Tattoo Needles & BDSM with Valentina Riabova| TFG EP. 55

We’re joined by the one and only Valentina Riabova (@val_tatboo)—tattoo artist, visual creative, and unapologetic truth-teller. Valentina doesn’t hold back as she shares the unconventional path that brought her from Russia’s hyper-critical art schools to opening her own tattoo studio, Sharp Objects, right here in Austin. But tattoos are just the start.We ecplore the ways her fascination with BDSM overlaps with tattooing, how power dynamics and trust play a role in both, and why navigating pain—both physical and emotional—can be a transformative experience. She also opens up about living with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and how finding balance is a constant, evolving process. This episode’s a wild, insightful ride blending art, kink, mental health, and what it means to live creatively without apology.Links & Resources Mentioned:Tattoo Studio: Sharp Objects Tattoo, located at South Congress & Saint Elmo, Austin, TXShibari Beginner Resource: Search "Single Column Tie" tutorials on YouTubeRecommended Book: Power exchange and leadership dynamics (title not specified—referenced by Valentina)More Valentina Riabova:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/val_tatboo/Chapters:00:18 Valentina’s first tattoo, why she removed it, and early doubts01:17 How working with different artists improved her skills02:01 Growing up under Russia’s harsh art critique culture04:13 The link between BDSM and her love for tattooing05:10 Tattooing as power exchange and consent07:58 Opening Sharp Objects in Austin and building her team12:15 How wellness and sobriety are reshaping tattoo culture14:13 What makes tattoos last and why artist skill matters most20:14 Discovering Shibari, rope basics, and bondage as art26:00 Sub-drop, aftercare, and the reality of emotional fallout34:22 Thriving under pressure and her ADHD-driven creativity36:03 Bipolar disorder, meds, and what led her to seek help41:02 Willpower myths, hedonism, and thoughts on altruism42:00 Reincarnation, simulation theory, and what comes nextSub and follow the podcastSpotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twofunguyspodcast⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/twofunguyspodcast⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@twofunguyspodcast⁠📢 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!