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 Mar 08, 2021
p 74. "As 'Luck' would have it!" Part 2 (An Interview with Lucky Barnard)
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Here's how we wrapped our time with Lucky Barnard(@luckytattooer). Lucky owns both Artful Dodger Tattoo studios, one in Seattle, WA (@adtcseattle) and the other in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (@adtcda)
In Part 2 we discuss the name 'Lucky' a bit and the nature of 'luck' itself.
Again, as we said last week, this is a sparkling example of a professional journey, great attitude despite all the hard knocks and just an all around, great human.
We know that the audio of this interview is regrettable, but Lucky is worth so much attention and praise for what he's accomplished. We pushed on despite the lack of sound quality to get what we could. We've talked to Lucky and there will be more chats down the road. This was our first try. ;)
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn)
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 Mar 01, 2021
Ep 73. "As 'Luck' would have it!" Part 1 (An Interview with Lucky Barnard)
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Monday Mar 01, 2021
So amazing how things go down in life. We truly believe that if you stay positive and be the kind of person that is hard to hate, you'll do great things in this life. With that being said, we are super excited to have met Lucky Barnard (@luckytattooer).
We don't know if our listeners remember, but Wyatt Cecil gave a sparkling review of Lucky and the way he runs his studios. Lucky owns both Artful Dodger Tattoo studios, one in Seattle, WA (@adtcseattle) and the other in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (@adtcda)... Amy now knows how to pronounce Coeur d'Alene too.
Lucky has his own, 'fun', start where he learned all of what not to do. Listen and see what Lucky does when the universe gives him opportunity... From what we can tell, he comes prepared and meets the challenge.
This is a tattoo artist that has an amazing legacy. We are truly honored to have met him and gotten to sit down for a few hours. This is a two part interview, so please join us back next week.
Up front, please muscle through the audio we were able to get. Sometimes, we can't get the best with remote recording. This was a case where we had to push on and get what we could. We've talked to Lucky and there will be more chats down the road. This was our first try.
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn)
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 22, 2021
Ep 72. "Glass Kid" Part 2 (An Interview with Jerrad (Jay) Santmyer)
Monday Feb 22, 2021
Monday Feb 22, 2021
Pardon the late release of this episode Diary Listeners; Especially, pardon us Jay or ( Jerrad Santmyer).We know we kept you waiting on Part 2 of our chat with @glasskid
Jay is an amazing glass artist that we had the pleasure of getting to meet via our good friend (and cohost) Faith Frazier or @faithbakescakes.
Enjoy and please go see Jay's art, follow him... you will not be sorry you did. ;)
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 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!

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.




