This week on Unprepared, we sit down with tattoo artist Mariah Mermaids and dive needle-first into her journey from apprentice to full-blown tattoo slayer. We talk first tattoos (the good, the bad, and the “why did I agree to that?”), new tattoo techniques, and what it really takes to turn art into a career.

Mariah breaks down shop life, learning the craft, evolving your style, and trusting the process — plus we somehow detour into a very serious debate about how to properly eat nachos (spoiler: structure matters).

RG the Barber sits in the chair and breaks down his journey from military life to building his own barbershop. We talk about how discipline from the service shaped his grind, the realities of running a shop, and the early days of learning the craft—when cousins were the first to volunteer for some very experimental haircuts.

RG also shares his philosophy behind the chair, including why the customer is always right… even when the cut they want might not be the cut they should get. Real stories, real laughs, and real insight into the life behind the clippers.

In this episode of Unprepared for Battle, we sit down with author FK Menzz to talk about his debut fantasy novel, Battle of Verdants — the first book in When the Crown Bleeds series.

We dive into the world behind the book, the characters, and the inspiration that sparked it all. What began as short stories written for his daughter while she was away at college eventually grew into a full-scale fantasy epic.

FK shares his journey as a pastor from Ghana, how faith, imagination, and storytelling intersect in his life, and how his background has shaped the themes within his writing. Beyond the pages of the book, he is deeply committed to giving back to his community in Ghana, leading initiatives that support and uplift others.

This episode is all about the holidays—the good, the weird, and the “why do we still do this every year?” moments. We dive into our favorite holiday traditions, memories that still hit us right in the feels, and the ones that make us laugh now that enough time (and food) has passed. From childhood magic to adult responsibilities sneaking in uninvited, we talk about what the holidays meant then, what they mean now, and how traditions change but the memories stick. Cozy vibes, honest laughs, and a reminder that the best parts of the holidays usually aren’t wrapped in paper—they’re wrapped in stories.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Guillermo Rodriguez to talk openly about his battle with addiction, the rock-bottom moment that forced real change, and the long road that followed.

Dr. Rodriguez shares what addiction took from him—and what recovery gave back. From surviving his lowest point to earning his doctorate, becoming a professor and social worker, and dedicating his life to giving back to the community, his story is raw, honest, and deeply human.

This isn’t a highlight reel or a feel-good shortcut. It’s a real conversation about accountability, resilience, and choosing to keep going when quitting would be easier.

If you or someone you love has been touched by addiction, this episode is proof that change is possible—even when you feel completely unprepared.

This week we’re joined by Chicago-based stand-up comedian Gabriel Alvizo, who brings sharp wit, unapologetic honesty, and absolutely zero fear of dropping an F-bomb. We dive into his comedy influences, trading stories about the legends who shaped his style, the wild hecklers who accidentally become part of the show, and how his Salinas roots still sneak into his jokes — whether he wants them to or not.

It’s raw, it’s hilarious, it’s chaotic in that perfect “Unprepared” way… and yes, there’s plenty of cussing. Like, a lot. Consider yourself warned.

Tap in, laugh hard, and maybe clutch your pearls just a little.

This week we’re joined by Ben Flores, a firefighter from Seaside, who walks us through his journey into the fire service — from the moment he knew this was the job to the grind of actually getting there. We talk holiday fire prevention (because nothing ruins Christmas like a kitchen fire), the reality of first calls, and the unforgettable moment of getting stuck inside the fire engine when the adrenaline was already maxed out.

It’s equal parts informative, chaotic, and hilarious — a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a firefighter from someone who actually lives it… not just someone who owns a red toy truck.

You can’t prepare for what’s waiting in the dark.