The Grind It Up Podcast

The Truth About Tattooing: Crazy Clients & Failed Apprenticeships | Grind It Up Podcast Ep. 31

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly talented Nick Anthony Broyles from Crimson Dove Tattoos to discuss his 13-year journey in the ink industry. Nick shares the humbling transition from professional realism drawing to the technical difficulty of tattooing, which he describes as 'drawing on a bowl of water.' We dive deep into his grueling one-year unpaid apprenticeship, the cutthroat nature of the St. Louis tattoo scene, and the surprising background in finance that led him to follow his artistic passion. Nick also reveals the unfiltered side of the job, including hygiene horror stories, the hilarious 'green ink explosion' when a client fainted, and the infamous 'crazy leaf lady' who tried to blast him on social media. We explore the future of the craft in the age of AI and discuss why tattooing remains one of the last great human-to-human skill sets. Join us for a raw and entertaining look behind the needle. TIMESTAMPS: 00:01:14 Wildest Request Ever 00:02:55 Is Tattooing Harder Than Drawing? 00:06:10 No Pay & High Stakes 00:07:58 The SHOCKING Cost of Tattoo Conventions 00:10:11 The Secret to Perfect Tattoo Depth 00:13:02 Will AI Replace Tattoo Artists? 00:14:35 I Worked 40 Hours a Week for FREE 00:18:41 The Most Painful & Difficult Spots To Get Inked 00:22:14 Gross Client Hygiene Secrets! 00:24:04 Tattoo Artist vs. Nightmare Client 00:28:54 Why You Should NEVER Trade Tattoos for Tile Work 00:34:01 The TRUTH About Tattoo Cover-Ups 00:36:55 The Drunk Tattoo He Regrets 00:42:52 The Brutal Truth About Tattoo Shop Politics 00:45:46 The Secret to Survival in the Tattoo Industry 00:48:42 Is a Secret Cult Running the World? 00:51:45 The Truth About Tattoo Pricing 00:54:57 The Harsh Truth About Tattoo Apprenticeships 00:57:47 I Ruined Her Tattoo! --- --- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod

Overcoming Cancer, Military Service, & Future of AI Content Creation | Grind It Up Podcast Ep. 30

In this deeply moving episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with a lifelong brother-in-arms to discuss the power of resilience, faith, and the true meaning of friendship. The conversation traverses through incredible life stories, from the guest's service in the Air Force security forces during the onset of 9/11 to the emotional moment he sat in a car with Mark as he received his cancer diagnosis. This episode explores how to stand 'ten toes down' when life throws its hardest punches. Beyond the personal struggles, we dive into the evolution of the music industry, the predatory nature of 360 deals, and how modern technology like AI is empowering the next generation of creators. We also outline a powerful vision for The Mauer Foundation, aiming to use music and large-scale media to support cancer patients across the nation. It’s an inspiring look at legacy, manifestation, and the determination to keep going regardless of the odds. TIMESTAMPS: 01:29 - The Secret to Manifesting Success 10:17 - They Said He Only Had Months 12:15 - From College Dropouts To High-Level Success 18:16 - From Broke to Sold Out 23:37 - How God Broke My Ego to Save My Life 32:12 - The Predatory Reality of 360 Deals 47:12 - Why You Must Demand Respect in Business & Life 58:51 - Why the 618 Scene is Struggling --- --- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod

A Warrior's Journey: Mark's Final Studio Episode & Heartfelt Tribute | Grind It Up Podcast Ep. 29

In this deeply emotional episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, host Mark D. Mauer announces a major transition as he prepares to move to Las Vegas for specialized cancer treatment and clinical trials. Joined by his close friends Chris Wills and Terrell Weston, Mark reflects on his journey so far and the future of the Mauer Foundation. This episode marks a pivotal turning point for the show as part of the team prepares for a new chapter in a new city, fueled by faith and overwhelming community support. The highlight of the episode is a surprise 20-minute tribute video featuring heartfelt messages of love and encouragement from dozens of friends, collaborators, and former guests. From receiving the Lifetime Warrior Award to witnessing the incredible impact he has had on others, Mark shares his raw, unfiltered reaction to this outpouring of support. It is a powerful testament to resilience, friendship, and the relentless drive to keep fighting no matter the obstacles. --- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod --- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod

DRACO ON THE DASH? G.A. Barz on Survival & St. Louis Music | Grind It Up Podcast Ep. 28

In this powerful episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we are joined by St. Louis artist G.A. Barz and the East Side's own No Leeway. GA Bars opens up about her incredible journey of resilience, from her upbringing on a farm and running away as a teen to her rise in the St. Louis hip-hop scene during the mid-2000s. She shares the raw details of her life-threatening health battles, including surviving a massive thyroid tumor and losing over 140 pounds to reclaim her life. Beyond the music, we dive into deep discussions on systemic issues, healing from childhood trauma, and the tragic loss of her brother. Plus, G.A. Barz shares some wild stories from the St. Louis dating scene—including a date that ended abruptly due to a Draco on a dashboard. This is an unfiltered look at what it means to be a healer, a mother, and an artist in the modern world. TIMESTAMPS: 01:39 - Her Secret Past Revealed 06:38 - How She Survived a Life-Threatening Tumor & Lost 140lbs 18:52 - A Full Circle Rap Story 23:18 - The TRUTH About the St. Louis Music Scene 30:03 - I Learned to Love Myself at 4 Years Old 35:53 - Why I Could NEVER Be A Medical Nurse! 39:00 - Why Buying a House is Better Than a $25k Wedding 45:12 - My Worst Date Ever 49:25 - How to Heal When You Never Got an Apology 53:44 - Why Every OG Rapper Must Mentor The Youth 58:02 - Why St. Louis Artists Don't Support Each Other Like ATL 59:59 - Why Power Dynamics Must Change --- Follow G.A. Barz 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1P7pCrhxfj/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabarz314?igsh=eGU1bXFlcGhidzh0 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabarz314 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/bY9Z-ykS62k --- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod --- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod

Body Count, Po*n, and The Truth About Men's Responsibility | Grind It Up Podcast Ep. 27

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew sits down with Coach Edwards and his wife Nikki for a deep dive into social dynamics, gender roles, and the weight of responsibility. Nikki shares an unpopular opinion on why men carry the most responsibility on the planet, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on emotional boundaries and societal expectations. The conversation heats up as we tackle controversial topics like whether watching porn constitutes cheating, the DaBaby vs. Charleston White artist drama, and the limits of freedom of speech in professional sports. We wrap up the episode with a transparent look at the "numbers talk" and whether a partner's past sexual history should affect a modern relationship. TIMESTAMPS: 00:55 Mark Tries Vegan Deli & Butcher 05:20 Nikki's Rapid Fire Debate 08:46 Why Do Women Hold Grudges Forever? 16:17 The Brutal Truth About Men's Responsibilities 19:01 Is Watching Porn Cheating? 22:52 DaBaby THREATENS Charleston White’s Cousin? 31:00 Why One Mistake Ruins Everything 36:07 NBA Player Cut After Controversial Post 47:19 Trading Nightclubs for Private Compounds 53:22 Does Her Body Count Actually Matter? --- --- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod