Lick The Brain

In this episode, Andrew shares his journey through the world of tattooing—from growing up around it, to the wild ride of being an apprentice, to finding his own style and voice in the industry. He talks about tattooing abroad, taking an unexpected break, and making a comeback by owning his own studio. It’s a fun and honest conversation about the ups, downs, and everything in between.Andrews Instagram: www.instagram.com/andrewjamestatsFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

This week, Ray is joined by Carolina comedian and certified ray of sunshine, Isatu—the very person who suggested him to try stand-up . They dive into Isatu’s wild new tattoo ideas, why her mom traded NYC’s chaos for North Carolina’s slower charm, and her time navigating Minnesota ignorance. Isatu also drops a jaw-dropping bomb about her sex life, and somehow things get deep as she and Ray share a surprisingly uplifting convo about his past sexual trauma.Episode Shoutout:www.instagram.com/yedoye_Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

In this episode, Ray sits down with Carolina comedian Isatu—the vibrant personality who first inspired him to try stand-up comedy. The two dive into Isatu’s unique collection of tattoos and the stories behind them, reflect on how their city has evolved over the years, and converse about the unusual contact sport Isatu was into when they first met. Together, they share insights, laughs, and real talk about the ups and downs of the stand-up journey and what keeps them coming back to the mic.Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

In this episode, Drew and Ray dive into the moment when a tattoo begins to truly come together and the trust that is involved in that creative process. Ray opens up about the challenges and insights he’s gained from doing cover-up tattoos. Ray shares some of the things he’s learned about comedy and the relationship with the crowd. Drew notices the surprising similarities between the crafts of comedy and tattooing, leading into a fascinating discussion on both art forms.Episode shoutouts:www.instagram.com/noahbissiFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

In this episode, Ray sits down with Drew to talk about his first tattoo and what inspired his passion for collecting unique and intriguing tattoo designs. Drew opens up about what he values most in Ray's tattoo process. Ray also shares what continues to fuel his excitement for tattooing at this stage of his career.Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

When will an apprentice be ready to travel for tattooing? What does a tattoo apprentice do for fun? Is it possible to manage your time in the early stages of tattooing? Jordyn answers all of these questions and more in this episode.Episode Shoutouts:www.instagram.com/rachel_johanningsmeierwww.instagram.com/littlejohnstattooFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

This episode is part one of a two part episode where Ray chats with Jordyn Bury.  Jordyn is currently in a tattoo apprenticeship but tattooing has been apart of her entire life. Jordyn shares the struggles of pursuing an apprenticeship to working her first tattoo convention. Follow and connect with Jordyn on instagram at:www.instagram.com/JordynburytattoosFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

Vanesa shares a pick up line someone tried to use on a first date and Ray checks in on her broken wrist’s recovery. Progress is being made! Vanesa learns a lesson in patience, and Ray offers support and encouragement. Tune in for story time with Ray about his trip to Florida! A bunch of skydivers, thrifted outfits, buzzards, crystal clear water, a spontaneous campfire comedy show, and good times all around! Listen thru until the end for updates about Lick The Brain from our hosts Vanesa and RayFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

Ray’s running out of ink and coming up with solutions. On New Year's Eve Vanesa plays confrontational musical chairs! Would you watch a tattoo live? Ray’s learning new skills and discusses wanting to stream in multiple ways.  Our hosts “Reflect” on why they are trained on details, especially when it comes to Facebook Marketplace. Vanesa and Ray became friends… on Co–Star.Artist Shout Out: www.instagram.com/golden___mind Follow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com

Tune in to the life-focused episode for updates about our hosts! Vanesa thought it would be a good idea to go ice skating.. alone… where she fell and broke her wrist! Vanesa recalls the experience for Ray and he comments on the difficult road ahead, as well as how moments like this help him take a step back to look at life. Vanesa doesn’t make new year resolutions and Ray doesn’t feel like the new year affects him enough to be re-motivated. Vanesa and Ray discuss changing their work schedules and how it’s nice to have time to hibernate. Artist Shout Out: www.instagram.com/amauryguichonFollow LTB on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lickthebrain to keep up with us! Contact Ray at lickthebrain@gmail.com if you have any thoughts you’d like to share or any recommendations! Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham Intro Voiceover thanks to Isatu Kamara www.instagram.com/isawho Music by: Federico W. www.instagram.com/skane.music www.fiverr.com/skane_musicwww.skanemusic.com