In this heartfelt episode, host Aaron Della Vedova reflects on the bittersweet realization that certain tattoo experiences may be coming to an end as he enters a new phase of life. Aaron, a tattoo artist with 30 years of experience, shares the mic with long-time client and friend Ryan Johnson and acknowledges the significance of their 17-year tattoo journey. They share the emotional connection they have formed over the years and 330+ hours of tattooing, seeing Aaron's artistic growth and evolution over time, and why Ryan chose to dedicate his body to art. We also dive deep into the world of algorithms and the impact they have on our lives. Join us as we discuss technology's unintended consequences, misinformation's power, and critical thinking's importance. Get ready for a mind-opening conversation that will make you question everything you thought you knew. This is the end-of-an-era episode you don't want to miss.    What we chat about:    [00:05:24] The journey of tattooing. [00:09:29] Friendship beyond tattooing. [00:11:13] Intense experiences and relationships. [00:13:24] Why get tattoos? [00:16:09] Not fitting in and contrarian.  [00:22:22] Incomplete body tattooing. [00:26:33] Tattooing as a creative project. [00:27:46] The meaning of Ryan's tattoos [00:36:39] The game of life. [00:40:27] Polarization in social media. [00:43:13] Changing dynamics of political discourse. [00:46:11] Consumerism and parental influence. [00:53:37] Little guys fighting for corporations. [00:55:25] Nasty political system. [00:59:31] 17-year tattoo journey. [01:01:30] Tattoos and personal art projects.   Quotes: "It is very surreal to think that a whole chapter, for you especially, of your life ends today." "I don't think you wanna do it without the pain." "Yeah, well, it's co-creating. And that's what tattooing really is. It's one of the rare art forms where two people come together and they co-create the art."  "If we can't disagree about politics, and still be friends, then this is in big, big trouble" "How do you stop this freight train without, and I hate to say these things, but - a Revolution?" "We're gonna take pictures of this whole bodysuit, put you in a nice G string, lay you out by the pool, palm trees, fans."   Let's Connect! Connect with Aaron:⁠   Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts  IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠ Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com