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 ..read more

In this episode we chat about the magic of whiteboards. We cover: How we used them at work How Helen's daughter uses them for learning and revision How Rob's son uses them for doodling The ephemeral nature of whiteboard content Long running whiteboard content - and why "do not wipe" is important If you'd like to see the images we talk about in this session, head to the newsletter ..read more

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 vinted The bargains to be had Helen's stationery haul for an upcoming workshop Rob's stationery haul for no reason other than some bargain Moleskines and a notepad with Yorkshire written on the front How Rob makes offers and Helen pays full price What 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 Vi ..read more

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 ..read more

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 timebound An annual review is a positive process Painting a picture of the future and aligning goals is important The why is important Precious little red notebooks Tracking in ToDoist The power of journaling Why not subscribe to the newsletter too ..read more

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 ..read more

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 disappointmen ..read more

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 Notebook And 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 ..read more

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 Pen Rob - Sharpie Ultra Fine Helen - Glow in the dark ink (Etsy) Rob - Staedtler Norris School Pencils Helen - 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 ..read more

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 an ..read more