Passion Pod

Hosted by Passion Pod

Business Careers Health Fitness EducationInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

241

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Hosted by Chris Johnson the Passion Pod is an inspirational storytelling experience featuring unique guests that are also pursuing their passions. The goal is to inspire the listener to think about think about their own passions and to help them find more ways to incorporate those passions into their lives.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 22948 min

Episode 229 DJ Tambe

Chris Johnson sits down with tattoo icon and 3-time Ink Master champion (and current judge!) DJ Tambe at the Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention in Des Moines, Iowa. DJ gets candid about his road to sobriety, what it was really like competing on Best Ink and Ink Master, the hardest judging decisions he's ever had to make, getting paid $50,000 by Subway, living in a house with 20 tattoo artists, and what it felt like to finally get the call to be a judge. If you love tattoo culture, comeback stories, and behind-the-scenes TV drama — this one's for you. Follow DJ Tambe: @DJTambe Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

June 1, 2026Episode 2281 hr 11 min

Episode 228 Bobby Johnson

Ink Master Season 15 winner Bobby Johnson sits down with Passion Pod for one of his most candid interviews yet. From the truth about what he actually took home after taxes on the $250k prize, to the flash challenge he'd do all over again, his most meaningful tattoo ever, how he went from skateboarding to tattooing, the wild origin of his "Glendale Bully" name, and the one regret he has from his entire time on the show — this conversation goes deep. 🏆🖤 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a new episode of Passion Pod! 📲 Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

May 25, 2026Episode 22751 min

Episode 227 Gian Karle

He told Ink Master producers he'd never do their "stupid show." Then he did it twice and finished second both times. Season 8 and Season 14 Ink Master runner up Gian Karle sits down for a wide open conversation covering everything — from working as a beach attendant and photographer's assistant in Puerto Rico, to traveling the country out of hotels doing conventions, to competing against the best tattoo artists in the world on national TV. Gian breaks down the gunpowder flash challenge that blew fire to the ceiling, the watercolor tattoo that embarrassed him at his own viewing party back home, the moment he cried in an elevator after playing dirty to stay in the competition, the Katie cushion incident that looked meaner on TV than it actually was, and why he genuinely believes the show changed the entire financial landscape of tattooing. Plus — his picks for the scariest artists in an all-star season, which judges were the most and least biased, what DJ is really like off camera, and why his mom's reaction at the Season 8 finale is still one of his most cherished memories. First time hearing this story in long form. Don't miss it. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with people living their passion: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/

May 18, 2026Episode 2261 hr 13 min

Episode 226 Seth Holmes

He made it to the Ink Master Season 17 finale, cried in front of the judges over a tattoo he made for his wife, protected 6 years of sobriety surrounded by drunk castmates, and is now opening one of Pittsburgh's most anticipated new tattoo shops — Seth Holmes sits down for his very first long-form interview and leaves absolutely nothing on the table. From surviving an abusive childhood and battling addiction, to fronting a metal band, learning to tattoo under Ink Master's Sarah Miller, and competing against some of the best artists in the country — this is the full, unfiltered story of how a self-described "nobody from Pittsburgh" made it onto national TV and came out the other side a changed artist. Plus — the psychological tactics Ink Master producers use to break contestants on camera, the drama with Matt that was both completely real and completely staged, what Ryan Ashley said to him that made him come out swinging, and what's coming next with his brand new shop Sleepwalker Tattoo. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with people living their passion: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/

May 11, 2026Episode 2251 hr 17 min

Episode 225 Jesse Smith Tattoos

World renowned new school tattoo artist and 2-time Ink Master contestant Jesse Smith sits down with Chris Johnson on the Passion Pod for one of the most in-depth conversations he's ever had. From getting busted for graffiti in Germany at 17, to selling Flash up and down the East Coast, to getting the call that changed his career forever — this one covers it all. Jesse opens up about why he thinks Ink Master cast him as the "one trick pony" from day one, the real drama behind the cameras, getting flown to Australia with 50 people on a waitlist overnight, building Loose Screw Tattoo, running the Richmond Tattoo Convention through COVID and personal tragedy, and the fictional world of Carkayous — the universe behind every tattoo he creates. Plus timeless advice for artists, clients, and anyone building something from scratch. One of the best we've ever done. Don't skip this one. 🎙️ Passion Pod — Where passion meets conversation. 📲 Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

May 4, 2026Episode 22452 min

Episode 224 Scoochie Boochie

What happens when a funny rapper keeps going long after a "reasonable person" would quit? You end up with Justin Bieber sharing your music and selling out shows across the country. 🎤 In this episode, Chris sits down with Scoochie Boochie (Michael Ribbens) — the comedy rapper behind viral hits like Carbutt and I Have Sex — to talk about blowing up on social media, building a fanbase from nothing, life on tour, concept albums, the Bible, and why keeping your sailor hat on is always the right call. Topics covered: Going viral with Carbutt and gaining 10K followers mid-flightHow Justin Bieber & SZA sharing his content changed everythingQuitting his architecture tour job to rap full-timeWhy comedy rap is harder to sell than it looksLonely Island, Bible lore, mustaches & more 🎙️ Passion Pod — Real people. Passion-driven careers. Unfiltered stories. 📲 Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 🌐 passionpod.org

April 27, 2026Episode 2231 hr 41 min

Episode 223 LeRoy Butler

Green Bay Packers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler sits down with Passion Pod for one of his most candid interviews yet. From growing up in extreme poverty in Jacksonville to creating the most iconic celebration in NFL history — the Lambeau Leap — LeRoy holds nothing back. In this episode: 🏈 Brett Favre's off-field memories & the Pack Attack TV show 🏈 How Deion Sanders gave him his nickname "Roy Lee" 🏈 The untold story of replacing Deion at Florida State 🏈 Reggie White's impact on the Packers' Super Bowl run 🏈 Battling anxiety, dyslexia & claustrophobia throughout his career 🏈 His new book Locker Room Therapy, Leap 36 Vodka & his upcoming documentary If you love football, real stories, and people who lived life on their own terms — this one's for you. Subscribe & Follow Passion Pod: 🎙️ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/passionpod 🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053 🌐 Website: passionpod.org

April 13, 2026Episode 2221 hr 7 min

Episode 222 Wes Barker (Stuntmagician)

Comedy magician Wes Barker aka Stuntmagician joins Passion Pod to talk about viral YouTube success, America’s Got Talent, Pen & Teller, TV shows, live performance, and hilarious magic fails. If you love comedy, magic, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes stories from a professional magician, this episode is for you. Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

April 6, 2026Episode 22155 min

Episode 221 Ashley Gavin

In this episode of Passion Pod, Chris Johnson sits down with stand up comedian Ashley Gavin for a candid conversation about comedy, internet fame, podcasting, public backlash, and what it takes to keep going after a career-changing moment. Ashley shares stories from cruise ship comedy, touring, building an audience online, and how her perspective on stand-up has changed over time. Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA

March 30, 2026Episode 2201 hr 24 min

Episode 220 Doug Mahnke (DC Comics Artist)

In this episode of Passion Pod, Chris Johnson sits down with DC comic book artist Doug Mahnke for a wide-ranging conversation about his career in comics, creativity, and storytelling. Doug shares behind-the-scenes stories from working on Batman, The Mask, Green Lantern, Superman, and more, along with how he broke into the comic book industry and built a career spanning more than 30 years. Follow Passion Pod: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Passion-Pod-100063883543053/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRARBmS0h7W2Eh00Y8uyNtA