The Apprenticeship Diaries
A Podcast about beginnings: How the tattoo artists (and professionals) we revere, got their start; What it took, what it takes, and the stories that are made!
A Podcast about beginnings: How the tattoo artists (and professionals) we revere, got their start; What it took, what it takes, and the stories that are made!
Episodes

Monday Feb 15, 2021
Ep 71. "Glass Kid" Part 1 (An Interview with Jerrad (Jay) Santmyer)
Monday Feb 15, 2021
Monday Feb 15, 2021
This whole interview was brought to us by the lovely Faith Frazier; She invited us to a magical art day where Rico and I met the wonderful, Jay (Jerrad Santmyer or on IG: @glasskid).
As his interview will illustrate, Jay is a wealth of knowledge, eager to spread the love of glass. He's known for minatures in the glass world; Little jars full of fantasies, small wine glasses, bowls, baggies of nuggets... really anything! We're also, pretty sure, he broke some record for smallest, functional, bowl.
There is no way to share the joy that is meeting and knowing Jay. He's such a kind, giving, talented, and true human; Figures we'd meet him via our friend Faith who brings the same kind of passion to cake decor as Jay does with glass.
This is a great time, all the way through. We hope you catch part 2 next week. As Jay says up-top... Glass is endless!
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Co-hosted by: Faith Fraizer @faithbakescakes
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms:
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism too. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Feb 08, 2021
Ep 70. "Hi, my name is Wyatt" Part 2 (An Interview with Wyatt Cecil)
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Thanks for tuning back in for our second part of the interview with Wyatt Cecil. As you'll discover, he has sooooooo much left to tell, and truly this part of the tale holds one of the coolest universal happenings!
Right when you think you might have been left behind, you might find yourself on a whole other journey; full of amazing folks, you never would have met... had you gotten discouraged.
Wyatt has such an amazing soul and beautiful attitude. He says he's an old man at heart, but we'd like to see that as having wisdom of his experience.
Amy's here to tell ya that if you can check your ego, you might be able to meet cool people like Wyatt Cecil (of Tattoo Temple in Rathdrum, Idaho)
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms:
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism too. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Feb 01, 2021
Ep 69. "Hi, My name is Wyatt" Part 1 (An Interview with Wyatt Cecil)
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Meet Wyatt Cecil of Tattoo Temple in Rathdrum, ID!
Amy was a crazy person one night and couldn't sleep; She went to the worst place in the world with that kind of crazy (FaceBook) and she stumbled on to a post that Wyatt had made in a tattoo group. Her opinions got the best of her, as Amy launched a tirade in Wyatt's inbox (being really honest cause that's how we grow). As a crazy human would, she confronts Wyatt, only to learn that he's a really cool guy who's willing to take the time (at 3 am Eastern time) to have a sensible chat about differing opinions.
In retrospect, this couldn't have been more kismet. Wyatt is a wonderful human that was able to bring Amy back to center... so much so that she thought beyond her opinions and asked to interview.
Soooooo happy for this interview! It's truly a treat everyone. Wyatt is an amazing artist and such a great person. He really is genuine and if anyone knows what it is to be humbled by experience... it's this guy!
Please follow Wyatt here on IG: @wyattctattoo208
On Facebook as a friend (he prefers a DM on IG to be contacted for work):
Wyatt Cecil
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms:
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism too. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Jan 25, 2021
Ep 68. "Teaktattoos Part 2" (An Interview with Tara Bell)
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Monday Jan 25, 2021
In part two, we chat with Tara Bell about introspection. We learn best tips. It's a cool journey to consider. Amy has to learn what an 'interview' is... and stop talking so much!
Tara is a very talented and so patient. We hope you follow her on her journey and then we can all grow together. Art is grand that way!
Rico's consistent as always and helps with the laughs. (what class is complete without its clown).
Thank you Tara! You have so very much to offer. We're going to have you back and gag Amy so that you share more. (Amy's learning listening. It's truly a challenge and she's sorry!) :P
This is a powerful lady folks and we hope you enjoy her beginnings as much as we do. Biggest hugs Tara!
Thank you Diary listeners!
Find Tara on IG: @teaktattoos
Check out The Common Market in Fredrick, MD
Also... Noetic Nutraceuticals. Wonderful CBD products. :)
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us@!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
If you want to show your support of the podcast, please hop over to our Patreon and donate to the effort. The funds we get will be used to further grow and deliver you a better podcast!
If you'd like to reach out, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Ep 67. "Teaktattoos Part 1" (An interview with Tara Bell)
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
In part one, we are introducing our friend and Amy's new student, Tara Bell. Tara is a very trained artist who really just wants to put her art to work for her. This made Amy nostalgic in that, there was only, really, a desire to do her art as a profession. We're going to do many things together in this year, and see what shakes loose.
Rico's always the support in all that this podcast does. He gives us all the laughs and makes the time learning, bearable and light (what class is complete without its clown).
Thank you Tara! This was your first podcast and you nailed it! We really didn't prepare you well (we're getting better... Swear!) ; We appreciate you showing up and just trusting the universe, yourself and us.
This is a powerful lady folks and we hope you enjoy her beginnings as much as we are.
Please join us next week too as Tara already has so many wonderful insights to share. Part 2 proves to be equally awesome!
Find Tara on IG: @teaktattoos
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us@!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
If you want to show your support of the podcast, please hop over to our Patreon and donate to the effort. The funds we get will be used to further grow and deliver you a better podcast!
If you'd like to reach out, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Jan 04, 2021
Ep 66. "Meet Veteric" (An interview with Eric Anderson)
Monday Jan 04, 2021
Monday Jan 04, 2021
Lots of challenges in this year ahead and we feel that as long as we manage expectations, work from a sincere place, we cannot fail (perhaps learn a heap, but not fail).
Meet Eric Anderson everyone, or Veteric (@artbyveteric on IG)! Eric and Amy are going on an experimental, apprenticeship journey. We are taking a huge leap of faith here and gonna document as much of this journey as possible so that we can share this with you all.
Eric is coming from a very secure career as a veterinarian. Listen and see why Eric is making the moves he is. This is the very first installment of a journey that we will report back on frequently.
Amy is making it clear that she doesn't know if this will work. Eric's expectations are low, so he's managed already. Rico's always ready for anything!
To the tattoo artists who think that we shouldn't apprentice anymore people, please write in. We'd love to interview you. Get your perspectives. Amy is looking for critique as much as she's willing to give it to someone else.
Happy New 2021 all!!!! Let's make this past year count for something and turn a frown, upside down. :)
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us@!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
If you want to show your support of the podcast, please hop over to our Patreon and donate to the effort. The funds we get will be used to further grow and deliver you a better podcast!
If you'd like to reach out, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Dec 28, 2020
Ep 65. "Christmas Ramble Jam" (Rico and Amy share their Holiday)
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Just taking the time to touch base with our audience and share our holiday. Gearing up for 2021. As always, Amy keeps her plate full and Rico's there to balance things out and bring things (Amy) down to Earth. We are aiming to conquer fears and harness ambitions. We hope all you listeners will join us in this upcoming New Year for growth and fun!
Thank you to everyone!
Love ya Chuck Nunn (our audio wizard)
Die 2020!
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us@!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
If you want to show your support of the podcast, please hop over to our Patreon and donate to the effort. The funds we get will be used to further grow and deliver you a better podcast!
If you'd like to reach out, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Dec 14, 2020
Ep 64. "Jesus Take the Wheel!"
Monday Dec 14, 2020
Monday Dec 14, 2020
Rico and Amy attempt to get more 'business' minded in this episode. We both lack the attention span to be honest.
This is right before Christmas (a holiday Rico loves and Amy loathes). Jesus took the wheel of this episode as some stats were read, observances made... Amy still doesn't know what's happening on Spotify??? "I don't remember the password :/"
We're figuring it out! Perfect reflections before the New Year. We're setting some goals and hoping to make 2021 amazing!
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us@!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
If you want to show your support of the podcast, please hop over to our Patreon and donate to the effort. The funds we get will be used to further grow and deliver you a better podcast!
If you'd like to reach out, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Nov 30, 2020
Ep 63. "T.A.D.sgiving 2020" (Amy and Rico celebrate!)
Monday Nov 30, 2020
Monday Nov 30, 2020
In the spirit of the holiday, your hosts share their Thanksgiving and what they are grateful for this year. In between setting some goals and sharing some podcast vision, Amy and Rico tell you all about what they are happy for.
This is another "Getting to know your hosts" type podcast. So grateful for your listening time everyone.
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us@!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
If you want to show your support of the podcast, please hop over to our Patreon and donate to the effort. The funds we get will be used to further grow and deliver you a better podcast!
If you'd like to reach out, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

Monday Nov 23, 2020
Ep 62. "Corporate to Holistic" (An Interview with Roxanne Foura)
Monday Nov 23, 2020
Monday Nov 23, 2020
The smell of doTerra is in the air as we post this episode about our friend, Roxanne Foura (IG @roxannefoura).
Roxanne Foura, LMT, doTerra WA, is a holistic massage therapist with a private practice in Lancaster, PA. Her step into holistic work began with her own chronic migraines 20 years ago. Between her work in plant based medicine, physical manipulation and energy work she approaches systemic body issues with success. Roxanne is a fitness and Yoga instructor an avid skier, traveler and comic relief. She is the wife of Jay and mom of Holland and Quinn and a myriad of animals.
Email her at: roxannefoura@hotmail.com
You can find Roxanne on both Facebook and Instagram, all under her name, Roxanne Foura.
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us@!
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
If you want to show your support of the podcast, please hop over to our Patreon and donate to the effort. The funds we get will be used to further grow and deliver you a better podcast!
If you'd like to reach out, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at:
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time, and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!

The Mission:
This podcast is about learning journeys. We (Amy and Rico) interview people who have braved the unknown; People who can offer, through their story/stories, communion and coping, for those who dare to pursue passion.




