Needle Me This

What if you’re not late — you’re just becoming? In this episode of Needle Me This, Colin sits down with one of his closest friends and longtime tattoo client, Emma Smith, for a conversation about growing up, changing paths, and learning how to live intentionally without losing the parts of yourself that matter. Emma shares her journey from college chaos to stability, earning her master’s degree in social work while working full time, and building a life rooted in patience, boundaries, and self-trust. Together, they talk openly about societal timelines, comparison, burnout, relationships, tattoos as life markers, and what it really means to feel “ready.” This episode explores: Identity shifts after college and early adulthood Letting go of who you were without erasing them Tattoos as chapters, rewards, and reminders Why bigger tattoos require emotional readiness Trust between artist and client Patience, impulsivity, and mental health The pressure of societal timelines (career, money, housing) Building a stable life without rushing it “30 seconds of courage” and choosing yourself anyway This conversation isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about allowing yourself to grow without shame, comparison, or artificial deadlines. Fresh ink. Fresh clarity. Mild trauma.

Most people only see tattoo artists through finished photos. What they don’t see is how an artist thinks — or how their life shapes the work they put on someone forever. In this episode of Needle Me This, Colin sits down with Nick Bones, a Las Vegas–based tattoo artist with over 21 years of experience, to talk honestly about tattooing beyond the highlight reel. This conversation isn’t about trends or social media performance — it’s about trust, longevity, creative stagnation, and what tattoos are actually doing for people. Nick shares his perspective on: Finding your people as a tattoo artist Getting stuck in a style and how to evolve without losing clients Tattoo trends that won’t age honestly Why not every tattoo needs deep meaning Stability vs struggle in creativity Being married while tattooing and traveling Guest spots as inspiration, not money grabs What clients should know before getting tattooed by a traveling artist Why trust matters more than control in the tattoo chair This episode is built for clients listening, not just artists — the kind of conversation people usually only hear after years in the chair. Fresh ink. Fresh clarity. Mild trauma.

In this episode of "Needle Me This," Colin Bussing reflects on the recurring themes that have emerged throughout the podcast, particularly focusing on control, meaning, and change. He discusses how tattooing serves as a medium for individuals to express their transitions and reclaim their identities. Colin emphasizes the unique environment of the tattoo chair, where clients often engage in deeper conversations that reveal their authentic selves, allowing for introspection and personal growth. He also highlights the significance of Japanese tattoo art, which embodies a philosophy of patience and adaptability, mirroring the tattooing process itself. Colin shares insights from previous episodes, illustrating how tattoos are not merely aesthetic choices but anchors during times of upheaval. He notes that clients often seek tattoos during pivotal moments in their lives, and the meaning of these tattoos evolves over time. The conversation shifts towards the importance of creating a safe space for clients to explore their feelings and experiences, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of their identities. As the episode concludes, Colin sets the stage for the next episode featuring tattoo artist Nick Bones, emphasizing the balance between tradition and evolution in the tattooing craft.

In this episode of Needle Me This, Colin sits down with Caitlin — a mother, nurse, and tattoo collector — for an honest conversation about identity, self-care, mental health, and rebuilding confidence after motherhood. Recorded during a tattoo session, this episode explores what it’s really like to balance a demanding nursing career with parenting, personal growth, and learning how to take care of yourself without guilt. Caitlin opens up about body positivity after having a child, returning to the gym, setting boundaries at work, and how meaningful tattoos have helped her reconnect with herself. This conversation touches on: Motherhood and identity shifts Mental health in the nursing profession Burnout, boundaries, and self-care Body positivity after pregnancy Returning to fitness after motherhood Tattoos as emotional anchors and personal milestones Japanese art influences and storytelling through tattoos Resilience, growth, and carving your own path This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and learning who you are in each new chapter of life. Fresh ink. Fresh clarity. Mild trauma. Welcome to Needle Me This.

In this episode of Needle Me This, I sit down with Austen LaRock for an honest conversation about tattooing, life shifts, and what changes when you step into a new chapter. Austen and I talk about what it’s like getting tattooed before and after becoming a father, how priorities shift, and why tattoos often mark who you were just as much as who you’re becoming. We get into the emotional side of committing to large-scale tattoo work, slowing down, and learning how to sit with yourself instead of constantly chasing the next thing. This isn’t an interview about trends or techniques. It’s a real conversation about growth, identity, and letting tattoos document your life instead of define it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re in between versions of yourself — this one’s for you.

In this episode of Needle Me This, Colin tattoos a returning client and youth mental health clinician while talking about emotional regulation, burnout, boundaries, and identity. What starts as finishing a candlestick tattoo turns into a grounded conversation about mental health work, creativity, and letting meaning evolve over time. Honest, unscripted, and rooted in real life — not buzzwords. Fresh ink. Fresh clarity. Mild trauma.

Brittany returns to the chair for a tattoo about rebirth, confidence, and growth. A raw conversation about motherhood, body image, mental health, and learning to take up space again.

Ryan opens up about music, fatherhood, discipline, and identity in this post-tattoo conversation. From writing bars that still hurt to choosing a healing arc over a villain arc, Episode 3 dives into what it really means to grow up without giving up.

Stephanie waited 10 years for this moment — and seven sessions later, she’s finally stepping into the version of herself she always wanted to be. This episode dives into her full Japanese leg sleeve journey: the toxic people who held her back, the Facebook post that pushed her to take action, the pain, the naps, the knee ditch trauma, and the reclaiming of her identity one session at a time.

Dante came back for round two with me – and this time we went big. Over a 3-part session, we went from planning a Norse Jormungandr sleeve, to surviving a back-to-back convention weekend, to this episode: two days after, wrapped, swollen, and already wanting more. In this conversation we talk about: What it actually feels like two days after a huge color sleeve The mental game of paying for pain you absolutely did not have to sign up for How this new Norse/Jormungandr sleeve ties into his old “dead tree and crows” back piece Why the color choices and flow scratch that Japanese itch without being a traditional Japanese tattoo What’s going through my head as an artist when the judges are waiting, the stencil wipes off, and your elbow is on fire How trust, creative freedom, and “don’t micromanage me from the table” change everything The myth that you need the perfect idea before you get tattooed – and why cover-ups, laser, and better artists exist for a reason Across the full session with Dante, we moved through: Part 1: Pre-tattoo – talking symbolism, Norse mythology, Jormungandr, and how this sleeve would play off his existing back piece Part 2: On the table – live from the convention, managing pain, timing, and the “are we actually gonna finish this?” panic Part 3 (this episode): Post-tattoo – two days after, processing the ritual, the addiction, and what past-you and future-you think when you look in the mirror If you’re the kind of person who swears “never again” mid-session and then starts planning the next piece on the drive home… this one’s for you. Work with me / stalk my art: Book a tattoo: colinbussing.punchey.com/book Instagram: @cbuss_tattoo Website: colinbussing.com Prints & merch: Pulse & Petal + more via my site/shop Tagline: Fresh ink. Fresh clarity. Mild trauma.