Lick The Brain
Lick The Brain is the podcast where Ray Durham a seasoned tattoo artist and stand up comedian sits down for interesting conversations with tattoo artist, fellow comedians, and other fascinating guests. Get ready for a mix of unfiltered humor, life stories, and surprises you won't see coming!
Previously hosted by Vanesa Reeves and Ray Durham.
Episodes
51 episodes
Andrew James Pt.1: Art,Grit, and A Comeback
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 unex...
•
Episode 51
•
40:20
Isatu Kamara Pt.2: From The Big Apple to Biscuitville
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 c...
•
Episode 50
•
54:52
Isatu Kamara Pt.1: Contact Sports to Comedy
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 ...
•
Episode 49
•
1:03:10
Drew Long Pt.2
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. R...
•
Episode 48
•
55:29
Drew Long Pt.1
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 ...
•
Episode 47
•
58:08
Jordyn Bury Pt.2
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 46
•
40:28
Jordyn Bury Pt.1
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 ...
•
Episode 45
•
46:27
Floridian Farewell
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 ...
•
Episode 44
•
49:04
Life's A Stream
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 ...
•
Episode 43
•
47:02
Forced Hibernation
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 roa...
•
Episode 42
•
58:21
A Pencil & A Dream
Ray has had multiple people reach out to him seeking apprenticeships! What steps can you take to get your foot in the door with the tattoo industry? What do you need to be able to do as an artist in general before you can consider tattooing?...
•
Episode 41
•
1:07:35
Moving To Onlyfans
Vanesa and Ray decorate for the holidays, and both of them kept things minimal. Vanesa has personal beef with Christmas, Ray is getting settled in at his new apartment and is going to start streaming video games. Vanesa attends her first hoc...
•
Episode 40
•
54:41
Leveling Up
Vanesa and Ray have to work on saying “like” and “um” less but it’s difficult to notice the habit when you’re in the moment. Ray touches up a tattoo that reminded him how difficult tattooing actually is. How can different skin types affect t...
•
Episode 39
•
1:06:21
Abroad Part Two!
Ray is trying new things with his personal art and Vanesa misheard a keyword during his story. Ray and Vanesa take time to talk more about their trip to Dublin! Please excuse Vanesa’s cough as she is still recovering from ‘lack of sleep’ sic...
•
Episode 38
•
1:07:10
Abroad Part One!
This episode falls under all things related as Vanes and Ray talk about their travels! Tune in to hear about your host’s first experiences with international travel to Europe. Ray is already planning a trip to visit Iceland and Vanesa is pre...
•
Episode 37
•
41:57
Works Out...Right?
Ray and Vanesa talk about their intuition and hunches around clients canceling or rescheduling. Sometimes it works out better for everyone involved! Vanesa mentions letting go of control and trusting that everything will fall into place as i...
•
Episode 36
•
40:34
Colorado Whisper
Vanesa has a symphony of tinnitus in her head 24/7 but being in Colorado helped it go away??? A rare no call/no show left Vanesa with a new client to add to her blacklist, and she is considering scheduling a guest spot in Colorado at Glass M...
•
Episode 35
•
48:03
Enjoying The Process
Vanesa starts us off with some silly ASMR and Ray circles back to thoughts around vulnerability and authenticity. Vanesa gives us an update about her therapy journey and the skills she’s working on. Ray and Vanesa discuss their personal art,...
•
Episode 34
•
58:49
Guest Unexpected
Ray has a Coke habit and Vanesa has a crush?? Our hosts are making the most of having more free time and share some advice around doing guest spots as a tattoo artist. A lot of variables come into play when considering guest spots, especiall...
•
Episode 33
•
44:49
Cold Font
Vanesa admits to missing snow and is taking a trip to a (hopefully) snowy place! Ray and Vanesa share stories about their experiences driving in snow and some of one client’s snowy encounter. Where do Vanesa and Ray stand when it comes to ta...
•
Episode 32
•
46:26
Gold Retrieving Cat
Tune in to hear Ray react to a one star review that excluded Vanesa by name and conversation around giving and receiving feedback! When is a good time to leave a review for a tattoo artist? Should you review immediately or wait for the tatto...
•
Episode 31
•
58:48
Ok But Why?
Will Lick the Brain stay tattoo focused or lean into ‘all things related’? (Vanesa couldn’t eat her candy quietly and apologizes for any plastic bag sounds you might be able to hear) We’ve heard about how Vanesa and Ray go...
•
Episode 30
•
44:55
Nostrils & Nips
Ray got his nose pierced and Vanesa tagged along for moral support! Can you guess what Ray’s first ever piercing was? What type of piercing was Vanesa’s favorite to do? Our hosts discuss their experiences with piercing, getting pierced, and ...
•
Episode 29
•
48:52