#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 McIvor. Witness firsthand how Jody's transformative experience with a hand-poke tattoo, inspired by the Stein Valley's pictographs, set him on a path of introspection and cultural discovery. This episode...

#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 artists, guide you through the intricate journey of reviving ancestral tattooing traditions. Our conversation touches on the patience and persistence required to breathe life back into these ancient p...

#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 collaboration that went beyond mere body art. Their work is a testament to the deep personal and cultural connections that Indigenous tattoos embody, blending traditional hand poke techniques with contem...

#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 artist Tania Williard. Together, we navigate a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, from the transformative power of Indigenous tattooing to the nuanced narratives woven into traditional basketry. ...

#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 and purpose in art. His transformative experience in New Zealand, where a vibrant community rekindled his passion for tattooing, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of c...

#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 her significant role as a model and supporter in the Earthline Indigenous tattoo schools and how her meaningful tattoos have fueled a cultural resurgence in skin stitching. Wes shares his transformati...

#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 pandemic, Sheldon’s unwavering determination led him to a unique cohort where he honed his craft. Together, we explore how these experiences shaped his transition from colonial application methods to more aut...

#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 beekeeper from Newfoundland. From Megan's first tribal tattoo in the 90s to her profoundly spiritual experience with Nlaka'pamux Blackwork, you’ll gain insights into how these practices mend personal a...

#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 from a simple school art project to becoming moko practitioner. He shares how Māori wood carving has deeply influenced his tattoo designs and reflects on the profound significance of moko in celebratin...

#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 bodysuit tattoo inspired by his ancestral roots. Listen to his heartfelt reflections on the emotional and physical trials he faced, and learn how patience, acceptance, and internal healing became integ...

#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 traditional tattoo shops and the crucial importance of creating inclusive and welcoming environments for marginalized communities. Our conversation explores the deep connection formed between artist and c...

#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 traditional moko and carving practices. Listen to his candid recounting of early anxieties and how they evolved into a therapeutic, gentle practice centered on traditional protocols, patterns, and mea...

#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 journey unveils the profound trust and excitement of becoming a canvas for these sacred markings. We discuss the historical and genealogical significance of each tattoo, emphasizing the powerful bonds the...

#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. Zack shares the profound significance of reclaiming his native name, the obstacles he faced during his apprenticeship, and how he's working through the art of tattooing. This episode not only highlight...

#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, recounts his fascinating path into ta moko, starting in 1999. We delve into how Haki's artistic portfolio opened doors to apprenticeship offers and how his craft has evolved in tandem with the growin...

#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 inspiration behind their shop names, the serendipitous moment that led to it, and why April took a break from social media only to re-engage with her community in a more meaningful way.From drawing portrait...

#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 role tattoos play within her community. Hear about her great-grandfather's nearly lost legacy due to residential schools and her inspiring efforts to create safe spaces for youth to reconnect with the...

#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 journey with an Nlaka'pamux blackwork tattoo. Every etched line is a story of triumph over trauma, a cathartic release that brings about an unexpected gentleness. As we unwrap this intimate narra...

#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 and honed through the Earthline Tattoo Training Residency, Audie delves into the profound connection between ancestral skin marking and the themes of family, home, and land in Indigenous practices. T...

#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 cultural roots through traditional tattoos is nothing short of inspiring. Joined by Indigenous tattoo artist Dion Kaszas, Billie Jean shares how the art of tattooing became a crucial part of her person...

#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, eager mentorship from Daniel Ormsby, and the inspiring Moko Ora Wananga gatherings, Julious's journey beautifully illustrates how aligning one's work with personal values and cultural heritage can le...

#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 shaped their practice, starting from informal hand-poke sessions among friends to giving their first spiritual tattoo. Listen as they recount the transformative moment of teaching and marking their ow...

#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 impact of ancestral tattoo practices rekindled within his community. The conversation traverses the cultural landscape, from the intimate connection of the tattoo needle to the broad swathes of communal...

#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 through the indelible ink of tradition and modernity. Sarah opens up about the intricate dance of balancing her roles as an artist, personal trainer, and devoted single mother, all while pioneering a ...