Transformative Marks Podcast
by Dion Kaszas
Thank you everyone for following the Transformative Marks podcast, it will soon be exclusively on consumedbyink.com. Audio files will be available on CD to purchase. A podcast that journeys through the world of Indigenous tattooing, amplifying the voices of ancestral skin markers, Indigenous tattoo artists, cultural tattoo practitioners, and those who wear the marks. Through a mix of interviews and solo shows, Dion Kaszas brings you the entertaining, challenging, and transformative stories behind every dot, line, and stitch. Embedded in each mark is a unique story that brings forward the reality of contemporary Indigenous peoples living a contemporary existence. Our Indigenous ancestors' struggle, pain, tears, resistance, and resilience are celebrated, honored, respected, and embedded underneath our skin. This podcast explores the stories, truths, and histories essential to us as Indigenous tattoo artists, cultural tattoo practitioners, and ancestral skin markers.
Episodes
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How An Indigenous Bodysuit Becomes A Healing Practice with Ecko Aleck
063 A year after the last needle pass, what’s left is not just ink, it’s a new way of living inside your own skin. I’m back with Ecko Aleck, who returns to reflect on what it’s actually been like to live with a full bodysuit long after the swelling fades, including the moment the markings helped...
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Gatekeeping With A Soft Heart with Jessica Coffey
062 A lot of people want ancestral tattoos but feel stuck on one brutal question: “Am I enough to wear them?” I sit down with Inuit hand poke tattoo artist Jessica Coffey to talk about the real, complicated middle ground between pride and doubt, revival and responsibility, beauty and protocol.…
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Chin Markings Became A Promise To Stay Sober with Gillian Prince
061 A chin marking can be more than a design. Sometimes it becomes a vow you carry every time you look in the mirror. We sit down with Anishinaabe hand poke tattoo artist Gillian Prince (Waubanungohnse) to talk about Indigenous tattooing, ancestral skin marking, and how a practice becomes a way…
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The Red Road: How Traditional Tattoos Guide One Artist's Sobriety Journey with Nick Wawia
#060 The journey from addiction to wholeness often requires powerful medicine. For Nicholas Wawia, that medicine came in the form of ancestral skin marking – specifically, the forward-facing red lines across his face that remind him daily to "keep my sights forward" on the red road of sobriety.…
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From Frontlines to Skin Lines: Finding Balance Through Indigenous Tattooing with Anne Spice
#059 Anne Spice's journey into ancestral tattooing reveals a profound path toward healing that extends far beyond artistic expression. Beginning as casual practice at a land occupation, her work evolved when she returned to her Whitehorse community with a crucial shift in perspective—approaching...
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Reviving Ancestral Traditions: Indigenous Tattooing, Identity, and Modern Adaptations with Missy Mahan
#058 Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Missy Mahan, an Indigenous tattoo artist with roots in the Tohono, O'odham, Yuchi, and Muscogee Nations. With over a decade in the tattoo industry, Missy has skillfully woven her cultural heritage into her art, co-owning Desert Bloom Tattoo...
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Reclaiming Heritage and Identity: The Healing Power of Indigenous Tattooing with Mel Lefebvre
#057 Imagine reclaiming lost traditions through the art of Indigenous tattooing. Mel, a two-spirit person of Red River, Michif, guides us through their transformative journeys of cultural reconnection. They share compelling stories about the resilience of Indigenous identities in the face of...
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Creating Sacred Tattoo Spaces: Embracing Ancestral Practices and Cultivating Inclusivity with Dion Kaszas and Friends
# 056 Discover a new perspective on tattooing that beautifully intertwines cultural significance, safety, and spiritual healing. With insights from Indigenous artists like Ecko Alec and Jacqueline Merritt, this episode unveils the transformative potential of reclaiming ancestral skin marking...
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Transformative Tattoo Journeys: Healing, Identity, and Community Through Indigenous Markings with Crystal Kimewon
#055 Crystal Kimewon's journey into Indigenous tattooing is nothing short of transformative and deeply inspiring. We explore how her dream of opening Intertribal Tattoos became a reality, fueled by a passion for healing and self-expression. Crystal opens up about her empowering path, from…
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Inked Stories: Indigenous Sovereignty and the Power of Consent with Dion Kaszas and Friends
#054 What if reclaiming your cultural heritage could transform your identity, heal past traumas, and empower your future? That's the journey we're on as we conclude the first season of the Transformative Marks podcast. This episode brings together voices from across the globe, including insights...
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Hybrid Northwest Coast Black and Grey Tattooing: Merging Fine and Formline with Chanton Hopkins
#053 What if tattoos could heal more than just the skin? Join us on Transformative Marks as we sit down with Chanton Hopkins, a gifted tattoo artist from the Stʼatʼimc people, to explore the profound cultural and personal significance behind his artistry. Chanton’s journey into tattooing is…
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Seeing with Ancestral Eyes: Reviving Indigenous Visual Languages Through Tattooing and Creativity with Dion Kaszas
#052 Imagine rediscovering an ancestral tattooing tradition with no roadmap or mentor to guide you. That's the challenge I faced as a Hungarian, Métis and Nlaka'pamux tattoo artist, and it's the journey I share in this episode of Transformative Marks. Through a decolonial lens, I reflect on the...
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Tattooing the Past into the Future: Mo Naga and the Revival of Naga Tattooing and the Resurgence of Tattoos of India
#051 Discover the inspiring journey of Mo Naga as he leads a cultural renaissance, reviving Naga tattoo practices that echo his ancestors' stories. Mo takes us on his 15-year exploration to reclaim the lost tattoo heritage of the Naga tribe in Manipur. Witness how Mo navigates the complex…
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Indigenous Tattoo Artists, Ancestral Tools and Modern Rebirth: Picking the Right Tool with Dion Kaszas and Guests
#050 Discover the artistry and resilience embedded in Indigenous tattooing as we celebrate the 50th episode of Transformative Marks Podcast. Join me, Dion Kaszas, along with insightful guests like the Maori practitioner Que Bidois, as we unravel the rich tapestry of ancestral skin markings. This...
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Cultural Connections and Language Revitalization: Embracing Identity Through Indigenous Practices with Lena Nicholson
#049 Have you ever wondered how language shapes our identity and helps heal personal trauma? Join us on an enlightening journey with our guest, Lena Nicholson, who has spent the last eight years deeply immersed in Nlaka'pamux language programs. Lena shares her personal story of growth and joy as...
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Ancestral Artistry and Identity: Reconnecting Through Indigenous Tattoo Revival Dion Kaszas and Friends
#048 Unlock the transformative power of ancestral visual languages and discover how Indigenous tattooing can reconnect us to our roots. Join me, Dion Kaszas, on the Transformative Marks podcast as we explore the revitalization of cultural identity through the art of tattooing. This episode…
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The Intersection of Tradition and Technology in Indigenous Tattoo Culture with Jody McIvor
#047 What if your skin could tell the story of your heritage, your journey, and your spiritual growth? Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous tattoo practices with Dion Kaszas, a talented Hungarian, Métis, and Nlaka'pamux artist, and his Nlaka'pamux Blackwork collaborator, Jody...
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10 Tips: Indigenous Tattoo Revival and Cultural Reawakening with Dion Kaszas and Friends
#046 Unlock the secrets of ancestral visual languages and discover how these timeless practices can enrich your contemporary life. In this episode of Transformative Marks, I, Dion Kaszas, along with esteemed ancestral skin markers, cultural tattoo practitioners, Moko practitioners and Indigenous...
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Cultural Reconnection Through Ink: Simon Ross and Indigenous Tattoo Storytelling
#045 Simon Ross invites us into the vibrant world of Indigenous tattoo artistry, sharing his journey of cultural reconnection and storytelling through his tattoos. Discover how a chance encounter at a tattoo festival with Dion Kaszas, a Hungarian Métis and Nlaka'pamux tattoo artist, sparked a...
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Artistic Resurgence and the Power of Indigenous Marks: A Conversation with Tania Willard
#044 Imagine a world where tattoos are not just skin deep but are powerful emblems of identity and cultural revival. Join me, Dion Kazas, as I share my journey in reviving ancestral skin marking practices that reconnect us with our heritage, alongside a fascinating conversations with Indigenous...
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Resilience Through Art: Greg Williams's Journey of Healing and Haida Tattoo Revival
#043 Greg Williams, a Haida tattoo artist, musician, and jewelry maker, takes us on a profound journey of healing and creativity in this episode. We explore how personal tragedy, such as the devastating loss of his daughter, led Greg through battles with substance abuse before finding redemption...
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Cultural Symbols and Self-Discovery in Indigenous Tattoo Art with Kris and Wes Wilson
#042 What if the art of tattooing could reconnect us to our roots and transform our self-identity? Join me, Dion Kazas, as I welcome Kristine and Wes Wilson to discuss their involvement in the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork project and their personal journeys with Indigenous tattoos. Kristine talks about...
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Healing Through Heritage: Sheldon Louis on the Transformative Power of Traditional Tattoos
#041 How does one become an ancestral tattoo artist in the modern world? Join us as we share the inspiring journey of Sheldon Louis, whose path to mastering traditional skin marking began with a chance encounter at UBC Okanagan. Despite hurdles like conflicting schedules and the COVID-19…
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Sacred Marks: The Power of Indigenous Tattoo Medicine with Megan Samms
#040 What if the act of tattooing could heal deeply internal wounds? Join us on The Transformative Marks Podcast as we uncover the profound power of Indigenous tattooing practices through our enlightening conversation with Megan Sams, a Mi'kmaq and Nlaka'pamux multi-talented artist, farmer, and...
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Celebrating Ancestry Through Tattoo Art: Joseph Houia's Path
#039 What if the art on your skin could reconnect you with your heritage and tell a centuries-old story? Join us as we explore the powerful journey of Joseph Houia, an Indigenous tattoo artist from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Joseph's tale is one of passion, resilience, and cultural revival—starting...
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Canoes, Culture, and Tattoos: Navigating Heritage with Stephen Recalma
#038 Transform your understanding of cultural heritage and personal growth through the lens of Indigenous tattooing. Join us as we feature Stephen Recalma and his journey with the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork Project. Stephen opens up about his journey through the extensive process of receiving a full...
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Transformative Ink: Inclusive Tattoo Practices and Empowering Personal Identity with Nathaniel Hartley
#037 Join us for an enlightening conversation with my first non-Indigenous guest, Nathaniel Hartley, we explore unique perspectives on the transformative power of tattooing. Nathaniel opens up about his journey into the world of tattooing, addressing his initial apprehensions about safety in...
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Moko and Meaning: The Emotional and Cultural Significance of Maori Tattoos with Danny Lurman
#036 Discover the rich, transformative world of moko artistry with us as we sit down with a remarkable Maori practitioner, Danny Lurman. Journey with us through his evolution from a child passionate about drawing, to navigating the mainstream tattoo scene, and finally returning to the embrace of...
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Sacred Markings: Cody Tolmie on Indigenous Tattoo Art, Healing, and Visual Sovereignty
#035 Can tattoos be more than just body art? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Cody Tolmie, who shares his deep connection to Indigenous tattoo artistry and cultural practices. From his involvement in the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork project to spontaneous skin stitch experiences, Cody's...
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Breaking Barriers: Zack Orchard's Indigenous Tattoo Journey
#034 Is the tattoo industry keeping its doors closed to diversity, or is it undergoing a vital transformation? Join me, Dion Kaszas, as I converse with Zack Orchard, an Indigenous tattoo artist who has spent the past 12 years carving his path in an exclusionary and predominantly white industry....
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Cultural Legacy in Ink: The Revival and Evolution of Tā Moko with Haki Williams
#033 Can a tattoo be more than just ink on skin? On this episode of Transformative Marks, host Dion Kazas and guest Haki Williams explore the deeply spiritual and cultural significance of Indigenous tattooing. Haki, a seasoned cultural tattoo practitioner from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands,...
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Ink and Resilience: Aprilraine Landry's Journey from Zebra Skin to Harm None Tattoos
#032 What happens when a tattoo artist decides to close her long-standing shop and embark on a new venture with her best friend? Aprilraine Landry shares her emotional journey from the closure of Zebra Skin to the creation of Harm None Tattoos alongside her apprentice Chenine. Discover the...
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Healing Through Ink: Reconnecting with Ancestral Tattoo Traditions Featuring Jacqueline Merritt
#031 Can ancestral tattoos be a path to healing and reconnection? Join us as we uncover the powerful resurgence of Indigenous tattoo traditions with our esteemed guest from the Tsilhqotʼin nation. She takes us through her incredible journey of rediscovering her cultural heritage and the critical...
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Skin Deep Resilience: The Revival of Indigenous Tattoo Art as Personal Empowerment with Amanda Joe
#030 Embark with us on an exploration of self-discovery and cultural reclamation, where the ancient art of Indigenous tattooing becomes a pathway to healing. The echoes of ancestral resilience resonate deeply in this episode, as we are joined by a courageous soul who shares their transformative...
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Tattoos and Traditions: Audie Murray's Artistic Exploration
#029 Ever wondered about the deep-rooted cultural significance behind Indigenous tattoos? Join us as we sit down with Audie Murray, a gifted Métis visual artist and traditional tattoo practitioner, who takes us on a journey through her personal and artistic evolution. Inspired by her mother's ink...
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From Trauma to Triumph: The Transformative Art of Indigenous Tattoo Medicine Featuring Billie Jean Gabriel
#028 What if tattoos could be a pathway to reclaiming your heritage and healing deep-seated trauma? On this episode of Transformative Marks, we sit down with the talented Billie Jean Gabriel, a Syilx Okanagan woman whose journey from her first impulsive tattoo at age 18 to reconnecting with her...
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Cultural Revival Through Ink: The Transformative Journey of Indigenous Tattoo Artists and Their Communities Featuring Julious Mora
#027 Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of Indigenous tattooing practices and their contemporary revival. This episode kicks off with an intimate conversation with Julious Mora, who transitioned from the rugged Australian mines to the spiritual art of ta moko in New Zealand. Guided by signs,...
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Ink of Ancestry: A Journey of Healing and Cultural Revival with An Indigenous Tattoo Artist Makwa Mashkiki
#026 Can tattoos be more than just art on the skin? Join us as we explore this profound question with our guest, an Indigenous tattoo artist, who takes us on a journey through the emotional and spiritual depths of traditional skin marking. Discover how generational love and cultural revival have...
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Inked Legacy: Kanenhariyo LeFort on Reviving Indigenous Traditions and Reclaiming Identity Through Tattoo Artistry
#025 When Kanenhariyo, a Mohawk Bear Clan member, speaks of tattooing, it's an evocation of lost traditions, a healing touch on past traumas, and a bold declaration of identity. Our latest episode stitches together the threads of his story, as he shares his personal sacrifices and the profound...
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Artistic Evolution: The Story of Sarah Kane's Cultural Tattoo Fusion
#024 Embark on a profound journey with me, Dion Kazas, as I sit down with the multi-talented Sarah Kane, whose artistry in tattooing weaves together the rich tapestry of her Filipino heritage with the influential culture of Te Reo Māori. Together, we trace the contours of identity and expression...
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The Odyssey of Tattoo Artistry and Identity with Romeo Reyes
#023 When Romeo Reyes first gripped a tattoo machine, gifted to him one Christmas, little did he know it would be the catalyst that transformed his life and those of countless others. Join us as Romeo shares his enthralling journey from sex shows to opening a tattoo shop, and how ink has become a...
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Inked Harmonies: Naomi King's Tapestry of Tattoo Artistry and Cultural Symphony
#022 Embark on a journey with the multitalented Naomi King, as they unfold their story of entering the tattoo world through an unconventional apprenticeship and the touch of sacred batok on their skin. Our conversation stitches together the intimate narratives inked into every tattoo and the...
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Needles and Heritage: Weaving Indigenous Culture into Modern Tattoo Practices with Paul McKenzie
#021 As the buzz of the tattoo machine hums in the background, our studio comes alive with the incredible story of Paul McKenzie, a Wet'suwet'en tattoo artist whose skills tell a tale as rich as his heritage. The artistry of ink and skin runs deep for Paul, from the influence of his father's...
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Tattoos as Testimony: The Cultural and Personal Imprint of Annabelle DeLorme
#020 When Annabelle DeLorme, a Cree, Métis tattoo artist, began transforming skin into a canvas for storytelling, little did she know that her intricate designs would weave together the threads of her personal identity with her varied interests. As she discusses transitioning from the curiosity…
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Transformative Ink: Alison Cuffley on the Spiritual Journey of Indigenous Tattooing
#019 Have you ever felt the pull of your ancestral roots, beckoning you towards a deeper understanding of your heritage? In this episode I welcome one of my clients and collaborators of the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork project, Alison Cuffley, who is Tsleil-Waututh and German-Ukrainian. We discuss the...
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Ink of Identity: Sydney Frances's Quest for Cultural Reconnection Through the Resurgence of Indigenous Tattooing
#018 Imagine tracing the contours of your identity through the indelible ink of ancestral tattoos, as Sydney, our guest, shares her journey of reconnection and revival. Amid the backdrop of her family's history entwined with the 60s Scoop, Sydney's narrative weaves the art of tattooing with the...
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Tattoos as Identity: The Revival of Indigenous Tattoo Traditions and the Power of Ancestral Connections with Robin Humphrey
#017 Carrying the whispers of our ancestors in every line and shade, ancestral skin markings tell stories deeper than the skin they adorn. As I sit with my guest Robin Humphrey, we navigate the intimate labyrinth of Indigenous identity and the revival of our Nlaka'pamux tattoo traditions. This...
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Pioneering Spaces for Indigenous Tattooing: Geanna Dunbar on Tattoo Artistry, Cultural Preservation, and Community Healing
#016 Navigating the vibrant yet complex world of tattoo artistry, I had the privilege of sitting down with the exceptionally skilled Geanna Dunbar, a Plains Cree, Métis tattoo artist who shares her profound insights and personal odyssey within the industry. Our conversation traverses the…
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Tattoo as Medicine: Stacy Fayant's Path to Cultural Revival and Healing Through Ancestral Tattooing
#015 When Stacy Fayant, a Métis and Cree member of the Peepeekisis First Nation, began to etch her pain and heritage into her skin, she tapped into an ancient well of healing and expression. Our latest episode takes you through her extraordinary transition from harboring inner turmoil to becoming…
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Carving Echoes of The Land: The Revival of Māori Tattoo Traditions with Que Bidois
#014 Step into a world where the lines on skin tell stories of mountains and rivers, of ancestors and identity. Our esteemed guest Que Bidois guides us through the sacred art of Moko, revealing how Māori introductions are deeply rooted in the geography of Aotearoa and reflected in the unique…
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About this show
Thank you everyone for following the Transformative Marks podcast, it will soon be exclusively on consumedbyink.com. Audio files will be available on CD to purchase.
A podcast that journeys through the world of Indigenous tattooing, amplifying the voices of ancestral skin markers, Indigenous tattoo artists, cultural tattoo practitioners, and those who wear the marks. Through a mix of interviews and solo shows, Dion Kaszas brings you the entertaining, challenging, and transformative stories behind every dot, line, and stitch. Embedded in each mark is a unique story that brings forward the reality of contemporary Indigenous peoples living a contemporary existence. Our Indigenous ancestors' struggle, pain, tears, resistance, and resilience are celebrated, honored, respected, and embedded underneath our skin. This podcast explores the stories, truths, and histories essential to us as Indigenous tattoo artists, cultural tattoo practitioners, and ancestral skin markers.
Hosted by
Dion Kaszas