IslandTAT Presents
A long-running specialist podcast and video archive exploring Polynesian tattoo, culture, process, and practitioner conversations. Hosted by Joshawa Elsas of IslandTAT.
Your Culture. Your Talk.
Watch the channel trailer · @tattalkpodcast
TATtalk is a long-form podcast and video series dedicated entirely to Polynesian tattoo art — its meaning, its lineage, and the cultural protocols that hold it together. Each episode is hosted by Joshawa Elsas, founder of IslandTAT in San Diego, drawing on decades of practice and conversations with master artists, cultural carriers, and clients from across the Polynesian Triangle.
The mission is simple: protect and pass on the knowledge. TATtalk explores motifs, placement, ceremony, traditional tools, and the modern questions clients actually ask — from cultural respect and lineage to coverups, healing, and how a freehand Polynesian piece comes together. New conversations are added regularly. Explore more than 200 published videos and conversations.
Featured
Ep. 30 · May 22, 2025
Joshawa Elsas sits down with Uncle Helemano to explore the deep cultural meaning behind Polynesian tattoo symbols, family lineage, and the concept of Blood and Water in Pacific culture.
Ep. 29 · May 15, 2025
Exploring Rapa Nui (Easter Island) tattoo traditions, Pacific Islander cultural identity, and the ongoing coconut crisis affecting Polynesian communities and their tattoo heritage.
Ep. 28 · May 8, 2025
Deep dive into Fijian tattoo history, the revival of traditional Fijian tattooing, and a frank conversation about copying Polynesian tattoo designs and why it matters culturally.
Ep. 27 · May 1, 2025
Breaking down real Polynesian tattoo designs, covering scar and old ink coverups, and deep analysis of the Niho Mano (shark teeth) motif and its cultural significance.
Ep. 26 · April 24, 2025
Tackling cultural appropriation in tattooing, whether combining Polynesian and Aztec tattoo elements is acceptable, and a showcase of recent IslandTAT tattoo highlights.
Ep. 25 · April 17, 2025
Live tattoo highlight breakdown, viewer Q&A on Polynesian tattoo meanings, and an exploration of whether color can be incorporated into traditional Polynesian tribal designs.
Ep. 24 · April 10, 2025
A complete guide to planning your first Polynesian tattoo — where to start on the body, how to choose the right style, and what symbols are appropriate for your lineage and story.
Ep. 23 · April 3, 2025
Joshawa addresses cultural appropriation in depth, when non-Polynesians can wear Polynesian tattoos, and how artist collaborations work within the Polynesian tattoo community.
Ep. 22 · March 27, 2025
Tracing the origins of Polynesian tattoo symbols back to ancient Lapita pottery, tapa cloth patterns, and the archaeological artifacts that shaped modern Polynesian tattooing.
Ep. 21 · March 20, 2025
A rare interview with Manutea Chartiez, renowned Tahitian tattoo artist, on the roots of Polynesian tattooing, traditional techniques, and the future of Pacific Island tattoo culture.
Ep. 20 · March 13, 2025
Everything you need to know about becoming a Polynesian tattoo apprentice, what it takes to train in a studio dedicated to Polynesian tattooing, and a showcase of recent client tattoo work from IslandTAT.
Ep. 19 · March 6, 2025
Step-by-step breakdown of how Polynesian tattoos are planned and executed, from initial consultation through the layering of symbols and the healing process.
Ep. 18 · February 27, 2025
Hands-on tattoo tutorials covering key Polynesian motifs alongside historical context — how these symbols evolved across Samoa, Tonga, Hawaiʻi, and the Marquesas Islands.
Ep. 17 · February 20, 2025
Live tattooing session captured on camera plus a fascinating look at restoring and reworking old or faded Polynesian tattoos to bring them back to their original power.
Ep. 16 · February 13, 2025
Special guest Dr. Gabrielle Lyon joins TATtalk to discuss her Polynesian tattoo, the intersection of health, identity, and culture, and what getting tattooed meant to her.
Ep. 15 · February 6, 2025
A hands-on tutorial episode featuring real design walkthroughs, symbol placement explanations, and a showcase of completed Polynesian sleeve and back piece tattoos.
Ep. 14 · January 30, 2025
An honest conversation about whether non-Polynesians should get Polynesian tattoos, the ethics of tattooing foreigners, and how cultural respect shapes every design decision.
Ep. 13 · January 23, 2025
Exploring tattoo copyright law as it applies to Polynesian designs, who owns cultural art, and a deep dive into the cultural foods of the Pacific Islands that tie into identity.
Ep. 12 · January 16, 2025
Comparative breakdown of Hawaiian, Samoan, Marquesan, and Tahitian tattoo styles — understanding the differences, similarities, and cultural rules for each tradition.
Ep. 11 · January 9, 2025
A comprehensive symbol guide covering the most common Polynesian tattoo motifs — ocean waves, turtles, spearheads, enata, and mantas — and what each means in context.
Ep. 10 · January 2, 2025
Everything about caring for your Polynesian tattoo after it's done — healing stages, aftercare routines, when to get touch-ups, and how to preserve dark tribal ink long-term.
Ep. 9 · December 26, 2024
A thorough exploration of Polynesian tattoo symbolism and the process of designing a custom piece that tells your personal story through documented Pacific cultural imagery.
Ep. 8 · December 19, 2024
Understanding the fundamental design principles behind Polynesian tattooing and the cultural rules that govern what can be combined, what must be earned, and what must be respected.
Ep. 7 · December 12, 2024
A behind-the-scenes look at IslandTAT's tattooing process, from client consultation and design planning through the live tattooing experience and final reveal.
Ep. 6 · December 5, 2024
Why copying another person's Polynesian tattoo is deeply disrespectful, how originality is built into the cultural tradition, and how to ensure your tattoo is uniquely yours.
Ep. 5 · November 28, 2024
Covering how surgeries and medical procedures interact with tattooed skin, plus broader conversations about Polynesian tattoo culture, its global rise, and preservation.
Ep. 4 · November 21, 2024
Deep dive into proper aftercare for Polynesian tattoos alongside a conversation about Pacific Islander cultural foods and the role food plays in Polynesian identity and ceremony.
Ep. 3 · November 14, 2024
Real horror stories from bad Polynesian tattoo experiences, the do's and don'ts every client must know, and how to successfully cover up a poorly done tribal tattoo.
Ep. 2 · November 7, 2024
Episode 2 of TATtalk dives into the core meanings behind Polynesian tattoo symbols and how Island culture shapes the art form, from the Pacific to the mainland.
Ep. 1 · October 31, 2024
The very first episode of TATtalk — Joshawa Elsas introduces the podcast, his background as a Polynesian tattoo artist, and what TATtalk will cover for the Polynesian tattoo community.
The studio works by appointment in San Diego, California. See the Polynesian tattoo San Diego page for hours, travel notes, and how projects are scheduled.