203 - Alicia Cardenas memorial

On the 27th of December 2021 Alicia Cardenas; a mother, a tattooer, a piercer, a mentor, and a former President of the Association of Professional Piercers was shot and killed in her studio in Denver, Colorado. Alicia was my friend and I thought the best way to grieve and heal would be to ask some of Alicia's friends and colleagues to share their thoughts with us. It might be difficult for you listen to, but it is a powerful episode with some laughs, some gossip from the days of piercing past, and just a little bit of crying. I've also included the conversations I recorded with Alicia back in 2016, so be prepared to hear her voice from time to time. This episode is only one small window of a shared grief in our piercer community, and this tragedy in Denver. Alicia was not the only death, not the only casualty. Alyssa Gunn Maldonado was shot and killed in the same attack at Sol Tribe. Alyssa's husband James Maldonado was also shot, and fortunately survived. Three other people were killed by the same attacker that night. Sometimes thoughts and feelings are left unsaid. Cherish the friends and the loved ones in your life, tell them how you feel every chance you get.

This episode was made with contributions from: Bethra Szumski, Eduardo Chavarria, Amanda Waters, Miro Hernandez, Ismael Vargas Guerrero, Vivi Madero, Jef Saunders, Gigi Gits, Jason King, Luis Garcia, Caitlin McDiarmid, Dr. Matt Lodder, Kendra Jane, Paul King, and Casey Dilla Hosch. Rest in Power Alicia.