National award for tattoo history podcast

University of Essex tattoo historian Dr Matt Lodder has scooped a top national award for his podcast that charts the history of tattoos.

His body art podcast, Beneath the Skin, picked up the history award at the Independent Podcast Awards.

Dr Lodder and his producer Thomas O’Mahony were presented with their award by comedian and awards host Esther Manito.

Beneath the Skin’s unusual perspective was described by judges as “a perfect example of what a podcast can be.”

The podcast, which has the tagline The History of Everything told through the History of Tattooing, features interviews with artists, academics and collectors.

Dr Lodder explained the inspiration for Beneath the Skin: "We started the podcast because we wanted to share good, scholarly research on tattooing with a general audience. Other tattoo podcasts focus on contemporary tattoo culture, so we felt there was an audience who was interested in the topic but underserved by quality information.

“Winning was a real honour and surprise. It's important that the independent sector of the industry is championed, and for our very targeted topic to win the overall history award speaks to the opportunities that the medium of podcasting provides,” he added.

Listen to Beneath the Skin.

As well as an overall Podcast of the Year award, the Independent Podcast Awards recognise podcasts in 20 subject-specific categories from comedy and gaming to sexuality and relationships.

Header image: Dr Matt Lodder (right) with his producer Thomas O'Mahony.