Mason Jenkins, Tattooer & Burlesque Performer

On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Mason Jenkins, Tattooer at Blackbird Electric Tattoo in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. On this episode, Aram and Mason discuss body reconciliation through tattooing. This conversation explores Mason’s experience as a transgender man, and the empowerment and body autonomy that comes with tattooing.  

This episode also delves into the long-term stress response. Aram explains the stages of burnout and gives actionable tools to manage: Discipline (exercise, diet, sleep and social), Distraction (junk food of the mind or the health food of the mind), and Disruption (changing your perspective). 

ON THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT

• Mason’s experience as a transgender man 
• The therapeutic nature of the exchange with an audience 
• Tattooers as facilitators of body reclamation 
• The value of manufactured discomfort 
• Understanding the sympathetic nervous system response