Stationery Freaks
Episodes
Scrap Notes & Desk Pads: Capturing Ideas Fast (Post-its, Legal Pads, Apple Notes + Voice Memos)
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dig into the messy, essential world of scrap notes: desk pads, Post-its, legal pads, envelopes, vo...
The 2026 Planning Episode: Painted Pictures, Todoist, Obsidian & Too Many Notebooks
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It’s our first Stationery Freaks episode of 2026, and we’re going deep on goal setting, as we usually do for the first cast of the year. Rob and ...
Stationery Advent Calendars, SmartPlanner Time Blocking & getting ready for 2026 (Stationery Freaks)
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the last Stationery Freaks episode before Christmas, and after a slightly chaotic month we’re back with a free-form catch-up full of notebook...
Live From Brick Lane: Mark+Fold’s 10th Anniversary & The Stationery Freaks Origin Story
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special on-the-road episode, Rob and Helen meet in person for the first time in almost six years — to celebrate Mark+Fold’s 10-year annive...
Household Stationery That Actually Helps: Labels, Whiteboards, Junk Drawers & Kitchen Kanban | Stationery Freaks Podcast
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Household stationery isn’t “our precious pens and paper in our study” — it’s the everyday tools that keep a home ticking. We talk freezer-pr...
Rituals, Routines & Stationery: Why the tactile nature of stationery can help us with rituals
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dive into the world of rituals and routines, exploring how our favourite stationery tools (along w...
Stationery Hauls, Fountain Pen Finds & Writing Success – Sailor, Tom’s Studio & More
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Rob and Helen dive deep into their latest stationery hauls — from Japanese Sailor pens and Tom’s Studio Wren to Martha Brooks adve...
The Art of Commonplacing : Curating a Life – Richard Barnard on Collage & Commonplace books
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Rob & Helen chat to Richard Barnard; collage enthusiast and commonplacer. Have you ever wondered what a Commonpla...
The Art, Craft & Purpose of Travellers Journals with Frank from Yokogaki
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Rob and Helen in this edition of Stationery Freaks as they welcome special guest Frank, from Yokogaki, for a deep dive into the fascinating world...
An interview with author Jenny Kane - prolific writer, collector of notebooks, desert island stationery specialist
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stationery Freaks: A Deep Dive into the Prolific World of Author Jenny Kane (and Her Emotional Support Pencil Case!)In this very special episode Rob a...
From Paper Obsession to Published Pages - How we write books as Stationery Freaks
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do two writers, bound by their devotion to beautiful stationery, actually write books? In this episode, Helen and Rob reveal their individual path...
When did you become a Stationery Freak?
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 S...
Hoarding notebooks and when to use a new one - Stationery Freaks Podcast
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fi...
The perfect mechanical pencil
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Hobonichi switch revisited - a year of using the system
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 episo...
In pursuit of the perfect structure - a stationery freaks eternal quest
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 structu...
Friction, Reward and Productivity Systems
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The magic of whiteboards
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 R...
Vinted - Not just for clothes - our stationery hauls
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Domestika - a stationery freaks learning playground for creatives
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Rob and Helen explore the world of Domestika, an online learning platform for creatives. Note: We are not affiliated with Domestika, b...
Goal Setting - how a stationery freak mixes analogue and digital tools for goal setting
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
The world of Hobonichi Planners - and switching productivity systems
21 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the world of Hobonichi Planners. Helen decided that January was a good time to switch productivity, journaling and note-tak...
Money is no object - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 thing...
Accessories - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 stati...
Notebooks - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 noteb...
Pens - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 pe...
Stationery Chat with Amy Cooper-Wright: founder of Mark and Fold and fellow stationery freak
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, not...
Zentangle, Mandala Art & Desert Island Stationery - an interview with Sanne Visser
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we do a lovely interview with Sanne Visser, Technologist, Zentangle and Mandala aficionado and bullet journalling fan.We cover:* The N...
A retreat to Gladstone Library - a stationery freaks paradise?
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss Helen's recent retreat to Gladstone Library. The surprising thing about the retreat was that there were no obvious statione...
You're not lazy - deconstructing a YouTube video that resonated with us
22 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Travelling Stationery Freak - what do you take with you when you travel
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Hel...
Overwhelmed? Lists are your friend
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode we chat about why we revert to lists when we’re overwhelmed - as well as some stationery storiesStationery StoriesThe man who s...
What's happening to us? The Remarkable 2, Obsedian, The Brain, Moleskine Balance and blending analogue and digital
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 R...
How we track habits - blending analogue and digital - Stationery Freaks Podcast
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 per...
Handmade notebooks, Japanese silk and sourcing materials - an interview with Maria Le Van
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 exqu...
Our Stationery Disasters - The Stationery Freaks Podcast
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ha...
Writing, learning, dangerous pencil sharpeners & top of the class notebooks
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 wit...
Interview with Urban Hafner - founder of Fountain Pen Companion and Stationery Freak
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
Desert Island Stationery - what 5 items would you take?
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Instag...
Interview with Helen Callaghan - Sunday Times Best Seller and Stationery Freak
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How excited were we when, Sunday Times Best Selling psychological thriller author, Helen Callaghan agreed to be on the podcast?Helen is a stationery f...
How to grow your career with the Trinity of Career Development
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:We jump into the topic of career development with a three dimensional approach created by Rob, which consists of:DISCStrengthsHappines...
The power of mind maps and how to create them using stationery
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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.W...
What's been keeping us busy - for 6 months
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:We explain, with poorly formed excuses, why we've been absent for 6 monthsWe talk about consistency, notebooks, etsy and Helen's addic...
What happens when things go wrong with your plans - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 12
24 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 - an...
How to get started with Habit Stacking - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 11
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we cover:* Habit stacking and what it is* Chaining habits together* Forcing your environment to support your habits* Picking one ex...
How we track goal progress - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 10
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The dichotomy of minimalism and stationery buying - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 9
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we cover:* How we got interested in minimalism* Courtney Carver's project 333* The Minimalists - Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan ...
Turning goals into action habits - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 8
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 awesom...
Breaking Out Goals - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 7
19 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Setting Learning Goals - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 6
18 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 le...
Reflecting through journaling - stationery freaks advent calendar day 5
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
How many goals makes sense? - stationery freaks advent calendar day 4
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we cover:How Helen uses one notebook and typically has 3 - 6 goalsWhy too many can be overwhelmingWhy Helen works to a 9 month goal...
The basics of goal setting - stationery freaks advent calendar day 3
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Day 3 of our 12 days of Christmas advent calendar.In today's episode we cover:The basics of goal settingHow Helen uses values to test her y...
Gratitude and Journaling - stationery freaks advent calendar day 2
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Getting started with journaling - stationery freaks advent calendar day 1
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The little book of stoicism (for kids) - Stationery Freaks - Episode 16
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Helen introduces her little notebook of stoic phrases and ideas that she created for her daughter. Helen explains what the notebook l...
Our stationery heroes
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to get a grip on life
14 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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. R...
The Power Of Creating Lists
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The potential of stationery
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 bra...
What's in our notebooks?
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Rob and Helen grab their notebooks and talk about what's inside. Helen talks about writing in Orange pen, being obsessed with post-it ...
How to build a personal knowledge management system
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 10 Rob and Helen talk about how to build a personal knowledge management system using both digital and analogue methods. Helen introduces ...
How to take notes like a pro (using stationery)
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Note taking may seem quite simple but in reality few people take effective notes, whether during meetings, or in everyday life. Rob and Helen share r...
How we set goals as stationery freaks
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Rob and Helen share how they set goals, why they set them, how they track goals and how to build routines to deliver goals.Rob talks a...
How to get started with journaling
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Helen quizzes Rob on how he developed the habit of journaling, why it's important to him and how we goes about doing it. They cover:H...
Our annual stationery must haves
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss what annual stationery we buy each year and why. We cover:Basic stationery stuff like journals, yellow legal pads and the...
How we track fitness and health (using stationery of course)
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share our own systems for tracking workouts, fitness and nutrition - using stationery and digital tools.We cover Helen's fitness go...
Bullet Journal versus Time Blocking
27 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Helen and I talk about Bullet Journaling and Time Blocking.I'm not a fan of Bullet Journaling, but Helen is. I explain why I'm not a f...
Keeping busy as a stationery freak in lockdown
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss what's kept us busy during lockdown. We cover:Bullet JournalingJournalingZine makingThe compulsion to re-organise unused n...
Preparing for a conference talk (using stationery)
07 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we walk through what it takes to create a conference talk and how stationery can be used during this process.We cover:Outlining the ta...
How to run an appreciative inquiry meeting (using stationery)
06 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we walk you through how to run an appreciative inquiry meetings. So what is an appreciative inquiry?- a meeting focused on just the go...