Episode 23 of The Pokes & Jokes Podcast is one of our most open and important conversations to date.
In this episode, Grace and Jen reflect on Grace’s recent trip to New Zealand — reconnecting with tattoo culture, trust, and what it feels like to be held in a tattoo space that feels genuinely safe. The conversation then turns to a much heavier topic: safeguarding, accountability, and the growing call for DBS checks within the tattoo industry.
Grace speaks candidly about online abuse, intimidation, and what can happen when boundaries are set and not respected. It’s an honest discussion about power dynamics, safety, and why these conversations are long overdue.
This episode contains sensitive subject matter, but it’s shared with care and intention.
If you work in tattooing and have experiences you’d like to share — or if anything discussed resonates with you — our inbox is open. You can reach us confidentially at podcast@ff-tv.com
We also encourage you to check out Draw the Line Project, who are raising awareness and pushing for better safeguarding and accountability within the tattoo industry. And sign the petition! Links below.
https://www.instagram.com/drawthelineproject/
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/747281?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnYJkISlsS1tiGTk8Px9VvY2jmgqP7dXdcLDilUSwqzCMrGmrMkdNAy8fQiSs_aem_-aj0mL2uLDAxC2pTZgDj8w
💍 This episode is sponsored by @regalrose — deadly detailed jewellery with a dark & dreamy twist. Use code POKESANDJOKES_RR for 20% off → regalrose.co.uk
Chapters
00:00 Intro & New Year energy
02:30 New Zealand trip reflections
04:10 Travel exhaustion & long flights
04:45 Missed flight chaos in Doha
07:25 Visa issues & airport meltdown
08:55 Airport smoking area solidarity
10:20 Returning home & emotional reset
10:30 Reconnecting with tattoo culture
11:00 Māori tattoo experience
14:10 Feeling safe in a tattoo space
15:40 Food, culture & healing moments
19:05 Jet ski & “biscuit” chaos
22:35 The blood-stained biscuit
24:45 Jen’s comedy gigs & crowds
27:45 Sponsor message – Regal Rose
30:10 Trigger warning
30:30 DBS checks explained
32:40 Accountability in tattooing
34:15 Safeguarding & power dynamics
36:45 Why DBS checks are a starting point
38:00 Past industry experiences
39:40 Long-standing abusive behaviour
42:50 Setting boundaries online
46:05 Threatening messages & escalation
49:40 Why this behaviour is frightening
51:50 No one is exempt from abuse
53:00 Why women don’t feel protected
55:30 The need for real accountability
57:00 Final thoughts & speaking out
#PokesAndJokesPodcast #TattooPodcast #TattooIndustry #Safeguarding #DBSChecks #WomenInTattooing #CreativeIndustries #OnlineAbuse #TattooCommunity #UKPodcast
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