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 ..read more

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

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, wheth ..read more

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 purchase 2. Helen talks about her Hobonichi and how she's still loving it - although struggling to find time for buying stickers 3. Rob talks about keeping a ledger as a life audit 4. Helen talks about her writing habit and h ..read more

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 ..read more

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 - http ..read more

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 - @stationeryfreaksuk In 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 - o ..read more

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