and why they're making a conscious effort to give their own children the same kind of unplugged experiences they cherished growing up. Along the way, they share funny memories, practical parenting tips, and the life lessons they never realized they were learning as kids. It's a lighthearted episode full of laughter, nostalgia, and a reminder that some of life's best memories don't cost a thing. Whether you grew up in the 80s, 90s, or you're trying to recreate that magic for your own family today, this episode will have you smiling from start to finish. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

  7. Jul 15

    The Oracle Cards Said WHAT?!

    In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger take a break from talking tattoos to reconnect with listeners and share more about who they are, what they believe, and the experiences that have shaped them. From spirituality and near-death experiences to kitchen witchery and finding comfort in the unknown, Kirsten and Mel have an open and honest conversation about their evolving beliefs. They discuss how their perspectives have changed over the years, why they no longer feel the need to have all the answers, and how they've found peace in believing there may be something bigger than ourselves. The conversation also explores personal transformation, overcoming difficult chapters, and the ways life has shifted their priorities. They reflect on past experiences, the importance of community, and the lessons they've learned about living with intention, gratitude, and curiosity. To wrap up the episode, Kirsten and Mel pull three oracle cards for their listeners and share a collective reading centered around trusting yourself, making thoughtful plans, and following the path that's unfolding in front of you. Whether you're deeply spiritual, simply curious, or somewhere in between, the conversation encourages you to stay open to possibility and listen to your own intuition. It's a thoughtful, reflective episode that reminds us we don't have to have everything figured out to keep growing. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

  8. Jul 8

    Everything You Ever Wanted to Ask Us

    In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger are answering a collection of fun, thought-provoking, and completely random questions that spark plenty of laughter, honest conversations, and a few unexpected stories along the way. From the superpower they wish they had to the life lessons they've learned from motherhood, Kirsten and Mel reflect on how their perspectives have changed over the years. They talk about body image, getting older, learning to care less about outside opinions, and embracing the people they've become in their 30s and 40s. The conversation also explores parenting, personal values, and the moments that have shaped them. They share why conscious parenting matters so much to them, the importance of being present with their children, and the life philosophies they refuse to compromise on. Of course, it wouldn't be Skin Deep Stories without a few laughs. The episode also includes embarrassing moments from the tattoo studio, pet peeves, unhinged purchases, tattoo trends, and a sneak peek at an exciting collaborative tattoo project that's currently in the works. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you're just discovering the podcast, this episode is a chance to get to know Kirsten and Mel beyond the tattoos, with plenty of funny moments, thoughtful reflections, and honest answers along the way. Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

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About

Skin Deep Stories with Kirsten and Mel is where ink meets life. Hosted by Montreal tattoo artists, moms, and longtime friends Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger, this podcast dives beneath the surface to explore the art of tattooing and the stories that shape the people behind it. From their own journeys into the tattoo world to the pieces of art etched on their skin, Kirsten and Mel open up about life as creatives, entrepreneurs, and mothers. They share candid conversations about the tattoo industry, the balance between passion and parenthood, and the personal stories that fuel their craft.

Information

  • Creator
    Skin Deep Stories
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Skin Deep Stories