Stationery Freaks

How do two writers, bound by their devotion to beautiful stationery, actually write books? In this episode, Helen and Rob reveal their individual paths, uncovering the shared foundation of paper-based ideation – the noodling, expanding, and connecting that begins on the page with their beloved notebooks. Explore their transition to digital tools (Rob's a touch more intricate!), their editing journeys, and their distinct publishing routes – Helen to her website, Rob primarily through self-publishing. Expect delightful detours into UK National Stationery Week, Rob's exciting new project requiring more notebooks, and Helen's potential planner evolution. Want to see their cool process diagrams and more? The newsletter is your visual companion. But for the nuanced details and personal insights, tune in to this engaging conversation.Newsletter is here.

In this episode Helen and Rob talk about whether there was a defining moment, or time, when they became Stationery Freaks.They start with Stationery Stories:Helen has an occasion to break out a new notebook - an Atoms and Astronauts one from Vinted. Rob's been watching too much Parisian Agency on Netflix - so is trying to adopt a Parisian style and coolness with a new Folio packed with a Yellow Legal Pad and a couple of Moleskine Cahiers. Helen introduces the (potentially) new segment of the show called "Stationery Freaks in the Wild", in which she shares a story of a fellow writing retreat stationery freak who rocked up with a yellow legal and a BlackWing penHelen introduces a new concept for fellow Stationery Freaks to try - shop at home!Becoming a freakHelen remembers scented pens and rubbers/erasers as a childHelen recalls calligraphy class at school and learning to write using an italic ink penRob remembers his Chemistry teacher, Dungeon Master, who ensured students had extremely, dangerously, sharp pencilsRob remembers Christmas Eve gifts of notebooks and pensBoth recall gift shops at museumsHelen explains that she's always needed stationery to control her life, otherwise it would be a catastropheHelen also reveals that she uses stickers to denote which type of bin to put out. Rob just goes on what everyone else is doing. Rob recalls putting tunes on and writing film scripts - and how that positive feeling dwindled when he tried to do it on computers.Rob mentions that Domestika has some great tutorials on creating infographics!Helen speaks about how simply the act of thinking back to early stationery memories was a really positive experience. Is there a time when you knew you were a stationery freak? What memories do you have about early stationery use?Let us know - we're on Instagram @stationeryfreaksukThanks for listening!Subscribe to the newsletter and find all of our casts at:https://stationeryfreaks.com/

In this episode we explore why we both have huge hoards of unused and partially used notebooks, and what makes us crack open a new notebook.You can find videos, photos and a deeper dive into this topic in the newsletter.In this episode:Helen is still searching for her full collection of mechanical pencils. The Penac Protti goes down well at work, but Rob ends up with pencil all over him at work, and refuses to share his doodles with his work colleagues.  Rob describes Helen's notebook storage unit with remarkable accuracy.Helen defines her key purpose for using a new notebook.Rob goes down the emotional route for deciding on using a new notebook (Clarity, Excitement, Despair).Rob and Helen both commit to doing a video of their notebook stashRob has 12 notebooks on the go, all originally started with a purpose, but they get morphed as he never has the right notebook, in the right place, at the right time. Helen's least transient work is creative writing - hence her notebook has a clear purpose long term.Rob thinks pairing down to one notebook is the answer, but then the stack of spare notebooks taunt himRob finds a fellow freak who loves pens and pencils but has no time for notebooks or paper. Helen realises she will never have enough projects for all of her notebooksRob sees a business opportunity to sell his half-used notebooksHelen is off to London with her daughter and visiting a well-known stationery store. We mention these other Stationery Freaks casts:Vinted and StationeryLittle red notebook mentioned in this cast on goal setting.The dichotomy of minimalism and stationery freakness.Maria Le Van notebooks and London stationery shops.The perfect mechanical pencil.Find out more in the newsletter. Thanks for listening.Rob & Helen

In this episode we chat about all things pencil related. We cover:Why Rob has so many notebooks he cannot move his writing deskHelen's latest Vinted stationery haul - and a surprise penThe lovely folks at Penac sent us some free samples - and they are brilliantHow we use pencils and paper for getting unstuck, or in Rob's case, for 99% of his writingWhy the non-permanent nature of pencils lends itself to creative thinkingWhy Rob bought the Rotring 600 pencil but hasn't used it muchAnd much moreGet images and links to everything we discuss in the Stationery Freaks newsletter.

In this episode Helen shares how she's getting on with her Hobonichi system, a year after making the switch from Bullet Journaling. We did an episode on this switch in early 2024 - you can listen to that episode here, where Helen shared why switching over the New Year was a bad idea. And so, a year later, we revisited this topic to hear how Helen is getting on, what's adapted and whether she still needs a suitcase to carry around her growing sticker collection. I ask Helen about the Hobonichi system, how it differs from Bullet Journaling, how she organises her stickers, whether Helen then keeps each notebook and how her system works. Helen shares more about the Hobonichi eco-system, bulldog clips & paper clips and how she's had to retire her massive collection of Washi tape.We also talk about or mention:Mark and Fold stationers & our chat on the show with founder Amy.Atoms to Astronauts notebooksLamy Fountain Pens (aff link)Our interview with Fountain Pen legend, Urban HafnerAnd lovely kind comments left on Rob's video from fellow stationery freaks(Some images of Helen's planner are shared in the newsletter).

In this episode we chat about why we've been missing for a few months, our stationery purchases and how we're always in pursuit of the perfect structure.You can find images, links and other insights that accompany this podcast on our newsletter - https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/We cover, amongst other topics:1. A YouTube video comment that led Rob to a new pencil purchase2. Helen talks about her Hobonichi and how she's still loving it - although struggling to find time for buying stickers3. Rob talks about keeping a ledger as a life audit4. Helen talks about her writing habit and how she uses digital and analogue in combination5. Rob talks about his shipping forecasts and how this was supposed to be the perfect structure6. Helen goes down a Rabbit Hole of creating the perfect podcast structureAnd more. Products and links mentioned in this episode:Toad in the hole is a British dish made with sausages and batter - Toad in the HoleRob's Collins LedgerOur previous episode about Hobonichi PlannersRob buys a rOtring 600 mechanical pencilHelens studying creative writingMartha Brook's advent calendarBusiness cards as stickersEpisode 1 of our previous advent calendar of stationery freaks goodness

In this episode Rob introduces his new productivity system of coloured military-style print out. Rob and Helen ponder why it's hard to find a system that works. And that maybe, they've (well, Rob) has been searching in the wrong place. Maybe, when we try to find a streamlined, slick, frictionless productivity system we're not actually getting much reward. And maybe, just maybe, higher friction system (bullet journaling, Rob's new method, Hobonichi etc) give a more meaningful reward. And maybe even, the reward is in the friction itself. Much to ponder. Find our newsletter that accompanies this here.

In this episode we chat about the magic of whiteboards. We cover:How we used them at workHow Helen's daughter uses them for learning and revisionHow Rob's son uses them for doodlingThe ephemeral nature of whiteboard contentLong running whiteboard content - and why "do not wipe" is importantIf you'd like to see the images we talk about in this session, head to the newsletter.

In this episode Helen and Rob chat about buying stationery hauls from Vinted (other platforms and services are available).We cover:Our surprise at the variety of stationery on vintedThe bargains to be hadHelen's stationery haul for an upcoming workshopRob's stationery haul for no reason other than some bargain Moleskines and a notepad with Yorkshire written on the frontHow Rob makes offers and Helen pays full priceWhat stuff they found on Vinted. Note: We have no affiliation with Vinted - we just thought you'd like to hear about the stationery goodness. Note: We believe Vinted is available in many countries - but double check and if not, no doubt there is an alternative - let us know!ThanksRob and Helen

In this episode Rob and Helen explore the world of Domestika, an online learning platform for creatives. Note: We are not affiliated with Domestika, but Rob is addicted to it. * Rob explains what Domestika is and how it works* Helen is addicted to stickers - and may jump in to Domestika to learn more about calligraphy* Rob explains how he sometimes just watches the "materials" video on each Domestika course to geek out on stationery* Rob is building a list of Domestika tutors to interview for the Stationery Freaks podcast* Helen is intrigued by what's on Rob's watch list (see the full list on the newsletter)* Rob explains that Domestika is addictive so go carefullyFind out more about Domestika here. Subscribe to the Stationery Freaks newsletter here. ThanksRob and Helen

In this episode Rob shares his goal setting process using paper and digital tools. Rob explains what makes a good goal, Helen asks lots of questions and Rob shares how to track goals.We cover:Goals should be measurable and timeboundAn annual review is a positive processPainting a picture of the future and aligning goals is importantThe why is importantPrecious little red notebooksTracking in ToDoistThe power of journalingWhy not subscribe to the newsletter too!

In this episode we explore the world of Hobonichi Planners. Helen decided that January was a good time to switch productivity, journaling and note-taking systems (it may not have been a wise decision). She chats us through the world of Hobonichi Planners and how she is using them to "force" her to develop the habit of journaling. She also needed mountains of stickers. All the stickers. We also cover Midori notebooks (Helen raves about these), Etsy Hobonichi sticker providers and why productivity systems must be hacked to make them work for you. Rob explores "containers with rules" and explain how he's impressed with a new calendar view in Todoist. We hope you enjoy this episode. Why not subscribe to the Stationery Freaks newsletter also - https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/Thanks Helen and Rob

It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 4 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into things we would buy if money were no object.Rob breaks the rules on this one, Helen less so. Listen to the end for a magical and amazing idea we'd love to do, but alas, money IS an object. We cover:- Helen - Smythson Soho Luxury Notebooks. About £170 - £250- Rob - Parker Bumble Bee - ebay link so may expire. £5000 for a pen!- Helen - Diamine Inkvent Calendar - this is SO cool. £89.95- Rob - Antique Writing Desk - link may expire if sold. £3650- Helen - Helen would like a pen made from the Apple Tree made famous by Isaac Newton. We believe you can only get them in the store at Woolsthorpe Manor, not online. Alternatively, Helen would like a pen made of wood from the actual York Minster.- Rob - My more reasonable choice (although still expensive) would be this amazing pencil sharpener by Labour And Wait. Epic. But is around £200.We make use of affiliate links which means you don't pay any more but we earn a tiny commission that goes to keeping the servers running.Subscribe to the newsletter to never miss an episode : https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/Follow us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/

It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 3 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into stationery accessories that are on our gift list.Helen shares three and Rob shares three.We cover:- Helen - TipEx Mouse- Rob - Firbon A4 paper cutter- Helen - Bookaroo Sticky Tabs- Rob - Rapesco desktop Pencil Sharpener- Helen - Hobonichi Deco Rush Stickers- Rob - Vretti thermal printer (here's the Vretti one I bought but it looks like it's been discontinued) Here's a "memoking" that receives high praise.- Helen also shares her disappointment about Dove Grey inkWe make use of affiliate links which means you don't pay any more but we earn a tiny commission that goes to keeping the servers running. This Christmas Gift Guide newsletter is out now - subscribe here : https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/ Check out the website : https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/ Follow us on Insta : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/

It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 2 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into notebooks that are on our gift list.Helen shares three and Rob shares three.We cover:- Helen - Zen Art B5 Dotted Notebook- Rob - Ottergami A5 notebook- Helen - Atoms to Astronauts notebooks- Rob - A4 Yellow Legal Pads- Helen - Midori Notebook- Rob - Plotter Japan NotebookAnd an honourable mention (we both assumed the other had it on their list) to the very excellent Mark and Fold Everyday Notebook (And no, we are not sponsored or affiliated with Mark and Fold :) )We make use of affiliate links which means you don't pay any more but we earn a tiny commission that goes to keeping the servers running.After the first three episodes have aired we'll send out a Christmas Gift Guide newsletter - subscribe here : https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/Check out the website : https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/Follow us on Insta : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/

It's that time of the year again - time for something festive. In this special edition, episode 1 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into 6 pens/pencils/inks that are on our gift list. Helen shares three and Rob shares three. We cover:Helen - The Stalogy Gel PenRob - Sharpie Ultra FineHelen - Glow in the dark ink (Etsy)Rob - Staedtler Norris School PencilsHelen - Waterman Carene Ink Pen (Fountain Pen)Rob - Waterman Deluxe Ink Pen (Fountain Pen)We make use of affiliate links which means you don't pay any more but we earn a tiny commission that goes to keeping the servers running.After the first three episodes have aired we'll send out a Christmas Gift Guide newsletter - subscribe here : https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/Check out the website : https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/Follow us on Insta : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/

In this episode we chat with Amy Cooper-Wright who is the founder of Mark and Fold, one of our favourite stationery companies. Amy talks business, notebooks, gaps in the market, sustainability and shares her desert island stationery!We chat about: Why start a stationery company Why Amy was influenced when she was younger by making her own books and running a toy post office Why Amy sought out to make the notebook better, not cheaper - and held to her high bar of quality  Why Amy was tired of not being able to find decent notebooks to buy Logistics, designs, challenges Pens, notebooks and the love of stationery Why you need to gather your stationery supplies ready to unleash your potential Why it's important to build your own system - and why Mark and Fold don't prescribe the system Sustainability and waste in the stationery industry Desert Island stationery - find out which 5 products Amy would take with her Special OfferOur Stationery Freaks newsletter includes some images of our Mark and Fold products and details of the special offer - https://stationeryfreaks.substack.comWe mention the Mark and Fold products that we use:- The Everyday notebook- The planner PadAmy mentions Kenya Hara and his excellent book 100 whites (affiliate link) all about the colour white and paper.And here is the notebook Amy couldn't remember the name of: https://www.labobratori.com/And here is Amy's new adventure in branding and comms - https://www.ames-and.co/ThanksRob and Helen

In this episode we do a lovely interview with Sanne Visser, Technologist, Zentangle and Mandala aficionado and bullet journalling fan.We cover:* The Netherlands, bikes, canals and wonderful old libraries that sell stationery* What Zentangle and Mandala Art is, and why Sanne does it* The notebooks, pens and pencils used* Table cloth colouring* Stoic wisdom books* Cellotape, staples and Hobonichi planners* And Sanne shares the 5 items of stationery she would take with her to a desert island* We also muse whether water bottles and handcream are considered stationeryYou can find Sanne here:https://www.youtube.com/@9outof10testershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/techsannetized/Products Mentioned:Posca pensSakura Pigma Micron (non-bleed fineliners)Woodley Dual BrushBig coloring tableclothMandala coloring bookFind pictures of Sanne's artwork on our website : https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/

In this episode we discuss Helen's recent retreat to Gladstone Library. The surprising thing about the retreat was that there were no obvious stationery freaks....in a library. Helen explains what Gladstone Library is and the environment Helen talks about her experience at the retreat Helen explains how everyone had laptops, and very few stationery freaks were there Rob talks a little about his retreat 2 years ago Rob remarks that his was like a lads holiday, without the lads Helen explains why she's rebooked already Plus some hints and tips on doing your own retreat Gladstone Library - https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/Previous episode where Helen Callaghan mentioned Gladstone Library - https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/episodes/helen-callaghanOur Stationery Freaks newsletter where we shared a picture of Helen at the retreat - https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/p/travel-chaos-and-laziness-stationery

In this episode we were super inspired by a wonderful YouTube video we watched, called "You're Not Lazy : How to live a chaotically organised life" by YouTuber Elizabeth Filips. So, given it summed up how we work, or at least how Rob works (that was why Helen sent him the link to the video), we thought we'd deconstruct the video and share stories about how we operate. And of course, although light on stationery talk, how we use stationery to control our own chaos.In the episode we talk about: Stationery Stories: Helen has bought some single use ink pens Rob's been boring and bought some coloured paper  Helen's daughter is mapping out the entire history of the Roman Empire on a giant sheet of paper.  We chat about white boards Helen is retreating to a library And of course, we deconstruct the messages in Elizabeth's videos and how they resonated so much with us. Fall behind, catch up, move ahead Seven year itch - become 1000% better quickly Optimise for passion Adult brat - talk to yourself properly Elizabeths video is here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2sS00egAzg&t=639sHer channel is here : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUFFHXvzAMRSD8Bq4bJppxQWe mention Van Neistat : https://creatorhub.patreon.com/articles/digital-spaghetti-van-neistatWe mention Mark Forster : http://markforster.squarespace.com/Check out the newsletter and website at stationeryfreaks.comThanks

In this episode we chat about what stationery we take with us when we travel. Let us know what you take.We cover: Bookaroo notebook carry cases are Helen's new thing. (affiliate Amazon link) Van Neistat's inspiring Rob again - this time to create ToDo lists and organise himself Helen waxes lyrical about some new exercise books Rob turned up to a Mastermind meeting with the worst stationery We then chat about what we take with us to conferences and when travelling with work. - Notebooks- Pens- Pencil casesAnd we also share two examples of Stationery Freaks we've spotted in the wild - and how we might approach them to talk stationery.You can find more on https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/

In today's episode we chat about why we revert to lists when we're overwhelmed - as well as some stationery storiesStationery Stories The man who stuck post-it notes to his tie - Helen recalls the story of a man who used this process to get things done. Rob's using Helen's post-it notes Teachers using iPads to stick post-it notes to Rob has sent the Remarkable2 back - and bought a typewriter Main Topic - Lists when overwhelmed We chat about lists, what we use them for and why we revert to them when things get overwhelming Not all of our lists are analogue Rob talks about his bucket list as the master list We chat about how digital tools can store endless lists - and that's why analogue can be helpful - there is limited space Helen talks about using a list to write stories Helen talks about workflowy and how she uses it We mention: Van Neistat's ToDo list video Remarkable2 Workflowy You can find our newsletter and other episodes on https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/

In this episode we talk about what's happening to us - as we find digital tooling becoming more important in our stationery world. We talk about the Remarkable 2, Moleskine balance and how we are still stationery freaks! And Rob is retooling his knowledge management and Helen learned nothing about herself, despite sticker journaling for a few weeks.We cover: Woolsthorpe manor, where Isaac Newton saw the apple fall - and the fact you can buy pens made from the very tree that Newton saw the apple fall from Rob's bought a Remarkable - will he send it back? Rob's doing a workshop in Romania - and has bought hundreds of stickers for an immersive workshop Helen's been using the Moleskine Balance app to track habits, mood etc. The interface is calming and clean - she is enjoying Helen is using Bullet Journaling more for work than personal - due to working from home more often and "closing down the day" Rob's been researching tooling for a Personal Knowledge Management System - and was spending more time fiddling with the system than learning. Helen is using Obsidian, Rob uninstalled it after 10 minutes. Rob talks about The Brain as a PKMS. It's an awesome tool - but pricey, and would require a big on-going financial investment. Helen has been sticker journaling about her mood and energy levels, and tracking this using stickers. What did she learn about herself? Absolutely nothing by all accounts. Zero insights. Nothing. Nada Rob talks about using Zotero and the Remarkable as his new PKMS Rob talks through why he's bought the Remarkable 2, and how it fits into his ecosystem of learning and note taking. At the moment, he's keeping it, but there is a 100 day returns promise Helen's not convinced about the Remarkable. Truth be told, Rob isn't either. Find more episodes and subscribe to the newsletter at www.stationeryfreaks.com

In this episode we discuss habits and how we define them and track them using both digital and analogue tracking and documenting. We share our own perspectives of how we develop habits.* Helen has bought all of the stickers in the whole world (possibly)* Rob is trying to build the habit of not buying anymore notebooks for a while - and instead, using up the mountain of notepads he has* Rob has regained the love of Yellow Legal Pads* Helen spends her life trying to make herself better using structures and systems to try and take away the thinking around habits* Helen is trying to stop eating chocolate* We reference Atomic Habits by James Clear as an awesome book about habits (affiliate link)* Rob talks about how routines and habits that he used to work with in business* Charles Duhigg's book on habits is also pretty special (The Power of Habit) (affiliate link)* Helen is tracking how she feels using stickers in a notebook* Rob used to track habits in ToDoist and simply didn't keep it up to date* Helen is using Moleskine Balance digital app to track her habits. And reminisces about "Sunrise" app by Dan Ariely - since closed down* Rob used to do quantified self, then went on to use the fridge of accountability* Rob is changing his environment to force the habit of weightlifting - and will become the strongest man in Winchester within a month* Rob references The Diary of a CEO podcast with Tim Spector* Helen has moved to measuring the impact habits is having on her life, rather than the thing itselfWhy not subscribe to the newsletter!ThanksRob and Helen

In this episode we interview Maria Van Le of LeVan Books. Maria makes her own beautiful notebooks - of which Helen has purchased a few. They are exquisite, hand made and use some top notch material.In this episode: Helen talks about her 6 ink pens - and decides she needs more (or not). Maria talks about her passion for glass ink pens, water colour painting and using her own books Maria explains how she started making books for her daughter and her friends, before making them for other people Maria is self taught and a perfectionist - always ensuring her books meet her own high standards - therefore delighting the customer Maria mentions Shepherds book binding (bookbinding.co.uk) - a cool store where she gets many of her materials from. Rob realises Shepherds is not too far from his office….credit card ready Maria explains how long books take to make and how precise she needs to be We discuss GSM paper thickness and their different uses.  Maria also shares the 5 things she would take to a desert island Maria also shares why she set up the Etsy store and how you can get your own custom notebook Useful LinksYou can find Maria on Etsy at LeVan Books - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LeVanBooks?ref=usf_2020Fancy having a go at making your own notebook? Here's a kit (affiliate link).

In this episode Rob and Helen share some of their stationery disasters as well as ramble chat about stationery, including, but not limited to, Helen has a new LeVan notebooks Helen Callaghan Writing Challenges - check out this previous podcast featuring Helen Callaghan Stationery Care Packages - Helen sends some beautiful gifts, perfectly wrapped. Rob sends a package with a terrible index card in it.  Rob uses his Bella Beso planners. Helen explains to a new team member that she doesn't use digital tools. Rob uses analogue note taking methods whilst others smirk.  Helen explains how she ruined a notebook Rob explains how he lost his entire digital Personal Knowledge Management System (we've done a cast on this) Helen is now going to come up with creative ways to ruin more notebooks so she can justify starting new ones. https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/episodes/stationery-disastersHope you enjoy.Rob and Helen

In the first podcast of the year, (I know, we're slack), Helen and Rob chat about recent stationery finds, purchases and goodies.  Helen geeks out with a colleague who loves Fountain Pens - and is an expert on paper quality. They head to Gilbert House Pens to spend money.  Helen buys a feather resin pen.  Brad Herrington from Gilbert House Pens is helpful and guides Helen to the right pen.  Helen is now obsessed with inks, especially after we had Urban Hafner on the show. Helen is now using shimmer inks of various colours.  Rob is taking out extra loans to cover his addiction to Domestika courses.  Rob is now finishing a small lettering course by Little Hannah (amongst other courses!) Rob has therefore bought some Pentel Brush pens for the course - sorry, Rob referred to them as ink pens in the podcast - they are not. They are brush pens.  Rob apologises if you head to Domestika and up remortgaging your house. Their courses are brilliant.  Helen has convinced friend of the show, Helen Callaghan (Guest on Episode 20), to set some constraints and coach / mentor Stationery Freak Helen on writing.  Helen has finally found a use for her "top of the class" Mark and Fold notebook - you know, that notebook that is super special.  And now Helen has replaced it with another "top of the class" notebook from LeVan notebooks.  A beautiful hand stitched notebook, that lays flat, and is covered in Japanese silk/linen.  It turns out Helen keeps her unused notebooks (of which most Stationery Freaks have hundreds) on display.  Rob finds this unsettling as it would remind him of all of the potential he has yet to release.  Rob keeps his hidden away in his writing desk Rob is following the wonderfully talented Play Attention Now on Instagram - he has inspired Rob to keep learning to draw.Which is why Rob has purchased another Ottergami notebook. Helen has signed up for a writing workshop that takes place over 30 weeks with Alison and Jenny who run "A Novel in a year" Rob mentions his upcoming book "Take a day off" over on Cultivated Management  Rob has bought an old school Rapesco pencil sharpener. Helen has bought an ergonomically challenged pencil sharpener of her own - that slices fingers in the process of sharpening pencils.  Rob has bought a book called "Japanese Colour Matching" from the wonderful CounterPrint books. Stationery Freak Helen and author Helen Callaghan are taking their "creative constraints" workshop to conferences this year! How exciting. Until next time.Rob and Helen

We were VERY excited when fellow Stationery Freak and founder of Fountain Pen Companion, Urban Hafner, joined us on the podcast. Urban is a software developer, fountain pen aficionado, host of two podcasts (one of which is about stationery), bullet journal user and fan of nice stationery.In this episode we chat about: Fountain pens, inks and why Urban created The Fountain Pen Companion tool Japanese pencils Learning handwriting and calligraphy Why Urban throws away his journals once he's finished with them Urban's paired down Bullet Journal practice Desert Island stationery - the five things Urban mentioned are below  Urban flips the rules and turns his desert island into a paradise Why paper is so important when you're using Fountain Pens A3 paper Helen joins the A3 paper movement and tries, weakly to justify buying a beautiful notebook. She did justify the second notebook as a way to practice learning Arabic. Rob share his use of the daily planner from LoveBellaBeso and also makes no attempt to explain why he bought some notebooks from All Things Analogue. Urban's bought some more postcards to send to his subscribers Urban's Desert Island stationery. Urban flips the rules and turns his desert island into a paradise. We didn't Endless Recorder notebook: https://www.madebyendless.com/collections/endless-recorder-notebook Giants' Pens custom pen: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg0-HEdjiKB/ Diamine Green/Black: https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/13-diamine/inks/967-diamine-green-black Uni Penmanship pencil: https://pencilsandotherthings.wordpress.com/2015/08/24/mitsubishi-penmanship-pencils/ KUM Masterpiece: https://www.kum.net/en/the-masterpiece/ Products and Links mentioned in this episodeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanhafner/2 Guys 0 Planners Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-guys-0-planners/id1436673888Expanding Beyond Podcast: https://www.expandingbeyond.it/Fountain Pen Companion: https://fpc.inkEndless Recorder notebook: https://www.madebyendless.com/collections/endless-recorder-notebookGiants' Pens custom pen: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg0-HEdjiKB/Diamine Green/Black: https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/13-diamine/inks/967-diamine-green-blackUni Penmanship pencil: https://pencilsandotherthings.wordpress.com/2015/08/24/mitsubishi-penmanship-pencils/KUM Masterpiece: https://www.kum.net/en/the-masterpiece/Moo Luxe postcards: https://www.moo.com/uk/postcards/luxeFPC logo: https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/blog/4-introducing-fpc-the-fountain-pen-capybaraLoveBellaBeso on IG : https://www.instagram.com/lovebellabeso/All Things Analogue on IG : https://www.instagram.com/allthingsanalogue/These are the notebooks Rob bought : https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck2318OIO3y/Scribble and Dot notebooks - https://amzn.to/3VNn6dy

In this episode Rob and Helen share the 5 items of stationery they would take with them to a Desert Island. What would you take? Let us know on Instagram - @stationeryfreaksukIn this episode: Helen is obsessed with Rob's A3 learning management system - a video of the system is here on Rob's YouTube channel. Rob talks about his new (old) Waterman Fountain Pen Rob bends the rules of the game Helen forgets a pencil sharpener Helen's 5 items: A Mark and Fold desktop scratchpad (part of the stationery pack) A Mark and Fold blackwing pencil (and no, we' have no affiliation with Mark and Fold - other than we love their stationery!) A Perfectly Penned notebook (aff link) TomBow brush pens (aff link) A Paperweight her daughter painted Rob's 5 items: Yellow legal pads (aff link) Staedtler school pencils (aff link) Craft knife The Daily Stoic journal A sketchpad What would you take?We also encourage you to try last year's stationery advent calendar challenge - here's the first episode of that!Don't miss out on joining the community with our newsletter or join us over on Instagram (@stationeryfreaksuk)ThanksRob and Helen

How excited were we when, Sunday Times Best Selling psychological thriller author, Helen Callaghan agreed to be on the podcast?Helen is a stationery freak, so we dug into her process of writing, typewriters, book soundtracks, choosing colours for books, Moleskines, writing retreats and more. It was a real joy and we're sure you'll be inspired and motivated and learn a lot about the world of writing books.Some quotes from the show: “Self-consciousness is the enemy of creativity” On Fountain Pens - “There's something wonderfully technical about them” On writing retreats - “This is what I'm doing now and I'm concentrating on this” “You create a plan for the chapter, and then you don't follow it.” “Work on it every day, be engaged in it and a synthesis happens between things in your head.” “Inspiration has to be summoned” Here's what we covered: NaNoWriMo - and Helen's engagement in it How stationery still has an important role in Helen's life and book writing process Why seeing what you crossed out on paper is important Why choosing a colour scheme for a book being written is important - and how Helen does this Mood boards and music playlists The importance, joy and process of writing retreats. Helen mentions Gladstones writing retreats. How Helen plans and plots out a book - and why sometimes she often doesn't stick to the plan Why writing plots and twists in a book often surprises herself with where it goes! You can find out more about Helen, including her social media and published books here on her website. ThanksRob and Helen

In this episode: We jump into the topic of career development with a three dimensional approach created by Rob, which consists of: DISC Strengths Happiness Rob explains why he prints out loads of selfies using his new Thermal Printer from Vretti Helen is obsessed with stickers from Spooky Yeti If you're interested in the Trinity here are some recommended surveys (Stationery Freaks has no responsibility for your data from these sites - nor has an affiliation with them. But we use them often). It's also worth doing an internet search for free versions of the strengths finder - we've never used any alternatives so cannot comment on how helpful they are. For DISC use Tony Robbin's free online survey. For strengths use Strengths Finder 2.0. For happiness, (choose VIA Survey of Character Strengths) from Authentic Happiness. Rob has a more in-depth write up on his Cultivated Management website here. Don't miss out on joining the community with our newsletter or join us over on Instagram (@stationeryfreaksuk)ThanksRob and Helen

In this episode: We explain what mind maps are, how they work and what we use them for.For more details on different mind maps we recommend this post. We also introduce our new newsletter! Helen introduces her new learning of choice - Arabic. And how she is using brush pens and a new notebook for it. Rob steals Helen stationery. Video of that here. Rob talks about his new Academic planner that makes him look all sophisticated. Helen talks about NaNoWriMo and how she's only ever made it to day 3. Helen talks about fine liners Rob buys some stationery from Sainsbury's but is less than impressed with their shop display. And Helen adds that TKMaxx isn't much better for their displays. https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/episodes/mindmaps

In this episode: We explain, with poorly formed excuses, why we've been absent for 6 months We talk about consistency, notebooks, etsy and Helen's addiction to stickers We talk about notebook usage, whiteboards for bi-annual planning, bulletjournaling and A5 mind mapping Rob talks about his countryside productivity retreat Helen talks about colours, pens, mood Helen's cat makes an appearance And Rob talks about the endless nature on digital todo lists like ToDoist (and how it's not always a good thing) We mention:Zen Art SuppliesMoleskineEtsyMark and FoldTodoist https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/episodes/whats-been-keeping-us-busy-for-6-months

In today's episode we cover:* How to pre-empt failure* How Helen thinks through what could go wrong* Why Rob looks at everything as an experiment - and therefore failures are data for moving forward* Why resilience is essential* The old stoic approach of setting a target but not being wedded to the outcomeThe challenge -> Subscribe to the podcast as next year we have some cracking content coming your way

In today's episode we cover:* Habit stacking and what it is* Chaining habits together* Forcing your environment to support your habits* Picking one existing habit and building on it* Avoiding leaving gaps between habits* Doing just 15 minutes of habits* How Helen did a PHD is procrastination* Talking to your inner 8 year old* How Helen uses her Bullet Journal to track habitsThe challenge -> Choose a habit you wish to develop and decide when would be best to do that habit. Then find an existing habit in or close to that time. Then try to add your new habit together with the existing one!

In today's episode we cover:* How we track goals once they are in progress* Rob shares how he tracks his videos using a Mark and Fold notebook* Helen shares how she relies on the enthusiasm at the beginning of starting a goal to drive habits* Rob talks about his Fridge of Accountability* Helen shares how she uses her Bullet Journal for tracking goalsThe challenge -> We forgot to set one today!

In today's episode we cover:* How we got interested in minimalism* Courtney Carver's project 333* The Minimalists - Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus* Stationery Freak -> Someone who tells themselves they can walk past a stationery shop without going in, but they cannot* How lockdowns have stopped impulse buying from stationery stores* Helen's Etsy habit* Maria Kondo* Sort your life out with Stacey Solomon (and why visualising everything in a warehouse is so clever)* Why emptying a cupboard and throwing stuff away is so cathartic* Two recommendations- Courtney Carver's project 333- Fumio Sasaki's "Goodbye Things" book (affiliate link)The challenge -> Pick one cupboard or drawer, empty it and discard that which doesn't spark joy

In today's episode we cover:* How to turn goals into action* Triggers that trip your brain into breaking it's subconscious routines* Habits are awesome as you don't have to think about them* Can you replace a bad habit with a good one?* Can a certain place trigger habits?* Is the theory of 21 days habit building correct? * Traumatic moments help with building habits (anyone ever forget their gym kit at school?)The challenge -> Pick one goal and think about what routines and habits you'll need to develop to bring it to life

In today's episode we cover:* How to break a goal out into smaller parts, such as milestones or mini sub-goals* Start small - what's the first step or next step* Copy and learn from someone else* Rob shares how he writes a book!* Is there a period of preparation before starting a goal?* And is this preparation a form of procrastination* Make the most of the initial enthusiasm to make progress - before it gets challengingThe challenge -> Pick one of your goals and break it down into tiny next steps.

In today's episode we cover:* Why Helen is learning how to make Japanese food - and how this is a personal learning goal* Why Rob did a two year HR learning goal for his career - and how painful this was* How Rob uses Meso-cycles of learning and implementing* The difference between Task Acquisition and Information Acquisition* How Rob uses Domestika for personal learning* The "Two Whys" of learning - career and personalThe challenge -> Identify a simple learning goal you could commit to in either your personal and business life

In today's episode we cover:How to use your journal to reflect on goals, life and behavioursRob butchers Seneca's journal questions (accidentally)We talk about Benjamin Franklin's two questions to book-end the dayAnd whether Helen really will continue this habit into 2022The challenge -> Continue journaling - and maybe use the "what good did I do today" promptBenjamin Franklin's Daily Schedule For Success (addicted2success.com)How to start journaling — Stationery Freaks

In today's episode we cover: How Helen uses one notebook and typically has 3 - 6 goals Why too many can be overwhelming Why Helen works to a 9 month goal setting period Why breaking the rules of goal setting can be good Why scratching off goals that don't resonate anymore is good But also why sometimes persevering is the right thing to do How Rob sets goals by breaking the 10 year painted picture down to 5 years - and then yearly goal within Why Rob has around 15 - 20 goals each year, but some are big and some are small The challenge -> Whatever your method for goal setting, try setting a single goal and writing it in your notebook. And don't forget to keep trying the gratitude journalWe have a cast on goal setting --> How to set goals (using stationery of course) — Stationery Freaks

Welcome to Day 3 of our 12 days of Christmas advent calendar.In today's episode we cover: The basics of goal setting How Helen uses values to test her yearly goals. Why Helen only sets yearly goals How Rob paints a bright picture of the future 10 years out, then sets 5 year goals and then yearly goals We have a cast on goal setting --> How to set goals (using stationery of course) — Stationery Freaks

In today's episode we cover:Journaling and how to get startedWhy it is therapy. Seneca's daily reflections, a brief science of journaling, tracking goals, working through problem and the difference between a journal and a diaryThe challenge -> Write down three things you are grateful forThe Art of Journaling: How To Start Journaling, Benefits of Journaling, and More (dailystoic.com)Morning Pages | Julia Cameron LiveHow to start journaling — Stationery Freaks

Welcome to the first of 12 mini episodes. In today's episode we cover:The first challenge -> Find yourself some stationery for the next week or so (notebook, pens etc). Write the date on a page and consider journaling. Or leave it blank :)The basics of journaling and an introduction to our prize.If you want to be in with a chance of winning one of Helen's very own Dan Ariely's "Perfect Notebook" then simply use the hashtag #stationeryfreaksadvent on Instagram. Feel free to connect with us over there also @stationeryfreaksukA new episode every day from 13th December 2021 - 24th December 2021How to start journaling — Stationery Freaks

In this episode Helen introduces her little notebook of stoic phrases and ideas that she created for her daughter. Helen explains what the notebook looks like, how she made it, why she made it and what it contains. Rob and Helen explore a little more about stoicism and how translating some of the key ideas for kids is a good idea.Rob and Helen ramble chat about a variety of ideas such as: Why saying No is important How to control how you respond Book recommendations for those interested in stoicism Why analogue notebooks can be passed down through generations And why we feel compelled to create notebooks full of wisdom for our kids.  Episode 16 - The little book of stoicism (for kids) — Stationery Freaks

In this episode Rob and Helen talk their favourite stationery heroes. Each of us present three of our top heroes from this last year. Our heroes are those people and companies making useful, beautiful or unique stationery. From big manufacturers created amazing pens that work, to artisan craftspeople making one-off notebooks. We've got them covered.  Helen talks about Zen Art Supplies. Again :) - https://www.zenartsupplies.co Rob talks about Lescargot Papier - https://lescargot-papier.com Helen talks about Papermate Inkjoy pens - https://inkjoy.papermate.com Rob talks about Mark and Fold - https://markandfold.com Helen talks about ETSY. Yes - the whole of Etsy :) But more specifically: Gretel Creates - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GretelCreates Unhappy Planner - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/UnhappyplannerStore Bones and Blankets - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BonesAndBlankets Rob talks about Escape to the Chateau - and their notebooks - https://thechateau.tv/shop/personalised-gifts/stationery/personalised-notebooks.html We also nod to Sainsburys (yes, the supermarket), moleskine and field notes.Join us as we ramble chat through our favourite heroes and why we like to champion small business, why switching off from screens is important and why our stationery buys have shifted towards little moments of joy.

In this episode Rob and Helen talk about derailment, overwhelm, overwork and how they try to get a grip on life when it all becomes a bit too much. Regular listeners will know it's been over two months since the last podcast - and that's because life (and our emotional reaction to it) has got in the way.In this episode we share how we're trying to get a grip on life, and cover, amongst other things: The difference between overwork and overwhelm To Do lists that look like world domination (too much to do) Bullet journaling, bucketing by themes and organising the chaos Moving to analogue to slow down, disconnect and deal with the constant video calls Rob talks about defaulting to learning new skills, crafts and hobbies Helen talks about capturing ideas, notes and tasks in the moment They ramble on about nature, gardening and finding time for YOU Rob talks about buying yet more new notebooks Helen talks about the joy of stationery gift boxes And both of them share ideas on how they are getting a grip on life

In this episode Rob and Helen talk about lists and why they are so powerful. They share what lists they use and how they create and store them.Lists such as: Moving House and House Extension lists To Do lis Editorial Calendar lists Travel lists Work induction checklists Stoic wisdom lists And more They ramble chat about recurring lists in ToDoist, bullet journal, old Filofax systems and how lists can save lives.Brands and tools mentioned in this postToDoistPaperchaseMoleskineFilofaxOxford - Red and Black NotebooksTrelloReally Moving house move checklistCJ Hole House extension checklistRob’s induction and onboarding checklist in Trello

In this episode Rob and Helen talk about why they started this podcast; because of the potential that stationery offers us. Whether that is a new brand, a book, an idea or simply the potential to organise the chaos that can be our lives - stationery offers potential. That new notebook - what magic may it release?That new organisation system - what order can it bring?Rob and Helen talk about: The potential of new notebooks Why squandering those first few pages can ruin a new notebook Fountain pens and why you shouldn’t let your kids use them The dangers of ink bottles and clumsy people Why we shouldn’t merely copy other people’s habits and routines and expect to achieve great results Why some notebooks just call for Fountian Pens We mention or talk about: Stationery Island Mark and Fold Paperchase Moleskine notebooks

In this episode Rob and Helen grab their notebooks and talk about what's inside. This includes travel packing lists, process improvement lists, keynote talks written long hand and interview questions and notes.