Show Notes
Join us as we sit down with Australian tattoo legend Rhys Gordon, best known for his Japanese work and timeless full-body suits. Rhys has been tattooing since the early ‘90s, coming up through old-school street shops before founding Little Tokyo and becoming one of the most respected names in Japanese-inspired tattooing. We talk about how styles have evolved over the decades, which “old” looks are making a comeback, and much more about the ink. Rhys opens up about the relationship between artist and client... how spending hours, sometimes years, on big pieces turns the tattoo chair into something not far off a therapist’s couch. We dig into the stories, trust, and head noise that come out during long sessions, and how that space can help blokes process life, loss, identity and change. We also unpack how society’s perception of tattoos has shifted from “rough and tough” to a mainstream form of self-expression, and how social media has both helped and complicated the industry. See more from Rhys: www.instagram.com/rhysgordon/
More from Better Bloke
This week’s solo episode is a recap of a massive weekend on the road and a reminder of why being boots on the ground matters. The Older But Not Wiser annual charity ride brought together more than 70 bikes, with incredible support from local businesses and everyone who attended. After the ride, Rob caught up with Ash and Thommo, who were stoked with how the day unfolded, particularly the conversations that happened along the way. The Thunder Run also took place, with Rob and Brock joining the crew at the Anglers Inn. The atmosphere was unreal, and the afternoon included one of the biggest meat tray raffles you will ever see, with 30 meat packs up for grabs. Across both rides, blokes opened up to Rob and Brock about what was happening in their lives. Many of them are not the type to normally talk about what they are carrying, but sometimes speaking with someone outside your usual circle makes it easier to take that first step. Those conversations can become a bridge to opening up with loved ones or seeking professional support. Seeing that happen firsthand reinforced why Better Bloke Project is needed and why showing up in person remains such an important part of the work. Rob also addresses the elephant in the room and clears up some confusion surrounding the charity & podcast. Better Bloke Project and Blokes Advice are separate and have no affiliation. Their shared history can make that unclear at times, but Rob and Brock are moving Better Bloke Project forward while Matty continues with Blokes Advice. The episode also looks ahead to the Burnouts for Better Blokes raffle, launching October 21. It gives supporters the chance to win incredible money cannot buy memorabilia while helping the charity continue its work.
Episode 131 is a solo catch up on everything that has been happening around the Better Bloke Project. Rob reflects on the recent Ride for Tim and Podcast Royale events, the conversations that came from both, and the impact of bringing good people together around a shared purpose. It is often the chats before, during and after these events that remind us why the project exists in the first place. With October being Mental Health Month, Rob also talks about pressure. Pressure can make diamonds, but it can also burst pipes. Sometimes staying busy only delays what is building underneath. This episode is a reminder to find your pressure release valve, whatever that looks like for you, and to reach out before things become too much. He also looks ahead to a massive weekend on the road, with the Thunder Run and the Older But Not Wiser Podcast annual charity ride both coming up. A short and honest update on recent events, meaningful conversations, mental health, community and what is next for Better Bloke. Upcoming events: Older But Not Wiser Podcast annual charity ride: https://www.facebook.com/share/19sEFbv3es/
Michael Forrest, better known as Mic Power, is the voice behind Podcast Royale and quite possibly the greatest ring announcer in Australia by a country mile.
This week’s episode is a little different. I sit down with my 11 year old son, Hemi, to recap the entire Podcast Royale 3.0 weekend through the eyes of a young boxer watching his dad step into the ring. I was lucky enough to have Hemi beside me for the whole experience, from the walkthrough on Friday and the press conference, to walking me out and standing in my corner alongside a world class team consisting of the Moloney twins, Ben Savva, Viviana Ruiz and Shane Morrissey. It is a heartfelt chat between a father and son about what the weekend looked and felt like from his perspective. We talk about the atmosphere, the fight and what it was like watching his dad box after agreeing to face two very capable blokes who had actually been training. Unlike me. Kyle thankfully carried a big load of the fight thanks to his training. There are a few lessons buried among the chat, including a healthy dose of "do what I say, not what I do". But the biggest lesson is simple. If you say you are going to do something, you follow through. Even when you feel underprepared, doubt yourself or realise you may have bitten off more than you can chew. Sometimes standing on business means showing up, backing your word and doing the thing before you feel completely ready. This is a short, honest and special conversation with my son about boxing, commitment and an unforgettable weekend we were lucky enough to share. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject
James Blackmore is one of the Better Bloke Project’s biggest supporters, not only financially, but through the time, energy and effort he puts into bringing people together. Through The Angler’s Inn in Wallaroo, where he is the manager, James has helped host multiple events in support of the project, including the annual Thunder Run. Despite meeting James in Adelaide a few months ago and having countless conversations online, I realised I did not actually know much about the bloke behind the fundraisers. While James and his family were travelling through multiple states, it felt like the perfect opportunity to sit down, get to know him properly and hear his story. We talk about the role a pub can play beyond serving drinks. Being part of The Angler’s Inn gives James the opportunity to create space for conversations that many blokes might not have anywhere else. Sometimes it is easier to open up while sitting at the bar, attending an event or simply having a yarn with someone who is willing to listen. Blokes do not often put this much work into supporting their community without having their own experiences, motivations and reasons for wanting to help others. This episode goes beyond the events, fundraising and support to meet the bloke behind it all, and to understand why creating space for other blokes matters so much to him. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now